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Jillian Khoo's avatar

I’ve been looking over my recent Indyx and I’m seeing the subtle influence of your unbelievable wisdom: in how I pair colour and how I think about lines. You have been subtly honing my eye. Yesterday I wore a tangerine and camel colour blocked outfit (which for a neutrals girl is quite something) but I felt like me because the balance and lines matched the simplicity I strive for. Your lessons are landing.

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

This means a lot, more than you know truly! Sometimes I worry I’m nerding out too much on color and lines, but then I hear how you’re applying it in your own closet and it feels so worth it. Tangerine + camel sounds incredible, especially with your eye for simplicity. I want to try that combo too.

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Tammy Wahl's avatar

Ok you really are so brilliant at this stuff! I love learning from you. Could you set your own monthly subscription price (say $1) so they don’t suppress you?!

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Thank you so much, Tammy <3

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Laura S's avatar

This one was truly helpful!! Love the grayscale tip. Thank you!🙏

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Mary Kaitlyn's avatar

Agree on the grayscale-how genius!

Also, the "like" button has all but disappeared from the substack app for me (on posts, not notes), just FYI. Quick google/reddit search suggested others have had the same problem but crossing my fingers it's resolved. I was still able to like on my desktop!

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Ah, that is good to know. And yes the grayscale tip is so helpful.

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Yes, such a good one!

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Leanne's avatar

You're a genius, and I will be a paid subscriber if that helps (what a silly system - I know you want to keep it free and fun for you for now so maybe it could be a kitty for Tibi wish lists only 😆)

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Thank you, Leanne. I am definitely pondering over it. Unless substack makes me do it sooner, I might do it next year. Need time to think over the whole thing which is hard to carve out with work. So will spend time thinking through it over the holidays.

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Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

Ooh, this is so good (although for a second I thought I might have been the mustard and ketchup lady, lol), thank you, Asta! I’m learning so much from your analytical brain!

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

You do colors so well you def don't need any of these :)

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Kelly Williams's avatar

Holy s**t, once again my mind is blown

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Thank you so much, Kelly!

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Laylage's avatar

Let's talk about all the ways I fail this principal...;) I love equal intensities (red jalouisies + orange slip dress + cobalt top for me!) but then I don't look as cool as you so... it's good to have words to understand these things thank you!

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Haha, yes!! Honestly some of my favorite outfits break this principle, it just takes more styling work to make them feel intentional (and it sounds like you’re already doing that with your red + orange + cobalt combo). I think that’s the fun part. Having language for why something feels tricky, so you can decide when to lean in and when to shortcut it. And for the record, I am sure you definitely look cooler than you might think.

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Ruth T's avatar

Uffff this is so good! Thank you for your generosity and superlative fits!!

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Aw, thank you so much!

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Lindsay Martian's avatar

This is REALLY helpful as I keep trudging along on my dressing journey. I love the B&W suggestion to determine hue and intensity of color. Thank you for your work!

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Yes, it helps so much!

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Anna Newton's avatar

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the way you dissect style Asta is UNMATCHED! Such a helpful tip, especially for us neutral lovers who are dipping our toes in.

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Thank you, Anna. I really appreciate it. I am so glad to hear that this stuff resonates with folks. I really appreciate your support.

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Orit's avatar

Thx. This helps a lot!!! When trying to combine and unsure. And yes, sometimes the pairing of something will just feel right regardless. Pls pin this post 👍🏻👍🏻

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Thank you so much! I added a menu item for ‘Color Formulas’ in the top menu bar so these posts are easily accessible.

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Meg's avatar

I'm feeling more drawn to colour play these days. Thank you for sharing your thinking—there's always plenty to ponder over in your posts :)

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Yay, so glad you're playing with color. It truly is so fun. I enjoy it, but I also enjoy an all-neutrals outfit. It's just good to have the full range to play with. Thank you for the feedback.

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Wardrobe Psyche's avatar

I just love your work! I have always been stumped by colour blocking - mainly because I feel like I might be wearing ‘two’ rather than one, ton or none.. but this makes perfect sense! Sooo helpful as always 💛

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

Yes, the one-ton none concept is a tricky one to nail. One tip if you ever feel like you're wearing two, just add one more thing to make it more than two (like you can add a belt, you can add a bag, you can add an earring - any of it). It's also okay if the two are right next to each other. It becomes more problematic if the two are separated. For example, if it's a sweater and shoes that are colorful, it's harder to pull off than a sweater and pants.

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Deborah's avatar

Dropping in to say how much I appreciate your posts. As a color newbie, I’m learning so much from you. Thank you.

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

I appreciate your feedback so much. Thank you so much.

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Nicole's avatar

Sooo great! This is helpful,helpful, helpful! I ish I could buy you a coffee or something

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

One day! Hope to meet you in real life over coffee.

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Jody Dardis's avatar

Colour blocking has always been intimidating to me. This is so helpful. I like how you break it down.

Thank you.

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Asta / Aastha's avatar

I love that this helped, super appreciate your feedback

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