7 ways to add color to your summer wardrobe...

when we think of summer...we think of sun...fun...and color...but many still have a hard time figuring out how to incorporate color into their summer wardrobe...now for those that for whatever reason...don't like color...no problem...i have several clients who prefer to stay in their neutrals...and that is ok...

but for those wanting to have a little bit of a colorful impact on their wardrobe this season...here are some simple solutions for you...and the great thing...is you can just add one of these items...and have instant color success...

1.  how about adding a vibrant colorful handbag for this season...this one below is the one i got myself...but in a neon pink...the tangerine was my second choice...and believe me...it goes with almost everything i wear...i literally have been using it for months...and get lots of compliments on it...which color to pick?  whichever one speaks to you...the pink was screaming my name...so i went for it...

michael kors "jet set" tote
nordstrom

2  a big trend that has been staying strong for quite some time...is the colored jeans...or in this case...a nice cool cropped pant...and yes...i have a similar pair...and i love them...wear them often...with so much...i've paired them with a black & white graphic summer coat...a simple tee...a floral blouse...on and on....add a blazer - wear it to the office...

nordstrom.com

3.  same as above - but in a skirt...depending on what you are looking for...as far as casual or business...the colored skirt can be incorporated in either setting...this one is a casual cotton skirt...perfect for running around town...going to the movies with friends...or meeting up with the gal pals for drinks...add a fun white tee...cute espadrilles and you are set...

banana republic
styling fabulous consignment boutique

4.  add a little color to your shoes...there are such fun loafers out now...flats...in vibrant colors...or pastels...such an easy way to add color when wearing a skirt or your jeans...

cole haan
styling fabulous consignment boutique

but of course...don't just think of your flats...how about a fun color in a pair of pumps...a yellow?  blue?  how fun to wear with your jeans...can't go wrong with a fun colorful pair of espadrilles...or for something a little dressier...lovely mint green slingbacks...for those that want a little color...not to bright...

paolo
styling fabulous consignment boutique

5.  adding a fun flirty top when going out for the evening...yes...skip the black for an evening...believe me...people gravitate towards color...you will be surprised...all you need?  a fun pair of white jeans or skirt and you are set for a summer evening...

max studio
styling fabulous consignment boutique

6.  add a colorful cardigan...for those cool summer nites...or depending on where you live...here in san francisco bay area...summer nites can get pretty cool...so a fun leather jacket in a great summer color...how chic is this?

lucien piccard
styling fabulous consignment boutique

7.  and last...but certainly not least...a simple add of a colorful scarf...add that to your neutrals...your blacks...or your all whites...and you are fabulously set for a wardrobe with a splash of color...

now i realize that all my examples are showing solids...but don't stop there...there are amazing colorful prints out there...that would do wonders in adding color to your summer wardrobe as well...

which of these would you try?

color inspiration: all in a rose...

aahhh roses...who doesn't love them?  while i love the ones that are in my front yard...they have no scent...so i go over to my mom & dad's house...their roses have the most incredible scent...much nicer...but you can't beat the colors...whether scented or not...

as in this lovely pic...to say i am slightly obsessed with this color would be an understatement...it just makes me so happy...so i am determined to find a few fun summer pieces in this color...

what color has you feeling chipper these days?

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when it comes to color...

...let nature be your inspiration...

i just recently started a new obsession...pinterest...i know...a total late bloomer...but i knew that it could become a complete time consumption...so i stayed away...but i realized how easy it would be for me to keep all my inspiration in outfits and colors and ideas...all in one place...where as before my pinterest days...i kept pics from magazines and such in binders...talk about paper over-flow...so i succumbed...feel free to follow me...lots of fashion ideas...and other fun things...

one of my pinterest boards is called "color inspiration"...while not full yet...this is where i like to keep color combinations that i think would be great in an outfit...when i look at the binders i have of color inspiration...it doesn't surprise me how much of it is from pics of nature...

nature...is a great way to find color inspiration...take the pic above for example...these colors are perfect together...and while i can't wear yellow...at least close to my face...i am determined to work this color combination into an outfit...

how does it work?  lets take an example of a dried up riverbed...if you stare at it for a while...you will notice many different shades of grey...mixing shades of a color is a great way to be artistic in your wardrobe ensembles...those riverbed colors of dove grey, cement, clay, and gunmetal would look fabulous all together...no matter what separates or accessories you choose...they'll be beautiful and harmonious together...you can try this with different shades of brown...think of a box of mixed chocolates...or shades of green that can't be missed on a nice walk around the lake...

what parts of nature have inspired you to create an outfit?  feel free to share...

men's corner: color matters...

a recent article in gq magazine titled "what you can learn from the most opinionated man in fashion" gives pointers from designer michael kors...starting with self tanner to turtlenecks...click on the article link above for all his pointers...

what resonated with me...was his point titled 'lastly, know thyself'...michael says..."play to your strengths.  if you have sandy hair, you need ivory, not optic white.  a redhead?  get some green in your closet.  black hair?  you'll look dramatic in black.  cary grant proved that if you have gray hair, you wear gray.  just look at george clooney.  it might sound insane, but it works."

color does matter...and it just takes little simple tricks to make yourself look...well...very put together without looking like you tried...

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what was in frida kahlo's closet?

i would so love to see this exhibit...but i don't see any plans of traveling to mexico city...my girlfriend sent me this article...and i found it absolutely fascinating...

It started when she died in 1954, as a distraught Diego Rivera, the famous Mexican muralist and Frida Kahlo's husband, locked the doors to her closet and never let anyone enter for fear that the contents would be mishandled and ruined.

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Frida Kahlo's Closet is opened after 58 years...

be sure to click on the link above to see a video clip from the curator of the exhibit:  "appearances can be deceiving - the dresses of frida kahlo"...and to read more indepth of who kept the closet locked after frida kahlo's husbands death...

the story is pretty unbelievable...and opens up a closed vault...so to speak...of a woman who loved color...and was a bit of a girlie girl...

drawing inspiration from...

a beautiful bird...there is something so peaceful about this picture...but what drew me to it...was the color against a winter white...such a great neutral to wear this time of year...whether it be your winter white coat...or winter white wool pants and sweater...what beautiful color will you add for that extra touch against a beautiful winter white background?

be it a scarf...a handbag...a colorful brooch...

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emerald green...

it's official...emerald green is the color of 2013...

pantone had this to say about this absolutely amazing color...

"Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”"

i am very excited about sharing this beautiful color...and in the following weeks and months...i will be bringing you ways to incorporate this lovely color into your wardrobe...a great color for both men & women...

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orange is the new black...

at least here in the san francisco bay area...

congratulations to the san francisco giants...
another world series...
and in a sweep!

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jewel tones...

when it comes to jewel tones...
start with your favorite colors...

sapphire blue...
emerald green...
ruby red...

then...the skies the limit...

whether you choose to go
for one all over piece...

like a fabulous sheath dress...

or bits of color...
here and there...

a blouse...a pair of jeans...
some jewels...

or a stand-out bag...

these luscious rich tones...
mix well with other neutrals...

think black, camel or grey...

perfect for fall...no?

jewel tones by fabufinds featuring a short sleeve dress

drawing inspiration from...

a refreshing pic of popsicles...while reading an article about frozen fruit pops...in the august issue of vogue...yes...in vogue...i mean...what could be better on a nice hot summer day...like today...

but i also loved the colors in the pic...which got my juices flowing...these two colors would look fabulous together in an outfit...although for my own complexion...i would do more pink and less yellow...these two colors just look so happy together...

i always tell my clients...be on the lookout for color combinations that make you happy...and then go to your closet...find those colors...and start creating new outfits you may have never thought of...

what have you drawn inspiration from lately?  care to share?

scanned by moi

drawing inspiration from...

do things around you ever inspire an outfit?  i think that nature is one of the best ways to see incredible color combinations...and i'm always telling my clients...to key in on what stops them dead in their tracks...

this lovely pic...which i have NO idea where i first saw it...but saved it in my archives...aren't they the most adorable little birdies?  i just love the color combination...and am determined...to create an outfit of this same color combination...it may not happen today...or tomorrow...but it will happen...

what has inspired you lately?

put together: a little color & a dash of patterns...

every once in a while...i see an ad that just makes me happy...what would be in such an ad?  a little bit of color...and a little bit of mixing patterns...how fun & fabulous is this outfit...put together brilliantly for trina turk...les sigh...

scanned by moi

what do your clothes say about you?

have you ever given it any thought?  clothes speak volumes...whether we mean to or not...what we wear...displays a perception of a person...the question would then be...what do your clothes say about you?

clothing is one of the easiest ways to bring out a personality...a message...and even a sense of being approachable...or not...depending on your dress...and in some instances...for example...those who do public speaking...need to think about the colors they are wearing...because certain colors demand attention, authority...depending on your profession...your talk...what you are trying to convey...much of it will start with your dress...and the colors...

so...how about the basics...when you are standing in front of your closet...thinking...i need to do some cleaning...some purging...dare i say it...what goes through your mind as you look at each item...deciding their fate...

with my clients...we talk a lot about their style words...the words that best describe you they are...or possibly who they are trying to get to...and are using their clothes to get them started...it is a way to stay on focus...of where you are...or where you want to be...

so think about your daily life...your profession...your personality...and how you want to be portrayed...for example...let's say that you are in a profession where you don't want to stand out as feminine...and yet you look in your closet...and you have ruffled blouse after ruffled blouse...hanging...this look screams feminine...nothing wrong with that...if that is the image you want...and just as a ruffled blouse can bring out someone's feminine side...an  architecturally designed dress can say, “i’m edgy and modern...” if clothes in your closet represent an outdated image of you, they should go...period...

i dealt with this on my own...when after many many years of working in corporate america...and wearing suits every day of the week...i found myself...working from home...working at establishing my own business...and i knew that suits were no longer going to be a part of my attire...so i went through the exercise of removing them from my wardrobe...while i kept a few of my favorites...because honestly...there will be an occasion or two that will still require me to wear a suit...i knew in my heart of hearts...that i didn't need the number that hung in my closet...

when you are going through these pieces...think about this...when you try an item on...does it look like it’s just right for you? some of your clothes may be better suited for your sister...cousin, or your best friend... recognize the distinction between “just right” and “just okay” and pass those items along...

and lastly...let go of the era that you (for whatever reason) thought you looked your best...yes...you may have gotten lots of compliments when you wore that dress in 1980...but that doesn't mean that same dress today...is giving you your best look...let go of that era...and work on the best you that you can be today...

let your clothes say wonderful things about you!

 

 

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banana republic trina turk collection...

some collaborations seem fabulous...others...leave me less then impressed...the newest of them is banana republic & trina turk...coming to stores june 7th...

"Created exclusively by Banana Republic in collaboration with designer Trina Turk. 

Inspired by Palm Springs, pop prints and mid-century design."

(taken from trina turk website)

being that i will walk into a trina turk boutique...just for the exuberance of color...i have to say...i'm looking forward to this one...

will you be checking it out?

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step into spring 2012...

don't you just love having a multitude of choices?  when it comes to this season's trends...most of them have been translated into the choices of footwear...this is great...especially for those a bit timid about going all out on a trend...

so what trends am i talking about?  i've posted a bit about color this spring/summer season...whether it is brights...neon...they can all be found in shoes...from flats to heels...pick your color...your heel height...and you are set to go!

steve madden 'xcess' sandal
nordstrom.com

prints are everywhere this season...from florals to butterflies...animal print to tribal...too much for an outfit?  pick a shoe...again...you choose the style...and you are wearing the latest trend...

texture...whether it be a pleated design or lace...there are shoes that are representing this trend as well...

so go for it!  if there is a trend you are wanting to try...an easy way to incorporate it into your wardrobe...is through your shoes...and then...step into spring with style...

shoes in the color of the year...

while i am seeing tangerine tango...the color of the year announced by pantone...almost everywhere...including my closet...in the shoe department...i come up short...so i've been wanting to buy the perfect pair...

something like this would be lovely...

are you looking to add tangerine tango to your wardrobe?

cesare paciotti
scanned by moi
harper's bazaar - march issue

green & yellow...

my closest friends would say that my favorite color is green...it is usually what i gravitate towards...the truth is...i gravitate towards color...the brighter...the better...in the past...my favorite green combination was always...green & pink...made me think of spring...

but lately...i've been seeing a lot of green & yellow combinations...and i have to say...it is really getting my attention...now...if you are like me...and can't wear a certain color...especially around your face...there are ways of working in color that you love...but can't wear...

for me that color would be yellow...not the best choice for me...washes me out...so...how i would fix that problem? perhaps finding a colored pair of pastel yellow jeans...emphasis on the pastel...because i'm not needing bright yellow attention on my back side... =) just saying...or perhaps a pair of green & yellow espadrilles?

i like this combination of green dress & yellow jacket...but for me...i would flip it...and wear the green closer to my face...or on the outside...don't discount a color or trend that you gravitate to...but think of ways of incorporating it in...but in subtle ways...

bally

this nice yellow handbag with green embellishments is pretty fabulous...no? whatever your poison...look at pictures for inspiration...for color ideas...and then start working it in your wardrobe...baby steps...

prada

if green & yellow doesn't do it for you...pick a combination that does...orange & pink...green & blue...the options are limitless...but so fun to create...what would your winning color combination be? and how would you work it into your wardrobe?




photos scanned by moi - elle magazine february issue

a look on the bright side...

being a rather dreary...grey...rainy day...all i am wanting is some color...some vibrancy...some "happy"...and then i spotted a great pair of compact doubleweave pants...at ann taylor of all places...to say that i have been a bit obsessed with colored jeans...well...would be an understatement...but then when i spotted these...i thought...why stop at just jeans?

these are fabulous...a nice cropped pant...with a nice amount of stretch to them...so...i'm figuring there are two ways to wear this...rather demure...or go all out...

demure would be...possibly with a neutral blouse or sweater...and a nice pair of pumps...but...could you just imagine this with a eye-popping blouse? like...hmmm...a gorgeous red?? i could picture it in my mind...not sure if i would go that bright...on myself that is...yes...even i have my limits...not because i don't think the combination would be fabulous...just not the right combination for me...

which would you choose? demure...all out...or...none of the above?

guess that would be three ways...

spring is definately in the air...

and in all the department stores...as was witnessed today when i was out shopping...helping a girlfriend get some new pieces for her wardrobe...bold bright colors...and graphics...mostly black and white...i was in pure heaven!

so get ready...because spring is all about color...the brighter the better...and so many colors to choose from...truly something for everyone...are you going to try to introduce a new color to your wardrobe?

my girlfriend stepped out of her comfort zone and chose an absolutely vibrant silk chartreuse blouse...i saw so many possiblities...i started rambling off all the ways she could wear it with what she currently owns...i seriously think she caught some of my excitement for herself... =)

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put together: three color combo...

when it comes to getting enveloped in color...two stores always stand out for me...trina turk & j crew...i will walk in and literally smile at all the color surrounding me...

and one of THE best color combinations...is orange, pink & green...so when i saw this ad...i wasn't surprised that it was j crew...i mean...they know how to work color in the most delicious ways...no?

and is this not the easiest outfit to put together? what would your three color combo be?

scanned by moi