What is the Color of Neutral? By: Lisa Kemmerling / Fashion Couture Having attended several Fashion shows this year and checking out the new color groups for the 2023 3rd quarter, it’s exciting to see all the neutral colors that are making an appearance. That said, what are those interesting colors and how can you bring them into your current wardrobe? Simply put, a neutral color is one that lays in the background and is not easy to notice. By stretching one’s horizon, you can incorporate neutral colors that’ll provide a mini makeover to your Fall lineup. Beige, cappuccino, mushroom gray and taupe are making a very big leap into even the most skeptical individuals attire who perhaps, in the past may have leaned towards navy, black and basic gray. When I think of Falls neutrals, paired alongside some of my personal favorites like burgundy, metallics, brown, terracotta and yes, a true fan of navy, it takes me back to the 70s as a young teenager who wasn’t quite versed yet in color pairing, but thought the brown culottes paired with a terracotta sweater for class pictures was the ultimate chic look. Leaning into the new Fall colors, it’s evident that most of the stores are showing these staples in either a solid or a print. Leopard print is having a fashion moment once again, as they say everything that’s old is new again. So, ladies don’t throw out the shirts and sweaters since the contrast of these paired with taupe or khaki pants presents an inspiring Fall/neutral look. Not forgetting the guys, neutrals are everywhere in men’s fashion as well. A daring color of brown/ gold pants in the men’s department at Dillard’s showed up a few weeks ago, paired with a lovely burgundy button down shirt. Regardless of age, the neutral colors are showing up in suits and casual attire, for both men and women. “Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” quote by Pablo Picasso. Lisa Kemmerling is the owner of Clean Lines Fashion Consulting, helping individuals with their packing needs for travel, as well as finding current styles for both men & women. You can contact her at: lisa@cleanlinesfashion.com or 925/518-4950. Hair, our crowning glory - until it’s not. I’ve never really done much with my hair. Since the age of 14, I’ve pretty much worn it the same way for 54 years and it has always been brown. I tried Sun-In 47 years ago, fell asleep pool side, waking up to a top layer of bright orange hair. I also tried professional highlights once. They turned a brassy red color and not very attractive so I pretty much left it alone, until it started getting gray. Always trying new-at-home colors, no peroxide, no ammonia, I held the gray at bay. I’ve never been afraid of temporary colors because they fade away and are easy to cover and I always use variations of brown, so not much risk. As I shared last month, I tried a brunette color conditioner. I didn’t follow directions and left it on way longer than I should have. I ended up with a very red head of hair. The strangest part was all my gray strands were really red and sparkled. Although this should have been temporary, no matter what I did, I 30 Don’t Be Like Me - Part II By: Linda Bateman-Gomez / Timeless Beauty November 2023 couldn’t wash it out, I couldn’t cover it up and it never faded. Enter, Matrix Dark Envy, green shampoo! After reading all the reviews I proceeded with caution. The first 5 times I used it, I thought there was a little change but I was getting nowhere fast so I went for the big guns, the green hair mask! I used the mask for the minimum time at first and then longer the following two uses. It worked! It did turn my new gray hair growth a bit of a green color which I was able to cover with my normal color. My hair is now very dark brown, as any of the natural highlights are gone but at least my orange glow has been camouflaged. I have no idea what will happen as this fades. Some words of warning if you ever need to use this: Wear gloves and do not get it on anything, it will stain! It will also darken the grout in your shower. If you have light hair, highlights, blonde or gray, do not use this, it will give you green hair. Here’s wishing you, only good hair days! Linda Bateman-Gomez has an international beauty company based in Las Vegas that specializes in cosmetics and other beauty products. Contact Linda at TimelessBeauty2020@gmail.com or through her website www.fullips.com.
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