Pantone Color of the Year 2014: Radiant Orchid

Pantone, the global color authority, has announced the color of the year for 2014. It is an enigmatic purple, known as PANTONE® 18-3224 Radiant Orchid.

"While the 2013 color of the year, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.”

Purple is actually one of my favorite colors because it always seemed magical and a little mysterious although I typically wear very little purple in my day-to-day, unlike Marie from Breaking Bad.

Pantone is predicting that Radiant Orchid will take off in fashion, beauty and home in the new year.

For fashion, the rosy undertones of the color produce a flattering healthy glow when worn. So fashion designers have already featured Radiant Orchid on the runway and in their Spring collections. Some of these designers include Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan, Juicy Couture and Yoana Baraschi.

For beauty, the modern and versatile shade, lends both cool and warm undertones that make it flattering on a variety of hair, eye and skin tones. The multifaceted hue is sexy when combined with red and subtle when paired with its sister shades of lavender, purple and pink. The natural place to find it will be in products like lipstick, blush and nails.

For interiors, this color is great sprucing up a space with accent pieces and accessories or with a fresh coat of paint. Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows. Or pair this color to give life to neutrals like gray, beige and taupe.

Whatever application, expect to see more purple creeping into your wardrobe or life in the next year.

Online Shopping Finds–Graphic Statements

Lately all I hear people talk about is color blocking and graphic prints and since it’s that time of year when everything is going on sale, what better time to pick up some pieces that will take you through the rest of the summer into fall in style.  Here are a few great finds I couldn’t help but notice while browsing the web. Happy shopping! 

Vena Cava Pop Tank Was $235, now $71

Vena Cava Industrial Dress Was $395, now $119

Loeffler Randall x Suno Audra Flat Sandal was $475, now $190

Vince Camuto Sandals was $98, now $39.99

Jonathan Saunders was $375, now $150

Colorblock Midi Dress was $94.81,  now $27.58

Pre-Fall 2011 Trends: Cherry Bomb

I’ve previously wrote in Pre-Spring 2010 that red shoes were a definite trend to keep your eye on, but now the designers have taken it from the feet and moved on up, many creating bold head to toe color outfits in all shades of red.  From Cherry to Pimento, Apple to Beet the reds are all here to stay and making a statement. 

Pre-Fall 2011 was an explosion of red all over the runways, regardless of occasion or fabrication.  Deep red tones from Adam, Armani Collezioni and Elie Tahari look great for eveningwear, while classic reds at Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang look great for cocktails and making a statement.  My personal favorite use of red is the top and bottom combos that have a slight menswear feel by DKNY, Jenni Kayne and Thakoon.  If you are feeling lady like though Oscar De La Renta, Nina Ricci and Reed Krakoff looks might fit the bill.  If all that red makes you nervous though, just try on a red jacket ala Preen, Stella McCartney or Michael Kors. 

Would you wear head to toe red or is it a look for runways only?

Adam, Armani Collezioni, Elie Tahari

Jason Wu,  Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang

DKNY, Jenni Kayne, Thakoon

Oscar De La Renta, Nina Ricci, Reed Krakoff

Preen,  Stella McCartney, Michael Kors

Trends: Love at First Blush

Remember last year when I said nude tones were going to blow up? Well they have and I still love them but I noticed they recently took a slightly new turn during the Couture Spring 2010 shows. The nude tones took a dive into pinks and became a super flattering and very pretty blush tone. I noticed blush taking the runway by storm at Chanel, Elie Saab, Anne Valerie Hash and Valentino. What do you think of this color?

Trends: Olive

I was recently looking at the Pre-Fall 2010 collections and I noticed a growing use of the color Olive. It's being used for a multitude of styles and should no longer be limited to fatigues. From sharp tailored looks at Burberry Prorsum, J. Mendel and Jason Wu; to casual looks at Zero + Maria Cornejo; to evening elegance at Donna Karan and Devi Kroell. Watch out for olive, coming to your closet soon.

Trends: Sandstorm, in the Nude

When I was looking at Resort 2010, I noticed an emerging color trend. Nudes, khaki, buff and flesh tones were taking the runway by storm. From Alexander Wang to Helmut Lang, Balenciaga andElise Overland, everyone was feeling the nudes. They were sporty at Miu Miu, preppy at Balenciaga, sexy at Preen and mysterious at Yves Saint Laurent and goddess like at Temperley and Yigal Azrouel.

The tones were often paired with each other or greys to create layered neutrals that are full of sophistication and depth. There is something soft yet seductive about fleshy tones. I suppose you can call them your not so basic basic? This ain't your average pair of khaki's. Are you feeling it?

Trend: Hot Color, Hot Pink

Fall 2009 for Dolce & Gabbana, Emanuel Ungaro, Marc Jacobs

For some people, the draw to Hot Pink was always there. The shade is fun, feminine, but not too girly. I was always attracted to the Barbie like shade as it represented power, boldness and electricity. Now in time for Fall 2009, designers agree that it's high time for the return of Hot Pink! I like it best in skinny mini's like at Ungaro, Nina Ricci or Pucci best, but it also looks pretty hot in outerwear like at Marc Jacobs and Versace!

Fall 2009 for Nina Ricci, Pucci, Versace