Pantone 2014 Color of the Year | Radiant Orchid

Pantone is the self-proclaimed authority on color and every year the company names the "it" color for that year, which seems to set the standard for everything from home decor to fashion to beauty. Pantone has named "Radiant Orchid" the 2014 color of the year. This isn't the most wearable and friendly color, especially considering their choices for years past. 2013 had a lovely emerald shade and a warm tangerine shade was the choice for 2012. Those colors were a lot easier to incorporate into our wardrobes and our homes. But, we're going to be seeing Radiant Orchid everywhere this year, so we gotta love it and we gotta learn how to use it. The good thing about this shade is that it can flatter all skin tones and hair types if worn appropriately.

As with any color, that's a bit out of the norm, it's important to start with small doses. My absolute favorite way to add any color to an outfit is with accessories. During this time of year, look for scarves or gloves in radiant orchid. I would steer clear of shoes, especially heels, in this color. Perhaps in the summer, you can add flip-flops or sandals with accents of radiant orchid. But until then, stick to the basics like a scarf or tank top. If you're feeling a little more bold, try a moto jacket or blazer.

If you want to try this color in the beauty realm, go for a nail polish in this pinky-purple tone, if you love it on your nails then move on to a lipstick. Start small and move your way up to incorporating more and more of the color.

For home decor, the same principles apply--start small. If you already know you love the hue, then by all means paint an entire room in it! But, if you want to stay on trend without overwhelming your senses with so much purple then opt for an accent wall, or a few accent pillows on a neutral couch, or a lamp in the corner of the room. Live with it for a while and then as you get more accustomed, you can slowly add in more pieces with the color. Another fabulous way to add color is with art. If you can't find anything that you love, then make it yourself! It's art for your home so it should reflect you and your style--what better way than to DIY! 

What do you think about Pantone's choice for 2014 color of the year? 

Do you love Radiant Orchid? 

Would you incorporate it in your beauty, fashion or home decor?

x

Ralph Lauren | Green Gown

Oh my goodness. I have been perusing the NYFW images for the past few days and this dress from Ralph Lauren's Spring 2014 collection is by far my favorite. By far. That rich, vibrant green couldn't be more springlike and the one-shoulder ruffle....I mean come on. Perfect.

What was your favorite look from the runway?

x

Heads or Tails // St Patty's Day

This week's Friday's Fancies is all about finding the lucky outfit for St. Patrick's Day. Do you dress up? I love, love theme dressing! Pink on Valentine's and green for St. Patty's. Give me a holiday and I'll give you the appropriately colored outfit ;) 

Would you rather be wearing heads or tails on Sunday, which is your favorite? 

So happy y'all stopped by today!

As always, I appreciate your support of this little blog of mine

Don't forget to enter the Amanda Catherine Designs Giveaway!

happy weekend dears!

xx

Post-Valentine's All-White Detox

I don't know about y'all but I have officially over-dosed on sugar, pink and glitter. I love Valentine's Day, but my eyes are going crazy from seeing all the fluffy red hearts and sweet sappy notes everywhere from Instagram to TV. So, I rounded up a collection of my favorite clean and simple white outfits and home decor photos, to serve as a palette cleanser of sorts. You're welcome.

Don't you feel better? ;)

Now bring on Spring!

Enjoy your weekend dear ones!

xx

Fashion Files // red pants

I'm a sucker for love and the month of February really brings that out in me. I paint my nails festive designs and wear red and pink, repeatedly and shamelessly, for the first two weeks of the month. Sometimes though, I have to be an adult but still want to celebrate the season. 

So I rounded up some red pants inspiration photos...I can still wear a Valentine's Day inspired outfit while maintaining some degree of professionalism.

Do you own red pants?

Am I the only one that loves to wear Valentine's Day inspired outfits?!

please say I'm not!

xx

Pretty in Pink

Pink & Navy Bow Flats // iPad Folio // Nail Polish // Blush // Zebra Sweater // Lipgloss // Pants 

Ok, I know it's not even February but I'm so excited for pink and red and Valentine's Day! I love pink all year round really so I don't technically need an excuse. But, isn't it so funny to be extra girly and feminine this time of year?!

What's your favorite piece above?

xx

Inspired Style // Black + White

This week's Friday's Fancies is all about black and white style. The first thing I think of is stripes! I find that I'm consistently reaching for this chic combo because it's so easy. And I still feel classic and classy. The key to sprucing up this simple duo of colors is to add lots of accessories that compliment not compete. In my styled outfit, I chose small pops of royal blue, leopard and gold....the perfect accents. 

Do you wear black + white or is it too boring for your personal style?

How do you jazz it up?

hope you have a fabulous weekend! 

see ya back here next week for some fun love inspired posts

and don't forget there's still time to enter the amazing Truffle giveaway below!

xx

Outfit Inspiration // Camel + Grey

Similar Affordable Options: Camel Sweater // Faux Fur Collar // 

Boyfriend Jeans // Heart Charm Bracelet // Grey Heels

As I once again work to refine my style in the new year, I find myself still drawn to clean simple lines and color combinations. I love camel + grey. It's so clean yet sophisticated. Today's Friday's Fancies outfit is inspired by the gorgeous outfits above which I found on Pinterest. One of my favorite combinations is an oversized sweater, boyfriend jeans and high heels....such a relaxed, feminine silhouette. And super comfortable. Of course no winter outfit would be complete without faux fur. Nothing beats a collar/scarf which you can easily throw on for chilly mornings. 

What do you think about this color combo?

What other classic combinations say simple winter sophistication to you?

Hope you have a fabulous weekend, my dears

See ya back here Monday for a giveaway!

Super excited for this one, it'll help you get stylishly organized for 2013

xx 

2013 Pantone Color of the Year // Emerald

The blogging world has been abuzz with the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013, emerald. 

It's such a luxurious and vibrant color! I've seen it popping up on runways and fashion magazines, 

but I wanted to take a closer look at this color in home decor. 

Here are a few of my favorite rooms incorporating the color of the year.

What do you think? Would you decorate with emerald in your home? 

Maybe just a few accents or an entire wall?

hope your second week of 2013 is off to a great start!

I'm just now getting back into the swing of things

xx

olivia palermo // bold fall style

I don't know about you guys, but my fall wardrobe consists of black and grey with a few camel pieces thrown in for good measure. This time of year just makes me want to cozy up with darker colors. But, oh Miss Palermo is making me change my tune! Look at the gorgeous bold, rich colors she's wearing this season. I love her no matter what, but she's stunning in these colors.

What colors are in your closet this time of year?

Are you a dark neutrals gal or are you on OP's color train?

xx

My dears, I have to ask a huge favor.

Facebook messed up my blog's fan page and long story short, last night I had to start *all over again*

Would you please take a second to click over to my new Facebook page and like it?

It would mean the world to me.

Linked: Because Shanna Said So

Halloween Inspiration // orange and black

Although this fabulous color combo has a special place in my heart because it represents my alma mater, I'm equally excited to be sporting it for a little Halloween fun. I thought it would be fun to share some orange and black outfit inspiration for those of you who won't be wearing a costume tonight but still want to be festive!

<my outfit from game day last week>

hope y'all have a fabulously goulish day

stay safe if you're celebrating tonight 

xx

{ps}:

I'm so happy that my friends & family and blogging buddies on the East Coast are safe and sound. 

The coverage of Sandy has been amazing and the damage so sad. If you'd like to help through the Red Cross you can text REDCROSS to 90999. Love and prayers to you all! x

fall style // navy & pink

This preppy color combination is usually associated with summer time, but as these inspiration photos show... it's perfect for this time of year too!

For me, fall is all about casual chic so my dream navy + pink fall outfit incorporates a comfy sweater and soft scarf paired with gold glitter flats. Perfect.

Do you like this preppy color combination?

Would you wear it for Fall?

here's to a lovely week,

xx

Linked: Monday Mingle

fall essential // the chunky sweater

I feel like my fall wardrobe is pretty well taken care of, just one item left: the chunky sweater. Cozy, comfy, and oversized to wear with leggings. So perfect. Imagine wearing it to get a pumpkin spice latte or to go apple picking. Love.

I think it's a must in either camel or ivory. 

Which color would you choose?

shop my favorite chunky sweaters:

style inspired // monochromatic

If done well, monochromatic is sophisticated and chic. I think varying the tones, creating depth with texture, and adding a pop with an accent color are the keys to keeping it classy. 

Here's my dream monochromatic outfit based on neutral navy, 

including soft velvet and pops of brown and gold.

have a blessed Fall weekend my dears!

gosh, I love this time of year

xx

budget friendly options to shop my monochromatic outfit:

Linked: Fashion Friday + Friday's Fancies

style inspired // black & white bedroom

Happy 2nd week of September! Temperatures have cooled down a bit here in the South, especially at night. It's slowly but surely starting to feel like Fall! Isn't it fabulous?

Today, I'm starting a new series called Style Inspired. You may remember the posts that I've done in the past where I translate rooms into an outfit. While I definitely draw fashion inspiration from interior design, I realized that inspiration really is all around! So those posts are transitioning into the Style Inspired series. I'm so excited to kick it off with one of my favorite color combinations, black and white. These week's inspiration comes from this gorgeous black and white bedroom. The cool clean lines with just a touch of edgy sophistication from the black walls. Love it.

And even more inspiration from Pinterest!

Here's a look at the outfit I styled based on the bedroom above

budget friendly & splurge options to get this look:

wishing you a week full of falling leaves, pumpkin spice lattes & scarves

xx

{ps}:
There's still 1 week left to get in on the giveaway of my favorite beauty products!
Check out my first vlog to enter!

Linked: Monday Mingle