A personal draping session — brought to your home or event across the DC/MD/VA area — that reveals your true season and exactly how to wear it across your wardrobe, hair, and makeup.
Most of us shop by instinct and end up with a closet of near-misses. A professional analysis pinpoints the palette that harmonizes with your undertone, value, and contrast — so every purchase from here forward actually works on you.
We drape professional fabrics and lipsticks against your skin to read your undertone, intensity, value, and level of contrast — the four pillars that place you within the 12-season system.
Once your season is set, we walk you through a comprehensive guide for translating your palette into real choices — wardrobe, accessories, and everyday styling decisions.
Every season has its own range of flattering hair colors. We review highlight, dye, and fashion-color options against physical hair swatches so you can see them before you commit.
Not included in express sessions.
You'll try a curated range of lip colors tuned to your season, so you leave knowing the exact tones that bring your face to life.
Full 12-season lipstick draping not included in express sessions.
Every client leaves with a minimum of two seasonal digital palettes and customized shopping guides tailored to your subseason — your companions for every store, screen, and swatch from here on. The session is just the beginning of the journey.
Atelier Aurelia goes on location. From boutique trunk shows to corporate wellness days, girls' nights, and milestone celebrations, I set up a draping station and give your guests their season — live, in person, and unforgettable.
Samantha Schroeder is the founder and Creative Director of Atelier Aurelia, a luxury color analysis and personal styling atelier where women (and men!) come to discover the palettes that make them unmistakably themselves. A trained Sci/ART color analyst with years of experience draping women, men, and even children, Samantha has draped over 2,000 clients in her previous role as Color Analyst and studio manager at Lily's Color Lab in Alexandria, VA, and hundreds more at corporate and private events across the DC/MD/VA area — a depth of hands-on experience that makes her one of the most practiced analysts working today.
Before founding Atelier Aurelia, Samantha spent a decade as a storyteller — a filmmaker and writer in Washington, DC — where she learned how image, color, and presence shape the way a story lands. She brings that same editorial eye to every client, treating each palette not as a set of swatches but as the beginning of a personal narrative.
When she's not in the atelier, you'll find Samantha in the kitchen perfecting a new recipe, exploring somewhere new, or plotting her next European adventure.
Real experiences from color analysis sessions led by Samantha across more than 2,000 drapings in the DC/MD/VA area.
"My friend and I booked a duo color analysis appointment and it was the best experience ever. Samantha was amazing — she explained everything so well, and we both ended up seasons we wouldn't have expected."
"Samantha explained why certain colors did or didn't work while adding fun commentary throughout — the vibes were vibing. I ended up a Dark Winter and received so many helpful guides and PDFs."
"She helped me see that I'm actually cool-toned, with such care and clear explanation. It completely changed how I view the colors I wear and why some never felt quite right."
"An engaging, educational session that turned into a delightful mother-daughter outing. We both left feeling more confident and informed about our personal colors."
"We dived into a meticulous process across 12 color palettes. I've already started revamping my wardrobe and feel more confident — rather than my clothes wearing me."
and 26 more five-star reviews
January 2026 — Samantha was featured performing a live color analysis, showing how the right colors can dramatically enhance appearance and transform personal style.
Watch the segment →Testimonials reflect color analysis work led by Samantha Schroeder during her tenure at Lily's Color Lab.
Annapolis · Coming Soon
Atelier Aurelia's permanent home in Annapolis, Maryland is in the works — a calm, light-filled space for draping, hair guidance, and bespoke lip color, all under one roof.
Until it opens, I'm fully booking on an event basis and travel directly to you — hosting drapings in the comfort of your own home, as well as private parties and pop-ups across the DC/MD/VA area. Reach out to schedule yours and to be among the first to know when the studio opens its doors.
Email to bookSessions are booking quickly. Reserve yours and meet the colors that were always yours.
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