Wow! If you love afros wigs and giant lucky rabbit feet- you will love this styling (check out the furry feet!)

And while Marc Jacob surely is taking his fantasy to the extreme there is something to be said about the trend of furry, fluffy, feathery and fringed everything that is happening in both home and fashion right now.

The New York times has dubbed the trend Shaggy Chic. This patchwork of fur couch is featured in a photo montage taking a look at the cozy trend of home nesting.

Furry vests ( thanks Rachel Zoe), fringed leather accessories, fur hats, feathery pins, sheepskin ottomans, cowhide rugs- accessories that make you want to reach out touch, rub and well basically-pet!

Are we channeling our prehistoric ancestors?  Seeking to replace the comfort of our favorite childhood stuffed toy?

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Jean-Charles De Castelbajac takes childlike plush to an all new fashion high for Fall while the release of Spike Jonze’s ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ is making the ‘comfort of furry strangers’ a box office hit

Whatever it is leading us to embrace this tactile trend I love it.  Fashion forward and comforting at the same time- kind of like The Waverly Inn’s signature macaroni and cheese with truffles.

My favorites are when they are left au natural (or dyed to be pretty darn close), but some designers are adding a colorful hand and dyeing these furry and fluffy pieces to extreme new hues.

Sure Pottery Barn makes them faux and way cheaper, but this large throw from Eco-Luxury Fur ($1900) made in New Zealand looks to me like it’s worth every penny.  ( And while it’s real fur, check out their website for the interesting story behind their use of Paihamu fur)

I love this pouf from West Elm, I have a sneaky suspicion my dog would be equally enamored.

Looks like Kate Simpson has a similar problem as seen in this image of her office as seen in Lonny’s first issue

Horchow features both sheepskin and cow hide rugs dyed in various shades.  If you want to add just a bit of sheepskin- Ikea has a great one for $39.99.  It makes any space feel a little bit more modern.  Mine keeps moving around my house…if this weather keeps up- I soon may be sleeping on it as well.

Mine’s white but their gray version is also super chic!

Perhaps not for the faint at heart, Micheal Kor’s neon fur as featured in Elle.

Little ones can partake too- faux fur hat from GapKids, puff hats and nomadic styling for Diane Von Furstenberg’s Fall 09 show, pom-pom hair clip from J.Crew, the shoes everyone’s talking about- Louis Vuitton Spring 10, fluffy shoulders at RM by Roland Mouret Spring 10, furry heads at Hermes Fall 09, Angel Jackson’s feather bag, a feathery vest by Vera Wang.

No two stars showed up in the same dress ( a phenom that has been happening at a few events as of late- though Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore came pretty darn close!) so the chatter was mostly about the amazing array of saturated colors. Most hues made it out in full force except of course for my favorite Orange.  I really do think a deep shade of Pumpkin was missing from the night’s fashion lineup. The perfect color for either a fashion forward starlet like Drew or Chloe or ravishing on Jenna (whom I would love to see in more color at these things) or better yet worn as a refreshing and unexpected color on ’still cute as a button’ Sally Field.

Instead Reds and Purples seemed to rule the carpet, with glitzy grayish white taking home the award for looking the most modern. Cobalt Blue was replaced this time by Teals and a Navy Blue so dark it read as black.  A few Golden frocks made it ( perhaps a shout out to sunny CALI) as did a stream of classic black that almost felt a little boring next to all the other bold color.  Except of course on Heidi who rocked her midnight gown like only a super model working a 4th baby bump could- now take a maternity leave, Heidi…your making it really hard on the rest of us mommies out here!

There were plenty of spray tans very few necklaces, instead bangles, drop earrings, structured clutches and a few chunky brooches seemed to be the accessories du jour.

all images from NYTimes.com

My 2 personal fave color matches of the night:

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Sandra Oh is no stranger when it comes to getting well meaning advice after an event as sometimes she doesn’t always get it so right.  This time though I thought the dress and it’s golden color paired with her sheer makeup and easy hair were spot on style!

You can tell from the pictures that she feels totally comfortable with her look- and she should cause I’m thinking it may be her best outing ever.   Metallic gold can be a hard color to pull off in pictures- her Marchesa dress is super flattering both to her skin tone and hair color.

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I’m well aware that Mary Louise is being named by the fashion police as being under dressed.  But I think she looks incredible in this multi-purple hued number by Zac Posen.  She’s got both the one shoulder and big bow trend working, as well as the coolest sparkle sling backs I’ve ever seen.

I love, love her in these jewel-like tones. Purrrfect for her coloring and personality.  And come on, her body is just so INCREDIBLE- how can you blame her for not wanting to hide it under some long, stuffy dress!

Who do you think got it colorfully right?

]]> http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/orange-feels-left-out-from-sundays-emmy-awards/feed/ 1 http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/angry-patterns-is-the-economy-driving-us-crazy/ http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/angry-patterns-is-the-economy-driving-us-crazy/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:58:39 +0000 juliehoylen http://www.sensationalcolor.com/liveinfullcolor/?p=5604 I wish I had some exciting news colorwise to report from last nights VMA’s ( though Taylor and Beyonce both appearing in red after the Kanye debacle did feel a little like synchronicity!) but all and all after a quick run through of the photos- to me, most of the fashions were as ridiculous as the show itself. Even Style.com’s Candy Pratt Price took the time to phone in a scathing review- declaring that she and her designer friends walked out half way through the night ( based on the lull of the show and bad behavior of some- not the fashions, I must add).

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Taylor and Beyonce- partners in both an odd scandal and the color red

But there was one interesting trend that I did notice this week emerging from NY- a bevy of looks featuring bold black marks, lines and smudges mixed within colorful patterns and solids.  Prints that seem a bit aggressive, a bit subliminal- stranger then the ‘arty’ painterly versions of seasons past.

Tattoo you at Jason Wu

boned out corset at Derek Lam

literal body art at Ralph Rucci

smudged at Toni Maticevski

tell me what do you see- ink blot like at Thakoon

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fierce mildew at Christian Sirano

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smeared at Cynthia Rowley

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even the guys are not immune- strange camo at Phillip Lim

When I spotted it on Victoria Beckham ( during Thursday’s Fashion’s Night Out) and then on Drew Barrymore at the VMAs I knew maybe I was on to something.

somewhere between lace tattoos and a Rorshach Test-Drew’s zingy Alexander McQueen is sure to get lots of ‘Fashion Police’ attention

Victoria forgoes her demure dresses as of late, for this Giles ‘attention getting’ number

Are designers having a bit of an artistic ‘hissy fit’- a printed outlet of all of the pressure they all must be having due to the ever sinking economy.  What do you think? Cathartic, pretty or just plain strange?

images from Style.com, NYmag.com and Eonline.com

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.

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NYC’s Spring 2010 Fashion Week kicks off with a shopping spree like no other: Okay, it really is too early to be naming next Spring’s specific color trends ( though Neiman Marcus’s Fashion Director Ken Downing did tell NY Magazine that we can expect to see lots of Blue), there is one definite trend already spotted as being shared by designers and retailers alike- a hope that fans will actually buy the lines.  To jump start the collective spending mojos 700 stores in NYC participated in yesterday evening’s world wide Fashion NIght Out by staying open late, hosting giveaways, rounding up celebrity guest, even pouring free booze…basically a fashionista’s dream come true. The shopping stimulus idea, co hosted by Vogue magazine and the City of New York, came down from the fashion czar herself Anna Wintour ( who even made it onto the scene herself way out in Queens- I suppose her time at the US Open got her accustomed to actually crossing that bridge out of Manhattan).

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A master’s palette restored and identified after a 25 year mystery at The Met: It’s amazing what a little sprucing and cleaning can do to your psyche.  If you’re a curator at a major museum in possession of a painting whose artist is not been clearly defined- a little elbow grease can do absolute wonders!  The NY Times reports that this is exactly the case at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art.  A painting entitled ‘Portrait Of A Man’ that was gifted to the museum in 1949, was said at the time as being a work by the Spanish Artist Velazquez.  Yet years later the painting ( which is thought to be an unfinished study) was downgraded by experts and the museum as actually coming from ‘the school of Velazquez’ not the master himself. Why? The colors were much darker than Velaquez’s typical palette and the brush strokes not so defined.  Yet it seems as if the last owner’s own handy work may have come into play in this colorful mystery…read more here.

Wedding inspirations for the bride with a designer’s eye for color: Everyone’s favorite color matching system Pantone has teamed up with the Dessy group to create an online means to get your pre-nuptial inspirations flowing. Complete with tools to create image boards, match your favorite hue to bridesmaid dress or wedding day accessory, take a gander at the latest color combo trends and even get 14 free swatches of your favorite Pantone colors ( to take along to vendors of course- after all you don’t want your flower arrangements clashing with your attendees’ Mango dresses!)

Southern Accents says goodbye:  After 32 years in publication the magazine devoted to beautiful homes, gracious living and a sense of place says goodbye.  Their ‘Colors You Need To Know Now‘ was always one of my favorite magazine features-from what I remember they were the first ones ever to put the spotlight on a single hue ( with coveted paint suggestions to boot!)  Check out their Picking Color Palettes 101 for some beautiful ideas- Southern Style.

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Since then, the return in popularity of exotic prints has made my quest much easier- vintage is still wonderful, but with so many products out there it only takes a quick surf of the web or jaunt to the mall to get your style roaring today. And as trends merge and converge (i.e. brighter more saturated colors),  it’s only fitting that my favorite motifs would find themselves getting a colorful makeover…I’m thinking Holly and Ginger would approve!

Eva in a red leopard gown at this year’s Venice Film Festival, colorful exotics from Marie Claire, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz’s red zebra mini marks the return of Melrose Place ( it’s back?-now I am beginning to feel like a teenager again!)

Hue- infused, animal prints and faux furs ( yes they are getting a wash of color also this season) can add instant excitement to your wardrobe and home.  Think of them as neutrals with a trippy pop.

And even if your not ready for a full on ensemble like our starlets or adding a pink and chartreuse leopard print rug is totally out of the question for your current lair, doesn’t mean you can’t partake.  Tame the trend by using it in small doses ( scarf, flats, wallet, desktop notes, outdoor pillows…you get the idea). Every time you spot them you’ll feel purrr-fectly sexy. So go on- give your style a walk on the wild side!

rug by James Ducan from Decorati, animal print silk scarf and leopard wallet from Forever 21, Lanvin ballet flats, Dresses from Vivienne westwood and Diane Von Furstenberg from Net-a-porter, Trina Turk’s outdoor fabric for F. Schumacher available through Decorati, sunglasses by Fantas-Eyes, laptop cover from Freddy&Ma,, shorts by J.crew and sherling coat by Bottega Veneta available through Net-a-porter

And though this was not my first time visiting The Land Of Enchantment, it was the first time I have ever experienced a true desert rainstorm. I have to say the smell of fresh rain on the hot earth is most definitely a scent all it’s own- as is the sensation of watching a rain cloud move across the sky dumping bucket loads in it’s path, all while staying bone dry less than a mile away.

Later back in town the (HEAVY!) rain caught up with me.  Once it passed, I journeyed back out to take some quick shots of the freshly washed landscape.

I immediately loved the reflection of the neon sign on the wet pavement. I began thinking how the stormy, desert colors might inspire.  At first I was thinking maybe a moody southwestern room palette or a fabulously colored rain ensemble (indeed, both could work). But while on the plane ride home the next day, flipping through the latest issue of Elle magazine it hit me.

The Fall trend of under eye embellishment- especially as seen on this model from the Rue De Mail runway, is the perfect way to bring my rainy evening inspiration to life.

The under eyes ‘have it’, is a really fun beauty trend this season- especially love the heavy lower lash look!  Can’t wait to try on this look for myself- in a stormy shade of western sky blue, of course!

Check out all the upcoming Fall beauty trends at Elle.com.

More New Mexico color ideas and inspirations to come….

You knew I was talking about nail color right?  After all, what other medium allows us hue fickle folks so much colorful freedom?

Nail colors and inspirations continue to be one of my favorite trends to follow.  Sometimes these colors and styles are influenced by a current look happening in home and fashion (ombre nails anyone), sometimes the hues and finishes happen at the same time ( red and black both in matte- perfect for wardrobes, walls and nails eh!) and sometimes a new bottle of polish sets off a color craze simply by just showing up on the runways and then on the shelves (I’m talking to you Jade- after all, where have you been all our lives?).

There are just so many fun things happening for nails come Fall -that I thought today I would pull together a few of my personal faves thus far:

Is this the ‘it’ color of Fall 09?  Chanel’s Jade is sure to cause a frenzy when it’s released next month.  A moon manicure ( first popular in the 1920’s) is fresh again in black and white, Essie’s new Matte About You Top Coat gives your favorite shiny color an edgy new look.  Rescue Beauty Lounge gives beauty bloggers a colorful voice ( i.e. their dream shades come to life), while OPI’s online color viewer lets you try on your favorite new hue virtually before spending a dime ( seen here in Done Out In Deco…a pale Lilac that I hear will continue to be hot as the weather cools).  Zoya’s latest colors come velvety and matte ready-made, while  for the DIYers- InStyle.com offers up some great ideas ( from purple ombre to mixed metals) to create a colorful manicure all your own.  Lippmann Collection’s Marquee Moon is a futuristic silver sequin ideal for those not wanting to shell out for Beyonce’s Minx treatment and Sally Hansen’s newest HD collection ( seen here in the mood ring shade Pixel Pretty) promises your tips colorful, Hi-Definition results.

My favorite idea for incorporating the trend into your existing wardrobe- invest in one or two statement accessories (either solid or with a touch of crimson will do), sit back and wait for the lust-filled compliments!

all images from Style.com

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!

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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

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