Personal color analysis changed the way I see myself, and discovering my Winter Color Season was the turning point. After years of feeling a little lost in motherhood and style, I joined my mom and sister for a surprise weekend getaway where we explored the magic of wearing the colors that truly make you shine. This is the story of how a simple session with swatches helped me rediscover confidence, joy, and a new way to approach fashion.

So, here’s where we begin: I got married. I had two babies. I got divorced. And somewhere in the shuffle of a busy mom with diapers, carpools, and just trying to keep it together, I kind of lost track of… me.

Like, truly — who am I outside of being a mom?

This blog is my space to figure that out. To play around with fashion, makeup, and most unexpectedly – color. I’ve spent years putting myself on the back burner, but something about this season of life is nudging me to step forward again. To show up in the world in a way that feels intentional.

My First Connection to Personal Color Analysis

But before we get to that part, we have to rewind a bit. Actually, about 30 years. When I was little, my mom used to do color analysis for people in our small town in upstate New York. She had three kids, and did it more as a side passion, but she always talked about it with such warmth and excitement. I was too young to remember much, but the stories stuck with me.

Fast-forward to this year, her birthday was coming up and I was totally stumped on what to get her. I wanted it to be thoughtful, personal, and something she’d actually love.

Planning the Ultimate Color Weekend

That’s when I stumbled across House of Colour. Something clicked. The color thing… it felt full-circle. I called my sister, and we came up with a plan: we’d surprise mom with a weekend away in St. Petersburg, Florida (a place she’s always wanted to visit), stay at the Don CeSar (the pink hotel of her dreams), and book a personal color analysis appointment for all three of us.

And she had no idea.

The Weekend Surprise

It started on a Friday. I told my mom to pack a bag for a weekend away and to be sure she included a plain white t-shirt. She raised an eyebrow but didn’t ask too many questions (which, honestly, I appreciate).

Once she was packed, we got in the car and drove to the airport. Still no idea what was happening.

We parked, walked into the terminal, and then there she was. My sister, walking toward us with a suitcase and a smile. My mom lit up immediately. Just seeing her was enough to make the whole weekend feel special.

After a few happy tears and hugs, we made the drive up to St. Pete, grabbed dinner, and checked into the Don CeSar. It’s every bit as pretty in person as it looks in pictures.

Experiencing Personal Color Analysis Firsthand

Saturday morning, we woke up early, told my mom to throw on her white t-shirt, and headed to our appointment. She went first.

Our House of Colour consultant started by draping a plain white cloth around her shoulders and pulling her hair back to get a clear look at her face. From there, she began holding up different colored swatches near her skin to see how the tones affected her overall look.

The Mind-Blowing Moment

And let me tell you — the difference was immediate. Some colors made her skin look more vibrant, her eyes brighter. Others seemed to dull everything down. Seeing it happen in real time was kind of mind-blowing.

These two pictures of my sister were taken within seconds of each other — literally 11:22 AM. On the left, she’s wearing a pale yellow. Her skin looks a little flat, even tired. But in the photo on the right? There’s color in her cheeks, her eyes pop, and she looks more energized and youthful.

Why Color Analysis Changes Everything

That was a huge moment for me.

I’d always thought personal style was mostly about finding the right fit or chasing whatever trend is happening that season. But the right color? That changes everything.

When you’re wearing shades that actually complement your natural skin tone:

• You need less makeup.
• You look more awake, even when you’re not.
• You just… look more like yourself.

And for someone who’s still figuring out who she is — that felt really meaningful.

Your Personal Color Season Matters

Want to hear what my season turned out to be? What colors are now hanging in my closet (and which ones I’ll never wear again)? That’s coming next but can you tell from my side by side color analysis picture?

But for now, let me just say: if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like something was off, not terrible, just off?  It might not be you. It might just be the color.

Let’s figure it out together.