Motherhood is an constant evolution of self. You know, after I had my daughter, our first child, I didn’t really feel a whole shift in identity. I realize that’s not the normal reaction to motherhood…but it was my experience, nonetheless.

However, after having three babies in under four years (it still amazes me to say that out loud), I did notice a shift that was subtle but stark. Juggling all the roles I am in is a constant challenge in balance and sanity. Two things brought me to the conclusion that I needed to feel like my own self again:

1. I came to the point where I thought I may be battling Postpartum Depression. And if I’m being completely honest, I’m not sure I’m totally out of the woods yet, but I feel like the fog is clearing a bit.
2. One of my closest friends asked me, “What’s your hobby?” And that’s when I realized I do not pursue anything outside of the care of my family and the growth of my business. While I find a lot of my identity in my business, it’s unhealthy to find all of my identity in my business.

These two things led me down a path of self-re-discovery. I am narrating this journey as I’m on it; keep that in mind as you read this!

One thing I learned early on in working from home (before working from home was a whole thing) was that it was very important for me to get dressed every day. It’s super easy to stay in leggings and a sweatshirt all day, everyday. That may work for some, but I get in this productivity rut if I am in the same comfortable outfit every single day. Pair that with the thought of, “Well, I’m not going out so no one is seeing me, so I don’t have to do my hair or makeup.” Well…all that added up to me looking in the mirror seeing someone who didn’t take pride in her appearance, like I had so often before.

Fast forward to January of this year…my quest to “feeling myself” started then. For my birthday (which has always been a time of reflection and renewal for me), I asked my mom to buy me some new makeup. Something simple I could use everyday while also getting three kids ready. I asked my mother-in-law for a virtual “color consult” from a business called Created Colorful. Both of these lovely women delivered. My mother-in-law’s response to the request of the color consult was, “I don’t know what that is, but sure, if that’s what you want.” If you know Rosie, you know this is a very her response. When I told her what it was, she then came back with, “Why do beautiful people not think they’re beautiful?” Cue the tears, y’all.

This experience was a lot of fun and helped me feel a little more me after creating three lives. So let’s dive into the Created Colorful experience.

What is Created Colorful?

Created Colorful is a color analysis service. Lindsey, the owner and founder, started the business after feeling much like I did postpartum. She began to perform color analysis on her friends and family, then realized it was “a surprisingly emotional and spiritual endeavor.” Her words from her About page on her site! She offers virtual color consult services now, and this is how I found out my best, most flattering colors.

What is a color consult?

My color consult was virtual. Lindsey was extremely thorough with the description of the process and how to get the most accurate results. The first email I received was equipped with a YouTube tutorial on how to take selfies with the best natural light. You will be sent a list of fabric colors to drape over your shoulders and send back for analysis. Based off of this first round of swatches, the consultant will send you a second list of colors to narrow down your ideal color palette and “knockout” colors. There were very clear instructions not to wear makeup, so that she could analyze the colors on your natural skin tone.

Here are a few of the images I submitted throughout the two rounds of color analysis (don’t laugh–I was very concentrated on getting the right natural light!):

After this second round of images, you receive your ideal colors in a few weeks. I am not sure what I was expecting…I thought I had gone in with no expectations. But when I received my results, I was actually kind of shocked (in a good way!).

Here is her explanation of the process behind a color consult!

The Color Consult Results

Y’all, these results were SO thorough! They supplied:

1. My ideal color palette (Soft Autumn)
2. My knockout colors
3. A few really freaking sweet compliments that this momma loved/needed
4. Makeup recommendations
5. Recommendations when it comes to coloring my hair
6. Nail polish color recommendations
7. Capsule wardrobe suggestions
8. A Facebook group!
9. Amazon storefront with even more wardrobe suggestions
10. A blog with EVEN MORE seasonal wardrobe suggestions!

Here are the visuals they supplied me with in that email:

Like I said, I was a little surprised with my results. I don’t know a ton about color analysis, but I always thought I looked great in bright colors (cobalt blue, hot pink, etc.). Turns out that those aren’t my knockout colors. These are:

I was joking with Caleb that Carhartt brown is my “knockout” color. I just thought that was so funny. Literally had to bum his jacket to get this photo and turns out…I need one of my own (mental note: Add Carhartt to Christmas list).

How I’m Using the Results

Each year, I conduct an annual closet clean out. My sister-in-law says it’s her favorite time of year; my mother-in-law says she has learned that if she buys me something she wants for Christmas that she will get it in the closet clean out the following year…this is how ruthless I am with purging of clothes.

But this gave me a guide, and I LOVED IT. I literally printed this out and taped it to my wall. My two criteria were: Either it is in this color palette or I freaking LOVE it, like can’t replace it kinda love it.

I will now be taking this color palette with me whenever I go shopping! I love how much direction this gives me when searching for new clothes.

I want to conclude with two thoughts:

If you’re not feeling you after you have a baby. That’s okay. That’s normal. Those two statements don’t help much in the moment, but as I navigate this myself, it does get better. At least it has so far.

Thank you to Created Colorful for bringing me one step closer to feeling like the old Ali that was confident in herself.

If you know of anyone (not just a mom!) that could benefit from a color analysis or a little confidence boost (and if we are being honest…who wouldn’t?), send them to Lindsey!

Oh, and if you want to follow her on Instagram, here is the link to her account. She does great stories where she thrifts and educates her followers on what makes certain things work and others not so great!