Angie Scott’s first experience with House of Colour was having a color analysis done with a friend in March of 2022.
“It changed the way I felt while wearing a color that looks really good on me,” Scott says. “I started receiving compliments on random days when I hadn’t put much effort into getting ready.”
Scott studied fashion merchandising and marketing at Ball State University; however, she has leaned more heavily on her Master’s degree in business administration from Taylor University for most of her career. When the opportunity came along in January 2023 to train as a “Color and Image Stylist” with House of Colour and to hang out her shingle in Carmel, it just made sense.
Not long after that, Ali Dillingham, owner of A Yarn Market in the Village of WestClay, started having customers come in with color swatches looking for the perfect yarn to match their coloring. Dillingham’s questions quickly led to a blossoming relationship between the two small-business owners.
“I love that small, women-owned businesses can support each other,” Dillingham says.
Now, the two invite Carmel City Lifestyle into A Yarn Market for a behind-the-scenes look at Dillingham’s color analysis.
Each color analysis incorporates a process more than three decades in the marking. Scott begins by determining whether a client has warm or cool undertones. Dillingham has cool undertones, meaning that she has hints of pink or blue tones beneath her skin, as opposed to someone with warm undertones who would have hints of peach or green tones beneath their skin.
Knowing that Dillingham has cool undertones narrows down the possible color palettes that will look best on her. House of Colour describes these four basic color palettes as Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, with Summer and Winter encompassing the cool-toned selections. Scott uses House of Colour’s proprietary color drapes to determine which of the color palettes gives Dillingham a natural glow. Once Scott determines that Dillingham is a Summer, she is able to further pinpoint specific colors from the Summer palette that best showcase her features. These are Dillingham’s WOW colors.
During each analysis, for those who wear makeup, Scott goes on to offer guidance on selecting from a range of products specifically designed for each season in order to create a quick everyday look that will complement a client’s natural features. She helps Dillingham identify her signature blush and offers her lip colors to suit her Summer palette.
“The entire experience was helpful, from a personal and professional perspective,” Dillingham says. “The actual color analysis was fun and educational, and Angie took time to explain each step and application of my colors.”
Scott says that the first thing she encourages all her clients to do after color analysis is to wear their colors.
“This is how to best become acclimated with the process and where clients start hearing the ‘Wow, you look amazing' comments,” Scott says. “The best part is hearing from them after their color analysis when they receive the first compliment while wearing their seasonal color palette or makeup.”
However, Scott’s services don’t end with color analysis. A true stylist, she works with repeat clients for personal shopping, selecting outfits and applying makeup for special occasions, choosing hair color, picking out eyewear and more.
“It depends on the person and what his or her needs are,” Scott says. “It’s really a bespoke service.”
Scott helps guide clients in cleaning out their closets and understanding what pieces they may want to replace in the future.
“Shopping is fun, but it's also hard for some people,” Scott says. “Educating men and women during color and style analysis empowers them to make confident choices about clothing and makeup.”
The next step is to build a sustainable wardrobe that caters to practical needs but also embodies a person’s individual style and personal flair despite changing fashion trends. Scott offers style appointments where she looks at body architecture and helps equip the client with the ability to select clothing that flatters his or her unique shape and proportions.
“Think of it this way,” she says, “you wouldn’t want to put a round tablecloth on a rectangular table.”
Scott also considers personality and lifestyle to determine what garments suit each individual not only in fit but also style.
“It all works together to create a wardrobe that works for each client in color, style and fit,” she says. “It’s the whole package. And when they love the experience and result so much that they bring friends and family members, I know I've made an impact.”
As for Dillingham, she says she is looking forward to continuing her color journey.
“It changed the way I felt while wearing a color that looks really good on me."