Book Review: The Color of Style by David Zyla

On this week's broadcast of The Palm Springs Savant & Co, I started the show with a brief segment about a new book called The Color of Style, by David Zyla. Following the broadcast I received a few e-mails asking more about the book, so I thought I'd write a brief post about it here. This book is a fun read, particularly for women seeking fashion advice. Zyla states his mission as showing the reader how to select colors to "attract love, enhance your power, restore your energy, make a lasting impression and show the world who you really are". Zyla claims there is a secret to knowing what to wear; I must admit to agreeing with his theories. Of interest, the author explains the eight basic colors- five express who you are and three neutral colors that complete your wardrobe. Among key points to consider are knowing yourself and what colors work with you and who you are. Zyla counsels the reader on how to shop and select clothing, for example, not to look at a dress, but to look at a dress on you (while wearing it). Consider factors such as the occasion you will be attending (job interview, an important meeting versus a relaxed meeting). The color of the garment is an important factor to help determine the success of the event. Having started my career in men's ready-to-wear fashion, I share the same opinion on making purchasing decisions as they relate to fashion: Zyla recommends that if you have to think too long, the garment needs to go. He states that if you don't get the instant wow, then pass. When I was in the apparel industry, I would often ask clients: "Do you LOVE it?" When they hesitated, even for a second, I yanked it out of their hand and barked back: "If not, then forget about it. we'll find something else" This often startled shoppers who expected me to be pushing any garment just to make a sale. As a sales professional, I never wanted to sell something unless it was just right. Regardless of the budget you may have for apparel, consider picking up a copy of The Color of Style, it is a handy book and a pleasant read too.
-Rick Rockhill