Terrific Color Trios: Mustard + Navy + Olive

Matching items of different color families can prove to be quite a task when trying to create the perfect color-blocked outfit.  Tones and shades of various colors can seem confusing when using a traditional color wheel, and the result maybe less than ideal when assembled.

1.  GAP -Linen Utility Skirt in Olive
2.  Banana Republic -Geo Print Halter Tank in True Navy
3.  Tex by Max Azria -Leather Belt in Mustard
 

Why this color combination works?

 

Choosing two out of the three primary colors (yellow, blue and red) is a great place to start when trying to combine colors.  When two primary colors combine (yellow and blue, for example), they create a secondary color (green).  Wearing a primary color such as blue, with it's secondary color, green, can be a beautiful color combination, but wearing these bright hues together can be daunting, especially when if you are not trying to make a color statement with your clothes.  One way to achieve a rich color palate, yet avoid looking like a box of crayons is to use a darker shade of each color.

Mustard, Navy and Olive, all darker shades of their respective color wheel members: yellow, blue and green, offer a sophisticated alternative when color-blocking.  Visually, the deeper tones have a warmer, less jarring appearance when juxtaposed, providing a more unified look when worn together.

How I Styled It?

Mixing colors and fabrics in today's 1, 2, 3 Styling was fun and easy after utilizing my Academichic color wheel.  The olive linen skirt (1) and the jersey print tank (2) create a beautiful pairing on their own, but the leather, mustard colored belt (3), adds a dimension of texture and color, bridging the two pieces of the ensemble. 

For my accessories, I love the stacked bracelets, and mix beaded ones in with my metallic pieces.  Instead of using a traditional watch, I love this Anne Klein charm bracelet (with a watch charm).

The sandals are by MIA in a bronze shade.  Mixing metallics isn't a fashion faux pas when the items are not worn in a close proximity.

I went with a navy satchel to round out the look.

SN

For more color swatches and to explore your color world, visit the leading authority on color at Pantone.com!

Color Chic: Color-Blocked Patterned Pieces

Color-blocking can be used as a bold expression of color in any ensemble; juxtapose brights playing subtly off each other, create a look which is visually appealing.  One way to elevate your colorful ensemble is by adding another dimension to your color-blocking; pairing perfectly patterned pieces side-by-side with equally complementing colors, creates a unique interpretation of color and style!

1.  Sears -Laura Scott Ruffle Placket Sleeveless Top in Coral
2.  Target -Mossimo Supply Co. Single Perforated Belt in Jade
3.  New York & Company -Geo Print Shorts in Blue

Why It Works?
The Top (1): With the thin white stripes of the top interspersed with the thicker coral colored ones, at a distance, the color of the blouse appears to be a light shade of coral.  Using the color wheel (I like to use the fabric one by Academichic), coral is in the same color family as orange.

The Shorts (3): If you think of the black and white in the shorts as a neutral, these two colors can pair with any bright color and look absolutely amazing.  This sky shade color in the shorts, belongs to the same color family as blue.  Following the Complementary Color Rule: Colors opposite one another on the color wheel complement each other, oranges and blues (or variations there of) pair beautifully!

The Belt (2): I chose this jade green belt as a third element in my outfit to add another dimension of color to my outfit; because jade (which belongs to green color family) contains elements of blue (like the shorts) and (here's where it might get confusing), since orange is a mixture of red (and yellow), the green in the belt is complemented by the red elements in the orange in the blouse.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

How I Styled It?

 

I came by this 1, 2, 3 Styling of  out of chance; I had these patterned shorts and didn't want to pair them with a solid color blouse (which I would have matched them up with a bright yellow!).  Following the rules of mixing prints and patterns (i.e. keep the prints/patterns in the same color families), I wanted to trying to mix patterned pieces that were not related by repeated use of the same colors but rather shared a connection on the color wheel (in this case were complementary or opposite each other on the color wheel), and it worked out pretty well.  I think the success to the pieces meshing is that each piece contains enough of a neutral (the top with white stripes and the shorts with black and white), that neither patterned is overwhelming the other.  I like the way the jade belt breaks up the patterns yet blends well with the color in both.  I opted for my emerald "it' color bag and metallic sandals: the emerald to play with the color-blocked outfit and the metallic neutral to ground the ensemble!  SN

Summer Chic: Button Down Shirt with 3/4 Sleeves

Staying cool and looking crisp seem to be the prescription for hot summer days, but achieving a delicate balance of the two is nearly impossible when battling heat and humidity.  A 100% cotton shirt, in a feminine cut, is a sure fire way to stay cool and look great while doing so.

1.  Basic Concepts -3/4 Sleeve Button Down Shirt in Blue
2.  Tex by Max Azria -Leather Belt in Olive
3.  6 Degrees -Printed Mini Skirt

Button-down shirts with collars (1) lend a 'crispness' to any look.  When paired with a printed, flowing, rayon mini (3), the whimsical skirt shifts from casual to dressy.  Tied together with a wide, leather belt (2), the entire look is elevated to status, chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

How I Styled It?

Two staples in my wardrobe, I never thought of pairing these pieces together; the top seemed to dressy and the skirt, a little too casual.  I have worn this skirt many times, but usually with a dark colored t-shirt, as not to detract from the print, but I realized that adding a bright pop of color with the shirt, enhanced the beauty of the skirt.  For the belt, as with the shirt, I also chose a minor color in the printed fabric.  Green is found next to blue on the color wheel and this analogous pair of colors match well.  The bag (in this orange-melon hue) is a color complement to the blue (i.e. they are opposite to each other on the color wheel) and produce a similarly stunning effect when paired.  SN 

Summer Chic: Printed Blazer

Summer suiting separates are a chic alternative to dresses during the warmer months; a sateen blazer in a bright, printed fabric, gives this traditional piece a fun update.  Look for a tailored style in a modern cut like an apex hem or a button-less, shawl-front closure, to keep the ensemble light and fluid like the season.

1. Target- Merona Printed Open Layering Sateen Blazer
2.  Banana Republic -Timeless V-Neck Tee
3.  Banana Republic -Sateen Short
 

Sateen is one of my favorite fabrics; this cotton-spandex blend gives a piece like this blazer (1) quite a bit of structure, while the spandex ensure a great fit.  Found in items from blazers to dresses, sateen is produced with a smooth, shiny finish, giving any piece of clothing, like these shorts (3), a polished look.  T-shirts add a relaxed vibe to an ensemble, but one like this v-neck in a rich jade hue and woven cotton (2), keep the outfit looking sharp.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 

Accessorizing in bright, bold colors is easy and fun, if you know where to begin, and admittedly, for months, I have been lost; but I think I may have figured out how to rock a color-blocked clutch, and it is as easy as 1, 2, 3!  For a while now, I have been trying to match the color-blocking in my clutch to my outfit, without much success, but when I realized if I matched one color of the purse to my belt, and the other to my shoes, the outfit looks pulled together, without being matchy-matchy because only two out of three of my accessories match, although all three go together!

 

 

 

 

How I Styled It?

Although I try to employ 1, 2, 3 styling when coming up with an outfit, sometimes, I start in reverse order, and in this case, it was with these shorts.  As part of Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Spring, Lemon Zest (yellow) shorts have been on my radar for a while, but yellow can sometimes be a tricky color to style.  Utilizing the color wheel, the jade t-shirt matches the shorts because its green hue is a combination of blue and yellow, while the orange belt pairs well, due to its infusion of both red and yellow.  Analogous colors, those that are next to each other on the color wheel, play subtly off of one another, providing a soft, less jarring combination of colors.  The blazer, with its predominant violet color throughout, is a complementary hue to yellow (i.e. they are opposite one another on the color wheel) and was a lucky find on the clearance rack at Target!  SN


 

Color Chic, Dynamic Color Duos: Cobalt + Stone Khaki

Combining bright colors with color basics, like neutrals, is a great place to start if you are intimidated by matching hues or looking for alternative ways to style unique colors; when paired together, cobalt blue and stone khaki (two shades you probably already have in your wardrobe), can give you a dynamic way to infuse color into your ensemble.

1.  A. Byer -Ruffled Placket Blouse
2.  Attention -Pinstripe Skirt

With it's rich jewel undertones, cobalt blue has been swirling around the world of color for quite a few seasons now.  If you a treading lightly into color, chose and understated item in this bold hue; this cobalt color is already an attention getter, so try a tank, t-shirt or classic button down that can be worn under a jacket.  If you looking for a fun way to style this electric color, try it one of the seasons hottest trends, ruffles (1).

Khakis are a neat, clean cut alternative to business attire for men, and can be that way for woman as well.  The stone khaki color (sometimes in a shade known as pumice), gives your khakis a warm weather update.  Chose khakis that are in a traditional silhouette to keep your look professional during the day, as with this pencil skirt (2), or in a modern cut, like a cropped pant, for a chic weekend look.
 

1, 2, 3 Chic!



1, 2, 3 Chic!

The third element I used to style this color duo, are these Annora wedges by Lumiani.  With their exotic, raffia-woven, chic-geometric design, dramatic-cutout vamp and sleek ankle-strap, all in a bold cobalt and demure stone khaki, the overall look of the ensemble is dynamic from head to toe!

How I Styled It?

My general rule for style is, "Chic is simple!"; and sometimes the most understated of pieces is what enhances one's style.  Khaki is a staple in most wardrobes, and a khaki skirt is a must. I like the casual material in a refined silhouette like a pencil skirt, achieving a happy medium between dressy and relaxed. For today's 1, 2, 3 Styling, I chose a cobalt blouse I have had sitting in my closet for quite a while.  Finding it tricky to style it because of the smocked waist (sometimes this type of waist can add inches to a waistline), I decided to tuck the smocked hem of the top into the tapered waist of the pencil skirt, thereby creating slender waistline   The shoes were just the icing on the cake; I had every intention on purchasing these beauties in black, but when the size wasn't available, the cobalt blue was my next logical choice, and aren't they a stunner! SN

Color Chic: Printed Blouse

A bold way to tackle color is in a printed blouse; an eclectic mix of both color and pattern, a printed blouse in the seasons hottest colors offers a unique way to embrace a multitude of hues, while providing limitless styling options.


1.  JCP -Liz Claiborne Sleeveless Pintuck Henley
2.  Old Navy -White Denim Shorts
3.  Steve Madden -P-Heaven in Green
 

A stylishly cut, printed top (1) in many of the season's 'it' colors (Emerald green, Tender-shoots lime-green and Monaco Blue) set against a white back drop offers a plethora of styling possibilities.  I went with the cool, clean look of summer white in the shorts (2), and anchored the ensemble in Pantone's color of the year, Emerald green.


1, 2, 3 Chic!
 

1, 2, 3 Chic!

Color is a great way to express your sense of style, but can be daunting.  The fail safe for many is to match...everything.  Instead of matching your belt with your shoes or your purse, draw from color inspiration in your blouse, like the pink in mine, and go equally bold with the belt!

Over-sized, daytime clutches are a trend to embrace, and one that is color-blocked will add dimensions to your outfit because visually ties in with other elements you are wearing.

How I Styled It?


1, 2, 3 Styling is fun and easy when you let the printed fabric be your guide. For a summer, daytime look, I chose to complement the blouse with white shorts, for a cooler, springtime option, I would have gone with a high-waisted navy pair of slacks or a denim pencil skirt. Summer white is a visually refreshing option which compliments every skin tone. With the freshness of the white, I went with the cool sterling silver jewelry in both the necklace (with a turquoise stone) and the stacked bracelets. SN

Color Chic, Terrific Color Trios: Nectarine + Lemon Zest + Emerald

A harmonious union between self-expression and balance, Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Spring 2013, offers dynamic brights in unique color combinations providing versatility and excitement.

1.  Jones New York -Pleated Lace Dress
2.  JCP -Skinny Leather Belt in Neon Yellow
3.  Cole Haan -Village Zip Satchel in Emerald
 

 "Nectarine, a bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones (1), provides a tangy burst of flavor while cheerful Lemon Zest (2) brings out a piquant taste with its refreshing, spritely greenish cast. Sophisticated Emerald (3), a lively, radiant green, inspires insight and clarity while enhancing our sense of well-being."*

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

Anne Klein -Zya Pump in Dark Pink

Vivacious and spirited, I went with a fall 2013 color to add another dimension to my ensemble; bringing depth to the outfit , as well as anchoring it in this rich jewel tone.
 







How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is fun when you're not afraid to step out of your comfort zone.  Two colors opposite one another on a color wheel, will always pair well with one another.  If you fear the stark contrast, try a lighter version of one color with a darker version of the other.  Spring and summer is the perfect time to play with color, and if like me, you have a bag in the 'it' color of the season, find separates to match the bag so that you can mix and match all season long, and always have the right colored bag to match!  SN

*Pantone Spring 2013 Color Report

Color Chic, Terrific Color Trios: Orange + Oxblood + Tan

Combining colors can be quite daunting, especially when you are unsure how to; even more confusing is referencing a color wheel to decipher computer generated colors in order to match colors which seemingly are uncoordinated. But it is easier than it looks if you follow basic tried and true pairings!

1. Wet Seal -Peplum Jacket in Orange
2.  New York & Company -Sateen Jegging in Oxblood
3.  Zara -Braided Shopper in Leather

Why It Works?

Using a color wheel as your guide (I like to use the fabric color wheel from Academichic), Analogous colors, those that neighbor each other on the color wheel (in this case, the orange jacket (1) and oxblood pant (2)), play subtly off each other.  Remember that oxblood, is a deeper, richer, red color which adds a level of sophistication to colors which complement red.  The tan bag (3), a lighter shade of brown, doesn't compete with the bold hues of the jacket or pant, and anchors the ensemble beautifully.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling can be an adventure into style if you remember to use your color wheel; red is a primary color and many things which pair with red, will also go well with with a darker version, such as oxblood, or a lighter version, such as pink. Orange is a secondary color, meaning it is a combination of two primary colors (i.e. red and yellow). And easy tip to remember, is that secondary colors match well with either of the primary colors which combine to form them. So, the orange would have paired well with red, (or oxblood) or yellow (or buttercream, the color of my tank top). The red (oxblood) pant pair with yellow (buttercream), because they make up two parts of the same color triad. The lighter yellow in the tank, when juxtapose with the oxblood , bring out the deep red undertones of the pant. SN



 

 

Trend Chic: Emerald Green

Since 1999, Pantone, the world's foremost authority on identifying, matching and communicating color standards, has chosen a Color of the Year for each subsequent year, which is indicative of emerging trends and reflective of global sentiment.  2013's Color of the Year is Emerald.

1.  London Times -Printed Matte Jersey Keyhole Halter Dress in Cream/Orange
2.  Cole Haan -Village Zip Satchel in Emerald
3.  MIA -Zeus in Natural
 

An exciting way to wear this bright, vibrant and ubiquitous color of 2013, is to do so in an amazing pattern like with this dress (1).  The 'it' color of the year, is daring in a chic satchel (2) which can double as your 'it' bag for the year.  Sandals in a natural color (3), play off the rich undertones of the dress, allowing the brilliance of emerald to shine.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

 How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is fun and easy when you know where to begin; Pantone's Color Snapshot for Spring 2013, has displayed all the 'it' colors for the spring (and fall) in addition to how they pair well with emerald green and each other.  Keeping these colors in mind, I shopped for items that I can wear with emerald colored staples I bought (bag, shoes), and ones I already had (pants and dresses), so I could maximize my emerald based looks, without being drowned out by this jewel of a color.  This dress from London Times, came ready made with emerald, nectarine, Monaco blue and poppy red!  Style Tip: Check out the fall color forecast and buy winter items that are on clearance now in these colors, so you won't have to shell out big bucks for clothing come fall!  SN 

Color Chic, Terrific Color Trios: Navy + Red + Lavender

Combining colors can be quite daunting, especially when you are unsure how to; even more confusing is referencing a color wheel to decipher computer generated colors in order to match colors which seemingly are uncoordinated.  But it is easier than it looks if you follow basic tried and true pairings!



1.  Merona Trench Coat from Target in Navy
2.  DKNYJeans Soho Skinny Jeans with Tuxedo Stripe in Lacquer Red
3.  GAP Crew Neck T-Shirt in Lavender

Why it works?  Blue and red are both primary colors.  Along with yellow, the three collectively form a color triad.  Choose Two Colors from a color triad to pair: Red and yellow, blue and yellow or in the case pictured above blue trench coat (1) and red skinny jeans (2).

The lavender t-shirt (3) works in this trio of colors because lavender (a lighter shade of purple), is a combination of blue and red.  The eye visually draws on the lavender's blue components when next to the blue and its red components when next to the red, so when paired with both, the lavender unifies these two primary colors.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

When exploring color combinations it is very easy to go from WOW to WTF; red and blue only seemed to pair well in my kindergarten box of crayons.  With the addition of lavender, another visual element enhances the ensemble, but I don't believe the eye could take much more.  While purple, orange or green would pair well with either blue or red, an additional color would turn this outfit into color overload, and take away from the chic-ness of this navy, red and lavender combo.  So to keep your outfit from going over the top, it needs to be anchored in a neutral color.

Sometimes, even chosing the right neutral can be difficult; I wanted each color in my outfit to mesh well together, yet stand out.  A lighter neutral like tan against the darker navy or red would have shifted the focus away from these bold colors, while a darker neutral like black have anchored the outfit too much taking away from the light, airy, alomst nautical feel of the look.   Finding inspiration in fashion doesn't have to be over thought, and I chose the color of my accessories based on the trimming on my jacket's buckle: the dark brown leather-ette trim made these brown shooties and oversized bag and easy pairing choice!



How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is a lot of fun when you can do it with colors; and one on essential styling tool is a color wheel!  Daunting I know, when you see the colors run the length of the spokes, then you are supposed to follow T-rules or X-rules to find out which colors match best.  Here enters the color wheel by Academichic!  With a color wheel made entirely of dyed fabric, and modules to explain exactly how to combine colors, any novice color-phile can quickly turn expert in a couple of quick reads.  Why this color ensemble works, I've explained above, but I chose these pieces because I wanted a transition outfit that was warm enough for the morning's low temps, yet cool enough for the midday heat!  SN

Color/Winter Chic: Fuchsia Bouclé Coat

A color hybrid, pink is infused with the dynamic energy of red yet is tempered with the delicacy of white, creating a hue which exudes passion and femininity.  Use a bright fuchsia colored coat to brighten up a dreary winter's day or liven up an evening ensemble.

1. Old Navy Bouclé Coat in Fuchsia
2.  The Limited Black and White Bouclé Skirt
3.  BCBGeneration Wedges

Pairing a textured, fuchsia coat (1) with a dark color such as black is an easy way to add sophistication to any ensemble.  The bouclé skirt (2) blends well with the fabric of the coat while the simple design of the shoes (3) keeps the focus on this stand out color.

1, 2, 3 Chic!

1, 2, 3 Chic!

Statement necklaces are all about attitude, but you must give such a piece room to speak!  This onyx stone pendant set in silver, stands out when placed against a backdrop like this turtleneck sweater.  I purposely shortened the length of the necklace because I wanted the bold design to be seen when my fuchsia coat was opened and closed (see below).

How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling is easy with a coat like this as long as the focus remains on the coat; with this in mind, I kept everything simple (that is kept everything neutral using only black for my accessories.  Styling Tip:  Black and White are a hot trend for 2013, and this bouclé skirt fits the bill.  Think of black and white as you would a neutral color (like black), and a great way to make a neutral stand out is to pair it with a 'pop of color' like a fuchsia coat!  SN