A spectrum of refraction.
An optical illusion of the best sort.
I’ll admit, I was stumped when I started writing this post. What could I possibly talk about colours? Save for the fact that they’re many and varied and evoke emotions in all? And without sounding neither corny nor cliched? I mean, there’s only that much one can wax lyrical over shade, hue, tone and tint.
C H A L L E N G E D, I W A S
But over the weekend, I attended my very first wedding on American soil (albeit it was a coming together of a Lebanese+Honduran female with an Italian+ Colombian male) and in the midst of oohing and aahing and gushing over how romantic and delicately passionate the chosen theme of creams, blushes and mint was, I thought perhaps I could share which colours triggered which emotions in me.
Thus was the idea born.
First up is the colour black. It is of particular importance because of how it, simultaneously, symbolises confidence as well as a lack thereof for me, and how I work my way around managing it. When I’m wearing black, more often than not I feel powerful and sexy, be it in terms of delicate lacey bits or dramatic evening things. However, when I’m feeling especially insecure about my body, I also wear black as a means to cover up, and to camouflage. Black is the one and only colour possessing the dual ability to make me feel like I can take over the world AND fade into obscurity. You see how convoluted and messed up that is?
Then there’s red. It is the colour of my sassy (and far more confident) alter ego. I wear it on my lips all the time because a lipstick is the easiest way to begin the self empowerment journey. Red makes me feel fierce, and is my shade of choice when I’m headed to an important meeting.
I feel fearless in red.
Pink is what I wear when I want to appear approachable and/or to create a different impression of myself. A softer side, if you will. Not girly or cute (hate those words when they’re used to describe a woman GRIN) but pink makes me feel ultra feminine, and I’ve come to realise, creates a non intimidating, welcoming vibe (apparently). It’s a shade I deploy the most for work-related networking and social events.
Now green, on the other hand, has this ability to make me feel like I’m one of the cool kids. That I’m edgy and individualistic, a trend-setter. Stylish without even making the effort, you know?
And there are some colours which simply do nothing for me. As in, aside from a fundamental appreciation of aesthetics, I feel absolutely nothing when I look at them, when I wear them.
By them, I am referring to the colour purple. And yellow. And white. And blue.
Isn’t that the oddest?
That whilst some colours can bring about such strong emotions, there are yet others that fail to instigate even the merest hint of a feeling?
Which brings me to this month’s edition of The Fab 40s. After the bleak and dreary cold Winter we’ve all been through (yes, even here in Houston), Mary decided it was time to pull a “colour story” for March (a sentiment we agreed with wholeheartedly), and so here we are, working a rainbow into our outfits.
Take a look.
C O L O U R M E H A P P Y
Mary, Curly Byrdie Chirps
A beautiful actualisation of the theme she chose, Mary (always) wears colours with much gusto and panache. I am loving that she threw in some pinstripes for visual relief, and also some flirty ruffles for the prettiest of dimensions. Every little detail has been so well thought out and executed here that I cannot help but drool and ogle and lust.
Suzy, Suzy Turner
When Suzy sent her photo to the group, my immediate thought was that she looked so immaculately regal and polished, like Gloria Vanderbilt. Hers is a marriage of not two, not three but five bold colours, each a statement shade on its own yet all have come together most harmoniously. Even the emerald green shadow on her lids!!
Jennie, A Pocketful Of Polka Dots
Jennie looks so fetching in this combination. Flirty pink with fiery red should, by all intents and purposes, not work together at all but here they are, looking very fabulous. Then there’s that mint blazer for another colour curveball, I tell you!! But my fave bits have to be the stripes of her tee (so Parisian chic) and the kerchief (such a vivid print).
Ann, Kremb de la Kremb
The wild child amongst us, Annie is debunking more than just multiple colours in her outfit, for her sunshiny yellow shift is a darling concoction of sequins, friends!! She’s cleverly dressing it for AM with a spicy red waist pouch and the epitome of day wear, a denim jacket. I’m SO enamoured of her rainbow sneakers as well as the matching socks.
For this month, we have the gorgeous, gorgeous Jasilika as our guest.
I may be a new fan but fan I am. Just look at her. Jasilika is (quite literally) clad in a rainbow, and in such a clever fashion too. Take a look also at this lady’s Instagram account and I guarantee you’ll be salivating over her beautiful feed. Thank you so very much for being a part of The Fab 40s this month!!!
And here’s me.
In my one and only non black non red non purple non pink non green blazer. I really adore this one for its polka dotted lining which makes for such an interesting accent when I roll up the cuffs. I recall throwing things aside and creating piles of fabric on the floor, in search of the most brightly printed top I could possibly find in my wardrobe, which is the bright red and yellow print floral blouse you see here. Throw in some denim cutoffs and some seriously cool plaid booties, and I was ready to be a walking pack of Skittles.
Yellow Knit Blazer (thrifted) | Top (Zara) | Denim Cutoff Shorts (H&M) | Yellow, Navy & Orange Plaid Booties (c/o Forever21) | Crossbody Bag (Botkier) | Sunnies (Poshmark)
How about you?
Which colour triggers which emotion in you?
If any?
Love, Sheela
I link up here.
Sheela Writes 
Love that yellow blazer. Such a happy color to me!
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Fantastic colors! Those boots! WOW
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You are rocking these bold colors! That blazer is so chic and loving the fit of those shorts. Amazing look Sheela!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
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First of all I must comment on how unusual and fabulous this look is. I am crazy in love with those tartan plaid booties ! Yellow resonates with me because it reminds me of sunshine. And I agree that black is a color that I love because of its ebony drama. As well, I love any colors that remind me of the ocean so these obviously our greens and blues.
I love the other outfits that you feature here and especially like the long striped dress !
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
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YOU PULLED THIS OFF WITH EASE AND GRACE- LOVEEEE!!!
Xx
Joi
http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
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A glorious unexpected look, Sheela, with those fabulous boots to make a bold statement. I feel as you do about black, and wear it so often that it’s gotta be because I feel so confident, yes? All of you women made beauty with your clothing! xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
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Oh, how I Love this! I never knew before I needed a bright yellow blazer with a polka dot lining, but I now realize, I do, I do! It looks so bright and sunny, especially with the bold floral top and beyond amazing plaid boots. I am also truly enjoying the new photo angles and shots. Very cool.
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I absolutely love everything about this look beauty and yellow looks fabulous on you .You continue to amaze me with your interpretation of the theme!
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This look is stunning! Wow! I love the yellow blazer and those boots are just incredible!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
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Sheela, as always you look the epitome of cool, not to mention beautiful. Seriously, you wear colour amazingly well! I was surprised when you mentioned that purple does you no favours. I can’t imagine that. I must say, I’m LOVING the floral colourful top beneath your jacket. It’s absolutely gorgeous and the kind of top I’d be drawn straight to in a shop.
Thank you so much for such kind words about my outfit. I felt rather chuffed when you said I reminded you of Gloria Vanderbilt (after I Googled her LOL!!!)
Have a fabulous week, my friend. I’m already excited for the next Fab40s theme!
Hugs
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
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Such a fabulous outfit Sheela! I love the yellow jacket and those amazing boots!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
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Your legs are Shamazing!!!!
Wow.
Stunning look.
XXX
Samantha
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I love colour in my life and outfits, but haven’t (yet) placed so many together – I shall give it a try and if it works will put up a post! Yes colours reflect how we feel each day and in each scenario. I agree with some of your colour matched feelings Sheela, thanks for these provoking thoughts about colours and feelings. Jacqui Mummabstylish
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Wow! Your description of colors really got me thinking, and I certainly agree with your description of black and pink. I don’t think there is a color that evokes zero emotion in me, because every color initiates some kind of reaction. All of these colorful outfits are giving me life!
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
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What a beautiful outfit. Love your jacket so much. I would love one just like this. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂 Hope you can join us today.
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These boots just made me die a little! I don’t much like yellow, but these boots I must have! So greens and blues and reds in the deepest and most vibrant jewel tones give me all the feels. Pastels not so much and yellow just sort of hurts me a little in a weird sort of way. I cannot explain. It is bright and cheerful and happy but it penetrates me in a most unpleasant way. And there you have it. You look amazingly bright and cheerful and happy…
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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