Fashion Brief
Spring/Summer 2012

What's Up ... Are you ready? For those of us who believe in the joy and power of color, spring/ summer fashion promises a glorious, hue-filled ride! In Style’s Spring Sneak Peek (condensed from editors sitting front row at more than 230 runway shows on two continents) chose COLOR the number one trend. Not only color, but, believe it or not, they went so far as to say PASTELS which have been sorely missing buying options for a long time. You may remember similar buzz regarding last spring’s color forecasting. Last year’s difference being, stores, when it came to putting dollars down, did not buy the more unusual lights, rather stuck to “tough-times-denying brights, plus the acid, neon Day-Glo, fluorescent shocks” as Marlou Luther in Fashion Group International Spring/Summer 2011 Trend Overview called them. Current spring color frenzy will certainly not be restricted, or limited to, the pale hues! Instead, pastels will broaden the more recently favored dark/bold palette as they make a highly anticipated and longed-for return. It’s good news for those who wear them well + present and available for those who think traditionally about light colors being the true harbingers of spring. Granted they flooded the runways, but will we actually spot pastels as we shop locally? Let’s hope so. First glance, it’s looking positive! You have probably noticed, too. Reminder alert … when hues that suit us well do appear, act immediately … time to stock up is here!!!!! Without question, these lighter than light hues do not flatter everyone. Regardless, their freshness is tempting still, isn’t it? What to do to wear them best? If your coloring leans to the darker side, punch up the dark with a flash of light-colored contrast. Leave the head-to-toe pales to those with lighter coloring. By wearing them, they shine. Don’t overlook incorporating white as a major player this spring/summer. It was absolutely the runway neutral of choice worn head-to-toe or paired with lights, birghts, darks or patterns.

Hand in hand with pastels, typically comes, as Anne Slowey in Elle aptly called it, “sweetness aplenty. For the first time in what seems like eons, pretty is back.” She reports as “feeling good and looking right: floaty dresses, ‘50s and ‘60s silhouettes, head-to-toe florals, top-handle bags, slingbacks and slipper-thin mules.” Further she states designers suggesting “we offer ourselves up as demure petits fours of propriety and convention.” Then, straight-forwardly concludes … “don’t let the pastels and lace fool you. Thanks to mixed layering of innovative fabrics, jaunty details, and complex construction, the look this spring is anything but saccharine, even if it is sweet. In its best reincarnations, pretty is now ripe with wit, irony, and in some cases, plenty of cheek.” Don’t overlook the season’s resurgence of color-blocking! Its abstract design geometry is the perfect way to make a bold statement in a softly colorful way. Pastels can prove downright powerful in spring’s more lady-like, or gentlemanly, reincarnation.

If pastel light-heartedness doesn’t ring your bell, do not despair. (This speaks to menswear as well.) All the new season fashion excitement does not depend upon that formulation nor color wavelength! Classic stripes are major players in the multitude of patterns that distinguish spring. Once considered uber traditional, this spring stripes look smart and fresh. Be they high value contrast (darker paired with light) or low contrast (pastel with another light), it is easy to find something, perhaps nautical or maybe not, to add a striking graphic to you and your wardrobe. Warning: curvy girls avoid trim fitting vertical stripes as they will appear wavy and magnify curves. Figure/physique plus: horizontal stripes at the shoulder line, broaden the shoulders slimming the rest of the body line. Speaking nautically, as stripes certainly can be, rope-themed patterns and trims introduce a decidedly not-girly-girly accessorizing option. Even rope itself becomes ‘knotty’ detail such as belts, handbag straps, halter ties, duffle closures, shoe trims.

Further assessing the visibility and abundance of patterns on spring’s ‘to buy list,’ decide if and how they tempt you. An abundance of clear, bright turquoises, teals, corals, yellows make their mark in a broad range of tempting patterns. Look for those that capture your fancy and compliment your coloring but don’t overwhelm. Logically, certain themes dictate/suggest a compatible color story. Both Elle and Harper’s Bazaar presented current fashion trends by grouping pattern design, color harmony and garment styles together. Enlightenment from their take illustrates the breadth of color, pattern, style that exists:

• Hawaiian Tropic - beach-ready shorts matched with adornment in full bloom (NTF translates: often bold, botanical, vibrant prints in tropical sea colors.)


• Palm Pilot - sunset-inspired palm-tree prints pared with flamingo-pink accessories (NTF: traditional take on vintage Hawaiian Islands prints, perhaps in cooler hues.)


• Fire Island - surfer-girl rainbow (NTF: clear, pure red, orange, yellow, blue, green, purple rainbow-inspired patterns or color designs.)


• Hotel California - beach-bum ponchos, colorful woven skirts, hippie-esque beaded sandal and bags (NTF: a definite walk on ‘60’s living-free style.)


• Surf’s Uptown - wave-rides style on city streets in body-conscious dresses and super bright accessories (NTF: sport-inspired though-the-day or evening wear.)


• Holding Court - mix and match dressed up gym shorts with flowing floral tops, irreverent jewels and sport-influenced totes (NTF: not for the fashion timid, definitely an outfit hodge-podge making a seemingly serendipitous, can-these-go-together ensemble.


• Sports Authority - kick your wardrobe into high gear with mile-high tennis shoes, neon color-blocking and a jolt of safety red (NTF: sportswear on steroids becomes playwear, daywear, even into evening.) One would be totally nonobservant to overlook the now-fashion impact of sports and sport equipment! Anything athletic-looking, whether authentic or sports-inspired, is bound to be a winner!

What about silhouettes? Notice a new, and highly distinct, revival of Christian Dior from his long-ago collection called Corolle et En Huit which Harper’s Bazaar explains was ‘his reference to the fact that it made women look like flowers and the figure eight.’ Introduced post World War II, “it was the newness of those exaggerated womanly looks that outmoded the Spartan wartime silhouette.” Then pegged the New Look, it is now making its latest reincarnation as such. The X or 8-shape is an obvious compliment to, and often copy of, an historically idealized womanly shape. Hence the compatibility to the traditionally feminine color palette featured in Spring Summer 2012. How to spot the New Look? Rounder, fuller over the hips with large hem circumference balanced by equal shoulder width and featuring an obviously nipped waist.

With such emphasis on the balanced and feminine New Look, don’t underestimate or overlook the world of ‘other shapes.’ Notable: the fuller, longer skirts for this season, particularly pleated, best worn with slim tops and a defined waistline. Reality: if adding fullness at the hemline creates a bottom-heavy, A-shape disadvantage, wisely choose a fluid, shear fabric that will add less bulk and weight below the waist. Don’t bypass the athleticism option of accenting shoulders creating a T silhouette which is a present aspect of Spring Summer 2012 fashion. Combining A + T = X which equals the balanced, traditionally feminine figure. Explore your own ‘can do’s’ to make your shape appear that way if you wish.

Finishing off an outfit is a fashion requirement! Accessories deserve the same sharp-eyed attention as selecting clothing does. In fact, a few fresh pieces can resurrect a tired outfit giving it new pizzazz. Review what you have, wear it in new ways rather than as you did before. Search for mixable additions. Consider personality pieces that express who you are. Shop high and low for special finds … they need not break the bank or maybe they will … your call. Highlight Spring Summer 2012 items worthy of note: the clutch bag is new again, handle bags reappear, belts galore to accent the New Look waist, ballet flats equal pencil-thin stiletto heels in popularity, platforms aren’t always as teetering-ly extreme as in the recent past, strappy footwear keeps feet cool, jewelry ranges from audaciously bold to sweetly ladylike in an unimaginable, sometimes eccentric, array of plastic, rubber, feathers, shells plus uncut stones and semi or precious jewels.

From feminine-frilly to abstract-simplicity to hippy-redux to traditional classic, style choices are obviously broad. Spring Summer 2012 features variety versus focusing upon a solitary this-is-it style or silhouette. Let what prints you choose tell who you are be they wild, abstract, exaggerated, botanic, understated or classic. Consider lace’s resurgence … traditionally sweet as well as boldly graphic … it is a big season hit this Spring Summer 2012. Be certain hue choices compliment your own unique coloring. Choosing what flatters you most from a style point of view as well as wearing flattering hues from the full color spectrum equals the best solution to dressing well.

What an uplifting whirlwind of looks, colorations, combinations, compilations, alternative outfit choices, accessories and trends you, the Spring Summer 2012 fashion customer, will find! As part of fashion history, there were rules, regulations, traditions about what type of clothing ‘uniform’ was appropriate and acceptable for both workplace and social occasions. Now, nothing but an anachronism, those old ‘ways of dressing’ are definitely part of a long-ago past. Spring Summer 2012’s crossover dressing means deciding whether something will be worn in the gym, at work, to the opera … or maybe all three! Be your own muse, exercise your own creativity. Permission is granted, in fact urged, for putting it together your way.

Did you know ...

Are you feeling the heat? Probably so as this is one of the warmest US spring-times ever experienced! You know what that means, the sun is shining brightly and our skin is crying for protection. Definitely time to re-evaluate your sunscreen plan.

Make it a habit to wear sunscreen on your face every day, be you male or female (and don’t forget your ears if your hairstyle leaves them exposed.) If the idea turns you off because of old-time yucky, gummy factors, here are a couple of stellar product suggestions. Feather-weight and invisible, they have varying ranges of SPF protection. Check out Clarins Ecran Multi-Protection with SPF 40. It provides ‘day screen for high protection.’ Don’t overlook Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Daily Sunblock with SPF 50. New this season, it boasts ‘100% naturally sourced sunscreens.’ Both of these stellar products contain titanium dioxide, proven to best protect our skin. The Clarins formulation is 8.1%, the Neutrogena 5% plus 3% zinc oxide. Neutrogena claims to be waterproof and sweatproof. To apply each product, one must vigorously give them a shake … the be-be floating within helps with the mixing process. Surprisingly, it only takes a few drops applied to give protection. Clarins feels lighter going on. Leaving no hint on the skin, both virtually disappear as well as layer invisibly under makeup.

While you are at it, don’t forget to apply to the tops of your hands! Driving positions hand-backs for direct solar exposure. (Be prepared, carry extra sunscreen in your car for renewing on-the-road hand protection.) Whether rain or shine, use products such as these daily to avoid damaging (and aging) ultraviolet rays. Of course, if you are outdoors and directly in the sun for long periods of extended exposure, a high SPF product should be slathered on, and frequently reapplied, on any exposed skin. Remember to wear a hat with an SPF factor and a 6-inch brim minimum!

The Clarins product can be found at any Clarins counter such as Nordstrom. Find Neutrogena where other sunscreens are sold. Nordstrom Rack is currently featuring Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid, at a not-to-be-beat discounted price.

Beyond imagination! Calling all who love fashion … the Denver Art Museum is the only US venue to have been selected (along with Paris and Madrid) to host Yves Saint Laurent, The Retrospective. As DAM states, ‘This must-see exhibition explores Yves Saint Laurent’s 40 years of creativity, from his first days at Dior to his final runway collection in 2002. With a selection of 200 haute couture garments, photographs, drawings and films, you will experience the creative development of one of the world’s most iconic designers.’ The exhibition’s scope, drama and delight are indescribable! If you are not nearby, travel to Denver is well worth the effort … speaking firsthand, The Retrospective is an absolute DON’T MISS!!! For further info www.YSLdenver.com or 720.913.0130. Exhibition open March 25 – July 8, 2012.

In case you didn’t see it in the Denver Post or Boulder Camera … 5 tips for wearing prints this spring by Nancy Taylor Farel.

Patterns are giving lots of pop to spring fashion. Even if you’re not a ‘print person,’ you’re going to have trouble avoiding them as they are everywhere. So, consider adding prints that flatter your figure to freshen your look and invigorate the solids in your wardrobe.

• Explore the broad pattern design range of availability for both women and men. Familiar are such classics as stripes of varying widths, checks, plaids, paisleys and foulards. Newer options feature abstract designs, whimsicals, botanicals and tropical among seemingly endless choices. Find one that captures your spirit.


• This season’s patterns are highly colorful, so how do you choose? If the print has a color in it that matches tones in your hair, eyes, skin or the blush of your cheek, it will look natural to you. Avoid colored patterns bolder or stronger than your coloring as they will become dominant and overpower you. Conversely, don’t choose something too cutesy or weak.


• Some patterns have big differences of darks and lights as part of their design. If the pattern you are considering has these value differences, you should have similar (or greater) light/dark differences between your hair, skin tone and eyes to wear it successfully. Otherwise the pattern will take over in importance to you.


• Patterns with large-scale design, as well as those with significant light and dark elements, can make you look larger. Where these are placed in the outfit should be considered. What about your figure shape? If you have a figure feature that is oversized, avoid placing prints on that area. If you have a figure area that could use some building up, these can do the trick.


• It is easiest and safest to pair a pattern with a solid rather than wearing print upon print upon print. If you succumb to ‘pattern-mix madness,’ choose patterns that contain identical color elements for outfit harmony.

In case you missed it in the Denver Post … does this season’s ‘color blocking’ have you in a spin? Style Editor Suzanne Brown sought Nancy Taylor Farel’s advice for ‘you wearing it rather than it wearing you.’ What is ‘color- blocking?’ It is the process of putting differing hues within the outfit. It can be as simple as choosing differently colored solids for blouse, jacket and skirt … something NTF color clients do confidently and routinely. Or, more trickily, it can be an exaggeratedly bold geometric pattern or dramatic abstract print featuring quite obvious color differences. Here are tips for success:

• Don’t wear a color-block print with more darkness/lightness difference than naturally occurs between the color of your hair, skin and eyes.


• Consider scale, meaning the size of the color-block pattern’s elements. The larger the pattern’s elements, the less value contract the pattern must contain in order to not ‘take over.’ Choosing a color-block pattern with little to no value contrast is a safer choice.


• Large-scale or brightly hued color-block prints can add volume to the figure. Consider your figure, as this can be a silhouette plus or a big mistake. Try the outfit on, stand 10 feet away from a mirror, and squint. If all you see is the distracting pattern, wear something else.


• Color-block prints by their nature typically break up, or visually fracture, the elongating and lean line solids give to a figure. If you are petite, be cautious of further shortening your look.


• Want a low-risk way of trying the trend? Wear a pair of color block shoes, stack on a few color-different bangles, carry a handbag in the motif.

Retail therapy works! Reported in More magazine, daily shopping appears to cut a woman’s risk for early death by 23 percent, according to a study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. Researchers suspect that shopping’s health benefits come not just from the pleasure of spending money but also from doing the physical activity that running errands requires, socializing with people you meet along the way and enjoying the fun of getting out of the house, not to mention restocking the pantry with fresh food. Superlative news and validation for the shopping-obsessed!

Assessing your skin is a smart thing to do, particularly during dry winter months. Why? By knowing what type of skin you have, you can better pick products that will best nourish, replenish and repair your skin rather than taking a costly ‘try everything path.’ If you prefer techno enlightenment, no need to see a dermatologist, instead look for a specialized computer. With a little effort, they can be found in-store as well as being used in aesthetician offices. InStyle suggests looking for The Ioma Sphere, which is now in select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. It takes high-resolution pictures of your face and can measure categories such as texture, UV damage, and dark spots in minutes. (Go to www.ioma-paris.com for locations.) The analysis is free whether you buy Ioma products or not. If you are more of a drugstore shopper, the mass brand Vichy now has complexion-evaluating computers at select Walgreens. You might be surprised what you learn!

Always a superior source of information and treatment for the latest and greatest ways to fool Mother Nature by keeping our skin looking its best, Skin News from the Asarch Center, dermatology and skin rejuvenation practice, is well worth a read. Check it out at www.asarchcenter.com. The winter issue features a superb Q & A concerning “the age-old battle of aging.” Richard G. Asarch MD has created DERMAspa RX products that are extraordinary. Latest is the new Cinderella Serum which gives an instant fix for those wrinkles around the eyes. Lasting about 4 hours, with continuing use, lines will show long lasting improvement. Don’t overlook the DERMAspa Neck Serum! It is great!
For more information 303.761.7797.

Are you still searching for a good Prescriptives mineral makeup replacement product? Don’t overlook the Trish McEvoy line! Available in a loose formula or a compact formula … choose your preference. The loose formula includes redness-reducing, brightening and line smoothing factors. The compact formula is perfect for during-the-day-or-evening touch up. Contact Jesse Hirschl, counter manager Trish McEvoy, at Nordstrom FlatIron Crossing for the perfect match. Or, try this stellar product at a Trish McEvoy counter near you.

Is your hair lackluster gray? A once-a-month only shampoo with a product such as Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo, keeps hair white and bright, fresh for spring. Great for cooler blondes as well. Caution: more frequent use can turn hair purple-ish blue.

Are you a woman bothered by facial hair? If so, do you eat sugar snacks frequently? Reported on the panel television show, The Doctors, excessive sugar consumption affects hormones that stimulate hair growth in women and excessive breast growth in men according to recent research. Metformin, a diabetic medication, has shown to give relief if cutting what sugar you consume doesn’t help.

Red hot fashion designer Jason Wu who gained distinct fame by designing for Michelle Obama, has created a 53 piece, highly affordable line for Target. Mark your calendar for the February 5th in-store appearance of what he calls his “French new wave cinema inspired” collection. On the Today Show, he teased, “It’s a little sweet chic plus some American sportswear influences.” This past fall Missoni presented, what quickly became an almost instant “blow-out” collection, at Target. On opening sales day, buyers on the internet crashed all Target sites! Get there early to see if Jason’s fans score a repeat. It’s wonderful to see Target entice, then convince, big name designers to create affordable fashion for their customers! Hot tip: always check out Target’s accessories area … great pieces, good prices.

Toms Shoes presents a fashion opportunity with the bonus of social consciousness in action. For every pair sold, Tom donates a new pair of shoes to someone on the face of the planet who has none. What could be better! Typical style, comfortable and practical, has been espadrille-like. Take note, this fall boots were part of the Toms winter collection! And, although not suited for deep snow or wet, they are snuggly warm and positive-attention attracting. Toms has a new launch for Spring 2012. It is the ballet flat. Available in fabric only (as are all their shoes), the many choices of patterns and textures are fun, fashionable and sure to please. Check them out wherever Toms are sold. In Colorado, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Savvy on the Pearl Street Mall have a wide selection. Or www.TomsShoes.com.

Are you a plus-size woman who has found in-store, local fashion options limited? Here are a few online leads you might check out: www.Carissarose.com (work wardrobing) www.sonsi.com; www.AsosCurve.com (English); www.Eloquii.com (the Limited). If your sizing is in the missy range, but you like to shop online, have you seen: www.davidmeister.com; www.jessicalondon.com; www.Lafayette148ny.com; www.simplybe.com. Need an additional lingerie source www.biggerbras.com; www.lindasonline.com. Swimwear is always challenging to find www.avenue.com; www.herroom.com or www.onestopplus.com.

NTF on-the-road Color Consultations + Make It Work seminars, If you, or someone you know, is out-of-range to work easily with Nancy Taylor Farel in Boulder, have colors, will travel at your request. Contact Nancy at nancytaylorfarel@comcast.net or 303.499.0956.

Mark Your Calendar …

Make It Work seminars provide the information and illustration necessary to use your Personal Color Portfolio to its fullest. Full seminars last 4.5 hours. Or, there is a 2-part option. The first half seminar will be offered one month, the second half of the full seminar, will be scheduled the following month. All color clients are welcome to attend any session as often as he/she chooses. All it takes is an e-mail or phone call to book your place.

Please arrive by 12:45 pm and remember to bring your colors!
Boulder 2012 Spring/Summer seminar dates are Sundays
January 22 – full seminar
February 26 – 1st half         March 18 – 2nd half
April 22 – full seminar
May 20 – 1st half         June 24 – 2nd half
July 15 – full seminar
Register by calling 303.499.0956 or by emailing
nancytaylorfarel@comcast.net

A reservation is not necessary to have drop-by wardrobe excitement with Nancy Taylor Farel at Barbara & Company at 1505 Pearl in Boulder! We will be looking forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 21! Recently featured in a Boulder Camera article, Kathy King, owner, gave a sneak peek of excitement to behold from her Spring 2012 buying. One of the friendliest stops along the Pearl Street Mall, the superb staff and Nancy look forward to enhancing what you have or finding something new and outstandingly wonderful. Count on Barbara & Company for distinctly different choices. For further information 303.442.2565.

It’s something new!  Nancy Taylor Farel has astoundingly creative people among her client base! One such delightful and talented lady is Lori Burkey, who makes extraordinary beaded jewelry plus scarves in various fabrics, shapes, colors and sizes. Lori is so sold on the value of her personal color portfolio that she seldom strays. But, sometimes finding ‘that exact color range’ can be challenging. She has a solution! Why not engage her to make something unique just for you? You choose the style, the beads, the colors … or, the fabric and shape. Lori whips your selected elements into exactly what you have dreamed. It is an open house event at Nancy Taylor Farel’s from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. For more info contact Nancy 303.499.0956 or nancytaylorfarel@comcast.net.

Registration necessary …

Act today … does your eyewear need a tune-up? Nancy Taylor Farel and the crack Aspen Eyewear team will help you choose the best during our special Flattering Frames Guaranteed event Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14. An appointment is necessary and can be booked by calling Nancy at 303.499.0956 or Aspen Eyewear at 303.447.0210. Cost is $40, event bonus … a 20% discount on frame and lens cost.

If attending the April full Make It Work seminar is on your list of to-do’s, it will be held on Sunday, April 22. Please remember a reservation is necessary.

Spring Summer 2012 fashion may send the non-glasses wearer into spasms of envy. Just as easily finding clothes and jewelry in places where there are lots of uniquely wonderful choices, the same makes eyewear sense as well! Aspen Eyewear has all the options! Good thing, too, because not only looking fab but seeing well is the combo sought when you book this event. Nancy Taylor Farel is experienced at helping update your look. Call for a one-on-one appointment! Flattering Frames Guaranteed on April 13 and 14 (Friday/Saturday) with Nancy Taylor Farel plus the stellar support of the Aspen Eyewear vision team. Consistently chosen Boulder’s best for good reason! Enjoy a 20% total purchase discount exclusive to NTF appointments on these 2 special days! Call Nancy 303.499.0956 or Aspen Eyewear 303.447.0210 for appointment booking. Event cost is $40.

Eye exams by Michael Bollenbacher OD absolutely cannot be beat! And, the convenience of his office being within Aspen Eyewear makes updating your total vision needs convenient and easy. Dr B requires a pre-booked exam appointment. Make yours by calling 303.444.1405. See better than you have before!!! Plan ahead to be ready with a current prescription when you choose your frames.

It’s a tradition, Nancy Taylor Farel at Nordstrom FlatIron Crossing to help you update your makeup. Makeup Magic is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5 by pre-booked appointment. Stay tuned, the finishing touches are just being made to an all new event format! Trust us, you are going to love it plus be pleased by the pampering, enlightened by what you learn, and, most of all, love how you look! Watch your monthly email blasts from Nancy for late-breaking specifics regarding this sure-to-please revamped event! Call Nancy when you are ready to book your pampering appointment 303.499.0956. Event cost is $25, prepaid to Nancy before the event.