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.

sailing into 2016

Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to rush the time along.  I try to enjoy each moment, whether good or not-so-much, making the most of each day and experience.  I must say, I am definitely looking forward to spring.  Growing up in warm climates, I love being outside, working in the garden, enjoying the sunshine.

I'm definitely a nostalgic person.  I love handwriting greeting cards.  I prepare family recipes.  Once I establish a system for doing something, I do it the same way, every time, without fail.  I'm a creature of habit, and I'm ok with that.

At this time of year, I always find myself gravitating towards all things water related - sailing, swimming, and all that is associated with the categories.  Nautical inspired fashion.  Seafood dishes.  Decor with a splash of sailing.  Yacht-chic.  I love it all.

Maybe it's because my father is a retired Naval Officer, and I always think so fondly of sailors and the Armed Forces.  Or maybe because I grew up around the water, and associate the smell of the sea with childhood, family, and all things holy.  And maybe because I love warm climates and traveling, so just the thought of boating transforms my mind to an adventure, an exploration, and good times.  Regardless of motivation and nostalgia, here are a few sailing inspired looks and brands I'm loving:

-- Saint James has been making wonderful woven clothing and accessories in France since the mid-1800s.  Their Minquiers 10 unisex top is one of the most iconic sailing shirts imaginable.  Available in more than a dozen color combinations, the long sleeved tshirt features a round neck, straight shape, and the most breathable combed cotton, perfect for a crisp day on the water and warm days in the sun.  My favorite is the blue/white combination.  US$75.

 

-- Whether spending the day on the water, playing urban hiker and exploring a new city, or biking over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house, a backpack to keep your treasures dry is definitely essential.  Since 1897, Filson have been making quality goods with both design and function in mind, and are particularly geared towards the great outdoors.   I'm particularly loving the Dry Day Backpack.  A lightweight, vinyl-coated polyester backpack with sonic-welded seams, padded ergonomic shoulder straps and rolling hook-and-loop closure.  US$125.

 -- I love bracelets, for both men and women, and think they look best when stacked with three or four different fabrics, metals, and designs.  Really love the maritime rope bracelets with silver plated anchor from Miansai.  Available in several color combinations, fabric and metal options.  US$60.

-- We all know our bodies are composed predominately by water, and how important daily hydration is for normal system function and optimal health.  Water is also incredibly important for our skin.  Biotherm Homme has an entire range called Aquapower, packing the equivalent of 5,000 liters of thermal spa water into their face care.  I really love their Aquapower cleanser - leaving the skin feeling squeaky clean and super soft.  US$29.

-- I love the warm, natural glow candles add to a room's ambiance, and particularly the light fragrance they bring.  What better way to spring into 2016 and set the mood for successfully navigating the year ahead than with Nest's Ocean Mist & Sea Salt classic collection?  The refreshing essence of a gentle ocean mist is combined with hints of sea salt, white tea and coconut. What's not to love?  From US$16.

 -- Sheila Bridges is one of the coolest interior decorators on the planet.  She holds a special place in my heart, because Mom and I used to watch her show on the Fine Living Network together.  On the show, she always had an undeniable authenticity, encouraging her viewers to live their best life, finding what makes you happy, and creating a space that reflects where you've been, where you are, and where you're going.  And she's studied in Polimoda in my beloved Florence.  Sheila offers an extraordinary collection of hand-screened wallpapers.  My favorite are any of her toile collection, but the sailor in me adores her nautical stripes.  In my dream home, Sheila will do all the wall designs.

-- Whether cruising through Norwegian Fjords, enjoying a day cruise on the sea, or sailing through the Arctic, Norway's Helly/Hansen keeps you protected from all the elements with a dash of style + class.  I'm particularly loving their Salt Jacket, packed full of functional details like hand warmer pockets, fleece collar, adjustable hood, water and wind repellent, and super handy hanger hook.




What trends are you loving?  Regardless of where we go in life, I wish you all the best health, happiness, and harmony in 2016.  And of course, all with an added dash of style + class.