Melissa's crangle's fashion guide
Looking for a little fashion inspo? You’re not alone. Buffalo winters can leave even the boldest fashionista feeling bland. Luckily, Melissa Crangle is here to help!
Melissa opened House of Colour Buffalo Southtowns in October 2021 after having learned about the UK-based business through friends. A lifelong shopper and fashion lover, Melissa immediately knew House of Colour would be the perfect combination of her two passions: fashion and helping people feel good about themselves.
FINDING YOUR BEST COLORS
A color analysis with Melissa involves studying skin’s undertones. As Melissa explains, “We are all born with warm or cool undertones. Those undertones never change regardless of whether we age, change our hair color, or get a natural tan.”
When working with a client, Melissa conducts a color analysis in person in natural daylight so she may accurately determine whether a client’s undertones are warm or cool.
She also decides whether a client is better suited to wear bright or blended colors. Melissa explains, “When we wear a color that is too bright for our undertones, our clothes become the focus—not us.” Alternatively, when we wear uniquely flattering colors, “people see us for who we are.”
In addition to clothing colors, Melissa teaches a 90-second makeup routine using a line of seasonally specific makeup. She assesses what metals are right for a client’s skin tone—gold or silver, depending on their undertone.
VIBRANT COLORS CAN BRING LIFE TO A BLAND WARDROBE
A former school counselor, Melissa knows firsthand the emotional toll Buffalo winters have on mental health and mood. She says, “It is very common in our area for people to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.”
This extends to clothing as well. “The immediate default in the winter months is to wear black from head to toe. We do this because it is easy and it ‘matches’ everything,” she says. However, wearing all black not only limits your individuality, but it can also leave you feeling deflated and uninspired. Wearing the right colors can help you feel more motivated and accomplished throughout the day.
INFUSING COLORS INTO YOUR CLOSET
If you’re looking to add a little life to your winter wardrobe, Melissa recommends choosing vibrant colors that complement your skin tone and bring you joy. For the color shy, Melissa emphasizes that incorporating bright colors doesn’t necessarily mean a closet full of neon. “Bright can mean different things to different skin tones and different House of Colour Seasons,” she says. Start small and give yourself time. Melissa says that giving yourself two weeks to adjust to your new colors can go a long way toward happy long-term changes.
MIXING IN COLOR TO YOUR WARDROBE ISN'T JUST FUN. FOR MANY, IT IS LIFE CHANGING
Recently, Melissa had a client receive a color analysis before her double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She says, “She texted me a picture hours after her surgery in her best colors saying how they helped her mood immediately post op, and later, in her healing journey.”
In another instance, Melissa helped an engaged couple select colors for their winter wedding. While the couple originally planned to do all black, they pivoted to gorgeous shades of green and burgundy.
In another case, Melissa helped a high school senior select her winter ball gown. While all her friends donned black, she confidently chose a bright blue.
Incredibly, one of Melissa’s clients received two promotions at work since having her colors done— success she attributes to looking and feeling her best.
COLOR IS FOR EVERYONE
No matter the stage of your life or fashion journey, embracing vibrant, complementary colors will make you feel uniquely you. Whether with a bright sweater, bold lipstick, or a fun accessory, injecting life into your winter wardrobe is one of the best ways to invest in yourself and put your best foot forward.
MELISSA'S TOP TIPS FOR ADDING COLOR
Start small with accessories such as bright earrings or a ring with a pretty stone.
Wear bold lipstick in a complementary shade.
If you have a black coat, add a hat or scarf in one of your “wow” colors.
Grab a couple affordable sweaters in your best colors.
Incorporate a vibrant purse or bag.
Wear a brightly colored blazer to work.
If you wear a black or dark navy suit, consider a colorful shirt instead of white.
Slip on a dazzling pair of pumps or booties.
Maxi skirts are also having a moment in fashion. Pick one in a bright color to add interest to your outfit.
To see more of Melissa’s work:
Follow @HouseofColourBuffaloSouthtowns on Instagram or find her on Facebook.
For more help learning your colors, email Melissa.Crangle@houseofcolour.com
