HOW TO WEAR 2016 PANTONE COLORS

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This post is sponsored by Neiman Marcus.

Every year Pantone releases the "it" color for the year, but this year we have TWO colors: Rose Quartz and Serenity. I'm not too surprised the hot colors of the year are pastel after we have seen so many blush colored dresses and tops preceding this announcement. Being a woman with olive skin, I've steered clear of wearing pale blue and pink in the past. Usually warm tones look best on me, but I decided to take the challenge of finding some clothes that I think work well for my skin and showcase the trend. The trick that I have found is to lean on the warm side of pastels. That means more of a pink peach or a purple-y blue are totally game! See how it turned out.

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This blouse by Rebecca Taylor makes me feel so beautiful. The ruffled sleeves and soft pink color are very different from what I gravitate toward as a mentioned earlier, but sometimes you just need to feel like a woman and this blouse does just that.

Equipment makes the best silk, button-down blouses. If you know me at all my favorite outfit is a button down, jeans and blazer. I would have a 100 of these blouses in my closet if I could. I really love how they made a printed silk top with hearts without making it overly cutesy. This is definitely what I would wear for Valentine's Day. I paired the blouse with a Current Elliot denim button down skirt. I would say the "it" item to have this summer would be a jean skirt, and this is a great option if you're looking for one. It's a bit a-line, which is complementary to those with hips.

If you're looking for a work appropriate Pantone inspired piece, consider this Rebecca Taylor woven jacket. I love the fringe and design details on it. It references Chanel, but inserts a cool, young vibe with the chevron-like pattern.

And if all else fails and you can't find a Pantone colored shirt you like, go with a gray muscle-t that has a graphic incorporating both colors.  This one is by Pam & Gela, and would be awesome with a blazer and skinny jeans for a casual Friday or by itself for comfy Saturdays at home.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

MUST HAVE SHOES FOR SPRING

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This post is sponsored by Neiman Marcus.

Spring is almost here! Can you believe it? If you're shopping the malls these days you'll notice spring resort styles on display. For some of you the weather may still be too cold, but if you live in Arizona or California you are ready to start struttin' in those sandals. Here are my top five spring shoes you plan to have this season:

PLATFORM SANDALS - We have seen then come and go, but platforms are here to stay for another year. Add suede fringe, an espadrille platform, and you have yourself the perfect shoe for any vacation. These Tory Burch wedges are comfortable and easy to walk in. They also would go with any spring outfit.

FLAT SANDALS - These gold studded Ancient Greek Sandals are my FAVORITE flat sandal right now. They are the perfect combination of comfort and style. If you like adding a bit of edge to your outfits definitely consider these shoes. I paired them with my pleated maxi skirt, denim jacket and fringe cross-body bag for a casual weekend outfit.

BETTER BIRKENSTOCKS - Remember how Birkenstocks came out in full force last summer. Yeah, I'm not a fan and never was. Those shoes make my size 10 feet look like they are size 14. For a stylish walking sandal that is flattering consider these metallic Pedro Garcia shoes. They feel like butter and provide arch support for those long walks on the beach this spring.

BLOCK HEEL SANDALS - Heels come in all different shapes, and right now block heels are having a moment in fashion. Being a tall woman I feel more confident walking in block heels than stilettos. These Joie suede heels are my go-to spring heels because they work with any outfit. I feel really secure with the ankle strap and the mid-heel is a manageable height. You'll be able to walk miles in these gorgeous shoes.

SUMMER SNEAKERS - The stylish, slip-on sneaker is a necessity for your closet this year. Loeffler Randal is a shoe designer that I have been watching over the years, and every season they nail it. This perforated espadrille sneaker is a unique and ultra cool take on the classic slip on. The two tone color reminds me of Chanel without having to pay Chanel prices, and the perforated leather is so eye-catching everyone will be asking where you got your shoes.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

Kate Spade

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My first designer handbag was a giraffe print Kate Spade purse. I can remember the moment when I saw it. I was 14 years old, it was around Christmas time and I was walking through Neiman Marcus feeling awkward because I wasn't dressed up enough, and then I saw it...black leather straps, boxy shape, red silk inside and fuzzy giraffe print on the outside. I begged and begged my mom to make this purse my Christmas and birthday gift combined (my birthday is in June). haha. Needless to say, she honored my request and I brought that bag to school every day!

I have been a big supporter of Kate Spade ever since, and I'm really loving this year's ad campaigns. Kate Spade always uses color in fun, cute, sassy and classic ways.

Here is an outfit inspired by their Spring 2010 ad campaign...

Neiman Marcus Fashion Rules

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Neiman Marcus at Scottsdale Fashion Square is hosting a free event called "Fashion Rules" this Thursday, March 4, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The garment my team created for the 2010 IIDA Couture Competition will be on display along with the other winners as part of the Fashion Rules event on level 2 of Neiman Marcus. You can also meet the designer of CJ by Cookie Johnson, view a trunk show of Christian Louboutin and get makeovers by makeup artists from Le Metier de Beaute. All you need to do is RSVP to this phone number, 480-425-1443.

If you can't make this event and you would like to see the garments in person, they will remain on display until March 8, 2010.