Color inspiration: a citrus hued wedding in Capri

Last week I got a call to give a comment about the trend of citrus colored fashion and how to wear it.  You know those colors that can best be described as lemon, lime, grapefruit, clementine…. ( if you can zest it you can wear it!).  Well not to give to much away I can say that they are colors that act very much like their inspirations… refreshing, fresh, happy and yes they can even stimulate one’s appetite.

They also live very close to one another on the color wheel- in fact they create and analogous color scheme… so it’s no shock that if you happen to walk by a display at a store that is bathed in these colors- not only would the colors attract you but you might just notice how pretty they all look next to each other.

As I was researching some examples to talk about, a funny thing happened… all I could think about was this story that my friend Mary told me about a trip she had taken to the Isle of Capri ( not too shabby, right!)  She told me how she was eating at a restaurant and the lemons from the surrounding trees were literally dropping on her table as she ate.  She said the smell was intoxicating.

Well I have not yet made it to Capri to experience it for myself-but it got me thinking if I could create a fantasy styling job in which to showcase these colors what a place to be!  And since Capri is nothing short of Romantically off the charts of course I started thinking ‘destination summer wedding’.  I mean just look at this place…all I would need was this image along with an invite- and my tickets would be booked!- ( in fact wouldn’t this vintage travel image above make for a great ’save the date’ postcard).

I wouldn’t limit the palette to be just citrus hues but would also pick up on the colors of the amazing sea and lush local blooms…. oh,  -bouganviellas how I love thee!

I love the idea of the official invite being a map of the isle of Capri… would that sea blue be so pretty for the ink!  A similar invite from  Ceci New York gave me the idea- check out their site wow! what awesome invites they have created for their clients!

I was trying to figure out who this couple would be… I’m thinking a fun twosome, probably slightly preppy yet adventurous ( and probably obsessed with the Italian scenes in the film ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley”).. who would be wanting their wedding to be just as much an experience for their guest as it is about tying the knot. So I’m guessing it would be a long weekend… with some sightseeing of the isle and boating through through the blue grotto on Friday, the wedding and party on Saturday and a lemon grove brunch on Sunday…

What would the wedding party wear?  At first I was thinking some fab gown hand stitched in Italy, but then I remember hearing that there is a lot of paperwork required for Americans to legally get hitched in Europe- so with that added stress I figured my bride would probably prefer to have her’s packed and ready to take flight with her.  And since this is a carefree, sunny event ( and everyone is having to spend some dough to make it there… I figure beautiful and affordable were of highest priority) and I don’t know anyone who is doing it better right now under that criteria than JCrew.

I love this dress… I think it’s so fun and has just that perfect mix of elegant event meets ‘I’m on vacation’ vibe.  Since I always seem to be a little chilled I’d have this short sleeved cashmere cardigan on hand for the bride to throw on during the reception if there is a bit of island breeze happening ( who wants to deal with a wrap when your the center of attention)  The shoes- simple and pretty peep toes… I’m guessing they’d be kicked off as soon as the dancing begins.

I couldn’t find a picture of a bouquet that I loved ( the one above is from Martha Stewart Weddings).. I really would think it would need to look fresh picked right from the surroundings.. love the lemon leaves but would probably switch out the roses for bouganviella and add a few dashes of yellow, white and orange blooms.

I like it when the bridesmaids look different..and since the palette is bigger than the typical 2 colors that most weddings are based on the bride would have a lot of lead way for her friends to pick and choose from… again all  dresses from JCrew- and yes, they really could wear these again!  ( I especially like varying the lengths as well).

We can not forget the ever important cute groom.  Again keeping with the whole feel -a tux would be too formal, I think.  But an Italian cut inspired suit is perfect!  Looks just like something Jude Law’s character would wear in “Mr. Ripley”- don’t you think..plus I really like the not-so- typical color!

The flower girl could be a ‘little version’ of the blushing bride with her nighttime sweater and fancy shoes… but an orange dress would fill out the palette.

Of course the wedding and reception would have to include an unbelievable view.. yes, this location would so do!

Love it- right down to the fresh lemons dressing the table.  Here’s another gratuitous view-

The cocktails, menu and cake would all have a touch of lemon…yum, all of the recipes on the Limoncello site look so yummy- what a perfect ‘end of the soiree’ cocktail:

Of course there would have to be a fab mini sports car ( lemon yellow of course) to wisk the happy couple away…. an Hermes scarf to wrap around her head would be a stylish  must for the bride!

The wedding party would each receive some lovely goodies from Carthusia , the official perfume of Capri… I love taking home fragrances from a vacation because every time you catch a sniff it takes you right back to where you were when you first smelled it!

Then the lucky couple begins their new life together at the JK Capri Hotel… a place that I’ve had bookmarked since I first heard about it a few years back when our friends at Dedar provided the fabric, pillows and rugs to their unbelievable digs.

Ahhh…cue the doves!  Il Finito! ( and they lived stylishly ever after)

Don’t miss our next colorful journey.  Sign up and never miss one colorful moment…

image of fruit from Flicker

image of Hermes scarf and vintage travel brochure from EBay