An Enlightening Afternoon with the Girlfriends

Well, I can’t just let yesterday go by with no comment!  What an interesting, enlightening afternoon.  I wish you all could have been there . . . you would have loved it!  In case you missed yesterday’s post, I went to have my “colors done.”  No, not my hair 🙂 ; this was all about the colors you choose for clothes and makeup.  I loved it!  I thought you might like to hear about it!  Appropriate MUSICA, click here xoxo  No dancing.  Stay, staaay.

  You may have heard of this before; there was something very much like it, very popular back in the 1980’s, called “Color Me Beautiful.”  Lots of you mentioned it in your comments yesterday.

The theory was, in case you’re new to this, that because of the tint of the fat layer under our skin, there are certain colors that will look best on each of us. If you wear “your unique colors,” they say, you’ll “look healthy, younger, and well rested; gain a sense of excitement and self confidence; avoid wasting time and money buying the wrong clothes.”

Colors are categorized by seasons, which then categorizes YOU; depending on your skin color you might be a “Spring,” or a “Summer,” “Winter,” or an “Autumn” — you’ll look better in either cool colors or warm, depending on whether your skin has yellow undertones or blue.  And there’s a way to find the exact colors and hues that will work for you.  That’s what we signed up to do yesterday, to have our colors done.

I have to say, I was doubtful about this, I did it years ago and didn’t get very far with it, but two of my best friends were going . . . we were all going together, and so if all else failed, I knew we’d have fun!

Plus I have lived almost a whole lifetime without lipstick.  I’ve never been able to find one that didn’t turn my lips blue!  Not a good look unless I want to start painting my nails black. I figured if I came out of this with a lipstick that looked good on me, that alone would be worth the price of admission.  When I did my colors with a Color Me Beautiful representative (years ago, I’m sure they’re better now); it felt a little more like a fad.  The color counselor really didn’t know what I was . . . either a Spring or an Autumn she thought; and she didn’t give me any color swatches to take home; I was supposed to “remember” what colors to look for when I shopped. All I got out of that first try was that I should wear orange, which I always thought was a color best reserved for Halloween. What I really liked were pastels, light baby blue, pink, lime green and black and white stripes.  Looking for love in all the wrong places, because that’s what I bought and that’s what lives lived in my closet.

What I love about life is that a person never has to stop learning.  For example, I used to hate blue cheese!  When I was in my teens, I was a waitress for Bob’s Big Boy on Sherman Way, in Reseda, California.  I had to clean out bins where blue cheese had lived at room temperature for the entire day, which ended my having any interest in ever actually tasting it.  I spent my whole life dodging blue cheese — but about five years ago, something changed and I fell in love with creamy delicious blue cheese and now I could eat it every day.  I dip raw carrots in it, scooping up the lumps of soft cheese; spread it on a half of a tomato; glob it on to chicken wings; dip garlic bread in it.  I wob it.  Life just gets better all the time!  I’m happy to discover that one does not have to bore oneself silly with the constant never-changing sameness of what one “thinks” one likes!

But I forget this all the time; I get stuck in my ways.  Until something like yesterday, reminds me!  SO, anyway,  we all piled into the car and went over to Wendy’s house because she has this small, one-person, HOUSE OF COLOUR business here on Martha’s Vineyard, which has gained a kind of reputation for FUN — all through word-of-mouth; everyone is doing it!  We heard about it from Lowely who RAVED about it; she heard it from Margot who said it changed her life forever; so we had to go!

Wendy met us at the door, we did introductions, dropped our coats and hats on a bench in the hall and followed her up two stories to her top floor studio, stopping on the landing to admire the amazing beaded purse collection she had framed and hanging there.  When we opened the door to her studio filled with color, we found she’d made us deviled eggs and bowls of fresh strawberries; she had dark chocolate, herb teas, little bowls of nuts and ginger cookies which she placed around the room on side tables never far from any of us.  She understood the needs of her clients. ♥ 

There was a mirror with a chair in front of it, for the victim is what I was thinking, and two chairs on either side for the victims-to-be. We “let” Annie go first.  No lights on in the room, all natural light from the tall windows behind the mirror. We’d been told beforehand not to wear any make up.  We were very beautiful and lovely.

Here’s a little glimpse into the room.  Wendy pulled back Annie’s hair, hooked it with a scrunchy and began to try these colored scarves on her, draping them under her face like bibs.  As she did, she talked to us about how much she loved her job; she was SO full of passion and excitement, she felt like she was making people happy; it wasn’t even work to her; how could she not be passionate about that!

As Wendy worked, I saw Annie’s face literally change with the colors; her skin tone cleared, dark circles went away, her blue eyes got bluer, her face got brighter; I started seeing the possibilities, and when Wendy topped off the color with make up and the perfect wonderful lipstick color for her eyes, I was SOLD.  The same thing happened with Martha!  Then, me too!  None of us went out of there the way we’d come in.  We did look younger, slimmer, prettier, happier; we had fun; we felt better.  It was SO worth it.

Wendy sent us home with our own make up colors and fabric swatches; we all helped choose the WOW colors for each other, the ones in each of our seasons that made us look the best, and made notes about them in our swatch books (which she gave us to keep in our purses for when we’re shopping).  But best of all all all, I got three gorgeous lipsticks that don’t turn my lips blue!! Including a red one!  I’ve always wanted to wear red lipstick! 

I was so excited when I got home I stayed up until 11 oclock trying on clothes (that’s like my 3 o’clock in the morning!). Matching the color swatches Wendy gave me, I went through my closet and pulled out anything in my colors — brick red, brown, olive green, camel and purple.  And orange.  I don’t have many clothes in these colors, but what I have looks SO MUCH BETTER than most of the things I wear that I can’t really believe it!

I’m late putting up this post today because I got sidetracked this morning; I just got back from Lowely’s — where we all just met for a clothes swap.  Lowely’s getting rid of her Autumn, Spring and Summer colors, she needs Winter. Martha can have all my Summers; I’ll be happy to take her Autumns! Sheri, who had her colors done a week ago, came in with a brand new hair color, from blond to dark chestnut brown — gorgeous!  Because now she knows she’s a summer and needs a warm color!

I think this is going to save me a LOT of money on clothes!  I always feel I don’t have anything to wear even though I have a closet full of clothes!  I also realize I won’t need so many clothes, because when it’s all in your colors, it all looks good together, and you can get by with a lot less.  One chocolate brown coat for me is worth twenty black ones.  And best of all, you don’t have to worry what to wear anymore.  It all looks good on you!  It all mixes and matches!

Wendy does this for all ages, from teenagers to ninety year olds and for men too!  The underlying color of your skin never changes, and you can look more beautiful at any age.  A little slash of these bright, color-right lipsticks really make a huge difference!  Once you’ve had your colors done, that’s it, for a lifetime, you don’t change.  She told us to remember to get our jammies, underwear, and beach towels in our colors too ~ wallpaper and sofas, and sheets too; and if you’re getting married, your bridesmaids should be dressed in your colors, so you look beautiful in all of your photos surrounded in your own colors!  Doesn’t that make good sense?

This day (we went from 10 am until 3pm), including the strawberries and chocolate, but not including the lipstick and makeup, cost each of us $150 … I figure I’ll get my money back the first time I don’t buy a powder blue sweater.  Which will be soon.

I don’t know whether these consultants are available across America . . . or even if it interests you.  But I have heard some of you say you might be visiting the Vineyard next summer . . . SO, if you do, and you’d like to get your colors done you can contact Wendy Jacobs to make an appointment.  She might even be able to steer you in the right direction if you are interested in hanging out with girlfriends, spreading some sunshine, and making money doing it by becoming a consultant yourself!   More word of mouth, girlfriend-to-girlfriend.  (No, I do not own any part of this and only met Wendy yesterday! 🙂  It was just so much fun and practical too!) Update from June 2017: you can still contact Wendy, but she has now moved to South Carolina ~ maybe closer to YOU!)

Know what else looks like fun?  Watching the Random Number Generator (i.e. Vanna) choose the winner for our birdie salt and peppers!  Actually, to tell you the truth, I’ve been dreading it.  Up until we hear the name, it could be YOU; then if it isn’t, I feel bad.  I need more birds!  I want to send them to everyone!  Anticipation is almost always more fun than reality, and this is proof!

Except for one single lucky girl by the name of . . .

Jeannie M from SC ! ! ! 

Congratulations Jeannie — she’s one of our regular girlfriends, I recognize her name!  I just sent her an email to announce her as the winner — in the subject line I wrote, “Peep peep from Susan Branch” — do you think she’ll guess it?

We always have a consolation prize . . . and this time, it’s a virtual trip to New York City, for everyone! We get on the ferry boat Monday morning, so comeonalong!  xoxo Love you!

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265 Responses to An Enlightening Afternoon with the Girlfriends

  1. Natalie says:

    I love the way you suddenly started to like (love) blue cheese! Stuff like that happens to me all the time! I’m still wondering when I will start liking caviar 🙂 Loved your colour adventure at Wendy’s. I was cast as an autumn back in the 80s and I am pretty sure they got it right. I still try to wear some springs but autumns definitely look better on me. They used to sell Color Me Beautiful makeup at JCPenneys here but stopped. I miss it. I could always pick beautiful lipsticks at that counter. Excited about your red lipstick. That will be perfect for the upcoming New York anniversary trip. Enjoy and Happy Happy Aniversary!

  2. Carol Hesch says:

    Sounds like it was just delightful! AND YAY—NYC!!! Many pictures and details please 🙂

  3. Marie (Long Beach, CA) says:

    Thanks for sharing your “House of Colour” day with all of us! Sounds like a wonderfully fun day with your girlfriends, and productive too! I went to the website, but couldn’t find a color consultant in my area, bummer. It sounds like a great way to shop for the right clothes and makeup. Also, congratulations Jeannie M, I’m happy for you! Those green birdies are just too precious! Wishing you and Joe a fantastic trip to New York filled with lots of beautiful new memories to bring home with you! Happy Anniversary!

  4. laurie says:

    I also thought this color thing was from the eighties and I was notthat impressed when I went to the color party back then,,, after reading this i’m thinking I probably buy all the wrong colors also.I know people will tell me oh look good in this or that color and it quite often is one I hardly wear let alone drawn too.
    I’m losing my vision due to brain injury and good golly i better hurry up and get this straight before i can’t see to do it!!
    I’m sold!
    Congratulations to the lucky winner as well!

  5. Ann says:

    Thanks for sharing your fun day with us. Your experience was exactly like the one I had in 1982. Now I have to go looking for the color swatches I was given! And I have been wanting to comment on your music for a while now. Love to hear the old songs!

  6. Linda Stone says:

    Hello, Susan. I’ve been enjoying all the comments re Color Me Beautiful. I said all the things you did at the beginning and it is so true . . . you’ll save time and money and everything in your closet “goes together” . . . I mean, even the closet looks good! My friend and I went together back in the 80s . . . golly, were we just 5? The clothing swap was a great idea . . . trouble is my friend and I are both summers. Still, it is amazing what a difference it makes. All the little “flaws” just sort of disappear with the “right” color. Just don’t be tempted because it’s cute or on sale . . . it’s no bargain if it just hangs in your closet. Congratulations to Jeanne, that lucky girl, and have fun in NYC . . . can’t wait to see the pictures.

  7. Nubby Frauenzimmer says:

    Not to be redundant, but I too, had my colors done quite some time ago, like in the late 70s. I walked and said if I can’t wear red, white, blue or black, I’m deep soup because they were the colors in my closet! Fortunately for me I could…yea. But what it did for me was to bring new and exciting and very vibrate colors I had never worn before into my life. I am what my lady (Zoe Hadley in SoCal.) called a deep dramatic winter and look really good in contrasts. I was so pleased with it that I had my husband and 2 sons colors done as well. You might say we are a colorful family.
    Zoe gave us a large palette sheet as well as a small purse size one. I keep the small one in the glove box of my car so when I go shopping I can pull it out and use it. Since my husband and I have a similar color palette, I have even used it in decorating our home.
    Thanks for sharing your experience for it sure brought back lots of memories.

  8. Peggy Cooper says:

    Talk about serendipity. Here you are needing a new wardrobe – and where are you going next week? To the fashion capital of the US! You can hit Bloomies and Macy’s and all the great boutiques. Shop on girlfriend!!!

  9. Pat Mofjeld says:

    It is snowing to beat-the-band here in Minnesota today though only 1-2″ predicted. Hope you have beautiful weather for your trip to NY and you and Joe have a wonderful time! 🙂

  10. Marie (from Virginia) says:

    Susan~ it sounds like you and your girlfriends were in good hands with Wendy. Gosh, “colors” have come a long way. Enjoy what you learned.

    Bliss!
    Marie xo

  11. Pigeon's Mom says:

    i never would have thought in a million years that someone could talk me into getting my colors done…but i am so sick of feeling matronly and dish-raggy in everything and ready to be perked up and confidence-infused…from head to toe!!!…but where to start? I’m thinking a trip to the vineyard when we’re up in New England this summer… I might look for someone closer but you made this lady sound so absolutely trustworthy, I’m not sure I’d be comfortable going to anyone else (like finding a good hairdresser, or dentist) :o)

  12. Georgie says:

    Oh What FUN!!! I had my colors done int he 80’s too. The “Colorist” wasn’t really sure what color I was… plus we were in a room of 25+ girls (I came alone) so… the experience left much to be desired. But I bought the book and had fun figuring it out. What I noticed the most was that SOLID shades in my color proved to be the most dramatic and the most flattering. Through the years I’ve moved to patterns, and I’m not as pleased. I’m finding when I go back to solids more compliments follow (It may also be because I lost 25 pounds over the past 9 months :-). I just feel so much better now! How wonderful a trip to “the island” would be… just to walk around and… to have my colors done again… this time, the right way!!!

    CONGRATULATIONS to Jeannie!!!
    May the little green birds find their way
    Safe into the shelter of your home
    Don’t be surprised if one fine day
    You hear them singing songs all on their own!

    I know they will brighten the corner of your world.
    Happy weekend Girlfriends! Happy Anniversary Trip Susan and Joe!!!

  13. It sounds like a lot of fun, but I buy colors I love to look at so I probably wouldn’t cooperate with the findings! I can only imagine what I look like to other people! Ha! Ha! Quite a hotchpotch I’m sure.

  14. Patricia from Philly says:

    Hi Susan and ALl the Girlfriends!

    So now we know we need to have a FOSB convention, and we need to have Wendy Jacobs there, so she can do colors for all of us! Wouldn’t that be a win-win situation for all concerned!

    Susan: Enjoy your anniversary in NYC! On February 6, my hubby and I celebrate 35 years from our first date! We went to see Rocky (naturally; it’s filmed in Philly! And it won the Oscar for Best Picture that year (1977).

  15. Linda P says:

    I had to giggle with delight when I heard “deviled eggs”. I had a friend years ago tell me, “It’s not a party unless you have deviled eggs”!! Soooo several years ago we attended a fund raiser for _______ who was to become a senator – true story. The affair was catered and all things were beautiful, and then my friend – real name, Mary – came by and offered me a deviled egg, and whispered to me to rave about them because the kitchen was a little “put out” that she would bring a covered dish!!!! The year my daughter got married the joke was – Mary would bring the deviled eggs!! (so we had them made) LOL!! I love thinking back on that and often do when I make them.
    So very happy for Jeannie and I’m confident the little birdies will go to a wonderful new home!!
    I thought you did look like an Autumn gal and what fun you all must have had – new wardrobes….. just switch around!!
    Enjoy NYC – can’t wait to hear the fun stories!! Happy Week End!!

  16. Liz says:

    Sounds like so much fun! Would love to have my colors done. Have a wonderful trip and Happy Anniversary!

  17. Judy Murrah says:

    What a fun couple of days you had. Like you I had my colors done in the 80’s, but I didn’t get any tools to take home. Thank you for sharing your discovery with us.

  18. Jeanne Hedin says:

    Congrats to Jeannie! You made her day with the cute little birdies and you made ours with your delightful blog. I especially love the fun and magic of a day spent with dear girlfriends!

  19. Janie Phillips says:

    You have me ready to book a flight to MV to have my colors done! I wish Wendy would do an online tutorial to help us figure it out. I had my colors done in the 80’s too, and I still don’t have a clue. So glad you got that lipstick 😉 xoxo

  20. Margot says:

    Hi Susan,

    I am so glad that you did that. Remember when I told you that I am not an artist, but I can sew. Well…I can do colors too. I really know my color wheel and my seasons. It is good to do one’s home in their color too. Don’t feel bad, because brown hair and brown eyes are tricky. I love your new lipstick!
    I have been reading, but I have been so busy doing volunteer work and giving blood this week that I couldn’t write.
    I hope that you have a good trip to NYC. Maybe my idea of silver is not good. Go for gold even if it is your 25th. LOL
    Margot

  21. Kathy Phenix says:

    Congrats to Jeannie. Glad it’s a “regular” girlfriend who won!! I’m beginning to feel a little irregular, myself. I have two Gladys Taber books on my coffee table. I just baked a milk cake. I’ve had my colors done. I love cats and MV. Does this sound like a cult??!! When you offer a recipe for kool aid I’m running for the hills. JUST KIDDING! I love all things Susan Branch! Nothing wrong with that!

  22. Kathy Phenix says:

    Almost forgot. Wed. I bought the tall cupcake pan at Ikea that you featured in one of your recent blogs. Got the papers also. Another little bit of Susan !! Love it.

  23. claresgabby says:

    What fun. Don’t you just love the “sound” of chocolate brown? Yummy color. Looking forward to going with you to New York. Have a fabulous time!

  24. pat addison says:

    hello susan, hello everyone!!! sounds like you had a fun day with your girlfriends. been out in the henhouse mucking it out and replacing all the old straw in there with wood shavings and straw in the nesting boxes to keep the smells down so i am not exactly wearing my best colors right now…LOL!!! had my colors done years ago and i am autumn, which made sense to me as i love the autumn, its my favorite time of year. congrats to Jeannie, i know she will love those lil birds. have a fun trip to new york, have a great time and Happy Anniversary. have a great weekend everyone. hugs…….. 🙂

  25. Shanna says:

    Congratulations, Jeannie! And I’ve always wanted to visit New York City, so I’m really looking forward to “our” trip. Thanks, Susan, for taking us along!

  26. Sarah says:

    That sounds like fun. I had my colors done back in its heyday and they were flummoxed by me. I have dark hair and eyes, and tan easily, but I don’t have the olive skin they expected me to have to match my hair and eyes. I don’t remember what two seasons I was between, but they finally sent me away with a confusing book of fabric swatches, joking that I was an “equinox.” 🙂 Maybe this new generation of color analysis has been refined and I should try again.

    • Lynn McMahon says:

      Hi~
      I wasn’t sure either! I found a website (that I posted earlier). http://www.prettyyourworld.com/colortheory.html . The 4 seasons are then broken into 3 sub seasons: light, warm and cool. With me, I should focus on the “light” aspect of the color. Makes sense. I am very fair and neutral looking~ so I was surprised that I should wear light colors! I then put a dark color on and guess what? I looked like a ghost~just the opposite of what a thought! Susan is the best for sharing her experience with us! When all us girlfriends start wearing the right colors everyone will say….
      Must be a friend of Susan Branch!

  27. veronica says:

    Happy spring Jeannie! Much enjoyment!

  28. Sandra Gillanders says:

    What a fun afternoon. I had mine done long aga “Color Me Beautiful” but felt it just wasn’t right. Your discription of event sounds like it was so much fun and you came out with so much information. Love the idea of a little book of colors to keep in your purse.
    Love the scarfs in all those colors, so pretty. Think it definitely will save you money. Prepare to get lots of compliments!!

  29. Lori says:

    Not sure where to post this but I contacted Wedgewood about your dishes – begging them to produce the wonderful designs. This was their response, received today. I feel like I just got a form rejection letter from a potential employer! Phooey!

    Dear Lori:

    Thank you, Friends of Susan Branch, for your interest in Wedgwood.
    We too enjoy Susan’s whimsical designs and although we are not looking for a
    designer collaboration at this time, we will be certain to keep her
    top of mind for any related, upcoming projects. We appreciate you
    taking the time to reach out to us and wish Susan the best of
    luck in all of her endeavors.

    Best Regards,
    Edy Oakland

    Marketing Director, Americas
    Wedgwood

    Call Reference Number: 000318215A

  30. Nina says:

    Wow that sure sounds like fun! I wonder if Wendy would take the “road” to England! I don’t know if they do that here! I would love to have mine done, I don’t know what my colour is but I know it isn’t any kind of biege taupe or light grey!
    Congrats to Jeannie and hope you and Joe have a wonderful time in New York! xxxx

  31. Jennie says:

    I would love, love, love to get my colors done, too! I was never raised ‘girly’ and I always struggle with all the beauty stuff. I need help, I tell ya! And raising two boys just makes it harder.
    And by the way- you do realize we are all dying to see you in your ‘autumn’ with your new lipstick!

  32. Ginnie says:

    So glad it was such a fun and life (or at least wardrobe and makeup) -changing experience, Susan! And congrats to Jeannie M!

  33. Karen P says:

    So, will you be posting a picture of you and Joe on your anniversary trip to NYC wearing a purple dress and red lipstick….looking EVER so WOW?! I think that’s a “must.” Have a wonderful time. xoxo…kp

  34. Pam Bradley says:

    Susan … Please post a pic of you with your NEW colors soon! 🙂

  35. Elizabeth says:

    Sounds like so much fun for you and your friends yesterday! I’ve never had my colors done,, but I would love to. I looked it up and there aren’t many consultants in the U.S. I’ve been thinking about and looking for a part-time career from home, so I signed up to receive an info packet. Thanks for sharing!

    • sbranch says:

      It really looks like a really fun job . . . a couple of my friends thought about it, but we thought Wendy has it pretty much sewn up on the island!

  36. Barb says:

    Susan, you have the best blog on the Internet!!! I just love reading Everything you post – you are an utter delight! Thank you so, so much!!!!!

  37. Peg Shelton says:

    I too had my and my family’s colors done in the 1980’s. Sure saved a lot of money and a lot of arguments with my teen age daughter. We would go into Macy’s in Modesto, CA and look for the sales racks, then her size and then her colors. Sure winnowed it down. Love to shop by colors even today!

  38. Carilyn Wolski says:

    Hello Susan! I visited our local used bookstore this afternoon and surprisingly found the Color Me Beautiful book (copyright 1980), by Carole Jackson. So, tomorrow morning, when the forecasted 1″ of snow is falling I will read about all of these colors of the rainbow. Check out this evening’s sickle-shape moon…..it looks like a huge smile in the darkness!!! I think the world is happy tonight!!!

  39. Cyndi Harp says:

    I loved hearing about you all getting your colors done. I’ve often thought I’d like to do that. I don’t think there is anyone in my area. It just sounded like so much fun and Wendy sounds like a super gal. I’m sorry I didn’t win the birds, they are sooooo cute, but I’m glad Jeannie won them. I know she’ll enjoy them. *S* It was a beautiful day on Okinawa with my daughter. Have a great weekend all of you.

  40. Suzanne in Sydney, Australia says:

    Eagerly waiting for your posts from New York, possibly seeing you in your chocolate brown long coat and wearing your completion-complementing lipstick 🙂

    My younger daughter spent a week in New York City (Feb 2 2009) on her way home after living/working in Europe for three years. She loved it, even though she couldn’t believe how cold it actually was in Feb.

    Have a great anniversary trip.

  41. betsy says:

    What fun! Looks like getting our colors done is just one more reason to visit the Vineyard.

  42. Marie says:

    Oh wow, what a lovely day you girls had Susan! I was completely wrong! I thought by colours you meant personality colours! (That is fun too, figuring out what your personality colour is and which “colours” of people you get along with.) I like to think I can get along with everyone. I have never done the makeup/fashion colour thing. I wonder if they do that over here?? It would be nice to know which colours, etc. went best with my skin tone etc. Congrats to your lucky winner, but in truth, I’d just like to say we’re all winners as each visit with you is like a little gift anyways. Thanks! xxoo

  43. Gale Jourdet says:

    O.K. Susan, We are awaiting a picture of you wearing your “Colors” and sporting the “new” color-perfect lipstick. You must follow up with the proof. Don’t leave us hanging.

    • sbranch says:

      I went and got my hair cut by someone new. Edwina Scissorhands. There will be no photos until my hair grows out! 🙂

  44. Pink Rose Cottage says:

    What a lovely and inspiring afternoon you had! I too had my colors done in the 80′s (Summer) and haven’t strayed from it since. It is perfect for me. If you want to take this seasonal thing one step further read Bernice Kentner’s book Color Me a Season which adds the personality side of the seasons. Hippocrates came up with the personality types/coloring theory centuries ago and he was dead on! If you read the description of your season you’ll be nodding your head and saying “That’s me in a nutshell!” The book has not only a color questionaire to take but a personality test as well. The two combined will target your season. Fascinating reading.

    Reply

  45. Ruthie P says:

    Bestest blog in the WORLD,loved hearing about you and your girlfriends getting your colors done.You and Joe have a wonderful,safe trip to NYC….

  46. Jean O'Hara says:

    Susan,
    I just have to say that I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and worked at Reseda Park not too far from the Bob’s Big Boy you worked at. I even ate there plenty of times! Small world. I wonder if you were ever my waitress?! I still don’t like blue cheese! I think it is the smell……
    Looking forward to hearing about your trip to NY. I have visited a couple of times and I was always overwhelmed by sooooo many people!

  47. Carol says:

    I apologize for back-tracking but your “snowy day” blog entry inspired me to think of Robert Frost poetry and then a completely zany and fractured version of one of R.F.’s poems. Get ready for a tickly laugh. Here it is!
    “Birthday Poems by Robert Frosting
    Whose cake this is I think I know,
    With scads of candles giving glow,
    A conflagration growing higher,
    It must be yours based on the fire!”
    (credit goes to the Sunrise Greeting Card Company)

  48. Jenelle says:

    Sounds like fun! But I don’t think I could give up powder blue no matter how bad it may look on me, it’s my favorite color for all things 🙂

  49. Terri says:

    Oh darn, it wasn’t me… I will (just have to) be content to go along to NY! (Although, it would have been more fun if you had given me the birds and I’d get to go to NY,too.) I just love your blog… the way you write. You should write a book…(or two). LOL! No really, how about a book about friendship… it’s all the rage on TV.
    I am new to your blog, and just enjoy the read. I love the pictures and recipes. Don’t change a thing!
    Hugs!

  50. Mary Ann says:

    I just wanted to say I made the milk cake and the lovely little vanilla sauce over the weekend. So yummy! It went perfect with a soup dinner and since there are only 2 of us at home it has stretched a few days. thanks!

  51. Kathie says:

    HI…loved the blog on colors. A friend took me to get mine done for a birthday present back in the 1980’s. The place we went to was called Beauty for All Seasons.They gave a wallet like book to you when your session was done. It had swatches of your colors , the types and color of accessories you should be using,make -up colors, even decorating accessories like china and flowers. It was lots of fun. It really does work…I am a summer and have always liked those colors on myself. ..it really does make a difference in the way your skin color looks. I am a watercolorist, too and so this was fun learning about how colors effect the way we look…..keep painting and writing. Can’t wait for the new book.

  52. Katherine says:

    Hey Susan,
    Okay I have been obsessed with CMB for years! It really works doesn’t it? Here’s some info for you—
    The 4 seasons have actually been broken up into 12 seasons because not everybody fits in to the 4 seasons. Go to http://www.prettyyourworld.com for more info about the 12 seasons: it is fabulous and the owner has her own make up for sale and has written a book which you can get as an e-book called “Color Revival.” I highly recommend you check that website out and also, 12blueprints.com.

    Isn’t it AMAZING? I just got re-analyzed as a Deep Winter.
    If you ever want to have a really fun party (which I have done), have a consultant come over and do your friends! It is so fun!

    • sbranch says:

      It really was fun for us all to go together, definitely a party! Wendy had the seasons divided up too …. Annie was a “blue autumn!” I’ll check out the link!

      • Katherine says:

        Yes! Judging by the few pictures I’ve seen of you—I’d guess you were a Deep Autumn; meaning you are” autumn flowing into winter” (you can wear the deepest/darkest shades of the winter palette because you have some slight cool undertones). The same way that I, as a Deep Winter can wear your darkest colors that are not too warm due to having some warm undertones—. Only about 25% of people actually fit into the 4 True seasons—the rest are a mix.

        And by the way—if you happen to like pink, almost all seasons can wear a warm pink because it’s considered a neutral.

        • sbranch says:

          I’m actually at the other end, I have Autumn flowing into Spring . . . I can wear some of those clear colors. I would LOVE to be a winter — love those jewel colors!

          • Katherine says:

            Oh so a Warm Autumn; that’s great! And by the way, since your visiting the “hometown” I highly recommend if you have the time, you visit a tea shop called “Alice’s Tea Cup” which has scones that are OUT OF THIS WORLD. They have one on the upper west side and two on the upper east side.

          • sbranch says:

            Love the name! I wrote it down!

        • Katherine says:

          Make sure you taste Alice’s Tea!

  53. Enikö says:

    Just want to bear witness…I saw Sue wearing her new shade of lipstick and she looked MAHVELOUS! You go, girl!

    • sbranch says:

      XOXO!

      • Victoria says:

        Dear Susan,
        Thank you for reminding me about the colors and for more wonderful recipes. Really looking forward to your New York trip! I was lucky enough to get to go for a day in December. Black seems to be very popular there and boots this year are really in. You will have so much fun, and we can’t wait to see and hear all about it. Happy shopping and Happy Happy Anniversary!
        Xo! Victoria
        PS. Charlene, I love Doc Martin too!

  54. Cris says:

    I loved this post. I had to come back to reread it. I have a very dog eared copy of the ‘Color Me Beautiful’ book. I got it new years ago. 🙂 I am pretty sure I am a Summer but it would be lovely to have someone professional confirm it. In the mean time I just keep rereading my book. :)) Have a great NY adventure.

  55. Mary D. says:

    Loved reading about having your colors done. I had mine done in the mid 90’s and still use the color palate I received. It makes shopping and organizing your closet so much easier! I also still wear the lipstick that was recommended – a shade that really complements my skin tone. However, I now have to order it from California because my consultant closed her business. You’ve motivated me to have my colors done again – I think I may be a mix of Spring and Autumn. Thank you Susan!

  56. I would love to get my colors done! I had them done many years ago, but do not remember it.
    I wonder if it’s on PEI… will have to ask and see.

    i was hoping that by the end of the post, I’d see your pic with the new you, but no pic 🙁 boohoo

    lol

    Thanks Susan 🙂
    Love,
    Denise

    • sbranch says:

      I told one of the other girlfriends that the next day, after posting that “in love with lipstick” blog, I went to get a haircut from someone new who turned out to be Edwina Scissorhands. Clip-clip, snip-snip, hair flying, two-handed scissor girl, and in about one and a half minutes my hair looks like my winter garden. Short in some places long in others, everything sticking out — it will be a while before pictures will be allowed again! 🙂 Thank God that hair grows.

  57. DonnaRay says:

    Me, too….had my colors done in 1980…..still carry the “credit card” fold out of swatches. Great fun with girlfriends. Thanks for taking us along. Eager to try the ribs and onion pudding……could almost smell them cooking! Have a wonderful anniversary trip to NYC!! If you’re in lower Manhattan grab a pie at Lombardi’s (oldest wood fired pizza oven in NYC) ….our granddaughter (turning four) will have her first “leapling” birthday there the end of Feb. As always, DonnaRay

  58. Mary says:

    Love traveling with you – the foods, the sights, and the photographs!

  59. Lillie Palmer says:

    What luck and joy to find your site! Just makes me happy to explore AND I adore cats (I live with 3 of them!) -I live in NYC but my heart is in The Vineyard.
    I am fortunatel to have friends who live there year-round (and have for the past 30 years!) and I visit yearly (4th of July for a few blissed out days in Edgartown) – Thanks so much for your “work” ~

  60. Satomi says:

    Nice to meet you,Ms.Susan Branch.
    My name is Satomi Imamura. I am Japanese woman.
    Yesterday, I was able to find your blog by chance.
    I am so happy to know your blog.
    I can not read and write English well, but I love your art!

  61. Sandra says:

    It’s so wonderful to understand and know what colors are “yours”; makes clothes shopping a lot easier, faster and fun. Like you, I’m an autumn although I’m very fair; a true Irish lass…some 8 generations removed from the Olde Country -LOL-.
    Sounds like a great time was had by all; well done!

  62. Susan, I just wanted to say a big Thank You for spreading the word of House of Colour, I’m a newish consultant, I just started my business last August in Pittsburgh. I got a lovely email from one of your many followers asking about an appointment to come and see me!
    I get emails and photographys from my clients every day telling me how much having their colors done has changed their lives, but your blog put it perfectly into words!
    Thanks again & enjoy your new red lipstick 🙂
    Julie

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