Live in full color » color-trends

Best In Color: November Week 2

juliehoylen — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:26:29 +0000

Kate’s Talking ‘Colors That Make a Man’s Heart Race’ in this month’s Cosmo: (Yeah!!! It’s the Fergie issue) Did you know that wearing a vibrant shade of pink can increase others’ heart rates, an electric shade of Teal attracts attention and can up your self confidence, a yellow hues can give a boost to those around you and that certain shades of purple can make you appear either coy (light purple) or mysterious (deep Amethyst) to the man of your dreams?

Cosmo takes a fun and flirty look at how your beauty routine can benefit from a little color knowledge. Our favorite color guru Leatrice Eisman and make-up artists Jillian Dempsey and Michael Marcus also weigh in with their own colorful spin.

I had planned to show an image of the article’s layout but I’m having some scanner drama…so you’ll have to make a stop at the newsstand to see it for yourself. Its well worth it I have to say… I realized I had completely read through ‘Get Rid of Muffin Top’ and ‘Wacked-out Things Guys Say In Bed’ before I even checked to make sure we had been included in the issue…:)

Designers Lend Their Creative Passions To a Spectacular Charity Auction: Women In Need (or WIN) is a fabulous organization that has been providing housing, help and hope to homeless families since 1983. I was shocked to learn that there are over 100,000 homeless people in NYC alone and that 1 in 4 children in our great city are living within poverty level. With the holidays and another cold winter right around the corner these statistic truly hit home.

To help raise awareness and funds, WIN has asked a whole slew of celebs to decorate a paper mache house in their own unique style. The houses are to be auctioned off through November 30th. My money is on Oscar De La Renta’s. I’m flipping for his symmetric landscaping and pink trim. Here’s a fantastic behind the scenes look at the inspirations behind this incredible event.

Click here to view the embedded video.

‘I’m Not Really A Waitress’ And Neither Is My Laptop: Dell is one company that loves adding a little color to technology. Their online Color Studio allows consumers to chose from over 300 cover design options featuring among them works by such artists as Tristan Eaton, Siobhan Gunning and Bruce Mau. Dell has also collaborated with both Product(Red) and the MLB (please no one tell my son about this). Their latest and greatest partnership is with non other than nail lacquer experts OPI. Starting next months you can chose from 20 different classic OPI shades and 6 seasonal favorites including ‘Dear Santa’ and ‘Smitten With Mittens’.

“Beautiful nails really are the ultimate accessory to any look,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive Vice President & Artistic Director. “And now, with Dell laptops that coordinate with OPI Nail Lacquers, you can match your nails to your emails!” Parafin dip and complimentary shoulder massage not included.

A Big Book About Minis: Have you ever noticed that the tallest people drive minis (is it just an optical illusion, or am I right?). Well, the cutest thing on 4 wheels turns the big 5-0 this year and a new book called ‘Wash Me’ pays homage to the auto’s unique spirit and style. Car as muse- the images include works by 10 distinct artists non of whom have ever had the chance to list ‘car’ as their medium. The Mini Brand is no stranger it seems when it comes to curating artistic expression. I was surprised to learn that the auto company has been in an exclusive partnership since 2008 with NYC’s own Ludlow 38, an exhibition space within the Goethe-Institut in New York’s ever artsy Lower East Side.

Over 900 buildings and monuments worldwide are set to ‘go blue’ this Saturday night in honor of World Diabetes Day: “Understand Diabetes and Take Control’ is the theme of this year’s campaign. It is estimated that around 285 million people are living with diabetes and (shocking to hear) that sufferers are responsible for about 95% of their own life long care. With (in most cases- preventable) Type 2 Diabetes on the raise (with an estimated 344 more people at risk), education and awareness has never been more important. Get the facts on diabetes and read more about this colorful campaign here. Thanks to Liberty Post, for sharing with her readers how the disease has effected her own life and making us aware of this wonderful event.

Farewell Met Home and Gourmet: Yikes!! Not much to say here….just that the world will be a little less colorful and yummy without you. Best wishes to you all.

Chevy Says: Name That Color

juliehoylen — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:13:43 +0000

Many, MANY moons ago (eons before we had this blog about color), fellow LIFC writer April Clark and I found ourselves at a party in a web of a conversation with two guys who wanted to know what ‘we did for a living’.

Without missing a beat April replied, ‘We work for Estee Lauder. We’re the ones that come up with the color names for lipstick’. Knowing full well that we would never see this duo again and because they both seemed very impressed by our colorful jobs ( truth be told we were at the time simply overly-imaginative waitresses) I of course played right along.

Soon after as we made our way out of the party I looked at April and asked, ‘Where did that come from?”. She laughed and said “I don’t know-but wouldn’t that be a cool job?”

I had to agree…this many years later I’m still thinking naming colors would be a cool job.

So when I heard about General Motors sponsoring a competition to put a name to a color to one of GM’s first ever extended- range electrical car ( or E-Rev)- the Chevy Volt, I figured here’s April’s and my (and yours too) chance to make this little white lie into a full spectrum reality!

Okay here it is- the Volt in all of it’s pre-production glory. The current name-less color is described as a Silver exterior with an Emerald hue. The color will be available exclusively on the Chevy Volt which will begin production in late 2010.

Once offically named, the color will join a palette of other Volt exterior colors including Black, Cyber Gray Metallic, Crystal Red Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic and premium White Diamond Tri-Coat.

The Volt gets a test drive. Very exciting considering the car is expected to drive up to 40 miles on electricity without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is depleted of energy, the engine generator seamlessly operates to extend the total driving range to more than 300 miles.

So here’s a quick round-up of the contest from Maria Rohrer, Director, Global Volt & Global Marketing Operations at Chevrolet-

‘Think of a creative name that conveys what the Volt represents in Eco innovation, technology, and the Chevrolet spirit. To enter the contest, simply click on the “Submit Your Name Here” link below beginning at 8 a.m. ET on October 22 and follow the instructions to submit your color name. You can submit a name through 8:00 a.m. ET November 4. We’ll then review the entries and pick three finalists to enter a final round of consumer voting.

Check back on November 16 to find out which three finalists we selected and vote for your favorite name through December 1. Who knows, maybe you will be the one to join us in Los Angeles for a final “vote-off” and a chance to drive a pre-production Chevy Volt.”

Read the rules and submit your color name here

Okay we’re getting a little bit of a late start since the contest ends in only a few days so April and I will be here racking our brains all morning. A little bit of a spoiler alert- if reading others submissions throws you off (I know it does me) then avoid scrolling down over what has already been submitted. ( FYI, you have to be a US resident to eligible to win.)

Here’s a few more images of the Chevy Volt in need of a color name. So get your creative engines revving (or should I say plugged in) and name that color- Good Luck!

It’s so fascinating to me just how important color is when it comes to our automobiles. GM’s own study found that 39 percent of consumers will leave a dealership and go to a different dealership, even a different brand if they are not able to find a vehicle in a color to their liking.

It’s no wonder that car companies spend so much time and energy forecasting up and coming consumer trends. It’s also no wonder that in return, color forecasters for home and fashion keep an eye on what is happening in the world of automotive color. Funny to think that the latest palette coming down a runway may ultimately have been influenced by what was being seen at an auto show a season or two before.

Check out this video with GM’s own Chris Webb (I remember he took part in one of my favorite Project Runway challenges ever- the week when they had to make an outfit using only car parts from a GM Saturn!). Here he talks about just how important color and color technology is in the world of General Motors.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Did color choice come into play when you bought your last car? See what the color of the car you drive says about your personality- a fun rundown of meanings by color guru and Pantone director Leatrice Eisman as featured on Sensational Color.

Pretty As A Peacock

juliehoylen — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:37:37 +0000

It’s seems almost apropos that the minute I’m inspired to write about the stylish trend of Peacock motifs, I would find an article claiming that the male peacock’s elaborate plumage perhaps has much less to do with attracting it’s mate then had always been thought. Instead a scientific study done on Indian Peacocks and Peahens cites the male bird’s vocal callings and shuttering moves may actually be what catches the female’s attention.

How very fitting, right ladies- it’s always what they say and how they move-not how they look that ultimately keeps us hooked!

Well regardless of why the peacock has such a spectacular showing of feathers, one thing is for sure their beauty has inspired countless artists and designers through the centuries.

Peacocks are spoken of in Ancient Mythology, The Bible and the Hindu religion. They are often used symbolically in literature and in folk art, often being depicted as looking back at their tails ( signifying renewal, since they drop and replace their feathers yearly).

Personally peacocks feathers always make me think of a time when Art Nouveau was actually ‘nouveau’ and of lovely heroines caught up in some wonderfully heart wrenching Edith Warton plot.

can’t you just imagine using this Preening Pen ($20 from Anthropolgie) to scratch off a calling card to your family matriarch or passionately write prose dedicated to a secret lover!

This year peacock plumes are inspiring everything from evening gowns to eclectic bedding. A peacock inspired palette is one of the most vibrant themes happening in wedding trends as well.

Peacock plate by John Derian, Giambattista Valli gown from Fall 09, Matthew Williamson’s spring collection for H&M was influenced by peacock hues, a vintage peacock inspired umbrella, peacock top from Forever 21, art nouveau peacock slip on sneakers, peacock bedding from Target

Martha’s saying Peacock wedding hues is a ‘good thing’ this year

For home the colors inspired by the blues, greens and golden tones of peacock plumes have always been considered dramatic.

Whistler and the birth of the ‘Decorating Diva’ syndrome

My favorite is the very famous Peacock Dining Room, designed by the artist James McNeill Whistler for the art collector Frederick Leyland’s London home. The story goes that Leyland intended to hang Whistler’s painting “The Princess From The Land Of Porcelain” in the room and asked the artist for a suggestion on what other colors to paint the rest of the room.

Leyland, away during the renovation was completely unaware that Whistler- unhappy with the way the room’s colors were clashing with his artwork – had taken it upon himself to paint every square inch of the space in gold and peacock blue ( it even has peacock feathers patterns on the ceiling). When Leyland returned he was shocked to find his room had become a rhapsody in blue and gold.

He refused to pay Whistler the entire amount billed for the artist’s time spent as’ interior decorator’- Whistler later painted an image of two squabbling peacocks on one of the room’s walls depicting the conflict that ensued. The room now resides in Washington D.C.’s Freer Gallery Of Art.

A brilliant blue peacock palette can also go a bit modern when combined with bright colors and white. Kiki has a really great post about the trend of blues going green over on our blog Color For Your Home.

Her example of this bedroom by Kendall Wilkinson Design is my dream!

Overall though my favorite way to be inspired by a peacock’s colors for home is to simply look directly at the bird for color clues. Multiple shades of brilliant blues and greens mixed with a little iridescent shimmer accented by shades of drab golds, browns and inky blacks.

If you have a room that basically browns and blues ( we all loved the choc-aqua trend), then an addition of another blue and some greens with golden accessories might be a great way to opulant- up the room’s overall look!

Or if you want to go very adventurous ( I know I do) then peacock blue walls with a metallic wash ceiling could result in a jewel box of a space! Doesn’t that sound so good- guest room redo, here I come!

swatch source House Beautiful

Benjamin Moore’s Baltic Blue, Mills Spring Blue, Hague Blue and Farrow and Ball’s Pelt all make an interesting foil to Benjamin Moore’s Paddington Blue ( a real peacock blue designer Robin Bell tells House Beautiful).

A quick palette just to get you inspired…now shake a tail feather and get styling!

Whose On First-Home or Fashion?

juliehoylen — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:14:08 +0000

It’s kind of like the age old ‘chicken or the egg’ argument when it comes to color trends. Which industry has more influence over the other.

I have to admit that the answer to this question was something I never really thought about until I began writing this blog. I always felt I knew what I liked and that is what I liked. I honestly was never really that concerned with whether I was wearing or had painted my bedroom the latest, greatest hue.

But once I began meeting more and more designers and talking with them about where they find their color inspirations I realized what an amazing synergy there is going on in the color palettes between the worlds of home, beauty and fashion design.

source and source

Lavender showed up as a leading color trend in Pantone’s Spring 2009 Fashion Trend Report and as a rising color trend in Home as well- as seen here at the January 2009 Maison & Object Trade Fair in Paris

And while I don’t think that any particular trend(s) should direct you into changing your entire wardrobe or home, I do think that discovering how style makers find their inspirations may make a great clue into discovering your own.

So which one influences the other more? Well I suppose I now have to say that answer is in the eye of the beholder. I had always thought that fashion color trends typically had more influence over home color trends. I feel as if I have had more than one interior designer confirm that over the years.

I’ve written posts based on this belief- From The Runway to Pottery Barn a few years back was based on the very concept. It was hard to deny how many prints and color combos from their Spring catalog had been seen on the fashion runways the previous Fall.

When I interviewed Amy Lau about her recent Kip’s Bay Showhouse stairwell and the question came to the color of the wallpaper that she had chosen, she sited the most interesting mauve-y color that she was spotting in the windows of Manhattan chicest boutiques as having influenced her choice.

But a chance encounter this week has me doing a little re-thinking of things.

Tuesday night I attended Designer Visions: 2009 Cinema Style at Soho Mews. It was a super fun evening packed to the seams with some incredibly talented people. Soho Mews is a complex on West Broadway that most of us can only dream of living in…so it was quite exciting to get a peek inside. The theme of the night was for each designer to pick one of their favorite movies to use as their muse and create a space suited for modern day life. In three almost identical duplex townhouses decorated to the hilt by Thom Filicia (for House Beautiful- “The Big Chill”), John Salandino (for Veranda- ‘The Girl With A Pearl Earring”) and Richard Mishaan (for Town and Country-Dinner At Eight”), the designer’s visions literally came to life.

First walk through I couldn’t help but notice how many different versions of Gray was being used. When I mentioned it to Kate she said-’ Yeah, very cinematic”. Hum, was that why? It did make sense, very dramatic and moody. I had always dreamed of living on the set of the Thin Man ( which by the way, would have probably been my muse)…was this what it would feel like? I couldn’t help to think about what a huge color Gray has been in fashion over the last few seasons and how it looks to be a hot color yet again this coming Spring ( If you know me you know I often gauge a color trend by the very not-so-sophisticated method of what color polish Chanel is showing on their runways the season before- FYI for Spring 10 it’s a Dove Gray).

I figured that the Gray tones seen all over fashion these past few seasons perhaps had a bit of a hand in inspiring the palettes of these rooms as well. After all Gray has been hot in fashion, it only makes sense that it would explode onto the home scene- right?

Later in the night I had a very similar conversation about the heavy use of grays and complex neutrals with the cutest interior designer who had a much different take on who influences who. ‘Color trends always start in home and then move into fashion’, she exclaimed, ‘people always say it’s the other way around, but that they are wrong’. Color is a much more serious decision when it comes to home, look at Gray for example. Before a handful of years ago Gray wasn’t even considered a color. It started to become used more and more in home interiors, at show houses, on the pages of magazines. Now it’s a huge color in fashion- but it started in home.

She backed up her argument by saying that it is indeed fashion designers using these color trends first in their own homes, then into their Home Lines ( haven’t you noticed how it seems as if every fashion designer has their own line for home now- she asked. I guess she is right you never do see it the other way around, do you…) and then they bring these color to life on their runways.

Was she right?

I thought back to the minimalist look in home and fashion from the 1990’s, to simple neutral toned Calvin Klein sheaths and giant wood tables topped with gray and white table settings upon glossy white floors. This is the time to me that Gray and it’s neutral cousins came into trend for me. I remember back then Gray and Taupe and even White was considered very fashion forward after the opulent colors of the 1980’s. So which came first in this equations- did these colors hit modern homes or modern wardrobes first? Is my age showing? Was Gray not considered a color until now? One thing is for sure, the minimalist’s palette and style that hit big in the 90’s is still having a strong influence over runways and homes today.

source

When I mentioned this ‘ gray matter’ conversation to fellow blogger April added that perhaps the introduction of concrete as a designer touch in kitchens and baths that helped drive the trend of Gray in homes even stronger over the past years. Hum, good point…I suppose you could probably throw stainless steel in there somewhere, too.

And while I’m sure not clear as if the trend towards Grays truly did begin in home first-it’s no doubt that finding the perfect gray wall color was rarely a conversation you would be having with your neighborhood paint store a decade ago, let alone picking a gray toned polish for your manicure.

What ever the right answer is, my new party friend has made me aware that in the world of design and trends, it’s never quite an open and shut case- I go forward with my trendy mind and eyes a little more open.

Color Inspiration: Blue and Purple

juliehoylen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:53:37 +0000

A quick trip past the fresh flower depot at my local Costco and my ‘only what I truly need to buy’ mantra went flying by the wayside. Oh, well- we all do need fresh flowers surrounding us, don’t we.

First I thought about which vase I would use ( a traditional blue and white vessel brought back from Italy years ago) and instantly I was drawn to these long stemmed, deep purple beauties.

It’s interesting how a little thing like the pairing of a vase and flowers can tap you into what colors are inspiring you at that very moment. I even said to fellow shopping and LIFC blogging buddy April at the time that ‘right now, I’m sooo loving purple and blue together’…funny because this time last year I bet you I would have gone straight for the bright yellow sunflowers.

But that is the charm of fresh cut flowers, for $8.99 I was able to instantly add my latest favorite color combo into my life ( this is also why it’s quite handy to have a variety of vases in your supply closet).

There is just something so sensuous about blue and purple together…it’s images of lavender fields against a deep blue sky, it’s hydrangeas and the twinkling blues and purples of the summertime dusk, it’s traditional beachy blue and white with a dash of creative and energizing purple.

And of course once I realize I’ve got a color craving I have to investigate whose on my color team….and partake in some great ideas on how to surround myself in it this season.

exotic resort ready- this Spring’s Gucci collection finds some blue and purple inspiration as does this Alessandro Print Bracelet from Emilo Pucci

This dining room from Metropolitain Home shows how dramatic the pairing can be

Adding a little extra ‘pop’ of color can change the feel of the combo- red and yellow tend to be a favorite offset color to add, as is just a touch of orange ( as seen her in this fab little Pucci number) personally- I also think just a bit of green makes for a nice ‘garden party’ feel.

okay, this Hermes beach towel has now been official placed on my (unrealistic) ‘things I truly need to buy’ list!

Tory Burch gets her inner peacock/Brady Bunch on- with a mix of olive green and white

a touch of red in this guest bedroom by Paula Perlini featured in House Beautiful helps distinguish the blues in the fabrics from the periwinkle on the walls.

same goes for this cute bikini from Diane Von Furstenberg

also from House Beautiful, this table setting designed by Rebecca Moses shows an eclectic miss-matched hues pulled together by an overall them of purple and blue looking truly vintage modern

Designer Cynthia Rowley’s dining room featured in Elle Decor follows a similar color theme

on the runways from this year’s CFDA women’s designer winner Rodarte…with a vibrant touch of orange

While this bedroom by designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz from Elle Decor( which reminds me of The Valley Of The Dolls) would be the perfect place for me to daydream about my favorite combo this season!

Best In Color: June Week 3

juliehoylen — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:02:14 +0000

‘A Minute On The Lips A Lifetime On The Hips’ gets a colorful makeover- Angelina Jolie watch out because a new lipgloss is promising that by the end of the summer we all might look just like you ( okay as a disclaimer they are not actually promising that but Angie just happened to be the first person that came to mind when I read the name of their product!) The lipgloss is the first product created by PurpleLab, whose philosophy is to create products that do ‘double duty for mulit-tasking mavens’ ( check founder Karen Robinovitz’s site blog about the trails and tribulations of starting a cosmetic co.- its quite endearing) Her first products, 6 lip plumping glosses each containing the natural appetite suppressant Hoodia, will if nothing else…give you the idea that ‘wow! maybe if I took the time to apply a fresh coat of color to my lips every time I came face to face with an open sleeve of Chips Ahoys, I just might have the will power to walk away’- hey it’s worth a try! $20 each- through B-Glowing.com

I haven’t learned how to calibrate the colors on my laptap yet, and now I have to figure out my tv as well! The switch has happened and the USA is now official digital. This is not only monumental in picture quality, but has been perhaps the biggest excuse husbands across the country have ever had as to why they need to pull money out of savings to buy a flat screen tv. But what happens when your new toy doesn’t look nearly as pretty as it did in the electronic store? Perhaps it’s on the wrong color setting ( who knew?) Luckily this week the New York Times is offering up some colorful help.

The Colors of ‘I Do’: Valspar Paints has a great blog called The Color Buzz..if you don’t know about it check it out. Since June is the month favored the most by brides-to-be, it seems only fitting this week to take a look at some of the hottest color trends for nuptials both in history and modern times. And even if a wedding is a ‘been there done that’ event for you ..you have to admit it’s always fun to see just how different the trends are from when you shoved cake in your own love’s face.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Now that’s what I call a carpet of flowers!: I’m marking this one down on my calendar of ‘events to remember since the next one is scheduled for August 2010!’ Since 1971, every other year the The Grande Courtyard in Brussels becomes carpeted with over 1 million begonias. This image from 2008’s event takes it’s pattern from traditional Medevil design. I’m guessing the Begonia industry is represented by a seriously good PR agent in Belgium! Thanks to CMG for pointing us over to the story on the Lotushaus blog.

Shiny vs. Matte- What’s Your Color Preference?

juliehoylen — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:06:29 +0000

When you think about your reaction to a particular color you might straight off the bat list that your reason behind your ‘love, like, indifference or loathing’ of a hue as being rooted simply in your personal color preference. ” I don’t like the color orange..thus I do not like this orange pillow” ( okay perhaps you wouldn’t word it quite like that- but you get the idea).

a shiny orange canister on your kitchen counter, no way- but a terracotta pot, why yes!

images from Etsy and HGTV

But there are many factors to take into mind when making color choices and the actual color of an object or can of paint is just one of them.

The colors that will surround the color in question is another ( maybe that’s why you’re at a friend’s house and you see those same orange pillow on her pale green couch and you find yourself saying ‘ I love that pillow…funny because I normally don’t like the color orange’).

The light that you are viewing the color under is another-the pillow looks great in her dimly lit living room-yet place the pillow on the white rocking chair in her bright sun room and you might just find yourself back where you started.

Ceramic Glass Pendants by etcArts from Etsy.com

But the one factor that you might not immediately think about is the color’s finish-and a color’s finish plays a big role in how you react to it. By theory even if two objects are the same color but one has a shiny finish the other rough, you will automatically feel that the rougher more textured object’s color appears ‘warmer and darker’. The shinier object will appear to you as ‘cooler and lighter’. Something to keep in mind, especially if you live with stucco walls or dream of sleeping in a lacquered bedroom.

It seems as if more and more -manipulating a color’s finish has become a big trend in home, fashion and design…and is something to always keep in mind when working to achieve whatever your own color goals are. Here’s a few of my recent ‘finish’ favorites-

Black goes from shiny to matte- JCrew’s Jenna Lyon’s painted her bedroom walls ( trim and all) with black chalkboard paint helping to spawn the trend of matte black walls, If owning a Bentley doesn’t make you stand out in the crowd enough this special edition GTO Monaco features an unusual matte finish that will, even nail polish gets a makeover going from it’s typical shine to a velvety matte finish for Fall

Metal goes shiny again- After seasons of matte metallics the shine returns both in fashion and in home. ‘Shine, shine, shine on’ is a hit melody on that commercial and seems to be the theme song for this year’s runways of Prada and Proenza Schouler from Style.com, Ann Sacks “Aureo’ tiles feature sheets of 24 karat gold leaf sandwiched between transparent and handblown glass while Waterwork’s Clothhilde Copper Freestanding Tub with a price tag of $40 g’s truly is fit for a king

Rustic goes from texured to shiny and modern: If the thought of surrounding yourself with grainy woods makes you automatically think ‘log cabin living’ see how a simple change of finish and color can completely change a motif’s feel. Faux Bois Console from Crate and Barrel, Faux Woodgrain Wall Covering from Nobilis, Faux Bois Rug from Pottery Barn and Vase from Roost

The Best In Color: June week 2

juliehoylen — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:22:04 +0000

warm weather black on this week’s red carpet, studded accessories from Intermix and Lady Dior Marion

Black Is Cool This Summer: I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who took the initiative to scientifically prove that the darker a color is the more light it absorbs. All it took Mr. Franklin was a few fabric swatches, a patch of snow and a bright sunny day and viola! a fashion rule was born. But science be damned- because it’s looks as if this spring/ summer black is the new, well black. From black patent leather accessories ( hey, isn’t patent for winter, too?) to dark as night summery dresses, cover-ups, sandals and sunglasses complete with studded details- black moves from urban jungle to pool party. My favorite use of springtime black goes to Dior, whose ‘film noir’ advertisement featuring Marion Cotillard has me daydreaming of being a femme fatale clad in head to toe black, teetering the edge of the Eiffel Tower in strappy high heels as well! Watch It Here

Color as Sound: There is a super cool festival happening this weekend on NYC’s Governor’s Island called FIGMENT. In it’s third year, FIGMENT is a free non-for profit event featuring artists and performers wishing to explore art as a participatory collaboration with it’s audience. One artist in particular setting out to ’strike a chord’ with color lovers everywhere is artist Ellen Hackl Fagan, who believes every color emits it’s own sound. For the festival she has created a piece of work called The Alphabet Song Game, where participants hum their ABC’s while picking out the colorful square that they believe best represents each note. “This concrete game offers participants the opportunity to contemplate abstract color/sound relationships, often the first time. Motivated by the purity and beauty of color, I’m tuned in to its communicative nature. I regularly use alphabets as infrastructure in my work to explore new ideas and palettes as I continue to build a visual language in my painting.”

Color In The Hood: Sherwin-Williams has a great online magazine called Stir. This week’s issue features a look at the use of color in the ‘new urbanism’ building movement that has been happening throughout the United States over the past 30 years. In an article called ‘Goodbye Builder Beige’, writer Jennifer Blaise Kramer takes a look at how smart thinking developers and regionally inspired color palettes are bringing the magic back to surban living.

Little Boy Blue: Sure we all can probably name our favorite color, but probably non of us will ever be able to say we hold the patent of it as well. So goes the story of Yves Klein and his affair with the color Blue. Raised on the Cote d’Azure ( how appropo! ) Klein believed that through the single color of blue- which he once described as ‘ beyond dimensions’-lies the path to transcendence. A retrospective of Klein’s work, on view throughout the summer at the Museo d’arte in Switzerland, follows the path of his vibrant, experimental and all too short career.

Camo Goes Couture: This past week The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert is in Iraq helping to give our hard working troops a good laugh. But even with loads of ‘high ranking’ guest and even suprise video appearances from President Obama and former President Bush, nothing overshadowed the real star of the week- Colbart’s hand tailored, one -of- a kind camoflauge Brookes Brothers suit. Watch a clip here

Colorful Advice: talking ‘Pop of Color’ with Life & Style

juliehoylen — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:33:34 +0000

Hooray! My favorite Life & Style Weekly asked me once again to give a little colorful advice to their style ( and color) loving readers!

The stars of Twilight, Brad and Ang, Kate and Jon, Kendra and little ole me…Let’s just say being featured in this issue has me feeling as if I’m floating among the clouds in ‘pop culture’ heaven!

This time around L&S is looking to help you find the ‘Perfect Pop of Color’ to add to your summer wardrobe.

I think the page layout is so cute! The impressive range of colorful tanks are from American Apparel ( $17)

Using Gwyneth, Garcelle, Leighton and Amy as our muses…we took a quick spin at naming the best hues to play up the colors of these lady’s oh-so lovely locks.

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Miss Gwyneth: Gwyneth’s blonde hair is stunning with it’s natural golden shades ( warm tones ) intermixed with icy ( cool) highlights around the frame of her face- allowing her darker roots to be seen only adds to the yin and yang effect. Blondes like Gwynnie can pick colors to play up which ever tone they want to draw the eyes to. Her raspberry pink dress warms up not only her golden tresses, but her pale skin tone as well. An even paler pink would make Gwyneth pretty as a princess ( remember how sweet she looked in her famous pale-pink Oscar dress!)

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On the other side of the color wheel Gwyneth could easily decide to play off of her pale, sparkly ( cooler) highlights by wearing shades of blue…baby blue ( really pretty for you blue eyed beauties) or an ocean- inspired aqua ( for hazel or brown eyed siren’s- like Gwyneth) adds instant wardrobe drama.

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Garcelle Beauvais has rich, lush super dark hair. Now very dark hair like Garcelle’s can be tricky. True dark hair tends to be either blue-black ( making it a cool shade) or deep, dark brown-black ( a warm shade). Luckily It’s pretty easy to figure out from this picture that Garcelle’s hair is on the warm side of the spectrum..because she is simply radiant in this little golden- orange number.

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Women with Garcelle’s coloring look amazing in all types of zesty warm shade like lemon yellow and bright coral. If they happen to desire to cool things up a bit -a dark purple ( with red undertones like the color of red grapes) would be simply regal.

Love a color, but not sure it’s your most flattering hue to wear? By simply placing a color that you do know enhances your natural coloring close to your face can instantly make your ‘questionable’ color work as well. Case in point- I don’t think Garcelle would look as ’super hero-ific in this gray-blue dress without that jolt of tomato red trim.

Leighton Meester is the dark eyed brunette lighting up the small screen each week on the hit show Gossip Girl. Her character Blair has no fear when it comes to wearing loads of color and in real life neither does Leighton.

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Leighton’s hair has just a touch of caramel highlights, which not only adds dimension to her tresses but really helps to play up her beautiful complexion as well. Leighton would look fantastic in almost any shade of rich jewel-like tones, much like she does in this Sapphire Versace and below in this little emerald green Dior number.

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On the other side of fashionable hues, Leighton can also play up the richness of her hair by wearing pale shades. For color I suggested the minty green and lavender tanks for a soft feminine look to play off of her dark hair and light skin. And because her dark locks and radiant skin have the ability to look good whether she is pale or tan ( spray tanners rejoice), brunettes like Leighton make good candidate to rock the ‘new nudes’ this season as well.

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There’s a pink for everyone- my favorite for brunettes like Leighton would be a shade like this that goes towards the lavender side. Nude tones can be tricky, here again the choice of a nude with strong rosy undertones along with golden jewelry and a similar shade of lipstick really help to make Leighton’s dark eyes and hair pop.

Amy Adam’s naturally vibrant red hair and sparkly blue eyes have made her everyone’s favorite ‘enchanted’ starlet. To me, Amy has proven to be a girl who knows what colors work best on her…because if you’ve been watching her on the red carpet you know that she usually gets it right.

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Amy’s best colors are ones that play up the fiery, copper highlights in her hair. Rich nature inspired hues like Teal, Eggplant and Grassy Greens make auburn hair look even brighter. And for pale blue eyed redheads like Amy- Turquoise makes eyes look…well quite frankly like they are made of turquoise as well.

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As a fairytale princess come to life in the movie Enchanted-all eyes are on Amy picture perfect in an Aubergine gown at the King and Queen’s Ball. In real life, Amy hits the red carpet in pure vintage Hollywood style complete with a deep side part and fitted Teal green gown.

Is there a hue that is universally flattering on everyone, no matter what your hair color? Life & Style asked me to name just one.

For the magazine I named Red, because the thinking behind this color is set in pretty scientific reasoning. Since human coloring is based on either warm ( golden undertones) or cool ( blue undertones) a true Red-meaning a red that can not be described as either too orange or to blue orange and exists smack dab in the middle would most easily be able to compliment all four woman’s distinct coloring. SEE- understanding the color wheel does come in handy!!!

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Ladies in Red: Garcelle and Leighton’s dark hair easily master the power of red, Gwyneth’s matching red lips helps to keep the focus on her pretty face, while Amy’s use of a mineral colored jewel necklace helps to keep the spotlight on her red tresses

As a little back note- I honestly believe if you love a color…there is the perfect shade of it just for you. After all fashion is fun….experimenting with it can be even funner!

If say you love the color blue but aren’t sure if you should be buying Cobalt or Cornflower…try both ( in the dressing room before you buy, please ) and judge for yourself which you honestly feel best in. While you’re in there why not try a few colors that you rarely wear- you might just discover a few new colorful gems!

Another great color clue I like to tell people, is to take notice of which hues you find yourself getting a lot of unsolicited compliments on when you wear them. If your true love, a trusted chum and friendly stranger all notice that a certain shade brings you beautifully to life…chances are you’re on the right color track!

The Best In Color: June week 1

juliehoylen — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:10:56 +0000

In an attempt to have some sort of schedule to my life I’ve decided to start a new series of Friday posts featuring my favorite colorful bits from each week- here goes week one!

Visionaire 56 Solar- The legendary and always fashionable publication Visionaire has teamed with the legendary and again always fashionable Calvin Klein Collection to create a coffee table book like no other. Featuring an all white embroidered cover and filled to the brim with black and white images from famed photographers, the $250 book is sure to impress your friends- especially when you take it outside and surprise them to the fact that when the book is exposed to direct UV rays it’s cover and pages reveal themselves in full-on, painterly color!

Color Mixologists- Could mixing colorful patterns be this summer’s most playful look? Earlier this week, First Lady Michelle Obama’s mix and match sweater set from The Gap caused a fashion buzz ( seen here at a luncheon with an equally stylish Nancy Reagan) while on the same day Marc Jacobs unveiled his Resort 2010 line in New York- revealing that he too loves the challenge of a good mix.

Hi-Tech Color: Just when you thought it was safe to go out in just sunscreen and a big floppy hat- Sephora touts Hi- Def foundation and powder. Originally created for actors and newscasters, these specially ‘photochromatic’ pigmented make-up reflect light and promise to hide all imperfections even when put through the ‘6X magnification of an HD camcorder’ ringer. Hmm…could next week’s national switch over to digital television make not only antennas but the ’sheer au natural look’ obsolete as well?

The Pairing Of Purple and Green: First I read this week that a survey by Proven Winners that the color purple is the number 1 favorite flower color of their customers, then I spot in the New York Times magazine’s Must Have Summer 2009 list these French classic outdoor chairs made over in some fresh new colors ( from Fernob available at DWR) and then an email with a sneak preview from Dedar’s Fall Fabric Collection arrives in my mailbox featuring these chairs. Is the combo of purple and green this year’s Choc-Aqua?

Color-full Apps:Color lovers/iPhone users are rewarded with two free Apps this week. Color Snap from Sherwin Williams and Ben Color Capture from Benjamin Moore both promising to match your favorite color inspiration to you walls quicker than you can twitter ‘I’m off to the paint store’!