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.

100 degrees and I want to buy sweaters

Go figure. It's 100 degrees F / 37 degrees C right now outside. And I'm shopping for winter clothes. I can't get enough:

-- Puffer jackets, coats, and vests from Moncler. And speaking of Moncler, there's nothing I hate more in fashion than fake stuff. Fakes benefit no one, and fool no one. Check out Moncler's efforts to combat this nastiness.

-- Toggle closure coats, jackets, and sweaters, especially like this one from Pringle of Scotland:

Merino wool knit jacket with toggle closures, front slash pockets and removable hood. Available in Grey. Imported. Wool. Dry clean. US$1195. Barneys style #: 501284915

-- And I definitely see the streets this fall/winter filled with the double faced wool jackets, like these from Marni.

-- I'm really loving cowl neck, boat neck, and interesting neck lines for shirts, sweaters, and dresses right now. Especially this Jil Sander Navy cowl neck dress, shown in eggplant. Sleeveless, jersey, and perfect for warm summer nights on the town. US$450.

-- I'm loving the sweet elegance of Lithuanian born jewelery designer Alex Sepkus. Incredibly special, all hand made, and flawless in design and quality. Very well done. And available at one of my favourite jewelry boutiques, Be On Park, in Winter Park, FL.

-- I really like the aesthetic of mix-and-match. Big patterns mixed with little patterns. Like a table mixed with old flatware and new dishes. I'm not saying you have to rock a look a la Etro or Roberto Cavalli, but I love when things are a little miss matched for the perfect appeal.

More Than Your Best Friend

I don't believe in reincarnation. I hope when I die, I go to heaven and that will be the end of it. But I do think sometimes that I've had several past lives. I know that sounds a little odd. But it's true. There are some things I love, some things I'm infatuated with, and some skills I am able to perform that I people of this age normally don't acquire. For example, how many heterosexual men know how to sew? Or bake a pie? Or know the most random details about how Christian Dior made his first couture dresses? Or cared about the brilliance of diamonds? Maybe I'm just in training to be the perfect husband.

Over the past several months, I've become friends with the fabulous ladies (and gentleman) at Be On Park, a luxury jewelry boutique in Winter Park, Florida. Incredibly personable, warm, and friendly, these lovely ladies are as smart as they are beautiful. They know the story. They love the romance. And they know their jewels.

I don't pretend to know much about jewelry. I like what I like. I know you're supposed to pay attention the colour, the cut, the clarity, and the carat weight, but I doubt I'd know the difference between a high quality and a not-so-nice version.

There are several pieces in the store that I really love. One, in particular, is a necklace from A. Link. And you know me - I had to know more about the company, the story, the romance...

The origins of A. Link & Co. predate 1900. Mr. Adolph Link, son of a Viennese goldsmith, came to New York City in 1894. Growing up on New York’s lower east side, he met the youngest daughter of a rabbi, Anna, whom he married in 1912. Adolph apprenticed as a platinum jeweler with Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. His wife’s diligent work enabled him to purchase raw gold and platinum to fabricate his own designs along with Fifth Avenue’s greatest craftsman.

In the early 1940’s Adolph’s two sons joined their father in his business. Seymour becoming a jeweler and Marvin apprenticed as a diamond cutter in Antwerp. It is from these two trades that A. Link derived its reputation as a dealer in the finest made diamonds and a manufacturer of traditional diamond jewelry. Renowned for creating elegant and timeless diamond jewelry, as well as providing superb customer service, the company has been family operated for generations. Currently managed in their U.S. office by Jeffrey Link and Douglas Sills, A. Link continues to supply the finest jewelry retailers worldwide. Dali Diamond, a Diamond Trading Company sightholder since 1967, manufacturers diamonds in compliance with the highest professional and ethical standards. In 2003, after 15 years of supplying 60/60 diamonds to A. Link, Dali Diamond was proud to announce a full and comprehensive partnership with A. Link.

I am in love. Finding something you're passionate about, dedicating your life to mastering the craft, and having an unending dedication to producing only the best-of-the-best products is so inspiring and fascinating.

Just like the fine details and personalized products from couture ranges like Dior, Hermes, and Armani, not all diamonds are created equal.

The quality of an A. Link diamond is immediately visible, even under the most remarkable conditions. Any diamond can sparkle in the light of day, but an A. LINK diamond will sparkle in the dark, needing only the most minimal light to share its brilliance. Such dazzling effects are due to the A. LINK signature 60/60 cut diamonds, where the table and depth percentages are the same, maximizing diameter weight and reflectivity. These diamonds have table sizes from 58 to 61 percent with depths of 59 to 61 percent. These percentages average 60\60, all other parameters, i.e., polish, symmetry, culet, and girdle specifications are “good” or better. We grade our diamonds for color and clarity with expertise comparable to the Gemological Institute of America (G.I.A.) and the American Gem Society (A.G.S.)

Diamonds are so much more than a girl's best friend. They're my friend, too. If you haven't met, the lovely ladies at Be On Park will be glad to introduce you...

Must Have Jewelry

I have been consulting with a friend of mine for the past few days. She owns a wonderful luxury boutique in Winter Park, Florida, and features all things beautiful for the home, with European influence. She's got fabulous ranges like Vietri, Garnier-Thiebaut, Agraria, Juliska, Match, Mariposa...the list goes on and on like a VIP list at the Oscars.

My friend's boutique has relocated to a storied space, filled with history, amazing memories, and fabulous ambiance. It has moved into an old jewelry store on the same prestigious street as her old store, but in a much more prominent, more accessible, and higher profile locale. And she shares the space with an incredible jewelry store, that also relocated to the better position too.

So imagine, if you will, amazing jewelry in the main front room (everything that sparkles) with a long hallway leading to a cluster of five beautiful spaces and a fabulous main atrium/rotunda type centerpiece with the most amazing home goods and gifts (all things beautiful). It's the perfect one-stop-shop for gifts, necessities, and everything fabulous in your life.

While I was visiting with "the jewelry girls" as I lovingly refer to these fabulous new friends, I noticed something super special. And I must have it.

The designer - Heather Moore. The object of my desire - Jumbo Leather ID tag bracelet. This simple bracelet is personalized with your favourite quotes, words of encouragement, or song lyrics even and is available in your preferred shade of gold. ID tag measures 1.75" x 0.875" and features brown leather wrap. If you want to order your own, or learn more about it, Matina, Janice, or any of my fabulous jewelry girls at Be On Park will be pleased to assist.