Milky Way White Like Snow Falling On Cedars In The Late Day
January 19th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
January 19, 2012
In my book Color: Messages and Meanings, I discuss color families and the messages they are sending. In color studies white is described as pure and pristine. As in the utter quiet of falling show, white expresses silence and the almost total lack of sound. It is a conciliatory color which is why the following study of the Milky Way is so fascinating.
In the article from BBCnews.com, Jeffrey Newman of the University of Pittsburgh elaborates on the importance of color to astronomers.
Astronomers have discovered that it is called the Milky Way for a reason. The actual color is white. Specifically a white “like spring snow at an hour after sunrise or before sunset.”
Jeffrey Newman states that; “For astronomers, one of the most important parameters is actually the colour of the galaxy.”
It isn’t just important to astronomers, it is important to color lovers too!
Click the link at the bottom for more.
BBC News – Astronomers weigh in on Milky Way’s true colours.
Own A Color, Save A Life
December 2nd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
December 2, 2011
I think this is a brilliant idea. Color does, indeed, have a powerful presence in our lives. What a wonderful way to support a very worthwhile charity. What color will you pick?
Explore San Francisco’s ColorFest
August 26th, 2011 § 1 Comment
August 26, 2011
My son Ben frequently sends me interesting articles on color from his neck of the woods in San Francisco. I thought it was a good time to share this as this exhibit will be ending on September 5th. If you have an interest in color and are looking to have a fun day out with the family go and check out Exploratorium’s Colorfest.
Colorfest includes “everything from the physics and perception of color to the use of natural ingredients to make dyes.”
If you have gone to this exhibit please share your thoughts and experiences here.
Marimekko Inked
August 23rd, 2011 § Leave a Comment
August 23, 2011
In September’s issue of Dwell, Katja Lindroos takes an inside look at the Marimekko factory in Finland and we get a peek at the color process and steps they take in creating their signature fabrics.
The writer states ”A visit to Marimekko’s 43,000-square-foot factory in Helsinki reveals that its printing process and emphasis on big, bold patterns—which continue to bring the company great success—have changed little over the years.”
Read more: http://www.dwell.com/articles/helsinki-ink.html#ixzz1Vs1YbznU
Color Your World Or Just Your Event
February 7th, 2011 § 3 Comments
February 7, 2011
Event Solutions
Color My World
What event designers need to know about the power of color.
“Experienced event planners know that color is one of the most powerful tools intheir toolbox for evoking emotions and communicating messages. Color can calm rattled nerves, excite, provoke or titillate. It can suggest contemplation, connect us to the earth or convey strength and authority.”
“She [Lee] advises planners to give careful thought to what kind of mood they want to achieve, based on the purpose of the event. Do you want to stimulate your attendees or reassure them? Do you want to convey excitement or intimacy? Once you understand this, use these simple guidelines to create a color palette.”
RED. “Red’s more aggressive traits have to be handled judiciously so that the attendee is not overwhelmed or antagonized by its demanding presence…”
BRIGHT PINKS “capture some of the same essence as a bright red. Bright pinks radiate with high energy, and are youthful and sensual.”
ORANGE “…adds zest to the visual flavor and is friendlier and more approachable than red, and is a great favorite of children.”
YELLOW “sparkles with heat, vitality, energy and light. It also suggests intellectual energy, curiosity and the need for enlightenment. Use yellow as an attention-getter.”
BROWN “contains a rich mosaic of meanings. It is the color most identified with earth and is perceived as unpretentious and non-threatening.”
“If you want your attendees to be contemplative, consider using a shade of BLUE.”
GREEN “…can be refreshing and restoring, or convey newness, youth and growth.”
PURPLE “…skew the shade either to the warm red side, or the cool blue side so that the message is more obvious.”
“Don’t forget that WHITE and BLACK remain some of the most popular choices for events, from weddings to gala balls. It’s elegant and upscale, stylish and modern.”
“Never say never to a color combination.”
To learn more pick up a copy of Color: Messages and Meanings.
Suit Up and Finish with Coats of Many Colors (for Men)
January 28th, 2011 § 1 Comment
January 28, 2011
Today I dedicate this post to the men in our lives. Often we women are talking about what colors we should be wearing or how we can look our best and I wondered if the men felt left out. In the event that they do feel left out, I offer up this little gem for the man who wants to make a statement with his wardrobe.
The Hollywood Reporter gives the man some tips on How to Dress The Part White Collar.
“From his fedora to footwear choices, Neal Caffrey-the dashing con atist-turned-FBI consultant on the USA Network drama White Collar-can probably claim the mantle of best-dressed man on television. “Neal’s look is Rat Pack-meets-Harry Belafonte-meets Thomas Crown with a little bit of Alain Delon in Le Samourai,” says the show’s star, Matt Bomer. In the series, Neal is rarely seen in anything but impeccably tailored suits (John Varvatos and Simon Spurr are favorites) with slim-fit, French cuff dress shirts. Sharp men’s accessories including bold-patterened ties with sterling tie bars, pocket squares and cuff links refine his style…”
“The focus is classic pieces with unexpected pairings like a textured pink shirt with a lavender tie.”
Do you want to know how you can recreate Neal’s look?
1. Find a reputable tailer. “A good tailer can make a $150 suit look like $1000, but a $1000 suit that isn’t properly tailored can look like it only cost you $150.”
2. Invest in the basics. “Every guy should own a couple of sharp dress shirts in simple colors like white and blue that are versatile.”
3. Suit up. “You need black, navy and, for those warmer-eather moments, maybe gray or a light-tan suit.”
4. Remember that the accessories make the man. “Your cuff links, ties and tie bars should reflect your character.”
For those of you men out there who prefer to make more of an impact and who may think outside of the box, consider adding a flashy jacket to finish your ensemble.
You’re In Blue, I’m In Blue, It’s Blues All Over The Place…
January 25th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
January 25, 2011
Today we share an insider interview Lee did with David Shah (View Network) following their meeting for the Winter 2012/2013 View Colour Planner. There is not an easy summary of this interview. In short, the chat is about our favorite topic…COLOR.
Here is a little background on David and the View Network. For more click on View Network above.
The View network is one of a group of titles by View Publications, based in Amsterdam.
The international fashion media group was founded by David Shah in 1988. David is one of the world’s leading experts on colour and textiles but has also built a formidable track record as a designer, consultant, publisher and serial entrepreneur. He has always enjoyed mixing theory with practice.
Every Girl’s Crazy About A Colorfully Dressed Man
January 13th, 2011 § 2 Comments
January 13, 2011
I have never seen such a beautiful display of peacocking. Wow! I’m not sure if that is what you would call this but I couldn’t resist. Enjoy this link to men in all their color glory! Who could resist?
Apparently not me!

Photo from Style.com shot by Tommy Ton
Tommy Ton Shoots the Scene at the Menswear Shows.
What do you think? Do you like a man who isn’t afraid of Color?
What Are Your True Colors and What Your Clothing Color Says About You
January 7th, 2011 § 4 Comments
January 7, 2011
Lee did an interview with Shine from Yahoo called “What are your true colors” which applied the concept of More Alive With Color to makeup palettes. There was quite a stir among the community of readers that followed. The responses were all over the board. I like hearing what everyone has to say and think it is interesting to learn about all of the ideas and thoughts that people put into wearing color.
It does seem that today there are a lot of people who don’t really know or identify with the concept of personal colors.
How many of you out there are familiar with personal colors? Is the system you are familiar with rigid in the “rules” of what colors you should wear? How many of you use More Alive With Color as a guide to wearing colors?
Are you Sunrise, Sunlight or Sunset?
I would love to hear what thoughts you are putting into the daily color choices you make.
For those of you who are interested in the psychology of color Women’s Health Magazine has great article in their January issue. Pay special attention to what is said about green.
What Your Clothing Color Says About You | Women’s Health Magazine.
Kids and Babies Like Wearing Black
December 3rd, 2010 § 2 Comments
December 3, 2010
The Boston Globe
Baby’s in black
Beth Teitell
“When Kelly Dennis goes out with her infant daughter, she often notices people giving her looks. As in: What kind of a mother are you?”
“Dennis’s crime? Dressing little Willow in the color black. Black skinny jeans, black tops, black boots, black onesies, black yoga pants — she has them all.”
“As many adults can testify, when black clothing gets its hooks into you, buying and wearing other colors can be hard. But black clothes weren’t always so dominant, said Leatrice Eiseman.”
“In the 19th century, black was worn almost exclusively by widows, clerics, and, in the theater, villains. It wasn’t adopted by artists or activists until the 20th century, she said.”
One of my favorite authors, Nora Ephron also weighed in on this issue.
Click here for the full article including Nora’s comments.

























