Swann Style: The Power of Color

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, eye catching colors are a welcome interruption to the flat dark color palettes of fall. Bright saturated colors have power, especially when unexpected shades materialize.

While very little scientific research has been done on color psychology, it is virtually indisputable that wearing a “power” color elevates an outfit as well as the mood of the individual wearing it. So, what exactly are power colors and what are the benefits of wearing them?

A power color is a shade that significantly flatters the individual who is wearing it. It’s a color that brings a smile to your face, makes you walk with more confidence and catches the attention of friends and strangers. The benefits of a power color extend beyond enhancing our appearance and radiating positive energy. They make us feel electric.   

The tremendously gifted artist Henri Matisse said “With color one obtains an energy that seems to stem from witchcraft.” Eliminate the element of mystery by identifying the colors that best suit you. We encourage you to wear your power colors more frequently and experience color driven empowerment.

Is there any question that fuchsia is one of Elaine’s power colors?

Elaine is wearing a Ralph Lauren dress, 14th and Union necklace, and Nine West shoes. Stylist, Lyndell Werling. 

Swann Style: Permission to Wear White After Labor Day

Have you ever wondered where the idea that white shouldn’t be worn after Labor originated? Elaine was interviewed by CNN for an article which addressed this guideline. We believe this is a rule which was meant to be broken. Read the article here:

Swann Style hereby grants you permission to where white all year long! Coco Chanel did it and so does Elaine Swann.

Elaine is wearing a French Connection dress. Photographer, Jackie Coronado. Stylist, Lyndell Werling. Hair and makeup, Ahsante Lee.

Swann Style: The Manner of Dressing Well

Tom Ford, the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, said it best. “Dressing well is a form of good manners.”

If this statement is true, we can assume dressing well equates to good manners. We can further assert that good manners are always in style. From these conclusions doesn’t it logically follow that dressing well is always in style? We believe this is the case.

Logic analogies notwithstanding, judgments about intelligence, competency, skills, and abilities are made in a split second. These assessments are largely based on appearance. Appearance stems from how we dress. As such, dressing well is not only indicative of good manners but also a way to project the most compelling representation of ourselves. Dress well, be stylish and you’re well on your way to demonstrating exemplary etiquette.   

Elaine is wearing a Betsey Johnson dress. Photographer, Jackie Coronado. Stylist, Lyndell Werling. Hair and makeup, Ahsante Lee.

Swann Style: As Good As Gold

Gold stars and gold medals, the gold standard, and the golden rule conjure up images of achievement, and reaching the pinnacle of personal success.

Gold, the precious metal has launched wars and been coveted by ancient civilizations, now refers to the high standards by which society evaluates behavior and performance.

Gold, and other metallic palettes, will be ubiquitous this fall. Isn’t it fitting to see Elaine wear a beautiful shade of gold as her proverbial golden touch, in all things etiquette, is shared with society?

Elaine is wearing a Jax dress. Necklace and earrings by White House Black Market.

Photographer, Jackie Coronado. Stylist, Lyndell Werling.

Swann Style: Home is Where the Heart Is

Home is where the heart is. And there’s a closet there too. What should go inside of your closet as we transition from summer to fall? If we turn to New York Fashion Week, which is currently underway, we see a variety of beautiful things to inspire our wardrobe.

The fall fashion collections are influenced by a range of artists and musicians such as David Bowie, the concept of self-exploration, and life from decades of the past; namely the seventies and eighties.

This fall will feature velvet in clothing, shoes, and handbags. Statement choker necklaces will be popular. Bold furs in wild colors and prints are being shown on the runways from New York to Milan and Paris. Classic menswear pinstripes, which are flattering and slimming for every body shape, are in vogue. Bright colors, especially pink and yellow, are featured everywhere. Embroidered, metallic, and multi-color block heeled boots will liven up the dreariest of fall days. And, we look forward to seeing how the colorful artistic patterns of the seventies and eighties will be worn.

We’ll attend San Diego Fashion Week later this month and report on what we see there. In the meantime, let’s take a look at what Elaine is wearing.

Elaine is wearing a fuschia dress by Ivanka Trump. Her signature pearl accessories include a necklace, bracelet and earrings from Macy’s. 

Photographer, Jackie Coronado
Stylist, Lyndell Werling
Hair and makeup, Ahsante Lee
Hair Unit by, Hair Are Us