Adding color to a black wardrobe

Dear Lucy,

I have a predominantly black wardrobe, mainly because it is convenient. I do not have to think too much, it is easy to accessorize. My figure is okay, I am a size 6, and I like structured clothes. My husband though thinks that I would look nicer in happier colors, so do my teenage daughters. How do I introduce color without feeling queasy about it?

How about when I travel? The thought of too much color already overwhelms me! I would not know the first thing to pack!                             

Mia

I’d say it is just a matter of getting used to it. You can start by buying skirts in a solid but bold color — think red, royal blue, emerald green. Tuck in a crisp white shirt, collar turned up a bit, sleeves pushed back. You need not jump into head-to-toe bold color immediately, no need to be drastic. Gently navigate your way into a more colorful wardrobe by adding pieces here and there —separates, shoes, accessories. Before long, you would have embraced it totally!

When you travel though, basic black is always wise. Just bring colorful scarves and beautiful coats to wear over it. You will not go wrong.                                                 

Lucy

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Scentsational trio: Gucci Guilty Eau, Shanghai Tang Fragrances Collection, and Dolce Rosa Excelsa by Dolce & Gabbana are available at Rustan’s.

Finding The Right Scent

Dear Rissa,

I’m looking for a new scent to use. My old one seems too strong now. Why is that?                  

Gen

During summer or warm weather, fragrances in general become stronger. They break down and evaporate at higher temperatures into small particles easily carried off by the wind. That’s why light fresh fragrances are best during summer. Strong scents and perfumes will be irritatingly overpowering to the smell if used during summer. They’re best used during the cooler months where low temperatures tend to make things virtually odorless.

 When it comes to scents, your choice of fragrance should reflect your personality. There are scents that are sweet, light and fresh, floral, woodsy, and fruity. Finding the right fragrance can be a difficult challenge. Everyone has different tastes and styles, and body chemistry plays a critical role in what fragrances serve people well. Depending on body chemistry, a sweet fragrance, for example, may become overpoweringly sweet. That’s why a bottle of perfume or cologne will smell differently once on your skin. So, before buying a fragrance, give it a road test first to see how it stays and smells on your skin.

 If you want something fresher, try Dolce Rosa Excelsa by Dolce & Gabbana. Encased in a pretty rose-inspired flask, this fragrance will remind you of fresh rose petals in bloom. For something more sensual and provocative, try Gucci Guilty Eau. This is said to exude a warm aquatic scent with sweet lychee, a milky lilac floral tinged with wild strawberry, while the musky base emulates the sultriness of bare skin. If you feel like wearing different scents depending on your outfit or mood, go for a collection of mini fragrances. The Shanghai Tang Fragrances Collection is inspired by the Chinese treasures carried to the Western world. It offers five unique scents: Gold Lily, Oriental Pearl, Orchid Bloom, Rose Silk, and Spring Jasmine. Not only are they easier to travel with, you also get a good selection of scents no matter the occasion.                                              

Rissa

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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil.