Andrea Pflaumer: Style Essences, Color Harmony, & Finding Authentic Style At Any Age

In this episode, I interview Andrea Pflaumer, author of 'Shopping for the Real You' and 'She's Got Good Jeans,' about developing an authentic personal style. We discuss the significance of authenticity, the role of style essences and color harmony, and practical steps to craft a style that truly reflects who you are.
Andrea shares her own experiences with color and style counseling (studying with John Kitchener), and the importance of discovering a unique style that highlights individual personality. We also delve into the need for patience, avoiding fleeting trends, learning style lessons from different generations, and the profound link between personal style and self-care.
Andrea’s Resources:
Shopping For The Real You (amazing overview on developing style and has a great chapter on style essences, highly encourage you to grab this!): amzn.to/4ciVDcs
She's Got Good Jeans: amzn.to/4cn0KIq
Online course, Discovering Your Inner Style: An Adventure in Dressing Authentically : fashion-perfec...
Free course for newbies on style and color, Lazy Person’s Guide to a Perfect Wardrobe : gohighbrow.com...
New book launches on July 21: Self Care: 30 Compelling Life Lessons From Happy, Healthy, and Successful Women…and Some Men!
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[@lizfoster9495]

"Authenticity is beauty." Such a powerful phrase - thank you.

[@CS-je2cc]

Gabrielle- you look so beautiful in your new colour palette. It gels with your intelligence and curiosity and sense of fun. Inspiring ❤

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Thank you!! That’s so nice of you to say. I’m enjoying the exploration 🥰

[@disappearingink1354]

Very uplifting and affirming conversation. The older I get, the more important patience in all things has become, which seems counterintuitive but has brought so much peace even in the "messy middle".

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Yes, you really learn to appreciate the small wins and embrace the patience and journey 🤗

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

If you’re into essences I highly encourage you to get her book “shopping for the real you” there’s a great chapter on it! (Also my essence blend 🤯)

[@NarutoBaby94]

I was surprised too. But the youthfulness-gamine does make sense. I frequently equate this humorous/ light-hearted feel to you even when you’re serious

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

@@NarutoBaby94 yes I’m excited to explore IRG more 👍🏻

[@Nerdy-By-Nature]

It's so crazy because I was watching some of your earlier videos and thinking, Gabby HAS to have Ingenue!! And then an hour later I find this 🤣 Congrats on finding your home essence blend 💖

[@AlexLouiseWest]

A lovely, compassionate video. Thank you. For me, some of it resonates with aspects of neurodiversity: profound topics like unmasking and using clothing to represent oneself even if it goes against the dominant narrative; and pragmatic issues such as intense sensory responses to textures, colours or patterns (must haves and must have nots 🙂)

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

I think it’s a priority to find your must haves and your no’s! And I’m hoping to change that dominant narrative- sharing ourselves through style can be so empowering!

[@AlexLouiseWest]

@@Gabriellearrudadesignexcellent response, thank you!

[@genevievedegange1898]

It’s interesting because the moment she said the essence blend (off the cuff) I was like ohhhhhh yeah I can totally see that. Especially when you’re wearing your bright colors. I wonder if that’s why Kitchener does colors first bc of the influence wearing them has on seeing your essences.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Ya I bet so 👍🏻 I know colors are not causal but they are often correlated like she said. It’s validating to hear though because a lot of ppl kept telling me I had zero romantic or was totally natural and this is nice to hear I was at least partially on the right track. Liv Tyler has I and R too so I can see that as a lot of ppl tell me I look kinda like her

[@notalltheremyself]

​@@GabriellearrudadesignRespectfully, I still feel like Natural and Romantic are your dominant essences. I could maybe see some Ingenue a bit further down the list, but I don't think it's necessarily something you need to account for. The bright spring palette takes care of that imo I also feel like Gamine is just not there in any substantial manner. Maybe you still feel drawn to the *idea* of Gamine? Or maybe it's hard to place how menswear fits into the picture? I think it's easy to see youthfulness/playfulness when someone wears bright, light, and warm hues. But that's just our tendency as a society to associate certain colours with different concepts

[@notalltheremyself]

I also got the impression that Andrea still thinks along the lines of Natural = practical, and puts a lot of emphasis specifically on those older, eurocentric ideas of personal colouring. So no offence to her, and I'm sure it's validating, but I wouldn't cling too much to that assessment, when your own interpretation of essences is so different (and fills a much greater need, honestly)

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

@@notalltheremyself no I just respect and agree with Andrea. I consider her training and opinions to be accurate. She didn’t say how much gamine, so I’m assuming it’s a smaller element. But we tend to associate the Anthropologie flower dresses as RN but really I think they are often IR. Similarly, John Kitchener does use coloring as a correlated but not causal factor- and I don’t have any earthy richness to my coloring. So if I have natural it’s a very small %

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

@@notalltheremyself she was trained by Kitchener. I believe she would be the expert. And I’m happy with my blend and am enjoying exploring it. Saying not to “cling to it” feels unnecessary.

[@kathleenreese5010]

I have been following Andrea for a few years and have her book. It was great having you both together! The book has an essence quiz and explains the percentages and how to incorporate them into outfits. It is so helpful.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

I totally agree! Her book is great 👍🏻

[@brittany3559]

Thanks to all of your great videos like this, I’ve been able to decipher that I’m 50% Natural, 40% Classic, and 10% Ingenue. I’ve been calling it Mellow Academia.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Love that name!

[@anoukpenna1048]

Are you by any chance, me?😮 Cause mine are Natural, Classic and Ingenue too but I'm not sure about the percentages still

[@sh0ck855]

I love the new warm colouring on you, you’re glowing! 😍

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Thank you! I’m really enjoying them

[@natashanicholson2400]

What an amazing interview. I love the way she described that style is a representation of your authentic self. I also appreciate how we are not just one thing because we are all so unique. ❤🎉

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Totally agree!

[@onipot9639]

Never clicked so fast! Loved this!!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

🤗🤗

[@heatherlynnclark6697]

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this video. So much to learn.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

So glad! Andrea is fantastic!

[@trebelle614]

Wonderful podcast! This just solidified my recent feeling that I have more gamine or high-spirited essence. That's the reason I want to look fun, and the thought of looking boring is equal to 💀 for me. Thank you!!!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with the fun, that’s a great revelation 🤗

[@cvonsutphen]

Great interview, truly enjoyed it!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

She's fantastic!

[@morro8785]

What a wonderful interview! It was also very touching at times and makes you think about things... 🙂

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

This means so much!! 🤗❤️

[@Linda-ht1ys]

What a great conversation. I could listen to you both for hours on end. Such an important topic. Authenticity. Tapping into our gifts and qualities and then finding a way to express these through your style. We are so unique and we do need to show it to the world.

[@bellaheblan8479]

Gabrielle, You have a gift! The questions and topics you covered were great! I loved hearing your guest’s fashion takes, and you expressed your own expertise as well! I enjoyed watching and hearing you both! Thank you! 👏🏼😎❤️

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Thank you so much! This means a lot, I have a new interview for the podcast coming this week, hope you enjoy it as well!

[@kzvegansuperstar]

Andrea’s pinboards have been super helpful to me!! Love her work

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

👍🏻👍🏻 she’s amazing!

[@kzvegansuperstar]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign you get legitimately all the best people on your podcast and I learn something new every time I listen and watch 🙌🏻

[@VKCouture]

Another great guest and discussion thanks you so much Gabriel for such interesting content ❤

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Glad you enjoyed it! This was so fun for me to be able to do!

[@lauraty3583]

You look amazing in that red. Interesting comment about opening something suppressed when discovering colours/essences

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

It’s one of my fav bright spring colors! And yes, i loved her explanation of that!

[@briannalove3501]

You both look beautiful in this interview, reminds me over and over again why I follow you Gabrielle. You have such an eye for these things, and you just glow! That is what I aim to do for myself. I’m loving these interviews because we see other women and their journey/thoughts in fashion as well. I still come back to this one haha

[@victoriaclavijo6945]

Fantastic interview, a great deal of substance. Thanks so much

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Yes- andrea is full of amazing advice!!

[@PrairieWoman6680]

As one who has had John do my essences I can say this is a super helpful video. Thank you for having her. Her book is helpful as well! Many people think they can find their essence on their own but I would say at least get the book. Great interview! And I thought it was interesting what she said about your essences. I see more of those in your videos since you’ve had your colors done! You are beautiful!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Yes I agree! I think crowdsourcihg doesn’t work- I never got I/R and most ppl said totally natural 🙃 I do think my bright spring colors help bring that out. her book is a fantastic place to start!! Glad you liked the video!

[@deborahappreciates8]

I just had John do my essences as well. I completely agree with you. I was actually very close which you can see my process on the John Kitchener subreddit. I guessed dominant natural and a smidge of gamine and dramatic. I wasn't aware of other's perceptions of certain essences until this week. I typed myself from a completely neutral place. John typed me as 50 Natural 30 Romantic 10 Gamine 10 Dramatic. I'm struggling to accept myself now that I've kind of allowed myself to be corrupted by others perceptions.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

@@deborahappreciates8 I think your essence blend sounds beautiful! I’ll definitely check out the subreddit post. Sounds like you have great fashion instincts and I’d try to continue to follow those and don’t let crowdsourcing or outside povs taint your beautiful style journey. I explore NR a lot (obviously) and I think it’s a stunning and fun combo!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you find the joy in your blend. My Facebook group is full of very kind and supportive ppl- you should join it if you use Facebook. You might find it a freeing place to talk - facebook.com/share/rzayxXG4dy2cWWjX/?mibextid=K35XfP

[@PrairieWoman6680]

@@deborahappreciates8 I think your blend by John is so beautiful! It takes time to work it all out and you will! John knows his stuff. And you said yourself that you were close to what he gave you. Trust yourself. Be encouraged that John recognized your faceted beauty!

[@annettemiroojeda5068]

John Kitchener also changed my life ❤ he is the best!

[@AngryTheatreMaker]

Super late to the comments party, but: Yes to color palettes illuminating whatever essences you may have. I had that experience the other day when I held an emerald green notebook (!!!) under my face. I'd thought for years that emerald green would be too strong for me; it was not. (If anything it looked right at home.) Great interview with Andrea Pflaumer, by the by!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Thank you! Yes, it's great to test things you "think" you knew, because it can totally turn out to not be true. I had the same experience with my BS palette. Glad you found emerald green, it's such an amazing color.

[@AngryTheatreMaker]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign Oh, yes--it's great to have a new color to play with. Emerald green has always struck me as a regal and sumptuous color, so I'm happy to have it in my DA palette. That it plays into dramatic and romantic styles is just an added bonus. (For an encore I want to try royal purple.)

[@aneshaxiomara6800]

You both look wonderful, great video!!!❤

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Thank you!!

[@Kris7245]

Thanks for introducing me to this lovely lady.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

You’re welcome! She’s fantastic 🤗

[@reneewhittinghill3440]

You both look so beautiful in your colors! Gabby you look so great in your Bright Spring colors! Andrea are you a Dark Autumn? You can handle the black frames for sure and know that's the only Autumn that can wear black. 30:40 Grace Morton quote Prettiness is an attribute of the young. Beauty is an ageless quality.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

I think Andrea said she is Autumn mostly, some spring, and a little summer (using the PSC/kitchener color harmonies). I am very happy in my BS colors, I feel more me! ANd yes that is a great grace morton quote

[@rorolilred]

Ooh how did you feel about the new essences? Very cool to have a surpise essence reading from Andrea!!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

I’m thrilled! It’s been so fun to play around with them

[@rorolilred]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign That's awesome! Can't wait to see this next stage of your style evolution 😊 The bright spring colours are looking great on you!

[@jeannemoore9792]

I enjoyed this. I like the comments about being 5%, or 2% of the different styles. That helps me a lot as I feel I am a very mixed person. It is a freeing thought. What I find hardest, is finding something that I can buy. My base is classic Dark Chocolate Brown and it is hard to find anything to buy. 😊 Thank you for a great interview.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Yes I think percentage plays a larger part than we thought! I’ve always tried large amounts of gamine and maybe touches is more what I need

[@Jessa32]

Oh I love Andrea !!!❤🎉

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

She’s wonderful!

[@Gaerys]

Can you interview John? I would love to hear him talk about essences 🥹

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

I could try for a future episode- but not sure if he would be open to it

[@Gaerys]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign 🙏

[@orange-rose07]

Your unexpected essence blend made me realize that essence is in the eyes of beholder. So I wouldn't bother about them much. I personally can't see how your FN Kibbe type would work with Ingenue and Gamine but will wait for your upcoming videos to see how it goes.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Liv Tyler has that blend as well she’s dominant Ingenue and romantic like me and also a kibbe FN. Kitchener and kibbe just view things differently and prioritize different elements

[@orange-rose07]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign You do resemble Liv Tyler) I googled her pictures... looks like she dressed mainly Romantic which makes sense to me since she's 'big scale' but with some innocent vibes.

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

@@orange-rose07 I think there's many ways to combine these elements. A lot of kitcheners verified celebrities have different essences than their body type in kibbe. Nicole Kidman is verified FN and has ingenue/classic essence. And kibbe's prime celebrity example is SHirley McClaine and she's verified gamine in kitchener. There are lots of possibilities on how to use these elements. Today I wore a long silk slip dress that was in bright spring pink that had a floral pattern and a lace trim. For me it worked for FN and definitely for Ingenue and Romantic. I'm still exploring how gamine can subtley fit in there, but I think it's all about being creative and prioritizing your own personal style goals.

[@orange-rose07]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign That's true. I think you can add a small Gamine detail like a 'playful' handbag or shoes to finish your look🙂

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

@@orange-rose07 totally 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ourcozycorner8517]

13:39 yes! (Flamgam with) natural, romantic, & ethereal…it gets very tricky. This is a fun way to think about “trying them on” and feeling them out.

[@MsSalugi]

Just watched this and the video with Gizelle. I'm wondering does she also have services where she types people? I'd like to know mine!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

She does- you just have to email her which can be found on her website

[@travellingfemme]

You look beautiful in this video!

[@rosereddened]

It's so funny that you've been saying for like a year that everyone says you have gamine essence and you are positive you don't, and then she says so too 😭 Does this change your feelings on that? It's such a fear of mine that i'll go to a stylist and they'll be like "no, you are xyz" and i've ruled xyz out!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

Not really. I think I/R feels very right. And maybe I was just using too much of G in the past. I’ve always been drawn to it, I just couldn’t find a way to make it work. But she does mentón if ppl try to make it too dominant in an outfit it won’t work. Honestly most ppl thought I was like 70% natural. I would say only about 30% ever suggested gamine.

[@Pandemiel7]

Maybe you need Gamine shoelaces! 😂 ​@@Gabriellearrudadesign

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

😂😂 maybe! I think I just liked gamine so much I always went 100% and maybe shoelaces or bags are more in line

[@drnono3386]

💐💐

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

🤗

[@le2458]

I’m a soft dramatic and was typed ingenue essence primarily and equal sub essences of natural, romantic, and angelic. I completely see it and agree with it but whyyyyy is it so broad it makes dressing so difficult 🥲

[@le2458]

Also my GOD do bright spring colors look fantastic on you. I’ve watched you on and off for years and you wore a lot of black which is cool but wow do these colors win. Not into obsessing over “looking young” but truly you look younger now 😅

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

I think it takes some time to figure out how and where you like an essence to show up. Given that Andrea gave me IRG for my blend I'm still trying to figure out how to incorporate that especially sinces I've always added too much gamine in the past. But it takes time, and daily outfit photos and sorting things into the four style pillars can help. I've learned bright colors can be my touch of gamine for now, especially prints (which was a recommendation from someone in my facebook group that I found incredibly insightful). But you'll figure it out with time!

[@Gabriellearrudadesign]

yes, I think i defintely look fresher and less stern. I think this also explains why everyone thought my essence blend was more yang- i had a harsher look in those muted and cool colors

[@le2458]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign Oh hey, thanks for the reply! Very true with it taking time to figure out, haha. Also I have a lot of hand me downs from my dramatic/natural mother and they don't suit me very well but doing a total overhaul is obviously very pricey/time consuming. The guidance is definitely helpful and I need to refresh memory on your pillar concept! Thank you :)

[@le2458]

@@Gabriellearrudadesign Yes these colors definitely bring out the yin and you look fresh but still sophisticated! Re: your other comment I think stripes are a really fun way to do gamine "subtly" and they would look cool in spring colors. Inspired by you I tried on an orange red lipstick I'd been ignoring and...I did not have a bright spring epiphany sadly, haha! I'm a fair cool olive and it's just the worst for finding colors...I have a general idea but it's so easy for a color to tip into something harsh...oh well, onward! I appreciate your videos so much, they're so well thought out and executed.