Every year during New York Fashion Week, color experts from Pantone determine the hottest color trends for the up and coming fall jewelry season. And for the very first time, the range of tones identified for fall 2015, have a bona fide gender-neutral appeal. September will usher in a plethora of natural, bold, earthy hues that can be worn across men’s and women’s fashions. Some of the shades already being integrated into fall jewelry collections include:  sage, oak, cashmere, marsala, cadmium and amethyst, among others.

So I ask the question, “Does color matter?” In a word, yes! Color, as I wrote in a previous post, is integral to the human experience. It informs many of the choices we make daily. Our clothes and the jewelry we wear to embellish them make our bodies appear interesting and sexually attractive. Without proper color combining, jewelry especially would lack in vitality and be tremendously uninspiring. Color selection affects our minds and behaviors so it will, of necessity, make our lives more or less meaningful.

Attention to color trends was not my priority as a young adult. But with age (and what some would call fashion-sense maturity), color consideration has became increasingly important.

Recently, I made an unexpected visit to a satellite salon of a reputable national hair company. While I was receiving a brow wax, I was persuaded to stay for a much needed hair makeover. The anticipated outcome was a return to my blonde roots but the gal mistakenly treated my hair a dark chocolate brown. Then (with my approval), she tried to lift the brown and ended up turning my hair a shockingly brilliant orange! Three more attempts were made at blonde toning, but 9.5 hours later, I drove home in the dark with coppery orange/red hair. Now let me say unequivocally, color consideration became paramount the next morning! What clothes do I wear? Are my purple-soled Nike’s off limits? Is my salmon tank top too dull, or too bright? Should I change the blue bead in my necklace to white pearl?  So many questions!

You may ask, “Does she really dislike red hair?” Absolutely not! I have friends who enjoy some of the most gorgeous red hair ever to be seen. The crux of the problem, as I realize it, is getting used to viewing my head in the mirror with something other than flaxen blonde strands. And because I wasn’t emotionally prepared for the sudden change to orange/red hair, I had no point of reference for color coordinating clothes.

So, what’s next on the agenda? I have a hair dresser lined up to help return my hair to its original blonde. (I admit, my ego received a serious blow at the hands of the supposed professional.) But until or unless she can effect change, does color still matter? Not so much! Time has passed. I’m wearing what I please, and I just happen to have one of the most gorgeous dogs on the planet who also happens to have coppery red hair… WE LOOK ALIKE! Yes, Mango and I share the same gorgeous hair color! What more could a dog-loving person ask for?

So, here’s to sweet Mango and our matching coppery red hair!