1. IMAGERY words that describe the excitement of life:

colorful
bright
vivid
budding
vital
sparkle
zippy

animated
caricature
unusual
unreal
abstract
crisp
starched

changeable
temporary
surprised
acrylic paint
spontaneous
charismatic
diagonal

dramatic
original
dynamic
flamboyant
flair
trendy
avant garde		 vibrant
sexy
accent
energize
artificial
magnify
expand


2. COLOR MODIFICATIONS that express the excitement of life:

Any color that has been brightened moves toward this feeling. The brighter the color, the more life (even a dull olive green can be brightened, giving it more of this feeling). Brightness accentuates and exaggerates color making it even "bigger than life" which also tends to make it more unreal. Bright colors spontaneously excite the eye, and tend to invite other colors along for the "party." However, just as too many parties are tiring, so the eye tires of bright colors. Nature only uses bright colors for accents, and then changes then often. Therefore, these colors have a temporary feeling; they are not used for long lasting classic looks. Black and white (Winter homebase colors) often substitute for bright colors: black to set off colors with black-outlining or as backgrounds in patterns; stark-white to set-off and serve as a lifting bright accent.

TOOL — Create with bright colors when attention and drama are desired, such as for party clothes, accent blouses and shirts, play wear, team sportswear and costumes.


3. DETAIL LINES that illustrate the excitement of life:

Any line which accents, animates exaggerates, is different, unusual or original, has a bold or flamboyant flair; or has a surprise action which is crisp or startling leans toward this feeling. The exaggerated line tens to turn other medium lines into costumes—from western outfits to ballerina dresses to sailor suits. Most of these feelings can be derived from the triangle figure, the asymmetric lightening bolt or pyramid pointed lines. Detailed examples of these lines are as follows:

BOLD

 

ACCENT
LINES

 

EXTRA
LARGE


UNIQUE PATTERNS

Bell shaped sleeves, bell bottom pants, inset angled yokes, raglan sleeves, extreme A-line skirts, peplums on dresses, triangular shaped purses, wedge heels on shoes, extreme wedge haircuts, triangular lines caused by extended shoulder pads, star shapes, diamond shapes, angled or diamond shaped faces on watches.

Angled waistlines, angled one-shoulder dresses, side ties on dresses and blouses, side angled draping, side-flip hairstyles, irregular asymmetric lines on jewelry.

Pointed toes on shoes, V-insteps on shoes, extreme points on collars, points on yokes, uneven "costume" hemlines or skirts and sleeves that drape in irregular points.

Bold accent lines, contrast piping, border effects, unusual or fancy straps, angled straps on shoes or dresses, unusual exaggerated cuts of clothing, out-lining in any way. Rhinestones, beading and ornamentation gives accent. This clothing is more fun and trendy, and can even be faddish because change is an inevitable part of the feeling.

Dramatic large collars, extremely large puffed sleeves, large pleats, full circular skirts, very large buttons and bows, faddy hosiery, very high-heeled shoes, or the other extreme of completely flat. Pans tucked into boots. Extra long hairstyles, exaggerated upsweeps and hair lines. Extra dramatic fingernails; bright nail polish doubles the feeling.

Anytime a pattern is outstanding or different, it is leaning toward this feeling. Undulating random stripes, star and diamond patterns, border patterns, border prints, animated geometrics, applique, colorful embroidery (especially crewel), obscure backgrounds with out-standing characters, V-pointed mitered designs, exaggerated random or large dots, zebra, leopard or tiger patterns (from furs to underwear).