The rainbow has been a symbol of hope and of creative energy in many cultures for centuries. Rainbow symbolism is deep and powerful. The emotions that the deep colors bring up for us are primal. Throughout history, rainbows have brought us lightness of different types.

What Is the Meaning of Rainbows?

For some cultures, the rainbow is a message from the spirits. The Norse believed it to be the bridge to Valhalla, the paradise reserved for those who had fallen in battle.

Other belief systems think of the rainbow as a sign of immortality. In Jewish lore, it is the promise of the Creator for new beginnings and for mercy in times to come.

The Irish tale of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow shows the same feeling. Rainbows give hope during times of darkness. When the rainbow breaks through the clouds, it shows the power of hope. The colors vibrate in your heart, and life feels new again.

My Personal View

I always look for rainbows, and they occur in surprising ways, lifting my spirits whenever I see them. The bright colors dance across the wall or appear as a magnificent arch in the sky. Whenever I see a rainbow, I feel a joyful sense of being visited by a being from another place.

I have arranged prisms on my windowsill so that at certain times multiple rainbows appear on the walls and across the room. It’s always a special treat to have the “rainbow hour,” and I use it as a way to be sure I am noticing how much beauty there is in life. Rainbows dancing on the walls are a wakeup call to beauty.

What Is a Rainbow?

In technical terms, the rainbow is a spectrum of light that appears when the sun’s rays or other white-hued light is refracted by a prism or through water vapor. The colors range from the lower hue of red, then progress through the pure tones of orange, yellow, green, and blue to finish at the high range of purple.

What We See and What We Don’t

There are many vibrations of light that go beyond this visible spectrum. We have the rainbow to show us both the power of choices, as the colors parade through in glory, and the limits of our perception.

The rainbow stands as a reminder that things can be more than they seem to be. It’s the only range of light that we see. However, the universal patterns of light go far beyond our ability to see with our eyes alone.

Now that humans have scientific means of measuring light, ones that can detect these wavelengths in mathematical terms, we see our own limitations in a new way.

We also see the potential for using what we are able to see. The rainbow shows that a simple thing such as a beam of light contains many possible variations. It invites us to dream of newness, showing us pure colors that delight the eye.

The rainbow is a sure sign of the ability of the mind to create new possible ways of seeing things. It’s not just black and white, it’s full color realization.

A Message in the Rainbow

Next time you see a rainbow, take an extra moment to savor the colors and the hidden message that has come.

For me, the rainbow serves as a reminder that the unseen is with us. It’s a tap on the shoulder from lightness, a message that things are more than they seem to be.

When I see refracted light, I take a moment to pause in my routine, to acknowledge mystery, and hope.

Our world is changing in ways we have yet to comprehend. At this moment of change, rainbows can lift the spirit. Color can change the way we feel. The pure tones of the rainbow have the power to bring newness to our hearts.

When was the last time you saw a rainbow? What does your tradition believe about rainbows? What feeling does a rainbow bring into your life? Please share with our community.

Do you consider yourself well-dressed? Are you a fashionista?

Some women over 60 were fashion icons in their earlier years and remain as such today. They know what looks best and wear what they are both comfortable in and what makes them look fabulous. Others follow the latest trends, chasing an image that may be more fantasy than reality.

Some people seem to come to fashion naturally. You know them, they always look good in a just-pulled-together sort of way. Nothing looks too studied or too perfect, but they always look great.

Perhaps they have studied, spending hours with Vogue and videos, personal shoppers and stylists, but the look remains effortless.

Then there are those of us who haven’t quite figured out the chic dressing code.

My Own Perception

I will be the first to admit that I am no fashionista. I often struggle with clothes, both in finding the right things and with putting outfits together. I have been one of those people with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

If you have been in this situation, you know it is stressful. Not knowing what to wear can suck up your self-esteem and contribute to negative body image. It can make you late for appointments and events. Even worse – it can leave you feeling less than. Less than others. Less than beautiful. Less than your best self.

The Third Piece Rule

In an attempt to up my fashion game, I have been trying new things. I read somewhere that to be fashionable you need a third piece. In addition to pants or a skirt and top, this might be a jacket, a sweater or a kimono. It might also be an accessory such as a statement necklace, a wrap or a scarf.

I’ve found some success with the third piece rule. I like to wear a jacket or sweater, or in very warm weather, one of the new light and floaty kimonos. This has been my attempt to look more pulled together, but it doesn’t always work.

I tend to love basic, neutral, classic clothes. I have a closet full of black, gray and navy blue. For some brightness, I usually wear a white or light-colored top. The good news is that I often buy quality pieces. The bad news is that although everything goes together, it is all very boring.

The Power of the Scarf

Then I saw a woman wearing very basic, neutral clothing and a beautiful silk scarf. She looked stunning. I realized that I already owned similar pants, cardigan and blouse. It wasn’t the clothing that made the look, it was the scarf.

Perhaps this is very obvious to you and you have long ago discovered the power of a beautiful scarf, but it was a revelation to me.

I owned a couple of scarves, purchased or given to me years ago, but I never wore them. There had never been any intention; I had no idea about how I might wear them or how to use them to complete an outfit.

I decided to go shopping for a scarf similar to the one my new fashion icon had worn. I noted the colors and style and dragged a friend along with me to help. Fashion accessories are not my area of specialty, and I have never considered myself someone who accessorizes particularly well.

But I found a similar scarf and bought it. I wore it hesitantly a couple of times and it felt good. It brightened up my complexion and brought color to my otherwise neutral wardrobe. Several people complemented me. It was a fashion win.

Since then I have realized the power of a scarf to change my look and be the accessory that has upped my fashion game. I now own many scarves and wear them often.

A good scarf offers many opportunities for style. Let’s explore them together.

Scarves Add Color

If you own a closet full of neutrals, scarves will brighten things up. I love my neutrals, but my coloring has faded with age and I find that I look better with a little color near my face. Color also adds interest and personality to your outfit. If you love color, scarves can be your playground!

Scarves Offer the Opportunity to Go Wild with Print

If you can wear print head to toe, good for you. I love prints, especially florals, but don’t usually feel comfortable wearing them.

I’ve never felt I could pull off a flowered jacket, but a scarf gives me just enough print to please my sense of pattern. I even have a favorite leopard print scarf that adds pattern without overwhelming me.

Scarves Add Warmth

When temperatures dip, a scarf feels cozy against your neck. An added bonus is that it covers up parts of your neck that are starting to sag and wrinkle.

There are very light weight scarves that will work in warmer temperatures or in a chilly air- conditioned room. I just bought a summer weight scarf in a poppy print that I can’t wait to try.

Scarves Stretch Your Wardrobe Basics

How many times can you wear that black sweater? For me, the answer is, endlessly. It can look new and different when I pair it with different scarves. This is a way to maximize your investment in good basic pieces while keeping your look interesting.

Scarves Let You Show Your Creative Flair

Like many women, I have a creative side, though my wardrobe has not always reflected my creativity. I have tried wildly printed shirts or shoes in bright colors, but I could never made it work.

Adding scarves has been a game changer for me. I can tie them in different ways and add a necklace or bag to make the outfit better match my personality. The right scarf allows me to be myself in a way that feels comfortable.

What is your favorite accessory? Are you a scarf wearer? Where do you get your scarves? Have you always known the magic of scarves or is it something you have yet to explore? I’d love to know how you make scarves work for you.

Dorit Kemsley’s Black Polka Dot Romper

Season 10 Episode 7 Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Fashion

In tonight’s episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills the ladies went from RHOBH to RHOSB and I’m here for it. Santa Barbara is probably my second favorite city in California after LA. I used to go there for my birthday every year with friends to enjoy some drinks and some shopping. That was always a little dangerous because one too many of one led to one too many of the other. But I can tell you now that I don’t need any amount of drinks to want to buy Dorit Kemsley’s black polka dot romper from tonight’s trip! It’s so adorable and perfect for a day of biking and wine tasting. She certainly won the bike “race” and my fav outfit of the day!

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To See Her Sold Out Christian Dior Polka Dot Playsuit

Originally posted at: Dorit Kemsley’s Black Polka Dot Romper

If you’ve shopped for candles at Sephora before, you know the retailer stocks high-end brands including Jo Malone, Tom Ford and Tocca. The retailer didn’t have its own official collection—until now. Though Sephora has released candles during the holidays, these Sephora Collection candles kick off the new permanent line. There are four to start with and each one fits with a different mood and vibe but will fit seamlessly into any room decor.

The important details? The soy-blend wax, non-toxic Sephora Collection candles are free from phthalates, parabens and sulfates, and they’re not tested on animals. Each has up to a 40 hour burn time. The candles themselves are a minimalist’s dream and the boxes they come in are colorful and bright, making them the perfect under-$20 gifts. 

Choose Pop Fizz for a burst of energy with citrus notes, Unwind for calming with vanilla and sandalwood, Refresh for a new start to the day with jasmine and musk and Bloom for a romantic vibe with rose petals and freesia. You can’t really go wrong with any of them. Shop the full collection, below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Image: Sephora.

Bloom Scented Candle

With notes of rose petals, freesia and amber.

Image: Sephora.

Pop Fizz Scented Candle

With notes of blood orange, red currant and creamy sandalwood.

Image: Sephora.

Refresh Scented Candle

With notes of black currant, grapefruit, jasmine and musk.

Image: Sephora.

Unwind Scented Candle

With notes of black amber, vanilla and sandalwood combined with pink berry and bourbon.

Lisa Vanderpump’s White Contrast Trim V Neck

Season 8 Episode 21 Vanderpump Rules Fashion

It was nice to get a glimpse of Lisa Vanderpump in a more relaxed look wearing her white contrast trim v neck talking with Brett Caprioni at home. She is always dressed like a professional while taking care of business, except for the rare occasion that she’s chilling at Villa Rosa with a trainer/employee, so it was a breath of fresh to see her laid back in a t shirt. Though Charli Burnett seems to want to know what goes on behind closed bathroom doors, to me it’s just nice to get to see what goes on in her closet doors.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop her Michael Stars V Neck Tee

Click Here To Shop Her Michael Stars Tee in Whisper

Originally posted at: Lisa Vanderpump’s White Contrast Trim V Neck