Testimonials

I had my colours analyzed because it will save me time in making clothing purchase decisions, and money too. I won’t make the wrong decision, and hopefully will get to the right one faster.

I was surprised at how scientific it is. I usually think of this type of thing as a way to sell makeup. I was pleased to see how objective it is and how quickly I was able to get results. It took about 2 hours (I asked for the fast version) and the direction I got was pretty clear. It seems to be working so far. It’s not magic but it is helping me be more effective at work. It’s also saving me time and money, and that, I like. Patrick, New Brunswick.

———-

The process itself–not only the draping, but the procedure by which the draping progresses:  broad to narrow, double-checking the same drapes against Seasons near & far, even the relativistic notion of better/worse vs. yes/no, where a series of betters determines the outcome, methodically exhausting possibility– squeezes the correctness into one direction convincingly. There is something in the feel of solving the question that reminds me of working a logical grid puzzle, and certainly is one of the more complete real-world philosophical exercises that I have experienced.
While I had suspicions that I was a certain Season, NOTHING beats the experience of being draped.  The immediate transformation as each drape is applied –as part of specific sequence, heightened by contrast–is a revelation. Elizabeth, West Virginia, USA

When my wife first told me that she had me scheduled for a color analysis, my first response was to make a joke of it and try and convince her it wold be total folly for me to see a color analyst-after all, I’m a rugged man-a man of action who chooses his clothes based on whatever sports season happens to be current and therefore has no need for the service. She pouted and I acquiesced.

Much to my surprise, I found  myself intrigued by the process. I’m not foreign to color theory and I know the profound effects color can conjure on the human psyche when used correctly. The advertising and education fields have used color theory to great success, so why not apply those same principles to how we dress?

As I sat in Christine’s salon, my masculinity being threatened by the hair-cap and cape, I begin to think of the power of first impressions. I thought of the importance of standing out in the crowd and how the “organic nature of my clothing system” would speak on so many different psychological levels about my organizational skills and taste. When put in perspective, it becomes very clear that I would gain a competitive advantage by suffering through to the end. How many times do we judge people by the way they are dressed? What assumptions do we make about them solely because of the color or cut of their clothes? Right or wrong, this is what humans do…make judgments.

Christine’s knowledge and professionalism were first rate. Her service will not only provide me with a competitive advantage whenever I need to make an impression, it will help me avoid mistakes and ensure that my first impression is always my best impression. Walt, USA.

———-

Last month, my husband and I made the trek to Windsor to visit Christine and got a Personal Color Analysis (in the US we spell it differently!).  It was great.  She spent 2 1/2 hours with me and 2 with Geoff.  We ended up being BOTH Soft Summers, something unusual in couples. Geoff was particularly tough but Christine hung in until all three of us were convinced.  I have felt differently about myself ever since.  I dyed my hair a more caramel from yellow blonde, got rid of all my black and lime green, and started to feel more like myself!  I now use a foundation that matches my skin, Plumfoolery (MAC) blush, smokey brown eyeliner (Clinique), iced mauve eye shadow (Clinique), and grey, yes grey mascars (YSL). Lipstick is Pink Toffee or Rosette (Clinique).  I am SO thrilled with the transformation!  I would recommend her to ANYONE for a permanent and wonderful escape from eternally wondering “what colors are right for me?”  Geoff and I use our color books constantly and are amazed at how FAR OFF we were!  But now we are on track to looking great and SAVING MONEY!!!  If you have any question about getting a PCA, go for it.  You’ll be a whole new person! Kay, USA.

———-

I don’t think I would have had the good fortune to learn about color analysis, had it not been for a work-related article I was researching. Quite auspiciously, this project led to my discovery of the Sci/ART system and, more importantly, to Christine and her work. Later, another happy coincidence led to my husband and me from the United States to Toronto, Canada, for an overdue vacation–and to a subsequent analysis with Christine. All I can say is, fate works in wonderful ways.

The Sci/ART system is a scientifically stellar, aesthetically rich, and excitingly accurate and complete system–and Christine is a master at interpreting its subtleties and nuances. The dynamic intelligence, precision, and consummate conscientiousness that she brings to her work is nothing short of remarkable. As if that weren’t enough–Christine is also a warm and delightful human being.

When you have an analysis with Christine, you feel seen–both for who you intrinsically are–and for all that you can be. It is inexplicably liberating to at last understand the groundwork of one’s personal coloring; I, personally, experienced a sense of relief. It was as though I recognized–not only the futility–but the sad shortsightedness, of wishing to be other than I am.

In a culture eager to financially capitalize on women’s (and increasingly men’s) insecurities, we are constantly vulnerable to manipulation by the clothing and cosmetic industries. Christine’s analysis brings a halt to this grinding exploitation. Equipped with a new way of looking at color; with, in fact, utterly retrained vision,  we are able to say “no” to that which does not serve our authentic selves. And when we say “yes,” it is with self-assurance devoid of indecision and guilt.

Christine often mentions how wearing our true colors makes it easier and more relaxing for others to engage with us. There is an ease; a sense of effortlessness; a lack of obtrusive striving for that which does not inherently belong. I think we all want to experience this “naturalness of expression” in our both our professional and personal lives. We’d like to give it and to receive it; we are social animals, after all. Christine offers the gift of this life-changing awareness. It is a shift-of-consciousness that is transforming and freeing, all at once.  AEB, USA.

———-

I recently had my colors done by Christine and found it to be a fun and valuable process. I’d always known that wearing the right colors was very important to my overall look but I was quite confused because in the past I’d been analyzed by other consultants as two different seasons. After learning about Sci-Art and reading Christine’s blog I decided to once again have my colors done and I’m so glad I did! During the analysis I could SEE what Christine saw and felt very confident that I was finally being analyzed correctly. Since my consultation I’ve been very happy with my colors, they really fit me well – in terms of my physical appearance and also mentally. Shopping has been a breeze! I highly recommend a consultation with Christine! Louise, USA.

———-

I loved my Personal Colour Analysis! It makes shopping much easier. It helps me find the colors that match me. I can feel confident that something will look good on me instead of being worried that it might be a bad choice. I think that Personal Colour Analysis is an essential, and should be done as soon as early possible. You should do this immediately so you can start saving money and saving time and getting your shopping right. I feel magical, now that I know my style and colours, in clothes and in makeup too. It makes me feel truly beautiful. Sharon, Ontario.

———-

I would have to say that the whole experience has given me peace. Not initially, obviously, but upon reflection,  I feel at peace. It was like meeting myself for the first time. Or finding out something major about myself, that caused me to have to reintroduce myself to myself. (if that makes any sense). And now that the ”fog” has settled, the “muted and dulled fog”(haha), I am relaxed at meeting the new me. And I enjoy to know myself that much better. This was another, fairly large piece of the puzzle I found in me. There are less questions. Less self doubt. And I feel like I can forge ahead now, equipped with a better sense of self. I have been enjoying the last few weeks, walking into stores and looking for the “real me” in there somewhere. And when it is not there, I don’t compromise anymore. It’ll be fun. It’ll continue to give me direction, as now I know the destination. There are lots of ways to  get there, but I will always arrive at the same place. Within my palette. Whereas before, I had no direction, no sense of self, little confidence, and depended on second opinions a lot. I am getting there. It will take time. But I feel much better already. Anna, PEI.

———-

I waited a year. just to be sure. not that I doubted. for even a heartbeat. that it was all true. never did. I waited to perhaps add credibility so that others can be more sure that what I say can change the way you shop, live, feel, view the world even.

A little over a year ago I had my ‘colours’ done. I am lucky enough to have a friend who is a PCA specialist. She took me into her parent’s home and worked magic. No, I am not exaggerating. It was exactly that. I sat. I saw. I watched myself age ten years (I am being perhaps cautious with that one since it could be closer to 15.)

I never thought of myself as particularly vain or overly concerned with my appearance. I like to look nice, love fashion and make-up but not at the expense of my child’s education or my retirement fund. Plastic surgery is not in the plan. Looking my best is.

The colours change the way I look. It is that simple. They make me look better. Magic! No surgery, with no make-up, and my hair under a grey cap….a colour made me look  younger, healthier….just plain better.

I have, for the past 365 days plus, shopped in a different way. I go into any store, whether it is the SuperStore (which is local grocery store that carries inexpensive clothes), or a high-end haut couture boutique, I never buy anything without checking my swatches. They work for me. I use the mirror to see if the fit is okay but NEVER to check the colour. That has been done. That was the hard part for me always. I sort of knew that certain colours didn’t work, or well, if I wore enough make-up, in the right colours I might be able to pull it off. That meant shopping for another lipstick or blush to try and make it work. More money spent.

I thought perhaps I would miss some of the other colours I used to wear. I don’t! When I am away and have to borrow a sweater because it is chilly I try not to think of how bad I know it makes me look. That would be the only negative. When you know what the wrong colour does to you and, yet, because of necessity, you are forced to wear it, it is actually difficult.

The decision to spend the money to get the analysis should not be a consideration. I have saved that and more in the past year (more like in the first three months : )). It is not about the money though. It really isn’t. It is about the way I feel about myself when I get dressed EVERY morning. I feel strong and healthy and vibrant and at my best. How can colour do that? I don’t know. I simply know that for me it does!

Thank you Christine. xox. Gina, N.B.

———-

I was absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to participate in a PCA, and I learned so much more about it during my appointment. The draping process was not random: the course of the analysis was completely dictated by my skin’s reactions to the drapes. Taking that fact into consideration, it became clear that something truly fascinating was going to happen with the turning of each drape. Though the suspense was persistent, it was tendered by my witnessing of various drapes connecting with the colours in my skin. The magic that results must be seen to be believed.
Beyond the PCA itself, the application of the colours book also warrants some mention. The whole point of PCA is to provide people with the knowledge and confidence to experience clothes, makeup and–dare I say–life in a way that resonates with the person that they are, innately. That being the case, the colours book serves as an invaluable asset to achieving this goal; with it, you learn to recognize yourself in the colours around you–an awareness which elicits both excitement and relief. Every time. Nicki, ON.

Two months after the PCA, Nicki shared this update:

So, almost 2 months have passed since my PCA and I continue to be astonished by the growth that I’ve experienced since then. For me, the first step in embracing my tone or “season” was marked by making comparisons of clothes and cosmetics to swatches in my colors book. Naturally, if I spotted a match, the item was purchased. Easy. The next step: adorning myself in colors from the Bright Spring palette, and then venturing forth to experience the day. This is where it got interesting.

I remember one morning in particular: I was looking at myself in the mirror and reveling in my reflection; the harmony I observed (and felt) was unequivocal. The weather was beautiful and I had completed the rest of my morning routine, so I decided that I would walk to work. To my surprise I noticed that some people were looking at me as I proceeded down the sidewalk. I was able to dismiss the first couple of stares, but soon they became unavoidable. Logically, I told myself that these onlookers were responding to the harmony of my appearance, and that I should embrace their appreciation–but instead, I felt nervous. In a sea of people–among whom I would normally blend easily–I now felt showy and conspicuous. This was the first time that I can honestly say I felt the fear of looking my best. In theory, I understood how visually compelling colors can be when they harmonize with one another, but for me there was a great deal of pressure in presenting this harmony to the world… initially. My consolation came when I’d arrive to the encouragement of others at my workplace, or when my friends would compliment my appearance during a night out. It was all relatively little stuff, but every bit of it was reaffirming.
In retrospect, I think the fear I experienced that day resulted from choosing to broadcast myself so genuinely in a public setting. My opinion: when you wear the colors of another tone, others’ criticisms of your appearance wouldn’t affect you as deeply because those colors do not reflect who you are, but when you wear the colors associated with your personal tone, you risk receiving criticisms that strike at your very core. Interestingly enough, I’ve learned that when your total adornment harmonizes with who you are, there are no criticisms from others; interactions are smooth and pleasant. It is actually much easier to present yourself as you, rather than trying to convince others of who you are while wearing a mask.
At present, I continue to happily shop for clothes and cosmetics that match the swatches in my colors book with the goal of combining them in fun and original ways–except now I am prepared to look my best.

I remember in our car ride I suggested that I wait a while before submitting my (first) testimonial because I knew that some imminent growth would occur; so at that time, I decided a week would be long enough (haha). I certainly gleaned a great deal of insight in that first week post-PCA, but I don’t think it rivals the knowledge and experiences that I’ve amassed within these past 2 months. (In fact, I could see myself saying the same thing about these 2 months relative to a year.) PCA is just the investment that keeps on giving and expanding. As a Spring, believe me when I say that I’ve never struck such an enduring bargain.

———-

The simple truth is that spending the day in your basement last week has pretty much changed my life.  And what I feel mostly is a huge sense of R-E-L-I-E-F.  I so wanted to find a system that would simplify the daily Getting Dressed component in the best way possible, and that’s what I got!  Interestingly, a lot of flashbacks have occurred regarding my younger days, when I would mostly dress high-contrast (black and white for work, or black and bright), mostly formal-esque (if it was faded jeans it would be only with a navy top), and nothing heathered as it seemed unnecessarily boring.  But there was always a lot of tension given that I was color typed as “Autumn” way back when so I tried to make peace with those earthy terra-cottas, which weren’t horrible but which always made me feel sort of diluted.  And I would get the occasional spark of recognition from a teal or its ilk, but that was not smooth sailing either due to the hair and makeup not being spot-on. So it was confusing and then, after a while, depressing and then, eventually, just flat-out demoralizing. Like Miss Clavelle in the night I always felt that Something Was Not Right.

But didn’t know how to fix it.  Now I have a blueprint and can test the waters, baby step by baby step, to see what this feels like.  So far so good, …] Cheryl, U.S.A.

—–

I had been curious about having my colours done, because lately I just had the sense that something wasn’t right. The session was such an eye-opener for me.  Incredible to watch the difference when “my season”  colours were draped — it was like watching a light go on and then off when  ”other seasons” were draped.  There is a lot of information you get in the session with Christine — and she provides you with a very detailed Season Guide which is handy to refer to from time to time.  It’s been three months since I had my colour analysis done and I find I am continually learning.   When I go to a clothing store now I am amused to see myself want to reach for some colours that I like and used to gravitate to — but I know now that they won’t look as good on me as my season.  I have come to realize that I can like those colours elsewhere in my life (house hold furnishings etc.) but just not on me!  I now keep my colour swatch with me at all times as you never know when you will go shopping spur of the moment.  It is more challenging to find clothes — as it’s really adding another dimension to the selection (does it fit? do I like it? is it the right price? and now — is it my season?).  However, I can now buy with more confidence when I find something.  Spending money on clothes that are not flattering from a colour sense are not a good buying decision.

I highly recommend getting your colour analysis done with Christine.  The session is fun, informative and the beginning of a great colour journey. Joan, Ontario.

—–

I have been planning on sending a testimonial on behalf of my whole family for quite some time now. Those of us who had our colours done back in the 1980’s were very happy with our seasons then.  However, as our skin, hair and eye colours have softened and changed over the years, our palettes just didn’t seem to work as well anymore. We started purchasing outside our seasons.  This created confusion as it went against what we were told and believed for years – that once you are a certain season … you will always be that season.  Christine showed us how untrue that statement was.

When we met Christine Scaman, my daughter and I walked in as Springs, my husband and sons as Summers.  We left as Light Spring, Light Summer and the rest as Soft Summers.  What a relief to be shown why we were dipping into other seasons for new colours. When we got to our respective homes, each of us tore through our closets with our new palettes, followed by quick and efficient shopping! It feels good to be wearing the right colours in confidence again.

Christine is passionate, knowledgeable and spot on with her color analysis.  We recommend her highly… especially my daughter who flew in from Calgary specifically to be analyzed by only the best!  Eve and family, Oakville, Ontario.

—– 

Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!

Name (required)

Email Address (required)

Website

Speak your mind