Saint Pantone

The separation of church and state is a beautiful concept.  Not everyone needs to believe or not believe in the same religions, let alone same thoughts and life decisions.  Over the last few weeks, it seems like the separation of "church" and "fashion" is more of a blurred line.  Dolce & Gabbana have released an array of hijabs and abayas conjoined to their 2016 spring/summer collection.  This trend isn't new, especially seen in religious-inspired jewelry, especially from designers where religion and life go hand-and-hand, like Giorgio Armani's rosary inspired necklaces or Bvlgari's cross bracelets and rings.

Several years ago, a friend saw my rosary-inspired necklace, and asked a few questions about the rosary.  I explained the symbolism of the beads, their spacing, and the order and purpose of the prayers. She mentioned that it seemed kind of boring and repetitive.  To her surprise, I agreed.  You see, I believe that the prayer I offer while praying the rosary isn't primarily comprised of the prayers I'm reciting.  The bigger prayer at hand are the people, special intentions, and concerns that flood my mind and heart whilst praying.  Like the rosary was designed to be trance-inducing on purpose, allowing you to tune out the world and tune in to your prayers.

This idea isn't just limited to praying the rosary.  Tonight while at mass, my mind started to wander a bit.  And of course, the "retail" in my heart went right to my mind.  That's when I realized - the ceiling at my Cathedral is a perfect display of the 2016 Pantone Colors of the Year - Rose Quartz and Serenity.  The design could very easily be an Hermes scarf, the pool at one of Gianni or Donatella Versace's mansions, or one of many architectural pieces of the Medici family palazzi in Firenze.  Not only do I love the colors, but I love the mix of geometric patterns, lighting, and proportions.

Where have you found unexpected inspiration?  Do you have a favorite city or place that jump starts your creative juices?  What shapes your fashion foundationf?  Who is your muse?

goodbye wine, hello minerals and peace

 A new year has come!  Rejoice!  As we pack up our Christmas/Hanukkah Decor and prepare for a new year of opportunities, excitement, and adventures, we also look forward to what may be.  And one of the biggest things that may be is a new color!  Pantone, the international authority on all things color, has a color of the year.  One would think that a color authority wouldn't have much impact on the retail marketplace and consumer trends, but it's the exact opposite. For the last many moons, Pantone sets the trend on all things pigmented, influencing everything from lipstick and nail polish shades to the color of our sheets, shoes, and sunglasses.  Last year's Marsala instantly was a hit.  And just because it's a new year, doesn't mean we have to throw away our beloved red/brown hued Persol sunglasses and butter LONDON nail polishes.  The new year, the new color, means one more shade to throw in our rotation of fabulousness.

And for the first time ever, the 2016 Pantone Color of the Year is actually two colors!  And symbolically, the color choice couldn't be more indicative of our society.  The lines are blurred. 

PANTONE 13-1520 & PANTONE 15-3919

A softer take on color for 2016: For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the PANTONE Color of the Year.

 

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association.

In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.
 

A symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.

For the first time Pantone introduces two shades, Rose Quartz and Serenity as the Pantone Color of the Year 2016. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.

 To jump start your color relevance for 2016, here are a few goodies to easily incorporate into your wardrobe without breaking the bank:

Sephora + Pantone Universe Modern Watercolors Eye Palette.  US$39.

What it is:
An exclusive palette of 24 deliciously enticing shimmer and matte eyshadow shades, including the two Color of the Year shades: Rose Quartz and Serenity.

What it is formulated to do:
From pastels to brights, this palette has everything you need to create an impactful look. The set of 24 matte and shimmer shades come in a sleek, sophisticated palette. Inspired by the Pantone Colors of the Year, but open to your own interpretation, this mix of pastel shades invites you to transform this timeless pastel duo from sweetly conventional into 2016’s most modern color story.

This palette contains:
- 24 x 0.03 oz Eye shadows in Bright White, Antique White, Oyster Mushroom, Fruit Dove, Rose Quartz, Mushroom, Coral Haze, Honeydew, Pelican, Pale Mauve, Cascade, Café Crème, Chinois Green, Café au Lait, Lantana, Mellow Yellow, Cedar Wood, Boa, Linden Green, Ash, Citadel, Serenity, Marina

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

Sheila Bridges' Harlem Toile wallpapers.   When a color is too monochromatic, you lose the effect of the color's richness and power.  I like to mix things up and focus on a neutral color as the primary focus, and pepper in the complimenting colors through accessories and accents.  Sheila Bridges' Harlem Toile wallpaper in this delightful Dove is the perfect base for the Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year.  Gray has always been my favorite color, and was Christian Dior's favorite as well. 

Rebecca Minkoff's Love crossbody purse. A sweet pink paired with an opalescent finish ups the wow factor for this standout crossbody bag. The optional chain strap lets you turn it into a clutch in a cinch.  It's the perfect pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity and adds some serious splash of color. 

• Turnlock-flap closure.
• Optional crossbody strap.
• Exterior snap-button pocket.
• Interior zip pocket.
• Jacquard lining.
• Leather.
• By Rebecca Minkoff; imported.
• Handbags.
• US$395.
• Available at Rebecca Minkoff and Nordstrom.  

 

 

Tom Ford Beauty.  TFord makes the creamiest, dreamiest beauty products, and his Austin shade doesn't disappoint.  It's absolutely perfect for all skin tones.  Lipstick is the easiest way to add a splash of trendy color, and this Austin is perfect for both daytime and nighttime looks.  US$35.

butter LONDON's 2016 Colors of the Year Duo.  I love, love, love butter LONDON.  While this may look like just another run-of-the-mill paint for your nails, it's way more than that.

10-In-1 Formula, It's Lacquer Brilliance! 
Sophisticated, long-wearing shades loaded with ingredients proven to promote brighter, stronger, healthier nails.

• Long-wear - up to 10 days
• shock absorbing, chip resistance
• salon colour coverage, fade resistant
• gel-like cushion and superior shine
• strengths nails, prevents breakage and peeling
• visibly brighter, more radiant nails
• formulated without formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, or xylene.
• US$22.

 Heather Moore's rose quartz pendant.  This absolutely stunning rose quartz pendant necklace is accented with 14kw.  US$450.  Available at Be On Park.  Perfect for day.  Perfect for night.  Simply perfect.