HOW TO WEAR 2016 PANTONE COLORS

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.

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

Color Forecast for 2013

2013. Wow! I can't believe a new year is almost here. A lot of change happened in one year, and there is much to celebrate. Who knows what a new year will bring, but one thing I know for sure is that we have some beautiful colors to look forward to. Pantone always releases spring and fall color forecasts, and this spring we can keep our eyes peeled for shades of green, navy blue and lavender. Of course, they like to assign fancy name such as African Violet and Monaco Blue, but who can remember those right?

I personally feel that lavender and navy will be the hot colors of the spring and summer. For a little proof to back up my predictions, check out the images below. These are some of my top pins this year, and what do they all contain? Lavender and navy. haha! What colors do you think will be popular? Do you agree with my prediction?

2012 Fashion Trend: Citrus Colors

Are you ready to tango with tangerine? Get giddy with grapefruit?...Okay, my alliteration stops there. Promise! Seriously though, citrus colors are about to take over the fashion world as spring approaches. You don't have to take my word for it either. Pantone, the authority on color trends, said so. You can read about it here. 

So, are you ready to leave your teals and maroons behind yet?

Maybe after seeing this fruity inspiration you will be. =)

Photos (from left to right): All Things Stylish, All Pretty Little Things, Unknown, Bobbi Brown, The Neotraditionalist, Matchbook Magazine.

Color Theory

I've never been one to follow seasonal "it" colors, but I do find trend watching interesting. Pantone, the industry's color experts, have listed Spring 2009's colors. Check them out along with fashion sketches from designers such as Nanette Lapore, Carmen Marc Valvo, Peter Som, Tracy Reese, Reem Acra and Alvin Valley! Which colors would you most likely wear out of the bunch?

Here are some fashion sketches that designers created using the color trends for this season...Pretty awesome!