Calling all HOC winters.....

[QueenCadbury]

So, I had my colours done yesterday and I am now a sprinter winter. My best colours being royal blue, electric blue, damson, lagoon blue and light emerald.

Of course a shopping trip is now required so I'm just after any inspiration by what you fellow winters have recently bought...

[MadAboutHotChoc]

(and the choc thing is a cooincidence )

[MaybeBentley]

Had my analysis last year and I'm a Jewel Winter. Still struggling to get to grips with the bright lipstick as I work in an environment where people don't wear much / any makeup, so only wear it going out (which doesn't happen often). Do use the blusher I bought from HoC and subtly smudged navy eyeliner with black mascara though.
I've never been a nail polish person. My cuticles spoil my nails so I never feel I get a good look, and it always chips so quickly with me that it only lasts a day or so and I never have the time to do it all again. I really must try and get into it as it may make my hands/bare arms look better with the black and navy clothes.

[MadAboutHotChoc]

Tips for longer lasting nail polish - I do it in the evenings while watching TV and use a top coat on top. Rubber gloves for washing up/cleaning etc.

I keep my nails short which also helps.

[comingintomyown]

I had my HOC analysis done years ago too and this has brought memories back of saying goodbye to all my stone/chocolate/teal clothes. I do remember at being sooo relieved black was ok ( I am a Sultry Winter).

I dont buy clothes and make up much now and am in urgent need of a huge over haul so I think I will dig out my wallet and get inspired again !

[QueenCadbury]

amighty I'm about to be 40 and I won't stop wearing black. I have 1 star for it at 50% but do often wear it head to toe. It feels wrong in this heat though.

maybe definately use a top coat. I use nails inc. Polish wise try rimmel or mavala as they last the longest for me without chipping.

After months of being a bit about the ice colours (I think there's a fine line between ice and pastel) I found this vest which is iced lavendar.

[Keztrel]

Hi everyone,

I've never bought anything from Boden before but their catalogue arrived the other day and they have some brilliant Winter colours. I've just ordered a button back jumper in Berry, a cashmere crew neck in Iris (was torn between Emerald and Iris but the Iris is really unusual and vibrant) and the printed button back jumper in grey melange because I love spots.

I won't be keeping them all! But as it's free delivery and free returns and 10% off I couldn't help it... (code A345 I think).

[MadAboutHotChoc]

These are lovely - I would be a bit worried that the berry is more of a muted purple than a royal purple though (think there are jumpers/cardies there in winter purples). Its hard to tell online so let us know what its like in rl. Loads of choices on that site for winter people although they still can't do a decent red...

The Iris is striking and I have a t-shirt in that colour - it goes really well with emerald and turquoise .

[MadAboutHotChoc]

Have just seen these jumpers and there pine green, purple, cobalt and a scarlet red so I take back what I said about reds at Boden!

[Keztrel]

Yes I'm not too sure what the Berry will be like - might come under the Damson umbrella though, which is one of my best colours. Will have to see. Those Skye jumpers look lovely, they were all sold out when I looked at them a few months ago.

[Keztrel]

Ah I see they're a new version of the Skye jumper and I just missed them this time round. Tempted now...

[Iwantmybed]

So jealous of you all the Winter colours are my fav. Was diagnosed as Autumn yesterday and I'm struggling to come to terms with wearing mustard and orange.

[Keztrel]

Iwant I'm jealous of anyone who can wear mustard and camel, it always looks so sophisticated!

[QueenCadbury]

My boden catalogue arrived too and I fell in love with so much stuff but haven't ordered anything as I'm trying not to buy much until October when I visit London. Do report back though keztrel.

iwant it's not all mustards and oranges though. You have some gorgeous greens and also royal purple I think? Are you on Pinterest as there's a couple of autumns on there that I know.

[Keztrel]

Will do QueenC. I've ordered from Boden before but never kept any of it as I didn't love the things enough in the flesh to justify the price (also I often ordered the wrong colours! Maybe will have more success now I know I'm a winter!) I love that they make jumpers out of proper materials and do such great colours.

[MadAboutHotChoc]

Iwant - a friend of mine is an Autumn and she looks fantastic in kingfisher blue, chocolate and burnt orange.

[Iwantmybed]

Yes I'm on pinterest.

[QueenCadbury]

In that case look at shopafrolic and queenofwhatever as they are both autumns.

[MadAboutHotChoc]

Any other winters on pinterest?

[Keztrel]

I'm on Pinterest (am following all of you who've linked to your pinterests so you might have seen me on there already), but my Style board isn't particularly Winter-suitable as I just pin any clothes I like the look of regardless of colour. My Make up and Nails boards are all more or less Winter colours though.

[MadAboutHotChoc]

here is my board

[Keztrel]

Ooh, lots of stuff I like on your board MadAbout. I meant to ask, are you still liking the Aveda Black Malva? I've found it tends to build up and leave my fringe a bit lank if I use it too often, so am sticking to once a week (I wash my hair every other day.)

[Neena28]

Am in lurking. Have followed some of you on Pinterest, hope you don't mind?

Am a winter too although my Pinterest is more for styles I like rather than them being definite colour choices.

I'm a sultry winter and have done the style day and am a natural dramatic. I really struggle with the whole thing to be honest. I have only got about 3 things in my wardrobe that are totally right, colour and style wise.

[QueenCadbury]

Hi neena. What sort of styles are natural dramatic?

Love your board mad especially the ice mint and fushia. I'd really like to give that combination a go as I've realised that combining 2 bright colours isn't really me. Just need to find something in ice mint though. Although I've put myself on a spending ban until October. I'm going to wear what I have so that I really can think about what I need for AW. I can break my ban for an emerald cardigan though as I'm desperate for one

[Neena28]

Queen...that's kind of the problem, I'm not really sure!! I've got some examples but don't seem to be able to translate them to anything I see. I can totally see how the things work when they're there but actually finding them by myself is so hard. I considered myself to be reasonably put together before I did the hoc but now really struggle.

Is anyone else a sultry winter? I agree re two bright colours together, seems a bit much somehow. I am also trying to take a step back from buying, for several reasons. I have far too much and 90% is black and samey rather than the chic I wish for. The obvious financial reasons and that I underwear virtually everything I own.

Have found the summer to be extremely difficult to dress for this year as I'm so conscious that most of my summer wear was coral based and am self conscious now about wearing it although I adore some of the items they are so very wrong, in hindsight, for me.

[Neena28]

Dramatics are described as dynamic, stunning, powerful, structured, sleek, sharp, extreme, outrageous, futuristic and striking. All the extremes of styles, super angular or very billowy.

The natural part- all the characteristics of dramatics but with a natural, more textures feel to your drama. Textures like linen, suede and animal skin finishes. An unusual nix of soft wools and angled accessories. Some drape - if constructed or controlled to make a statement. Textured finishes on large scale jewellery.

Taken from the hoc sheet I was given in my workbook.

I feel like I am wearing stage clothes when I try anything on. Doesn't seem to fit with normal life and requires so much work.

Any help appreciated, or pointers!