Secrets to Selecting Top Fashion Colors to Flatter You

This post reveals secrets to selecting top fashion colors to enhance appearance. 

This post has been updated on 12/02/2022.

Keep reading to discover how lifestyle and fashion bloggers, makeup artists, and color experts including me accentuate the positive in our natural complexions. 

It's easy to determine how to do it, and more economical than some may think to put into practice. 

Secrets to Selecting Top Fashion Colors to Flatter Us

 

VEIN TEST. Look at the underside of arms in natural daylight. If we have a pink or rosy undertone and blue tinted veins we have a cool skin undertone. 

If we have golden, apricot, or green tinted veins we have a warm skin undertone.

Does skin have a neutral undertone, one that is roughly the same color as the actual skin tone? This is fortunate in that a wide array of clothing colors, nail polish, makeup, and accessories will look well on us.

JEWELRY TEST. Another excellent way to determine skin undertone is to do the jewelry test. Hold a gold, then a silver necklace in place under the chin or fasten it around the neck. 

Does Silver, Platinum, White Gold, or Rose Gold light up our face? Then, we are a cool tone person. 

One example of how to select jewelry to align with our skin undertone appears in a blog post from Debbie, the Creative Lifestyle Blogger from Debbie Styles Life. 

She is a cool undertone person who loves silver jewelry and cool gray, which are perfect colors for her. See more about this post at Styling on a Running Errands Day.

If Yellow Gold, Copper, and Bronze metal jewelry looks better than silver tones, we are a warm tone person.

When both silver and gold jewelry both look fine, it's easy to see that we have neutral undertones.

NAIL BED TEST. A third way to determine our skin undertone is to take a peek at our nail bed.

If our nail bed is reddish, pink or blue toned then we fall into the cool tone category.

Does the nail bed tone tend to be more reddish-orange, reddish-blue, pinkish-blue, peachy or yellow-gold? We probably are in the warm tone group.

When we have a combination of both, we are in the neutral group.

SUN EXPOSURE TEST. The fourth way to show which undertone group we are in is to evaluate how our skin is affected by sun exposure.

If we're someone who burns and goes pink after being in the sun, we have cooler tones. 

Those who turn golden-brown are warmer skin toned.

People with neutral undertones can have mixed reactions to sun exposure.                               🌞

Now as promised, discover those colors that work like charms to flatter us.

Top hues for those with cool coloring undertones:

sea shades including cobalt blue, turquoise, teal

icy blues, royal blue, navy

white, cool gray, black, cool gray

greens, especially mint and grass green

frosty purples and pinks, lavender

berry reds including strawberry and raspberry

soft rose and hot pink

Best hues for those with warm coloring undertones:

rich, earthy shades of red

tan, beige, warm grays, off-white

rust and burnt oranges

mustard and citrus yellows

khaki and olive greens

chocolate browns

camel, gold, scarlet red

peach, coral, and red violet

Fabulous hues for people with neutral coloring undertones:

most colors are attractive on us
our stand out color is true red

softened sherbet shades, including muted raspberry, cream, lemon, and lavender

jewel tones smoky quartz, jade green, or rose quartz work

yet rich, bright, or neon colors may topple the balance in our complexion 

Want to know more about Choosing  Clothing Colors? 

Read Best Clothing Colors for Your Skin Tone.

See Wear Your Colors and Feel Great About Yourself.

Once you observe which colors look best on you, you'll be prepared to make wiser fashion decisions.

Be aware that colors work at the sensory level and bypass thinking. That's why there's no need to stress over choosing the "right" color. 

Use your intuition to help you select your clothes for the day. It will help you pick out those colors that make you feel and look great. 

Before you rush out to buy something new, please pause to take a few moments for a wardrobe inventory. 

Look for creative ways to transform that drab or unattractive outfit hanging in your closet into an updated functional version. 

Here are a few ideas to help you. Drape a colorful scarf (use one of your undertone colors) around the neckline of that 5 or 10 year old dress (maybe one you've rarely wore) to bring it back to life.

 Fasten a necklace in place or don a sweater or jacket in a hue that truly enlivens ho-hum outfits. It will perk you up as well.

Those garments you're ready to release may be just the thing to donate. Thinning out your collection of clothes allows you to really see what is functional and what is not.

Donating, recycling, or selling those things you no longer can use, is also eco-friendly. It reduces the amount of textiles that are dumped in a landfill. 

Another clever way to make a sustainable clothing choice is to update your wardrobe at an Op Shop, an Australian/NZ term for thrift store (short for Opportunity Shop).

Here is Leanne, the Vivacious Midlife Blogger at Cresting the Hill, in wonderful colors that enhance her skin undertone.

She invites you along on an adventure with
 3 Tips for Op Shop Novices-Becoming Sustainably Savvy.

When we feel happy in the clothing we wear, it translates to beauty dividends. Radiate your charm by selecting fashion colors that flatter you. 

Please visit my blog in the future; new posts appear on the first and fifteenth of the month. Please visit my website for healthy lifestyle tips as well.

One extra tip about fashion flattery is to read new posts in the coming months. I'll share additional elements that help you look and feel your best. 💓

I love to hear from you and appreciate 

comments. Word of caution: don't put links in comments, as they won't be published that way.

If you'd be so kind, spread the word about the this post. Your support makes us smile. 💖

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Keys to Reduce Stress: Tiny Steps to Serene Living

A recent study shows three out of four Americans reported feeling stressed in the last month, and an informal survey I've conducted indicates when we feel frazzled, tense, or worried most have trouble concentrating. 

Updated 3/14/22

During tense periods, we may forget there are things we can do to calm down, refresh ourselves, and proceed with a lighter heart.

Can you imagine how great you would feel, with less stress and more time and energy to do what you really want to do? 

If you're ready for that, look at the keys to serene living below. They are designed to provide emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical stress reduction ideas to help you along. 

Some suggest ways to take tiny steps to streamline your to-do list. Others provide ideas and activities that help instill confidence and hope. 

Still others help you get a better handle on how often you allow other people, places, and things to disrupt your peace of mind. 

Rest assured, each self-care tip and lifestyle practice helps make daily living more rewarding and serene.

These tried and true methods have worked for me, as well as the life coaches, personal trainers, mentors, psychologists, and other successful people I admire.

Keys to Reduce Stress: Tiny Steps to Serene Living

Methods to Get Off to a Good Start

Make it a habit to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Once you're awake, carve out time to pray, meditate, journal, exercise, and/or do things that center you and help you feel energized. See additional ideas to nip stress in the bud here. 

Some people like to prepare for a full day by doing certain prep tasks the night before. For example, they pack lunches, do laundry, sort email, answer text messages, etc.

Others take a few moments at night to mark their planner with a to-do list for the next day. 

At my house, we like to put out our breakfast utensils at night. A little planning goes a long way in preventing a mad dash in the morning.

If you already have an efficient nightly or morning routine, you're ahead of the game. 

Research shows highly successful people know how to manage their time well and have a set pattern they adhere to even when traveling or telecommuting. 

Methods that Help You Stay on Track

Hydrate, shower, and allow time for personal care. Dress in the colors you love. Color energy has the power to bring comfort and joy. For additional tips read Ways to Use Colors to Improve Work-Life Balance.

Eat a nourishing breakfast, and make your bed. 

Before you begin to work, clear clutter from your desktop at the office or home work space. If it makes sense to you, recite the Serenity Prayer to de-clutter your mind. 

Do challenging tasks first, and remember to take a break every 20-30 minutes to move around. 

Get away from electronic devices for down time. Exercise, smile, and breathe deeply. All help alleviate stress.

Once you're back to work, make it a habit to screen calls, avoid email checks, and refrain from doing anything that distracts you.

Stay in the moment by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. 

Creativity and inspiration blossom in the here and now. That's one big reason why it's so important to skip multi-tasking. 

For additional success tips read this.

Observe your self-motivation level. Are you willing to learn from your mistakes as well as victories? 

Procrastination or shaming ourselves or others for not being able to accomplish certain tasks, leads to unhappiness, disappointment, and stress. 

If you tend to get down on yourself, train your mind to recognize and appreciate even the smallest forward motion.

For a pause that is sure to refresh, take a few minutes to step outdoors to walk or jog in nature. 

Green spaces can revitalize your body, mind, and spirit. When we use 15 minutes or more each day to absorb the health promoting energy Mother Nature provides, it's great for total well-being. 

Make it a practice to look inward for self-affirmation and validate yourself. 

It's human nature to enjoy praise from others, but don't rate your worthiness on what judgmental people say about you. This is a sure way to feel not good enough.

Methods that Simplify Daily Living and Help You Go with the Flow

Organize shelves, drawers, closets, files, and living space so you can take an inventory. Donate, sell, or gift things that no longer serve a purpose. 

When you reduce clutter, it helps you see more clearly how many things you have, and pause before shopping for anything new. 

Recycle, reuse, or repair stuff you already have. This is often an economical advantage, is eco-friendly, and saves time and energy you would use, if you had to purchase it new.

Vary undertakings with time out for a cup of tea, or chat with a buddy. 

Learn to say “no” when you need to. Bowing out of activities, conferences, errands, and time with difficult people, enables you to prioritize your time, energy, and resources. 

Letting go of people pleasing allows you to focus on meeting your own needs more effectively. In the long run, setting boundaries avoids building up resentments and stress.

Write about gratitude daily. Studies show the act of physically writing a gratitude list with pen and paper, helps solidify it in your mind. 

Build up a log of things you're thankful for, and refer back to it, when you're feeling low.

 Compose and recite affirmations to change self-critical messages you give yourself about your habits, skills, personality, or physical and mental characteristics to positive life affirming ones. See more about positive energy and affirmations here.                                                    

Every tiny step we take to improve our self-care routine adds up. Let's be kind, compassionate, and understanding with ourselves as we adopt healthier ways to grow and change. 

I hope my ideas and support help you take as many tiny steps as you need to create serene living! 💓

Which self-care practices do you use to help you reduce stress?

What new ideas for self-care did you learn about in this post, and how do you think they can help you?

Have you used soothing or refreshing colors, nature, or other methods to calm or comfort you? 

Please share feedback in the comments section below. I appreciate and read every comment and love to hear from you. No links in your comments please, because I won't be able to publish them that way. Thanks for your cooperation.

Social media shares are greatly appreciated, and I thank you in advance. 

Please note: this post is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is not offered as medical advice.

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Heavenly, Hearty, Healthy Vegan Red Lentil Dal

One Dish Meal-Vegan Red Lentil Dal

I’m always on the lookout for easy lentil recipes, ones that are delicious, vegan, and retain flavor, even when leftovers are frozen, thawed, and heated for additional meals later on.

Post updated 02/17/2025

Lentils are an important staple in South Asian cuisines, especially in India. Masoor dal is a tiny red/orange lentil that doesn’t require pre-soaking, and cooks  quickly. I used that variety for my recipe. 

Dal (also spelled dhal, daal, dahl) is a term to describe a split pulse (legume, pea, or bean dish) on the Indian subcontinent. Dal can star in both stew or soup recipes. 

I studied many red lentil dal recipes, but didn't find one that fit me to a T, so I created my own. 

This dish is very adaptable. You may add additional veggies including red pepper, zucchini, or ones you have on hand. When including optional ingredients, add a few extra minutes of cook time.

Make the soup version by adding extra vegetable broth or coconut milk to the liquid amounts specified in the ingredient list below.

Vegan Red Lentil Dal Soup

Preparation details and food facts are shared along the way, because I'd like you to see how easy and nutritious it is to serve this yummy lentil dish for a meatless Monday main course, mid-week lunch or dinner, or as company faire. 

Want to know what I mean?

Heavenly, Hearty, Healthy Vegan Red Lentil Dal is...

Creamy-cooking the lentils in coconut milk and vegetable broth makes them sweet without sugar. These ingredients add  richness, good taste, and important nutrients.

Colorful-red lentils look orange and turn golden yellow as they cook. Vegetables and seasoning including carrots, celery, onion, and cilantro or parsley adds other hues, and make this meal antioxidant rich and attractive.

Comforting-there's something magical about lentils that makes them seem so comforting and homey. 

Nutrient-rich-every ingredient in this recipe has health benefits, and the links in this post provide detailed health information about several. 

Cholesterol free- this is a whole food plant-based recipe, and  each ingredient used has no cholesterol.

Filling-lentils are an excellent source of vegetable protein, calcium, folic acid, and potassium, as well as being cost effective. Lentils are naturally fat free and fit in with a vegetarian, vegan, and conventional eating plans.

Eating a serving of lentil dal with brown rice or other whole grain is a healthy way to satisfy even the most robust appetites.

Gluten Free-more and more people have developed an intolerance or allergy to gluten. This recipe doesn't cause that "too stuffed feeling" or other adverse reaction.

Heavenly-from the first spoon or fork-full to the last, notice how the spices and herbs meld together and energize the delicious flavors of this dish. 

Fiber packed-one cup of cooked lentils has high fiber/approximately 15.6 grams per serving. Fiber is associated with lower blood cholesterol levels and protection against cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, and Type 2 diabetes.

Easy to prepare-dried lentils and canned coconut milk are readily available in most markets or online. Stock ingredients in your home pantry, and make prep time a snap. 

Whole food-the human body runs most efficiently on food that is in its natural form, or very close to it. Research shows that eating meals that consist of plant-based whole foods is a sound way to get the fuel (food) you need to be high functioning and feel vitally alive. 

Recipe for Heavenly Hearty Healthy Vegan Red Lentil Dal

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups dried red lentils 

1-2 inch knob of fresh ginger grated

1 14 oz. can unsweetened light coconut milk

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or 1-2 red chili peppers chopped, or 1-2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (if you prefer, use regular paprika)

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon chopped coriander

3-4 carrots

3-4 stalks celery (include leaves) chopped

1 large onion chopped

4-6 garlic cloves grated

6 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Broth (add 2 or 3 more cups of liquid when making the soup version)

juice from one fresh squeezed lemon or lime
sprig of fresh cilantro, parsley, or even celery leaves for garnish

Optional Ingredients: ½ cup mushrooms, 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes, and Yukon gold or other diced potatoes.

Note: I purchase organic when it's available, because it's important that food comes from a source that hasn't been genetically modified. My research and experience shows organic food has higher nutrient value and tastes better too. A local health food store and farmers’ market are good places to find organic products.

What to do:

1. Place dry lentils in a colander and rinse in cool water. Pick out any debris, and rinse again. Set aside.

2. Peel and chop onion and grate garlic and ginger. Then clean and chop celery and carrots (no need to peel carrots). Skin is where a lot of the nutrients are). Set aside.

3. Heat two drops of water or 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, chili or chili powder. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Be mindful about personal spice preferences. Feel free to make adjustments and cater the spice level to satisfy the taste buds of your mates and you.

4. Add lentils and chopped veggies. Add broth, coconut milk, and bay leaves and cook on low-medium heat, partially covered, until tender. That process will take 20-30 minutes. 

Note: Cook time varies, and is affected by how long the dried lentils have been sitting on the shelf, your elevation, how much liquid you add, how small you chop your veggies, and whether you’re using tomatoes. The acid in tomatoes slows down the cooking process. Increase cook time by at least 15 minutes, when using tomatoes. Add optional veggies at the same time as you add other veggies.

5. Stir mixture two or three times during the cook time to prevent sticking or boiling over.  

6. Test for flavor by sampling a spoonful of dal. Dal is ready when lentils and veggies are soft and creamy. To finish this dish, turn off flame, pour on lemon or lime juice, dish out, and garnish with chopped greens. Serve hot.

Serving suggestion: Combine with one of the following: brown basmati or other brown rice, roasted veggies, quinoa, sweet potatoes, or a fresh type of Indian bread that's vegan. This recipe serves 4 hungry people. Extra portions freeze well, and keep for up to 3-4 months.  

Red Lentil Dal with roasted red pepper, celery, red cabbage, red onion, yellow squash

Do you enjoy eating lentils, and did you know they are so healthy? Please comment below and give my post some social love.

Please don't put links in your comment as I won't be able to publish it that way. Thanks for understanding.

Your interest and attention means the world to me, so be sure to come back again.

I hope my post has inspired you to add this whole-food plant based recipe to your cooking repertoire. Remember it's Heavenly, Hearty, and Healthy!

Wishing you a wonderful Repast and...

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