Summer Chic: Mosaic Print Dress

With the first day of summer behind us, the challenge for the next few months is keeping cool and looking great at it, which oft times isn't easy in the heat.  Striking that delicate balance between fashionable and looking fresh is easier than previously thought if you choose a print and fabric to conceal your summertime woes.

1. Kmart -Attention Mosaic Print Halter Dress
2. Cole Haan -Village Zip Satchel in Emerald
3. Nine West -Ivorie Pump in Dark Blue

In cooler months, I love a firm, structured fabric such as cotton, denim or wool, but in the heat and humidity, one needs to think light, airy and, dare I say it?  Something which will hide the sweat marks; because one might dress to feel cool, but who can be confident with those unsightly wet spots?

My favorite fabric in the summer is a synthetic blend, usually of  95% polyester to 5% spandex, like this dress (1).  This fabric, although it doesn't necessarily wick away moisture, it dries relatively quickly.  The small, colorful print will mask the sweat until it dries giving you a fresh appearance all day long.

Chic!

Chic!

 Fashion Tip:

I saved the description of elements 2 and 3 of my Chic styling for here, and a close up of the dress' fabric.  I primarily chose this dress because of the emerald green tiles in the print to pair with my 'it' color bag (2) of 2013. 

The print of the dress incorporated many colors, and I chose these particular shoes to pair with the lavender in the dress.  Closer to the fall, or even for an evening outing, grey, tan or black shoes or a purse would have worked equally well with this dress.  Don't over think your accessories!  In this case, choosing any two colors would make this dress shine!

 How I Styled It?

1, 2, 3 Styling needs to remain fresh for the summer.  This little, print dress, set against a dark background can be dressed down for the day and up for the night; beautifully transitioning between the two, from boardroom to ballroom, there are no embarrassing sweat marks to detract from your fashion statement.

For the summer months, play with fabrics, prints and lengths to achieve a balance between fresh and fabulous!  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

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