| Let me explain how I learned an important basic rule | | | | colors", and everything that was not 100 % my color |
| for life planning through a color and style consultation. | | | | or style was not considered anymore. At first, it felt |
| It all started when I had two babies within 18 months | | | | odd to reject offers, especially when the sales |
| of each other, and my figure as well as my clothing | | | | person insisted: "...but this color really suits you so |
| style fundamentally changed. During this time, I took | | | | well..." or "I really like this color on you, it should be in |
| part in a color and style consultation with my best | | | | your color scheme!". In the beginning, it was very |
| friend in order to find my new clothing style after the | | | | helpful for me to be able to go shopping with my |
| changes in my figure and family's lifestyle. | | | | best friend as we were able to support each other |
| We sat without makeup, nor any other styling, with | | | | (by the way, she is a different color type and we |
| five other people in a room that was brightly lit with | | | | had lots of fun together!). All of the sudden I started |
| daylight, and tested many different scarves in all | | | | getting more compliments on how well dressed I was |
| sorts of colors or shades of colors. We did not | | | | or how stylish I was. It did not matter if I was only |
| receive advice from the consultant as to what color | | | | wearing (in my case) brown jeans and a t-shirt, or a |
| was best for each of us - rather it was the other | | | | summer dress with a nice pattern, it was just a |
| participants, through a direct comparison of the | | | | perfect fit for me. Do I spend more money now? No! |
| various red, yellow, or blue tones that unanimously | | | | However, I make focused choices and know what |
| voted on the best personal color. None of the colors | | | | suits me best. |
| were better or worse than the other, but it was | | | | What does this have in common with life planning? |
| obvious which of the different shades of color best | | | | We often fulfill other people's expectations, or |
| suited a particular face. | | | | accidentally slide into a career which we are good at, |
| The next step was the most impressive for me! I | | | | but which is not really "our style". We might be in a |
| had taken all my clothes which still fit or which I still | | | | partnership which is not fulfilling, or engaged in a club |
| liked with me. It was an interesting mix of colors, | | | | or hobby where the real passion is missing. |
| materials and patterns... I was a bit surprised how | | | | How would life be, if everything would be a perfect |
| adventurous I was at times. The consultant then | | | | fit for us? How would it be if we wouldn't arrive |
| went through each piece of my collection and made | | | | home exhausted and worn out in the evening, but |
| three piles: 1) right color and right style, 2) right color | | | | perhaps physically tired while being mentally |
| and wrong style and 3) DUMP! Oh dear, my third pile | | | | energized? If we were in a passionate partnership |
| was clearly the largest and I felt a little stunned at | | | | which we longed for? The sports club might be a |
| first. Perhaps I could at least keep the blouse "in the | | | | good way to stay fit, but would a salsa club be a |
| wrong color" and wear it with some pants "of the | | | | much better fit for your temperament? I invite you |
| right color"? Yes, I could, but it would weaken the | | | | to take a good look at all areas of your life this |
| overall picture, just like when you really enjoy coffee | | | | week. Sort them into three piles: 1) that fits, 2) that |
| with cream, but only have sour cream at hand to put | | | | fits with a little adjusting and 3) DUMP! This process |
| in the coffee. | | | | might feel a little uncomfortable at first and it helps |
| The change process took some time, but the results | | | | to have someone to support you (friend or coach) |
| were convincing! I started to look only for "my | | | | but the results are convincing! |