Chapter 22: My 1st Time Out of the Country.
Welcome to the twenty second edition of Behind The Drapes—your exclusive, all-access pass to everything going on behind the scenes at My Authentic Colors. This isn’t just about fashion; it’s about uncovering who you are and expressing that with confidence and joy. Whether you're a longtime color enthusiast or just beginning your style journey, I’m so glad you’re here.
🏡 Studio Updates
The website will be down on 10/25 to 10/27 so I can get ready to launch my Signature Style Packages.
🍂 Fall Blowout Sale! 🍂
For a limited time, enjoy:
📸 Mini Sessions – Only $99 (Reg. $175)
📸 Full Sessions – Just $199 (Reg. $300)
This sale ends 10/24! ✨
Signature Style Packages Launch + Price Increases
I’m thrilled to announce the official launch of my Signature Style Packages — thoughtfully designed to help you align your style with your truest self. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or ready for a complete transformation, there’s a package created just for you:
🔹 POP UP Color Analysis – $130
A quick dive into the hues that highlight your natural beauty.
🔹 MINI Color Analysis – $187
A quick and powerful session to uncover your most flattering shades.
🔹 FULL Color Analysis - My Authentic Colors – $397
A full color analysis experience to help you wear your hues with confidence.
🔹 Align My Style – $750
A combination of color and body shape analysis to help you dress in alignment with your natural beauty.
🔹 Curated Masterpiece – $2500
Includes color and body shape analysis + a full wardrobe audit to elevate what’s already in your closet.
🔹 My Authentic Closet – $5700
The full transformation: color, body shape, wardrobe audit, personal shopping, and a full wardrobe remix.
Important Update on Swatch Wallets & Pricing
I wanted to keep you in the loop and be open & honest. Due to recent tariff changes affecting imported materials, the cost of ordering the swatch wallets has increased. I have tried my absolute hardest to keep pricing as afforadable as possible but with the tariffs, shipping costs, and rise in costs for myself to purchase the wallets, I have had to make a tough business decision to raise the prices of the wallets. As a result, there will be a price adjustment starting 10/27.
Swatch Wallets: $90.00 - $100.00
If you’ve been considering purchasing a wallet or booking a session, now is a great time to lock in current pricing before the adjustment takes effect. Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
These packages are more than services — they’re a gateway to confidence, clarity, and authenticity in how you show up every day. If you’ve already receieved a Color Analysis with me, the price will be reduced. Plus…maybe an early bird rate with a special discount code will be entering your emails to get the best rates possible!? You’ll have to check your emails to find out.
🚀 Launching October 27th — Are you ready to align with your most authentic style?
✨ New Travel Policy – Effective September 1st ✨
Beginning September 1st, all private house parties booked with My Authentic Colors will include a travel fee.
🔹 Mileage will be billed at $0.70 per mile (round trip).
🔹 A set travel fee will also apply based on the distance from the My Authentic Colors office to the event location
• 30 minutes or less → $50 travel fee + mileage
• 30–60 minutes → $100 travel fee + mileage
• 1–3 hours → $200 travel fee + mileage
• 3+ hours → $350 travel fee + mileage
⚠️ Please note: All travel fees must be paid in full before our arrival to confirm your event.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to bringing the full My Authentic Colors experience directly to you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us in our DM’s or email info@myauthenticcolors.com
We’ve launched our Instagram Broadcast Channel! 🎉
Get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and first looks—straight from us to your inbox. Don’t miss a thing—join the channel now and stay in the loop! 🔗📲 www.instagram.com/my_authentic_colors
We’re proud to announce we’re an official Season 5 Partner for Mass Fashion Week! 👗✨
We had the chance to meet the incredible CEO, Maegan, at a recent business summit—and we instantly clicked. Now, we’re teaming up for something truly special. 💥 Models get an exclusive discount for being a part of Mass Fashion Week!
Our event was epic! Thank you to all who came!
✨ GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE!
You can now purchase Gift Certificates on the website! Here are some directions on how you can purchase Gift Certificates
Head to my website www.myauthenticcolors.com
Click on the Top Right corner and click on “Color Analysis Consultations.”
Click on “Book an In-Person Color Analysis Consultation.”
Scroll to the bottom, where you will find Gift Certificates under “Products & Packages.”
We only have Gift Certificates for the full amount of our Full 3-Hour and Mini (60) Color Analysis Consultations at this time.
Did you know that I was a guest on the Wake Up New Bedford Podcast? I talk about my journey from being a fitness professional to talking about how I started the journey as a Color Analyst. My episode is broken into two parts and you can watch and listen to them down below.
📅 Upcoming Events
Here’s where you can catch me next—and yes, I’m bringing the full-color energy:
LA Cycle & Yoga
📍 North Dartmouth, MA | 🗓️ October 18th | ⏰ 8AM -11AM
Westend Grill
📍 New Bedford, MA | 🗓️ October 18th | ⏰ 3PM - 7PM
The Seaport Inn
📍Fairhaven, MA | 🗓️ November 9th | ⏰ 11AM - 4PM
Indy Clover Boutique
📍 Wakefield, MA | 🗓️ November 15th | ⏰ 10AM - 1PM
Community Perk: As part of my vibrant community, you can book a 30-minute Color Analysis Consultation for 20% off with a special discount code “BTD20”—for any of my 30-minute Color Analysis Pop-Ups! Physical Products included in my 3-hour Consultation are not included in my Mini Appointments and can be purchased separately.
Don’t miss your chance to get draped and dazzled at a discount!
Today’s Topic: My 1st Time Out of the Country.
Sorry about missing last week everybody, did you miss me? LOL..it’s ok if you didn’t. But I’ve been away the last couple of weeks and needed to focus and prioritize my time.
But last week, I did something I’ve never done before. I left the country for the very first time! ✈️ And let me tell you, Canada set the bar HIGH. From the stunning landscapes to the amazing people and the experiences that filled my heart (and notebook), it was a week I’ll never forget. Even if I did have to go through customs and get questioned by secutity… don’t ask. I literally thought they were going to ask me where I was going to shower.
Anyway….
The trip started in Calgary, where I got to film content for HIGH Fitness such a full circle moment! As someone who loves movement, energy, and creativity, working with HIGH Fitness in their own home country was something truly special. But what made it even more exciting? I did my first ever international color analysis sessions — including one with the co-creator of HIGH Fitness herself! 😱 It was a pinch-me moment, for sure.
As if that wasn't enough, I also got to explore Banff for the first time. And OH. MY. GOODNESS. If Banff isn't already on your travel list, this is your sign to add it. The mountains, the water, the air…it's like stepping into a painting. I kept thinking, "Is this real life?" Pictures don’t do it justice. You just have to go.
From Calgary, I headed to Toronto for the Ascension Mastermind, a business coaching experience specifically for personal stylists. It was everything I needed and more. The sessions were packed with strategy, vision, and clarity and I left feeling so inspired, so seen, and ready to take my business to the next level. You’re going to see major upgrades to My Authentic Colors like never before.
Between all the big moments, I found joy in the little things too, like how pretty Canadian money is. Seriously, it’s colorful, almost plasticky, and just feels... fancy? Why don’t we have money that cute in the U.S.? 😂 And I tried Poutine for the first time, the vegan version and the regular version. Honestly, kinda meh on it’s own but add hot sauce? Now we’re talking.
All in all, this trip wasn’t just about checking off a new country (though hello, first stamp in the passport!) it was about growth, inspiration, new connections, and proof that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to truly magical things.
Thank you, Canada. You were my first international trip and you made it unforgettable. Here's to more stamps, more sessions, and more moments that make us say "Wow."
💖 Swatch This/Scratch That
Welcome to Swatch This / Scratch That. Your weekly scroll through the glossy, the gaudy, and everything in between. I’m serving a mood board of what’s in… and what’s getting cut out. Let’s go! This week, I’m talking about one section of my Signature Style Packages which is all about the Wardrobe Audit. The Wardrobe Audit is after your Color Analysis & Body Shape Consultation with me, I head to your house to get a sense of your wardrobe. So to keep it generic, let’s talk about the closet and what I love vs. what I don’t love.
Swatch This:
Pieces You Actually Wear and Feel Good In.
Let’s be honest — when life gets heavy, the pieces you actually wear are the ones doing the emotional heavy lifting. They’re the clothes that help you show up even when you don’t feel 100%. We keep those. Why? Because true style isn’t about looking perfect — it’s about finding what makes you feel grounded and confident when everything else feels messy.
Items That Align with Your Color Palette
You deserve to be seen — and that starts with color. Wearing the right shades (for your undertone and your essence) isn’t just flattering, it’s empowering. These aren’t just "your colors" because they’re pretty — they reflect your energy. When you're aligned with your palette, you stop shrinking. Your presence speaks before you do.
Elevated Basics in Your Best Neutrals
Not every piece needs to scream. Some of the most powerful style moves are quiet — like elevated basics in yourneutrals. These are the pieces that make your closet work. They help you feel pulled together, even on the days you feel invisible. We keep these because they give you something solid to stand on — no matter what’s going on.
Clothing That Supports Your Lifestyle Now
Your closet should reflect your current life, not a version of you from three years ago. We’re ditching the fantasy outfits and honoring where you are right now — whether that’s running your business, chasing your kids, or rebuilding your rhythm. You’re evolving. Your wardrobe should too.
Scratch That:
Guilt Clothes (aka ‘I spent money on this but never wear it’)
You don’t owe a hanger to anything that makes you feel bad. Guilt is not a good enough reason to keep something around — not in your closet, and definitely not in your life. If it’s sitting there collecting dust just because it was expensive… let it go. The real cost is you dimming your light to justify the purchase.
Wire or Plastic Hangers
Let’s talk about energy — even the small things matter. You deserve a closet that feels supportive, not chaotic. Those old wire and flimsy plastic hangers? They’re not it. When you upgrade how you treat your clothes, you send yourself a quiet message: I’m worth taking care of. And that voice? It needs to be louder than the one questioning your worth.
That One Weird Shade You Keep Trying to Make Happen
Just because it’s pretty on someone else doesn’t mean it belongs on you. Color is personal — and powerful. If you keep forcing a shade that never quite clicks, it’s time to stop chasing the aesthetic and come back to what actually works. Let go of comparison. Your palette is your power.
Fast-Fashion Filler That Falls Apart After 2 Washes
We’ve all done it — bought the quick fix, the “just need something” top, the sale item that never earned its keep. But let’s be real: fast fashion that doesn’t last isn’t saving you time or money. It's cluttering your space and watering down your style. You deserve pieces that support your pace, not exhaust it. Intention over impulse, always.
🎨 The Color Connection
Formerly a general guide on color theory and branding, this section now dives deeper into specific brands and how their products align with seasonal color analysis. Whether you're a True Autumn or a Cool Summer, I’ll help you discover the clothing, makeup, and accessories that work with your season, not against it.
From curated brand breakdowns to seasonal must-haves, think of this as your personalized style compass—no guesswork, just great finds.
You’ll also be able to shop everything directly through my ShopMy Storefront. Let’s make color work for you.
A quick note before we get started: This guide is based solely on what’s available through the brand’s website and my personal understanding of seasonal color theory. Keep in mind that product photos can be edited and may not always reflect the true color in person. For the most accurate match, always refer back to your swatch wallet when making final decisions.
You may also notice that some seasons receive more attention than others, or that only neutrals were available for certain palettes in the ShopMy Storefront. This simply reflects the brand’s current offerings—not an intentional omission on my part.
With all that said, let’s jump into our featured brand of the week:
Alice + Olivia
Known for its playful sophistication, standout prints, and polished-meets-whimsical aesthetic, Alice + Olivia is a go-to for anyone building a wardrobe that’s both expressive and elevated. But when it comes to seasonal color analysis, not every pastel, jewel tone, or neutral will flatter every season. That’s where this guide comes in.
I’m breaking down which colors, fabric finishes, and signature styles from Alice + Olivia work best for each of the 16 color seasons. Whether you’re a Soft Summer drawn to dusty hues and matte textures or a Bright Winter craving bold contrast and luxe fabrics, this is your shortcut to choosing pieces that feel as good as they look.
I’m showcasing a couple of options per season here, but you’ll find even more handpicked items curated for your palette on my ShopMy Storefront.
Let’s bring color harmony to your closet—whether you're dressing for a dinner party, commanding attention at a client lunch, or adding a touch of glam to your daily look.
🍃 SPRING – Fresh, Radiant, Uplifting
🍁 AUTUMN – Rich, Earthy, Grounded
🌊 SUMMER – Cool, Calm, Romantic
❄️ WINTER – Bold, Crisp, Dynamic
☀️ WARM – Radiant, Rich, Inviting.
🌊 COOL – Elegant, Fresh, Refined.
🌑 DEEP – Intense, Powerful, Grounded
☁️ LIGHT – Airy, Delicate, Soft
⚡ BRIGHT – Vivid, Energetic, Playful
🌫️ MUTED – Subtle, Calm, Understated
💸 Discount of the Week
We’re pressing pause on our weekly discount offerings as we prepare to launch something even more exciting—our Signature Style Packages (coming soon 👀).
So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to refresh your palette or reconnect with your personal aesthetic—this is it.
Step into the season with intention. Let your style speak before you say a word.
📸 Mini Sessions – Only $99 (Reg. $175)
📸 Full Sessions – Just $199 (Reg. $300)
💌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Thanks for spending time Behind The Drapes. I’ve got so much more in store, and I want your input! Do you have a burning-style question? A favorite color combo? A topic you’d love me to cover next? Email me your ideas at info@myauthenticcolors.com—I’m all ears (and full spectrum lighting).
If you haven’t followed me on Instagram yet, this is where I hang out the most! I’m pretty cool on there if I say so myself.
Until next time, keep shining in your authentic colors. 🌈
With color and care,
Mac Carvalho
CEO, My Authentic Colors
