Communicating with Color: Apricot

As I anticipated my return to blogging, I knew I wanted to resume my communicating with color series, since color is so influential in how we process visual information. For this installment, I’m featuring apricot. It’s a color I’ve been eyeing ever since I laid eyes on this luscious Miles Redd entryway in Architectural Digest several years ago.

Miles Redd + G.P. Shafer

  Apricot isn’t a common hue, and is usually overshadowed by it’s more prominent cousin, orange. But I think its rarity is what makes it interesting. Apricot is a tertiary color, meaning it’s made from a primary color—yellow, and a secondary color—orange (i.e., yellow and red). Because it contains red, it’s also considered a warm color.  Like orange, it’s associated with energy and warmth; and like yellow, it stimulates the emotions and lifts spirits.

  Colors are often associated with seasons, and I’ve seen apricot in many different shades, ranging anywhere from warm and light, to warm and rich. Warm and light apricot is associated with spring— friendly and gregarious, but not too deep. Warm and rich apricot is associated with autumn; and is more fiery and intense with a feeling of substance. It’s been said that there are no good or bad colors, but the key to perceiving a color positively lies in the way it’s used.

If you’re not sure whether to go for a spring apricot, an autumn apricot, or anywhere in between (such as more of a summer or winter apricot, but I’ll save that for another time), know that any intense, rich color (which contains some black) is more energetic, and less restful. On the other hand, lighter, spring-like colors (which have no black) are more airy and carefree. You’d also want to consider what color scheme to use.

There are many different color schemes, and I’ll name just a few here.  A monochromatic apricot color scheme is when you use lighter and darker variations of apricot. This look is cohesive and minimal; and while some may find it boring, the variation makes it interesting— not to mention the effort it takes to stick to such a limiting palate!

Partow

You can also choose an analogous apricot color scheme. This is when you use colors close to apricot on the color wheel. It can create a sense of order, but could also stir up some tension, adding a bit of interest.

Melanie Turner via Veranda

dolce & Gabana via Vogue.com

Jil Sander via elle.com

Lastly, you can choose a complementary color scheme. This is when you pair apricot with a color directly opposite of the color wheel for maximum contrast. Apricot’s complementary color is in the blue range. A complementary color scheme tends to create balance and high impact.

Giancarlo valle via Architectural Digest

So if you want to try apricot, think what look you want to evoke, cohesive and minimal; a sense of order or a bit of tension; or high contrast and stimulation. Then choose your color scheme accordingly! 

I’m really enjoying the color, apricot and think I’ll use it in my home. Would you use it in your wardrobe or home? If so, what what color scheme would you go for?

I Am Home

Our homes offer us a lot of things like shelter, safety, and comfort. But what makes a strong, positive self-place connection? If you asked 5 different people, you'd probably get 5 different answers because what makes home, home is unique for everyone. Our homes aren't just aesthetically pleasing, but psychologically, socially, and culturally pleasing as well.  Some people need complete tranquility, others need to be continually stimulated, and still others need a mix of both. I always say you don't really know someone until you've seen where they live. So I created a new series, I Am Home to showcase those elements that make people connect with their homes.  

For this installment, I’m interviewing Jennifer Fuchs, IT project manager and consultant for a global cosmetics company, and artist! I was so happy when Jennifer agreed to participate in this series because her creativity so clearly extends to her home. She showcases her whimsical and witty paintings, and sells them so you can add a fanciful touch to your home too!

Some of her recent projects include a painted matchbox series, (Cauute!)

painted polaroids,

and virtual backgrounds which include her art, to use for zoom or other virtual calls— so in other words, she can help you fix your computer problems, and make it look good too!

Here’s what Jennifer had to say about home.

Trulery: How would you define home?

Jennifer: I think home is where you can exhale and feel most comfortable being your authentic self. Home is also where your favorite people and dogs are!

Truerly: What makes your home feel like home?

Jennifer: I absolutely love the process of making a house feel like a home. For me, it's a very slow process of searching for unique items. There’s always a mix of thrifted, new, and DIY. I love the thrill of the hunt, searching for old items that are one of a kind. My home is also filled with art. I love to buy directly from the artist or create my own. I constantly change things around based on season or a new find that inspires me to switch up the room.

Trulery: What's one thing you learned about yourself as it relates to your home?

Jennifer: This is a tough lesson for me because I love my stuff. But it's best to let 1 or 2 larger pieces stand out and be the focus rather than having a mishmash of 10 small trinkets. It’s just more difficult for the eye to focus— if everything is the focus, then nothing is!

Trulery: What's one piece of advice you would give to anyone struggling to make their home feel like home?

Jennifer: I would say to focus on the room that's most important to you. Or, find a small spot you can make your own and start by having 1 thing you love to be your inspiration starter. Trust your gut and don't ask for too many opinions. It's more important to do what you love ! But there's also nothing wrong with starting a search on Pinterest to gather possible ideas!

So let’s recap what we learned from Jennifer:

1. Home is a reflection of our authentic self.

2. The process of creating home is a slow process of searching and changing things up as needed.

3. It’s important to let pieces stand out.

4. Focus on what’s important to us and trust our instincts.

From a design psychology perspective, these tips highlight the importance of home as a place to fulfill our psychological needs. That is, a place where we find self-expression, love, and a sense of belonging. Often times, there’s a pull to get the home decorated quickly, but this is a reminder that it’s okay to take our time and get what we love rather than get something quickly, but not so great. ♥

To see more of Jennifer and her work, you can find her on Instagram at @JenniferFuchs.

Dressing for Your Body Type: Athletic/Skinny-Fat

Hi There! Way back in 2017, I interviewed three women with different body types about their body image journey. I thought it would be valuable to share how they overcame their struggles with their bodies in hopes that it would help us with ours. Well, I’m excited to be bringing back the series because if we’ve ever needed support as we strive to become the best version of ourselves it would be now when the world feels so upside down.

For this installment of the series, I’m interviewing the VP of Design Development  for Coach, Pamela Saunders. Pamela has a sharp sense of style (and I’d low key like to raid her closet). So I was happy to be able to pick her brain about her body image journey and style sensibilities. Now go ahead and take out your (virtual) pen and pad and start taking some notes! See the interview below.

Trulery: How would you describe your body type?

Pamela: I would lovingly describe my body type as athletic/skinny-fat.

Trulery: Ha— skinny-fat! How would you say your body image evolved—how did you learn to appreciate your body?

Pamela: My appreciation for my body image has been quite the journey. The moments that shaped it the most were post-college, corporate America, and COVID. I was always a snazzy dresser, thanks to my mom who started out as an executive in retail and came home with new items weekly. But I was always in oversized clothes (and still enjoy them actually) and very preppy.  This continued when I went to college, in a very small town, in the mountains. I wore sweats and Birkenstock’s for years; and because of the coverage, I wasn’t as focused on my health or body. Needless to say, I gained the freshman 25, and it stuck. Fast forward to post-college, I started to go to boutique gyms, and tried different work-outs. Once I started seeing my athleticism, and how quickly I was able to gain muscle, I was addicted.

Entering corporate in the fashion space heightened my appreciation for my body. I was able to try different trends and appreciate how my body looked in many different styles. More recently, my relocation to Costa Rica in early 2021 made me love my body and all its flaws. It was hotter than Hades, and there was no way I could ever cover cellulite and stretch marks. I was a beach bum whenever possible and lived in a bikini. There was so much freedom in just enjoying the sun, focusing on being healthy and “surviving COVID.” Everyone in town had the same mentality and was focused on wellness, growth, and self-care. So there was no room for insecurities and not loving yourself. It was a liberating experience!

Trulery: What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone struggling with your specific body type?

Pamela: I would say to anyone struggling with my body type— “get over yourself!” I was so self-conscious about my thighs that I never wore shorts until this year. Now that’s unimaginable! Self-love is everything. No one is perfect, and if you embrace yourself, the world is yours!

Trulery: What styles or pieces of clothing work best on your body and why?

Pamela: I’m 5’5” on a good day, and short-waisted. So any item of clothing that can help elongate me and skim my shape works for me. Some of my go-to pieces include a wrap dress that creates curves, and balances my top and bottom; midi-slip skirts or dresses; and long trousers with heels. Of course my bikini, and cropped blazers that lengthen my lower-half.

See Pamela’s 6 staple wardrobe pieces.

Vintage Saint Laurent/ Missoni Crochet-Knit Bikini/ Military Combat Hat/Dries Van Noten Jumpsuit/Gianvito Rossi Floral Lace Peep-Toe Booties/Tamara Mellon Hellbent Mid Calf boot

You can see more of Pamela here.

Do I Really Have Anything? The Battle for Self-Esteem

Do I really have anything?

It’s a question I’ve asked myself during periods of self-doubt and discouragement. When those moments come, I know what I’m supposed to do. I’m supposed to remind myself that I am valuable, that I have gifts, and no amount of rejection or invalidation can change it. And it’s supposed to work. But it’s not always so easy. I’d say I’ve mostly been able to coast through the ups and downs of life pretty well, but my foundation has a few cracks that usually show itself when I’m triggered by experiences that rattle me. (Ugh, those pesky triggers.) The concept of being so self-assured that others’ perception of you mean almost nothing is a fascinating one. You have to be very inward leaning, looking inside yourself for comfort and being content with who you are.  It’s a perspective that takes time to cultivate and usually involves a mix of nurturance and structure during childhood, experience with repeated rejection, and that feeling of happiness that comes over you when you’ve decided just not to care about other’s opinions. I have the first two down, but it’s that third one that I can’t quite pin down so easily. The relief that comes with not caring about what other’s think of us takes practice; and I’ve missed a lot of lessons.

So when I ask do I even really have anything? It reflects my nasty habit of deep diving into the sea of self-doubt when things feel really hard. And, it’s a sea that I indulge in more often than I care to admit. Like those who have had practice building themselves up, I’ve had practice knocking myself down. Why do I do that? Is there a comfort in it? Well in a dysfunctional way, yes. And perhaps it comes just as easy as it does to those who find comfort in no longer caring about what others think. Maybe if I berate myself enough I won’t have to be disappointed. So I berate myself into nothingness, so much so that I might cease to exist, and won’t have to worry about feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

Why is this a better option? It isn’t. It demoralizing and chaotic—a horrible place to be in. And honestly, not a natural place for me to stay. I once heard Oprah say there are no mistakes. All bad experiences and failures are meant to guide you inward towards yourself, your “supreme destiny” which I basically interpret as God’s idea of us. Like the old saying goes “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”; and if this is a struggle for strength, than I believe repeated feelings of hopelessness will somehow lead me to where I need to be. Kind of like a child who is tired of fussing and finally gives in, it gets tiresome to be so demoralized. So those moments when I’m discouraged and consumed with self-doubt, I’m strangely on my way to better self-esteem, a stronger sense of value, and hopefulness. Its all on the same road.  The scripture, Romans 8:28 reads “all things work together for the good of those who love God”—the good and the bad. So when I ask do I really have anything? The real answer is yes, I do. And you do too.

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Trulery Profiles: A Product Development Expert's Take on Seeing Vision Come to Life

As consumers, we rely on brands or companies to be socialization agents, and the products they create and market heavily influence us. They show us what to wear, and if the product is appealing enough, we listen. I thought it would be interesting to get an insider’s view of the product development process to see just what brands consider when developing a product for retail. My good friend, Myriam, has been in the field of product development for a number of years, and has played an integral role in carrying a product from vision to life for companies like Coach, Nine West, Sean Jean, and Pink. Her titles have ranged from Sr. Design Development Coordinator to Color & Materials Specialist. So when I asked to pick her brain about the product development process, I was happy she agreed. Here’s what we talked about.

1. Trulery: You always say product development is not very creative, but is there some creativity to it?

Myriam: Well, you have to have a working understanding of color and design to help make decisions during production that keep the integrity of the product. It comes down to the relationship you build with the designer, and how comfortable they are relinquishing power over to production. When a designer learns to trust your eye, it makes for a stronger working relationship.

I’ve only worked for mass market brands, and designers are typically not involved in the day-to-day work of production like sending emails or talking to factories. They may want a pant with a specific detail, cut, or color, and it’s up to the production team to pass the information along to get those details. Product development is essentially a conduit of information between factories, regional offices, and service providers. Some designers micro-manage, others give the development team more leeway. But generally, product development brings the vision to life and any complications with the process needs to be dealt with by us. If a change needs to be made to the product, the designers need to be made aware.

2.    Trulery: When a designer has a vision for a product, I assume they want to see that vision come to life in the way they imagined. But it probably doesn’t always happen that way, right? So what are some considerations that affect the way a designer’s vision is carried out?

Myriam: Cost is one major issue that can affect a designer’s vision.  A designer may want a specific, high-end maternal but it may not be cost-effective to use it. Let’s say a designer wants a specific leather that is too costly, product development will search for a more inexpensive fabric or a synthetic leather that closely resembles the original leather. Sometimes it could be just a trim or a button that throws the price out of whack.

Other times the availability of a material becomes an issue. Production may no longer be able to get the material the designer intended from one factory, and it costs higher than expected in another.  Or maybe the company that specializes in a specific detail like a glitter color no longer runs that color anymore. When these issues occur, a shift needs to be made.

Another consideration is consumer feedback. Brands look at customer reviews or show new ideas to focus groups to get a feeling of what the customer is gravitating towards. This can affect what gets put on the line.

checking out an assortment of heels while visiting a factory for nine West.

3.  Trulery: Is the designer ever completely unhappy with the changes?

Myriam: Sometimes they get upset because that detail is the best for the product or would appeal most to the customer. It’s a hard pillow to swallow if they feel the product is dumbed-down and does not maintain it’s intent. But it’s up to production to provide the best back-up while still producing a product that’s profitable.

It’s best to have a designer who understands production so when things don’t work out as planned, it’s not as much of an emotional process. But there’s a balance— production may be able to see the value in spending more money for some details and taking a hit somewhere else. It’s a collaborative process.

Ms. M taking a much needed break from the all encompassing work of production.

4.    Trulery: When a company puts out a product, their bottom line is to get consumers to buy it and make a profit. What do they think increases the chances of a sale? Does the vision ever get lost in trying to make the sale?

Myriam: Brands work really hard to create products that the customer is looking for. So the question becomes “where do we win?” Is it bras, work-out clothes, a T-shirt?” and then, “What’s doing well?” Once we figure it out, we put our effort into creating things that keep the customers coming back. If it’s a T-shirt, we’ll make new iterations to keep it interesting. Brands do their best to build customer loyalty.

I don’t think a vision is ever lost to make a sale. There’s always a desire to maintain integrity. The market is saturated, and brands have to know what they stand for. They want customers to buy something because they know this brand will make something they like. Customers can buy leggings anywhere, but as a brand, you want them to buy from you because they know your brand. Of course, brands want to capitalize on trends; and try to make sure assortments reflect what they’re seeing in fashion. But they have to tweak it in a way that makes sense for the customer. The brand’s vision and what the customers want should be aligned.

5. Trulery: What are some processes or a specific way of working that help to create a product most aligned with the vision?

Myriam: There is no formula but it happens more often than not. It’s about having all the pieces line up. The brand does all the market research to get the right fabric, color assortment, and fit so there is a clear vision. When it’s time to make a presentation, they’ve done all that work so a strong start helps.

The production team doesn’t get involved in the early stages of the process. When we get the initial view of a product, we share information with providers to get them to start looking for counter sources or a similar affordable option if we need to, to avoid delays. We also have books and can look at the archives; or might remember a piece of leather and leave it open as an option. We always want the initial product to be made exactly how the designer intended to see what it costs and make changes as needed.

6. Trulery: What product have you enjoyed the most and why? 

Myriam: It’s exciting to see something come in and know it will sell because it connects to what’s happening in fashion and fits the brand— everything clicks. Those are the times I get excited.

Myriam reviewing material swatches to ensure that the fabric matches the swatch (the smaller fabric) provided. Sometimes factories get it right the first try (as seen).

7. Trulery: What is the most fun part of the product development process and the least fun?

Myriam: The most fun I have is when I start with a sketch and then see a product come to life. That’s the best part— being able to hold the product in my hand. Sometimes I think, I remember trying to pick a button for that, or we almost didn’t have that detail, or the fit process was crazy but look at it now. I appreciated at Nine West when they could push a little and create something more fashion forward.

The least fun is not being in a position to make significant creative decisions. Product Development is about execution, not so much ideating. That’s not to say we can’t bring decisions to the table. There’s a tremendous amount of creative problem-solving that goes into our work (in terms of solutions for construction or material), but the initial vision is someone else’s and that sometimes is a bummer. That, and how administrative the work is- lots of charts and emails!

8. Trulery: In your experience, do companies adequately consider the internal processes that affect consumers when purchasing—processes like identity, age, ethnicity, class, body image, or even things like the other shoppers in the store, or the music playing?

Myriam: They do. We are in a time when customers are accessing their voice and power; and are looking for brands that align with their values. Brands know customers can spend their money anywhere; and want to stand for something bigger than just “buy my T-shirt.”  So much volatility has been stirred up socially and there’s a lot happening with Black Lives Matter, body positivity, LGBTQIA, and sustainability. These discussions are happening in a way that’s more intense; and it’s more important for people to shop in places that take a stand for things that matter, to see people who look like them reflected in advertising. So brands focus on marketing these issues.

Social media has a huge impact on this shift because everyone has a platform; and it brings people closer together. Customers have access to people now like celebrities, and there can be a dialogue in a way they didn’t have before. So brands have to be genuine and authentic. It’s not just about sales, its about people.

9. Trulery: What is something you think consumers would be interested in knowing about the product development process?

Myriam: That it’s not all glitz and glam. When I tell people I work in fashion, they automatically think of red carpets, models, and designers. But there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work like following up on emails, costs to be negotiated, and a lot of administrative work that requires detail, focus, and the ability to pivot. You need to problem-solve. I like to say it’s basically a corporate desk job in a really fun environment

What’s All This Buzz About Gratitude?

For the last several months, I’ve been listening to a lot of motivational speakers—something I do to help nourish me emotionally and spiritually. And the word I’ve been hearing most often is gratitude. Everyone from Gary Vaynerchuk to Tyler Perry talks about how much gratitude is a major driving force behind their success. And as if that wasn’t enough, I opened my new Elle magazine to find an article about…you guessed it—gratitude. It was a piece by writer, Gina Hamadey, entitled the Gratitude Boom; and she talks at length about how practicing gratitude regularly gave her peace and calm during the pandemic.

I’d been hearing so much about gratitude I started to think it was a sign from God—speak to me Jesus. And as a self-confessed, recovering pessimist, maybe I needed to listen. In fact, the principal of gratitude goes as far back as biblical days. It was King David who said, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart.” (Psalm 9:1). Even ground-breaking psychologists espouse the principle of gratitude. Humanistic psychologist, Abraham Maslow said, “the most fortunate are those who have a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy.” Ecstasy? Wow, that’s intense and probably very satisfying.

I must admit I don’t always practice gratitude like I should, even though the positive effects of it are well documented. Many studies show that people who count their blessings, even those who struggle with mental health, tend to be happier and less depressed than people who don’t. So why don’t all us of do it? Speaking from both personal and professional experience, I know that practicing gratitude is something that does not come easily if you don’t do it on a regular basis. It’s like working out at the gym. We may go once, but it takes effort and tenacity to keep at it. Each time we work out, we have the same hurdles to overcome (the feeling of not wanting to go, not wanting to push your body to the max) just to experience that “I’m-glad-I-did-it-feeling” feeling at the end. And with gratitude, you have to make a deliberate effort to overcome your usual negative way of thinking in order to feel the calm and peace that gratitude brings.

The other day I was walking with my family; and just decided to be grateful for that moment. Yes, there were a lot of things I could have been complaining about, but something came over me and I wanted to thank God for what I had. I was thankful my family was healthy and we were all together. I was thankful they loved me and I loved them, and that I can give myself to them. The peace that came over me in that moment is not something I connect to often, but something I am committed to doing more of. This doesn’t mean I ignore my problems or stop desiring more for my life. But I recognize that gratefulness is the ingredient to feeling okay while still trying to accomplish goals and create the life I want. What’s your experience with gratitude?