I always find the color of  Spring’s abundant blossoms inspiring.  This year I am keeping my favorite Spring hues alive by wearing them into Autumn.  Pairing the colors of cherry blossoms with blacks and browns, yellows with burnt orange and bright blues with dark grays, just because we have to switch out our summer wardrobes for Fall doesn’t mean putting away all the bright colorful pieces.

I also love to bring in the last of Summer’s fresh cut flowers and make big, random bouquets around my apartment. Mother Nature has them all mixed up outdoors, so keeping the palettes vibrant and varied really brings the outdoors in.

Beat the end of the Summer blues and try something fresh and colorful like buying a new shade of lipstick the color of a tulip you think would be flattering. Pair a bright colored purse with vivid patterns; I’ve unearthed my green patent leather clutch and have been wearing it with bright flower patterned dresses and knee high brown leather boots and it looks great. And even though sadly beach days may all but be over for now, yesterday I painted my toenails as close to a pink peony that I could find.

Color Maven April Clark and I spent a sensational day at the New York Botanical Gardens this past Spring. Here are some of our favorite blooms while we were there. Think how you can bring these colors into your life.

Another tantalizing treat is watermelon tourmaline. I ADORE this stone. It REALLY does resemble watermelon. In shades of green and pink, it looks so good you could eat it

These smooth hunks of tourmaline were too gorgeous to pass up on recent shopping trip.  In just the pink shade (the fruit, not the rind) of this unique tourmaline, it reminded me of my favorite candy – watermelon Jolly Rancher. They look so good you can almost taste them!

source

I dangled the stones from branches cast in gold and it has become one of my favorite accessories for the Season.

Put on a strand of watermelon tourmaline for the next summer party, it is cool and refreshing no matter how you slice it

]]> http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/the-juicy-colors-of-watermelon-tourmaline/feed/ 5 http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/peridot-augusts-birthstone/ http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/peridot-augusts-birthstone/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 05:37:06 +0000 Kimberlin Brown http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/peridot-augusts-birthstone/ Pure and pretty peridot is a perpetual pleaser. It’s palette is paler than precious emerald and tourmaline, however; by no means paltry.

For many it is preferable, perhaps because picking peridot for a bit of panache will not empty your purse.

Peridot is the translucent green gem stone variety of the abundant mineral olivine. It forms during volcanic eruptions. Small pieces of peridot can be found scattered along the beaches in Hawaii. Folklore tells the story of how they are crystallized tears from the Goddess of Volcanoes, Pele.

Ancient Greeks and Romans admired this beautiful stone. Most of the pieces found among their ruins were from the island of St John in the Red Sea. It use to have an abundance of a highly prized dark green variety. Today, the most desirable colors are bright lime greens – the more vivid the better.

This simple setting with a flattering cushion cut peridot, showcases the clear lime green color and luminosity.

You don’t have to be green with envy.

The price is pleasing, making peridot plausible for everday pizazz!

We arrived fashionably on time to a chic white space in Soho. Tall bouquets of lilacs and peonies graced the tables, large panels of stunning color graced the walls and soon we were gracefully handed colorful pomegranate martinis.

Lovely Tiffany Campbell from Behr Paint posed for us in front of one of our favorite color panels- a vivid, dark hue of lilac called Peru.

Tiffany looks sensational in front of this vivid lilac

She then introduced us to Behr Paint’s own color expert Erika Woelfel. Erika was very informative about the palettes offered in the beautiful display- the same display found at The Home Depots across America.

Lovely Erika Woelfel

Not just color chips but big color bars are available- we agreed with her that their larger size would make viewing the color in our own homes much easier.  We also had to comment on the sweet petal shaped samples of color that showcase some of Behr’s favorite color combinations and the nifty clip rings available on the display to hold all of your sample bars and petals together.  Knowing how we’ve struggled with keeping sample chips from disappearing into the abyss of our purses and homes…we had to ask “Was this a woman’s idea”…the answer- “Yes!”.

We asked Erika to put together the colors that are the strongest right now and what she feels is going to continue to be very popular.

Gray, green, lilac, matte black, white and a color called Pink Ginger made a stunning selection- the lineup spoke to our love of colors with personality!

Speaking of personalities, we then had the honor to talk color with design guru Vern Yip. Yes he was our favorite on Trading Spaces, Yes he is a celebrated author and host of Deserving Design, and Yes he knows his color! We asked him “What special color should people use in their homes?”

Without hesitation he replied “Black”.

“A shiny black?”

“No, a flat black, or very dark gray. Women wear and understand the simple black dress so well and how wearing jewelry really ‘pops’ with black”, he then pointed out how my bright green and turquoise necklace was vibrant against my black shirt.

“Bright colorful pillows become the ‘jewelry’ in a room with dark walls.” Got it! What a great decorating idea.

Funny enough one of the color chips in his hand was Pencil Point.

Pencil Point just happens to be one of the hues in the color palette Erika put together for us. “Point on Erika!!

Vern Yip

Color Maven Kimberlin Brown with Vern Yip

We then talked color trends with stunning Suzanne Donohoe from The Home Depot.  She let us in on the fact that Behr is The Home Depot’s top selling paint line and then we shared a laugh about the fact that she was in head to toe black at such a colorful event, but with what Vern just told us she was spot on!

Color Maven Julie and Suzanne

Thomas McEvoy then grabbed our attention, or perhaps it was the Fire Cracker red paint in the tray near him?

He told us how this is the only red paint on the market that is finished with just two coats and is truly saturated with color.

“No primer?” we asked.

Unbelievably No! To prove his point Julie put on an apron and painted over a board that was previously painted with both black and white. Thomas was right – two coats was all it took to create the most stunning, opaque red.

Julie seeing for herself if the red would cover black completely in just two coats

We then cornered two of our favorite people at the party- Behr’s own Kevin Call and Jim Spalding.

We learned so much from them about Behr’s amazing story. Started in California back in 1947, Behr first came on the scene as a family run business producing clear finishes and stains for the redwood furnishings, decks and patios so popular in their area of California. The first paint came about when founder Otho Behr, Jr. was challenged with the idea of creating the ‘perfect and purest’ white paint. Behr understood how white paint works as a base for all colors and the whiter it was, the better vehicle for pure color. In 1986 Behr went on to introduce their first line of interior/ exterior paints and today they have expanded into becoming the internationally favored brand we know. Thanks Jim and Kevin for the history lesson!!

Next Wayne Ciolino (aka Sean Penn as we teased him) mixed up paint samples for us to take home.

Wayne was effortlessly in charge of this amazing new paint mixing technology soon to launch at The Home Depot called “Ultrablend.”

Carlos Salas, Martin Salas and James Merritt, Jr of Ultrablend walked us through the mixing process:

We had to know-” If we brought in our favorite lipstick, a flower from our garden or an old dried up paint stirrer with a color we desperately needed, can the color be matched?”

Astonishingly yes!! A camera will photograph the object with the color you want matched, then a few moments later out will come a  paint sample. Doesn’t this feel like something out of the Jetson’s cartoon or Willie Wonka’s world? We love this invention!!

We quickly noted that the sample sizes were a full 8 oz., that any color could be sampled…which in our book is Eco- friendly! ( after all how many times have you had to buy a sample quart of the wrong color) and that once the formula was in the computer you could be assured that the perfect color you’ve sampled is the exact hue you’ll get once you return to make your big paint purchase!  Genius!!!

There were so many fun distractions all evening as well…

Plates of delicious treats were passed, when a plate of macaroons came by it was kismet. You know how we feel about this colorful cookie!

A row of top notch manicurists offered mani/pedis in exceptional shades. We ended with a stress melting chair massage, rounding out a truly wonderful and colorful evening.

Saying our goodbyes our color radar went straight to neon yellow toes donned by the hostess.

“What color is that?!’….oh well, that colorful answer will have to wait for another post!

Thanks Behr for a wonderful evening!!!!

.

On Saturdays I treat myself to a latte and pan au chocolat. While the barista with the thick French accent prepares the coffee I always stare at the trays of macaroons. Authentic macaroons in delightful flavors and the most GORGEOUS colors.

Some are finished with a dusting of gold flecks. How decadent! I imagine them being served on polished silver trays in the parlors of Versailles and have enjoyed them at my studio apartment on mismatched china with friends.

I would love to see a room decorated in this palette, how warm and inviting would that be? Also a dream bag would be buttery soft suede, striped in all the hues. Tres bien, no?

To read about the flavors of these delights check out Manger La Villel’s post.

image of Madeline pop up book from Amazon

image from Marie Antoinette from IMBD.com

room image from Domino

This time of year is always so stressful – the last minute shopping, getting the cards and packages mailed, work parties [if you were lucky] and the decorating!  All of this done on a shoe string budget, yes the economy is a mess, but the holidays will still come.

Then the weather is not cooperating, making it very difficult to get around and get it all done. I can barely get my mind around the fact that it is already Hanukkah and Christmas is just days away.  If you let it get to you, it is easy to lose site of what this time of year is all about.

This is a time to reflect on all the wonderful blessings we have. We need to be thankful for our loved ones, our health and happiness. Maybe the tree is not perfect, and the presents are not quite what you hoped to give, some cards didn’t make it out in time – or in my case – not at all. Remember the ’spirit’ of Christmas is within us and that is what we need to focus on. The spirit of the holidays comes naturally, it isn’t wrapped in shiny paper and a snow storm won’t keep it in.

I saw the handsome Saint Nicholas above at one of my favorite stores in New York – ABC Carpet and Home. He had such an ‘old world’ European charm. He fit in perfectly with the elegant decorations. They were lots of cool colors- frosty blues, silver and white mixed with fabulous chandeliers all brightly lit. I didn’t buy a thing but the winter wonderland left me warm inside.

Saint Nicholas gave me a big smile and waved, he embodied the tradition and spirit of Christmas. The children who sat on his lap with their hand written lists were so excited.

His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

Happy Holidays to all of our Sensational friends and family!! Have a happy, healthy and COLORFUL new year!!

Australia is a special place, a continent filled with many of God’s most unique creations. The Duck-Billed Platypus, Koala Bear, Kangaroo and Tasmanian Devil, as well the coveted Black, Light and Milk opals, can be found only in the ‘land down under.’

The indigenous Aboriginal people of Australia have a beautiful legend about how this mystical gem came to their land.

The creator came down to Earth on a rainbow.

This voyage was to bring the message of peace on earth to all humans.

The very spot where his foot first touched down suddenly became alive,

and the earth was glowing with all the colors of the rainbow.

Millions of years ago when most of Australia was covered with a vast inland sea, opals were created within lava rock. A prehistoric combination of fine quartz rock [silica] and water is the basic recipe for this beauty. The water within the stone is what makes it’s appearance so distinct. When opals are hit with light, the thin layers of fractured rock and water sends off a rainbow of colors.”

Due to the high water content, about 6%, opals can become brittle and lose some of it’s flash and fire. Dry climates and indoor heating are major culprits. The humidity in the air and moisture from your skin is what this gemstone loves.

Good luck or bad luck? Historically it is one of the most controversial gem.

For many centuries it was a highly revered stone. The ancient Greeks called it opallios, meaning “to see a change in color.” They believed it gave foresight and prophecy. Roman philosophers extolled about it’s beauty and it was thought to bring purity and hope. To the Arabs it was sacred and thought to make it’s ‘true’ owner invisible, it became a popular stone among thieves! Fair maidens wore it in their hair to protect it’s color.

Opals first stroke of bad luck came during the Plague. People noticed that the stone’s ‘fire’ was brightest just before death. People saw it as an omen, that the stone was the cause rather than the symptom. Opal is very sensitive to heat, the high fever in the victim’s final days caused the luster of the stone to glow stronger.

If this wasn’t bad enough, Sir Walter Scott’s novel about the fictional character Anne of Geierstein only made it worse. The stone was portrayed as evil, and changed color with her moods: red when she was angry, blue when sad, and green when happy, then fading to an ashen gray when she died.

Superstitions were hard to shake. Only after Queen Victoria fell in love with their beauty did people consider wearing them again. She gave them as gifts to her children and soon after their popularity was on the rise again.

Later the subdued beauty of Deco jewelry showcased opal perfectly. It complimented enamel and were used together often in decorative pieces.

Since, it has been used in countless designs. I am especially fond of Cartier’s emerald, opal and diamond bracelet featured in this months W magazine.

Shakespeare described opal as the ‘queen of gems’, it made sense then and is true again today.

You know when you notice something, then see it again and again? It’s like rewinding a scene in a movie but it looks a little different each time. Kinda like deja vous, but you have been there before.

The sturdy table by Ironies Inc. is rooted in the Jerry Pair showroom of the infamous D&D building. Chock full of amazing furniture, walls of lush fabric, and everything imaginable in between, the D&DB is a Mecca for the design world.

The intricate details of a tree trunk slice are cast in iron then plated with a silver finish. It work as a beautiful rustic plateau.

The legs are knotty branches reaching out to the floor.

I’d like to see the table in a modern Tribeca loft instead of a cabin upstate. Better yet, I’d like to see it in my apartment.

Jessica de Carlo is an up and coming designer.

Vivacious and talented, I suggest keeping an eye out for her designs. Her newest pieces are wonderful tree trunk slices fashioned into pendants and earrings. The textured edges resemble bark while the center spiral pull you in. Cast in both solid silver and bronze plated in warm 18k gold, each metal has a different season. The bronze feels like an Autumn day while the silver has a cool Winter feel.

See more of her designs at www.jessicadecarlo.com.

The Diane von Furstenberg sample sale is an annual event I look forward to. In anticipation I mark the days off like an advent calendar. The first dress I was drawn to was a wrap dress, I know predictable. At first I saw an abstract pattern of swirls and spirals, however, upon closer examination guess what it was? Little tree trunk slices! An interesting color combination of dark brown, gold and pink- it was a very pretty dress. It was like an omen, I had to try it!.

There was a little slice of my day.

Ethnic and edgy, it’s a great way to channel your inner power. Bold patterns and some strategic colorful beaded jewelry and you can feel like an African queen, ready to take on the world [or look cool trying!]

Mathew Williamson has a great bamboo linen outfit with beadwork…wonder where he got his inspiration? Rhianna looks like a queen in his beaded dress, worn at his runway show.

Bead work and color represents hierarchy in many tribes throughout the world.

As head of my tribe I would lead an ambush on anyone with Stella McCartney’s clutch or these beaded sandals.

I’m always on the lookout for an economic way to wear the current trends, after a little investigation I’ve found the perfect place to try a little Maasai.

This amazing site www.maasaieducation.org is dedicated to the advancement of the unique Kenyan tribe, the Maasai.

Insightful and inspiring, the site helped me to learn more about the cultural identity of these beautiful people. We are all familiar with the Maasai’s unique adornment, however; the history, symbolism, and social meaning of their craft is just as interesting.

What we love here at “Sensational Color” is powerful, beautiful, meaningful, exciting and enticing color! Color is so important and the Maasai are very in tune with color and it’s meaning.

Their intricate bead work relies on essential colors. The patterns and colors are contrasted in such a way that it creates a balanced but eye catching design.

The colors in the designs all have meaning.

White: Purity

Red: Strength and bravery.

Green: The Health of the Community.

Orange: Hospitality. [The gourd offered with milk to visitors is orange.]

Black: Color of the People. It also represents the hardships that all people endure.

By purchasing their handmade art we can help the young women and single mothers further their education, establish self sufficient businesses and achieve economic security.

Another great plus is helping to preserve their art through cultural pride. Continuing a tradition while adding your own creative interpretation must be empowering for these women.

If you go to the “shop” section on the site there is a beautiful selection of adornment. I personally love the traditional wedding chokers and bangles. I am going to purchase something, not sure what yet, but will keep you posted on how it goes. The prices are so reasonable and for such a great cause. I am also excited about wearing a creation handmade by someone so far away but probably like me in many ways.

When thinking about sapphire, the color that most comes to mind is blue. ‘Sapphirus’ means blue in Greek. September’s birthstone can be a deep, velvety blue like an evening sky or the ocean at dusk, to the vivid blue of the sky on a clear summer day.

We associate the color blue with peace and harmony. Like diamonds, sapphires are given to strengthen love and trust. It is the stone most associated with mutual understanding and faithfulness, making it a popular choice for engagement rings. At the moment I am on the hunt for the perfect sapphire for this very reason!

Yesterday I held a gorgeous 1 carat Ceylon blue sapphire, remarkable to say the least. Today I was in awe when I saw these beauties, each over 2 carats. One is velvety, the other bright and I adore them both.

I will keep you posted on the ring’s progress, of course it is a surprise so keep it a secret!

Blue is by far sapphire’s most popular color, however; only one of it’s beautiful hues. The palette ranges from bright pink and mandarin orange [a personal fave], to pale green, lilac, vibrant yellow, and luscious red [that sapphire is called ruby- another story and month all together.]

I use all the colors. I find each one unique and inspiring to create with.

My newest ring showcases sapphire in blues and greens, it also has a special story.

While my parents were on vacation in Italy my mother bought a stunning souvenir from a shop on the famed Ponte Vecchio in Florence. This medieval bridge spanning the Arno River is renowned for the best goldsmiths in Italy.

My brother, sister and I were very young and it was the first time my parents had gone away together since their honeymoon. My grandmother took care of us and as a thank you my mother gave her the souvenir – a beautiful ring. I based the design on the structure of the original ring. Rather than 18k gold, my interpretation is in silver and set with cool tones, pale green and deep blue sapphire. The cluster of gemstones in the center resembles a flower. I love how tall it sits on your finger. Che bella!

I hope all you September babies had a very happy birthday. Perhaps a gift of sapphire was something you received?