Note from Laurie: This is a guest post from Evana Maggiore, the creator of Fashion Feng Shui®, my favorite style system. Pick up Evana’s book Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention for more information. Or visit her website at www.fashionfengshui.com

“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance.” ~Jane Austen

With temperatures hitting 100℉ and the humidity high for the last week, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has felt more like Cape Coral, Florida. Our usually temperate New England weather has turned tropical, and Jane Austen’s words could not describe me better. It’s difficult to look and feel elegant when your makeup is dripping down your face and your clothes are sticking to your body like damp rags. This summer’s Fire is melting my Metal!

Let’s take a 5 Element Look at COOL Summer Style…

WATER The Philosopher ~ Dark Abstract Flowing
Water energy clothes have a built-in “cool” factor. Their sheer, light weight fabrics and flowing styles air condition you naturally. Skip the dark colors, though, as they hold heat.

WOOD The Pioneer ~ Fresh Natural Casual
Wood’s signature natural fibers absorb moisture to keep you looking and feeling cool when the temperature climbs. Breezy linens and cottons are your hot weather staples.

FIRE The Pleasure Seeker ~ Bright Bold Body-conscious
Fire design elements aren’t your best choice when it comes to warm weather dressing. Hot colors, tight clothes and animal-based fabrics just don’t cut it when the mercury is on the rise. You definitely want to show some skin though – the more you do, the cooler you will be.

EARTH The Peacemaker ~ Neutral Textured Basic
Earth design elements can feel smothering when it’s hot and humid. Keep textured fabrics to a minimum and go for the boxy shapes associated with this archetype.

METAL The Perfectionist ~ Pale Polished Luxurious
Metal’s innate elegance stays intact when you wear its light hues and shimmery fabrics. Stay away from this archetype’s stick-to-the-skin crepe-de-chines, heavy brocades and structured styling when hot weather hits.

©2010 Evana Maggiore

While the element of Fire brings fame, fun and sexuality to you, it is also associated with the season of summer, when nature is in full bloom. Fire energy brings out the best in everyone and everything. It lights up your life just like fireworks light up the night sky! So if you want to have some real fun this summer you can start by bringing some FIRE energy into your wardrobe and style.

A great way to bring Fire energy into your wardrobe is to wear the brighter colors in your palette. Use animal prints to bring out your inner wild side. Let it be fun and sassy — add a little spice to your life as they say!

My clients are stepping into the spotlight in a big way — many of them are getting out there as speakers. If your intention is to gain notoriety, become an expert in your field, and get your message out so you can be of service to as many people as possible, then you’ll want to add some Fire energy to your wardrobe. By adding Fire energy you will be noticed more, you’ll show up in a bigger way and step more fully into your Unique Presence™. The key here is to know your personal essence first via a Fashion Feng Shui consultation so that you bring that Fire energy into your wardrobe in a way that feels authentic and exciting to you.

Each of the five life forming elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal) have colors, shapes and substances that are associated with them. By adding these into your wardrobe you will start to manifest your goals and desires. But be careful not to overdo it! The Universe is really good at paying attention.

The element of Fire empowers you to co-create: celebrity, connection, enthusiasm, fun, intimacy, joy, magnetism, passion and warmth. Fire energy contributes excitement to any environment into which it is introduced. For instance when I was creating my new website I knew that I wanted to add some fire energy to it, but I had to use it in a way that reflected my essence. So I chose to add the colors red and purple. Once you start living your life using your elemental essence it will be reflected in all areas of your life — your home, the car you drive, your personal environment. Start noticing where your essence shows up in your world!

Here are some ideas for adding Fire energy to your wardrobe and life:

Verbal affirmations :

• I live. I laugh. I love!
• I connect intimately with others.
• I attract fame and fun.

Adding the Element of FIRE:

• Colors — Red and Purple
• Shapes — Angular
• Substances — Life or Light based substances

Color – If red and purple are not in your palette, then wear the brighter colors in YOUR palette.

Style – Add more body conscious fabrics and shapes.

Fabrics – Hide, lycra, silk, satin, taffeta and wool. Animal prints, leather and sequins or light reflecting elements all add FIRE!

Here are some suggestions for adding your Intentional energy of Fire to your wardrobe:

Accessories:

• Sunglasses
• Handbags
• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Tote bag

Clothing – To attract the energy of Fire (The Pleasure Seeker) wear:

• The reds and purples of your palette
• Pointed or lifelike patterns
• Shiny, clingy, or noisy textures

The Elemental Archetypes wearing Fire:

	Water
	Wood
	Fire
	Earth
	Metal

Want to find out YOUR elemental essence? You can find out more about Fashion Feng Shui® on my website or contact me to schedule a virtual or in-person Fashion Feng Shui® Consultation (see my special offer here).

You also might enjoy reading Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore, creator of Fashion Feng Shui® and president of Fashion Feng Shui® International.

Listen to Sly & the Family Stone sing “Hot Fun in the Summertime.”

Sources: Fashion Feng Shui® International and Fashion Feng Shui: The Power of Dressing with Intention by Evana Maggiore.

©2010 Laurie Mandato