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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Kettlewell Colours

48 replies

TeaOneSugar · 26/03/2010 19:06

I'm on the verge of making an order, I want to order this in Emerald Turquoise.

But which colour camisole should I order to go with it?

I'm a Summer, and I know you're supposed to buy separates in the right colours and they should all go together, but I'm new to this.

Also, does anyone know what their sizes are like?

OP posts:

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 31/03/2010 11:21

DH getting his colours done - I tried to persuade mine but it fell on deaf ears, although he's also losing weight, so maybe I should suggest an overhall when he needs to replenish his wardrobe.
Be interesting to see how he gets on.

Dorothyredboots · 31/03/2010 12:05

OurLady I will let you know if he becomes a convert. He hates shopping so it remains to be seen if it will help!!!

MrsBadger · 31/03/2010 12:41

(have been following with interest as I am a getting-yer-colours-done evangelist)

my DH cheated - his colouring is v similar to MIL's so he stole her swatches but I'd love to send him for the real thing

8oreighty · 31/03/2010 18:21

yes I want to send my dh too. Seems expensive for a man, which is silly considering they spend a fortune when they do buy suits etc.

Cadelaide · 31/03/2010 18:26

FGS don't "get your colours done", ever.

Friend of mine was decreed "autumn" about 20y ago and has worn nothing but sludgy browns ever since.

It's not the law, you know.

Cadelaide · 31/03/2010 18:27

Oh, and I returned a kettlewell order.

Stuff was ok-ish but a bit sort of old, iyswim.

8oreighty · 31/03/2010 18:46

I am an autumn, and in fear of becoming that friend, I see those women about in brown slacks and brown shoes. I have resorted to a lot of teal. I do wonder if it's all a load of bollocks, but then put on something blue or black which I used to wear all the time, and look awful.

Kettlewell clothes I found a bit clingy, show off every little roll of fat, good if you super skinny probably.

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 31/03/2010 18:55

I haven't bought any Kettlewell stuff, as I don't like the look of the fabrics - but surely there's more to the Autumn palette than sludgy browns and teal?

8oreighty · 31/03/2010 18:57

a bit of gold (ew.) beigey warm type colours, oh yes there is lovely scarlet red, oranges, they look nice on me...but no blues unless petrol/teal type blues...no pinks, no black, no grey

8oreighty · 31/03/2010 18:57

and greens...

MrsBadger · 31/03/2010 21:24

lime

lime is the antidote to old lady beige autumns

Cadelaide · 31/03/2010 21:56

Well there you are you see, said friend once stepped out of line and wore a pale chalky blue and she looked marvellous.

Didn't last though. Simply wasn't "autumn" enough I guess.

Original poster

TeaOneSugar · 31/03/2010 22:04

I ordered the swing top in the end, in watermelon, it's a lovely colour and looks and feels great, the fabric is really fine and soft. I wore it for work today with grey trousers.

I am struggling to get my head around some of the colours, I'm booked in for the style day next month which will hopefully help. I'm not really buying new stuff at the moment anyway while I'm still losing weight, just replacing essentials as they get too big, so I've got some time to window shop.

Some of my work colleagues seem to find the whole thing quite amusing, I don't know why because I'm not really wearing anything very different. TBH I wish I hadn't mentioned I was having my colours done at all, while I don't really care what they think about my clothes it's still a bit annoying.

OP posts:

weepootle · 31/03/2010 22:08

Never heard of it, had a look and it all just looks really boring and nanna-ish, are you all older ladies?

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 31/03/2010 22:43

Now now - let's not go there!

Know what you mean about people's responses - from sniggers to sidelong looks.

I'd just keep quiet about it in future and put it down to jealousy; people who are comfortable with the way they see you often don't like it when you change - it's nobody's business what you do with your appearance.

And not all of us have been fortunate enough to develop our own sense of style and colour over the years, through lack of funds, confidence, whatever.

Don't see why anyone feels the need to sneer.

littledawley · 01/04/2010 09:33

Can I ask who you all used to get your colours done?

Dorothyredboots · 01/04/2010 10:45

Well, yes I am 54 next week. But I don't consider myself to be boring, old and nanna-ish. I am interested in fashion and style, but more importantly I want to look as attractive as I can within my time constraints and budget. I would look stupid in a lot of the outfits that the younger posters on here are thinking of buying/wearing, my time for high fashion has gone. But I am very happy to be thought of as stylish rather than fashionable. I'm fighting back with the colour weapon as no way will I wear granny beige and hotter shoes! As far as Kettlewell Colours is concerned I agree that some of the stuff is a bit iffy - but a plain scoop neck top or camisole - what's wrong with that? Surely these are basic items and it is all about the way they are worn IMHO. Granted some people might not like the fabrics but that is a different matter.
I don't tend to mention that I have had my colours done unless it crops up in conversation.
I had mine done with House of Colour and had a lovely time with two other 'victims'!
To be honest I'm sick of living in a country where most of the population trudge around in black all the time and am delighted to liven things up a bit with a dash of violet or poppy etc. I think that if having your colours done gets you out of a rut then it's all to the good. In any case most people who have had their colours done go 'off piste' from time to time - as you point out it is not compulsory - it is advice. Surely it's all about being how you want to be and being happy in yourself.
End of rant.

RipMacWinkle · 01/04/2010 11:25

I got mine done when I was 30 (am 32 now)! Having a bit of a crisis of confidence after having DS and heading back into the workplace.

Agree wholeheartedly with Dorothy. I didn't advertise that I was going/have been and don't follow the rules 100% - still struggling with how to translate spring colours into a professional workplace!

However, I do like to know that yes, I do suit those brighter colours and I should go for it. Otherwise I fear i'd live in black - which - had confirmed what I'd always known - does absolutely nothing for me.

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 01/04/2010 11:39

Another House of Colour 'victim' here.

I went when I was 40 I think - am now 46.

None of the rules on colour or style are written in stone - you can wear whatever you like, but it's useful to have a framework or a set of guidelines to follow so you gave a good idea of what will work on you.

Dorothyredboots · 01/04/2010 12:14

RipMac I so feel your pain. I am a Spring too and formal wear for work is the worst. I wear a lot of red! And don't talk to me about evening dresses - LBD - harumph!!

blossoming · 01/04/2010 13:46

I used House of Colour too. I'm a winter but wanted to stop wearing black all the time. On recent shopping trips I've noticed I can now shop the sale rail as I know which colours to go for. Laura Ashley had some good 'seasonal' stuff in yesterday.

traceybath · 01/04/2010 15:51

I think that it has Bridget Jones mother connotations and thats why some people are a bit funny about it.

But I'd just ignore them - there is nothing wrong with wanting to look your best.

Original poster

TeaOneSugar · 01/04/2010 18:44

We're down to just one person commenting on everything I wear now, it's a bit silly really because I've only bought one new top, one pair of trousers and one pair of shoes since I went, so it's not like I've suddenly completely changed my style overnight. My colors haven't dramatically changed either, most of the limited wardrobe I've already got it OK for "summer", I've just dropped black tops and bought grey work trousers rather than black. I know she's not happy with the way she looks, so maybe that's it.

weepootle I'm 37 so definatly not an "older lady", and as dorothyredboots said Kettlewell has some really good basics, I'm not suggesting I'd wear a "Sassy Skirt" but some of the camisoles and plain tops are really nice.

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