Five for Friday: Peach Echo

Now that it's finally, truly, summer, I am looking to wear more summery colors.  Colors like coral, or, as Pantone likes to call it, Peach Echo.  And I figured that I haven't done a Five for Friday post recently, so I thought I'd do one for Coral, I mean Peach Echo (but really, I mean Coral and I suspect Pantone does too).

Here my current five favorite Coral Peach Echo pieces for this summer:

1. Target Women's Floppy Hat - Hats are a great way to protect yourself from the sun.  And cute, striped, floppy hats are the best way to protect yourself from the sun.  That's science.

2. Wayf Blouson Midi Dress - Lightweight, gorgeous color, midi length, this dress has it all.  It would be perfect for a summer wedding.

3. Kate Spade New York Kensley Sandals - Neutral sandals with a coral heel?  Yes, please!  It's a bit spendy, but I think it's worth it.

4. Old Navy Mid-Rise Pixie Pants - These pants are fantastic for the office in the summer.  And, they are available in Tall as well as Regular and Petite sizes, so, yay!

5. Banana Republic Mixed Media Earrings - I have these in a navy/turquoise colorway and they are awesome in person.  They are big and bold and perfect for a summer date night!


What about you, Reader Friends?  What's your favorite Peach Echo piece?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Five for Friday: Green Flash

For my last Five for Friday, I did a color, I love, Fiesta!  For today's version, I decided to do a color that I'm still on the fence about, Green Flash.

And, I have to say, I am newly on the fence about this color.  When the new Pantone colors were first announced, I was firmly on Team Oh-Hell-No about Green Flash.  But, it's growing on me and might even be something I try in one of the below pieces:

1. Saint Laurent "Classic 11" Sunglasses - I love, love, love the idea of sunnies mirrored with green flash lenses.  This pair is definitely on the steep side, but they're also awesome and would look fabulous with an all-white look.

2. Saucony Originals Jazz O Classic Retro Running Shoe - Athleisure continues to be a trend that many people enjoy.  It's not my personal favorite, but even I have to admit there is something charmingly retro about these bright sneaks.

3. Bindya Houndstooth Print Scarf - This is probably my favorite deployment of green flash; mixed with other bright colors on a black background.  And as I've always said, a lightweight scarf is perfect for an air-conditioned summer office.

4. Vintage Kay Windsor Summer Dress - Do you love Green Flash?  Well, then, this pick is for you.  Go all in with a vintage dress from Etsy vendor AldaWild.

5.  Topshop "Matisse" Floral Print Shorts - I love these shorts.  Love the print (again, Green Flash and other brights on a black background), love the cut, love the 80s feel.  Love.


So, Reader Friends, how do you feel about Green Flash?  On board?  On the fence?  Or on Team Oh-Hell-No?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Five for Friday: Fiesta!

Of course, today's Five for Friday had to be all about my favorite Pantone color for this Spring, Fiesta!  I love this orange-y red hue and think it's perfect for the season.  And retailers seem to think so as well; there are a LOT of Fiesta pieces on the market right now.


Here are five of my favorites:

1. J. Crew Peacock Diamond Scarf - I love lightweight scarves for Spring and even wear them into Summer to battle the air conditioning at work.  This one will work with everything from a chambray shirtdress to a white tee.

2. Madewell "Transport" Fringe Tote - Totes just seem like the easiest, best, least fussy option for a summer bag.  This one is roomy and has handles long enough to throw over your shoulder, but short enough to carry in your hand.  Basically, it's perfect.

3. Bettye by Bettye Muller "Buzz" Sandals - I don't know what it is about Bettye Muller, but she totally has my number when it comes to shoes.  I love the walk-able block heel and the amazing print on these.  They're a bit of a splurge, but one I will probably make.

4. L. Erickson "Grace" Crystal Stud Earrings - I am a huge proponent of big ol' stud earrings and think this pair is the perfect way to add a little Fiesta to a look.

5. eShakti Crepe Midi Skirt - So, Fiesta and Navy?  A match made in heaven.  As is demonstrated on this fabulous eShakti skirt.  Not in the market for a skirt?  This print is also available on their Allison dress and this belted dress.


How about you, Reader Friends?  Are you feeling this color as much as I am?


xoxo,

Gracey

Pantone Spring 2016

Hi All!  Sorry I haven't posted in a bit; I was under the weather and then the weather was bad and all of the sudden, it's been a week!

I'm still a bit sniffly so no outfit post today, but I did want to share Pantone's Top 10 Colors of Spring 2016:

Image via Pinterest

As with the Fall colors, there are some that I love and some that I don't see myself ever wearing except, maybe, as part of a pattern.  Maybe.

My favorites out of these 10 are Fiesta, Rose Quartz, Snorkel Blue and Buttercup.  And out of those four, Fiesta is my absolute favorite; I love an orange-red like nobody's business.  The Snorkel Blue is a gorgeous blue in the cobalt family and we all know that I'll never turn down a cobalt.  I love yellow, although I don't wear it much, and this Buttercup yellow just screams Spring to me.  Although, of course, Rose Quartz is supposed to be one of the Colors of Spring.

The other Color of Spring is Serenity and I have to say, I do not like it.  I love most blues, but that one doesn't do it for me.  I think it, and Rose Quartz, are supposed to be calming, but I don't want to be calm, I want to wear fiery, orange-y reds like Fiesta.

The only other color I truly don't like is Green Flash.  I do think it's an appropriately spring-y green, but I like my greens deep and dark or not at all.

The remaining colors, Peach Echo, Limpet Shell, Lilac Gray and Iced Coffee are nice enough, but not anything I think I'd wear.  I mean, Peach Echo is a nice peach so far as peaches go, but I will always be loyal to my beloved Neon Peach.  And I think the Limpet Shell is a lovely color and so is the Lilac Gray, but I don't think I have either in my closet and they're not something I feel the need to add.  As for Iced Coffee, I really do like that color, but it doesn't feel like Spring to me.


What about you, Reader Friends?  What do you think about Pantone's Top 10 Colors of Spring 2016?


Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

9/25/15 Five for Friday: Dried Herb

Pantone calls this color "Dried Herb" but you and I both know that it's just olive.  Whatever they call it though, it's a great color and makes for some fabulous accessories.  Olive/Dried Herb accessories are the focus of today's Five for Friday:

1. La Fiorentina Silk Scarf: The tie-dye on this scarf is lovely and silk will help keep your neck warm all winter without being too bulky.

2. House of Harlow Five Station Necklace: Station necklaces are great, graphic pieces and this piece incorporates texture as well.  Win-win.

3. Sole Society "Hollie" Boots: I don't need more boots.  I really truly don't.  But, on the other hand, I don't have any olive boots so maybe I do need more boots.  Especially two-tone boots with a walkable heel.

4. J. Crew New Balance Sneakers: I don't do the whole athleisure trend, but I'm warming to the idea of cute sneakers.  And these are very cute; I love the mix of baby pink and olive.

5. Wool Felt Panama Hat: I am seriously considering a felt hat for this winter.  I'm not usually a hat person, but I need something to keep the snow off my glasses and it may as well be this cute hat.


What about you, Reader Friends?  How do you feel about olive accessories for fall?  Would you wear any of these?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

9/11/15 Five for Friday: Cadmium Orange

When we first looked at the Pantone Fall 2015 colors, I wasn't really feeling Cadmium Orange.  I'm happy to say that today's Five for Friday changed my mind.

1. eShakti Plaid Shirtdress - I adore the chambray collar on this dress and think it'll be so cute this fall with a leather belt and riding boots.

2. MARC by Marc Jacobs Retro Sunglasses - These sunglasses are perfect for those sunny fall days.  The color is so fun and the shape is fantastic.

3. Gap Boatneck Tee - This is the piece that actually turned me around on Cadmium Orange.  I adore the stripes and the boatneck together.

4. Vince Camuto Bib Necklace - This is my pick for those who don't like orange.  Or believe that they can't wear orange near their faces.  The soft orange of this necklace is fabulous and extremely wearable.

5. Halogen Mini Mosaic Scarf - This scarf is great because it's an orange print, not solid orange, making it easier to wear.  And because it has the teeniest, tiniest, most adorable pom poms ever.  PP4L!  (Pom poms 4 Life)


What about you, Reader Friends?  Would you wear any of these pieces?  Or are you passing on Cadmium Orange this fall?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

9/4/15 Five for Friday: Marsala

Hello and Happy Friday!

Today I'm back to featuring one of Pantone's colors for Fall 2015, Marsala:

As I said in this post, Marsala isn't one of my favorite colors for this fall.  It's a little weak and dusty for me; I like my colors more saturated.  And that is why, as you can see, I cheated a bit with my Marsala picks above, choosing some pieces with a deeper hue than the swatch.  But, still, they're mostly Marsala.  Mostly.


1. MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Backpack - This is my favorite true Marsala piece because I adore the studs and the sporty-luxe feel.

2. Modcloth Casual Composure Cardigan - Okay, this isn't really Marsala, but it's really pretty and practically Marsala.  And, it looks cozy as heck and is offered up to size 4x so I had to include it!

3. Nordstrom 'Luxe Animal' Scarf - I know this looks as though it's more burgundy than Marsala, but it's not.  Those spots are Marsala surrounded by burgundy so it's totes appropriate.  And totes pretty.

4. Jamberry Nail Wrap in Marsala Sky - I love the touches of gold on this wrap as well as the graphic nature of the design.  I may not love Marsala but I'd absolutely rock this mani.

5. BP. Felt Floppy Hat - Yes, okay, fine, this hat is burgundy.  But that ribbon trim is Marsala.  And it's the perfect hat for fall.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Will you be wearing Marsala or sticking to burgundy this fall?


Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Five for Friday 7/31/15: Oak Buff

For today's Five for Friday, I thought I'd highlight another Pantone Fall 2015 color: Oak Buff:

I really like this color.  I'm not too big on camel, but this is a sort of mustard-y camel, so I'm on board.  I am especially on board for the mustard-y camel Oak Buff pieces below:

1. ASOS Sleeveless Jacket - I'd love this jacket layered over a silky long-sleeve blouse for fall.

2. Max Studio Wool Cardigan - This cardigan is both adorable and 100% Mr. Rogers approved.  

3. Donald J. Pliner Mules - I love everything about these shoes.  The color, the mixed texture and the menswear vibe all make me very, very happy.

4. Square Jacquard Scarf - If you don't love this color in large doses, this scarf has just enough in the trim.

5. Boden Audrey Skirt - A-line skirts are just the best.  They're flattering on most everyone and this color will be perfect paired with a sweater and tall boots.

What about you, Reader Friends?  What are your thoughts on Oak Buff?

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

7/24/15 Five For Friday: Reflecting Pond

Yesterday, I shared Pantone's top trend colors for Fall 2015.  One of those colors, and one of my favorites, is Reflecting Pond:

So, I though it might be fun for today's Five for Friday to share some finds in this gorgeous hue:

1. Pleione Mixed Media V-Neck Tunic in Navy Dusk - Being as this is a tunic, it will probably be the perfect length for taller ladies.  And, if you're less tall, it's a great tunic in a great color.  And, it's currently on sale too!

2. Texture Stripe Infinity Scarf - I love, love, love the gradient hues on this scarf.  And it's also on sale!

3. ASOS Sundown Heels - As you can tell from my picks, I love the idea of a navy shoe.  This one, while not great for rain, is absolutely adorable.  I love the laces and the block heels.

4. Kate Spade New York Stud Earrings - I have a couple pairs of these earrings and they're perfect for colder weather.  They can be worn with scarves without snagging like dangling earrings sometimes do.

5. Sole Society Romy booties - I actually own these boots; I bought them last fall because I'm ahead of the curve like that.  And, therefore, I can attest that they are great.  Very comfortable and, apparently, right on trend.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Which pick is your favorite?



Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

Pantone Fall 2015

Below are the top 10 trend colors Pantone has selected for this fall:

They are: Cashmere Rose, Biscay Bay, Cadmium Orange, Amethyst Orchid, Oak Buff, Marsala, Desert Sage, Dried Herb, Reflecting Pond and Stormy Weather.

I'm pretty excited about most of the colors and am especially excited for Dried Herb because I'm pretty sure that's just another name for my beloved olive.

I mean, right?  That's totally olive.


I'm also excited for Reflecting Pond; it's a gorgeous navy.

And for Stormy Weather; it may seem boring to some, but I think it's a great gray and a fabulous neutral:

Oak Buff and Biscay Bay are my two other favorites out of the ten:

They'll be gorgeous paired with the olive, navy and gray neutrals.


As for the other colors, I don't imagine I'll be introducing them into my wardrobe this fall.  No, not even the orange.  I do love orange, but the Cadmium Orange is not my favorite.  At all:

On their site, Pantone explains that this color is meant to reference the 60s, and it does, but surely there was another color from that decade they could have referenced instead.  This is just not great for me.


I'm also taking a hard pass on the Desert Sage and the Marsala:

I'm just not a fan of "dusty" colors; I like more saturation

As for the Cashmere Rose and the Amethyst Orchid, they're not for me either:

I like the idea of them for Fall because they're unusual choices.  And I think they both pair especially well with navy, but I'm picky about my pinks and hardly wear any purple at all so I'm going to skip these two as well.

What about you, Reader Friends?  Which of these color trends will you be trying for Fall?

Happy Thursday, All!

Gracey

Maybe Marsala

I think my scarf may be the Pantone 2015 Color of the Year, Marsala:

Maybe.  I wasn't too keen on that color when they announced it, so I didn't pay too much attention to what color it actually is.  But, there is a good chance it's the color of my scarf.


I wore the scarf with a peachy sweater and suede boots.  I know, suede, in spring.  And they've basically become my go-to shoe.  Of course, that wouldn't have been the case in Oregon, but it rains a lot less here so I can wear suede boots with abandon.  With abandon, I tell you!


And so I do:

Sweater: thrifted (similar, similar) Scarf: vintage, gifted
Jeans: Gap Stretch & Recovery Legging Jeans
Boots: Lucky Brand (save, splurge)

And I do even though they're a funny, reddish cognac, which isn't the most spring-like color.  But so far they've worked with my attempts at spring-like outfits.  I especially like them with this silk scarf sent to me by my sister:

I figure the scarf helps tie in the boots and it's a pretty floral, which is always appropriate for spring:

Earrings: Vintage  Scarf: vintage, gifted
(similar on Etsy here, here, and here)

Especially a pretty floral in what may be Marsala which makes it appropriate and on-trend.  Maybe.


Happy Monday, All!

Gracey

Emerald & Animal

I know I came out as being anti-emerald when it was announced as the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year.  But, I don't hate it (mint, I hate).  I just don't love it.  Which is why this emerald silk blouse doesn't get much wear:

In addition to my poor orphaned blouse (Oscar de la Renta via Salvation Army), I wore skinny jeans (Old Navy "Rockstar" mid-rise), animal print booties (80%20 via Piperlime), a cuff (Macy's) and a necklace (Nordstrom).

I don't know why I don't wear this blouse.  All I can say is that green is just not a color I gravitate towards. What about you, Reader Friends?  Are there any colors you just don't wear?  Do you actually have rational reasons for not wearing them?

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Gracey

Shop the Look:
Similar emerald blouse
Exact skinny jeans (Tall available)
Similar animal print booties
Similar collar necklace (BaubleBar invite)
Similar patterned cuff

** Disclosure: Actions taken from the hyperlinks in this blog post may yield commission/compensation for the writer. Please see the Disclosure tab for more details.

2013 Color of the Year: Emerald

Although I swear I’d heard a rumor that the Pantone Color of the Year for 2013 was going to be a rather boring blue, it is, in fact, Emerald.  Pantone 17-5641 Emerald to be exact:

While I’m happy it wasn’t a boring blue (seriously, does anyone else remember hearing that?) I’m actually not all that thrilled with this year’s color of the year.  I think it’s beautiful, I think it’ll look good on pretty much everyone and it’s certainly not boring, but in general, emerald just isn’t my thing. 

But, dedicated online shopper that I am, I was still able to find some things I like in this bright emerald:

Infinity Scarf:

Image via marianavail Etsy shop

Cowl-like scarves are having a moment.  Get this one in emerald and you're doubly on trend.

 

MEK Skinny Leg Jeans:

Image via Nieman Marcus Last Call

I love green pants.  I don't have any, but not for lack of trying.  I'd totally wear these.

MIA "Vena" Ballet Flat:

Image via Amazon.com

If I do buy anything in this shade it would probably be shoes and I like the simple shape (and the price) of these flats.

Halogen "Dash" Scarf:

Image via Nordstrom.com

I love the navy, aqua and terra cotta with the emerald.

I definitely wear any of those pieces, but if I had my druthers, I’d prefer dark emerald to bright emerald. 

Here are some things I like in dark emerald:

Oregon Ducks Helmets:

Go Ducks!

I just put this in so I could brag on the fact that we won the Fiesta Bowl this year.  And because the helmets are pretty.

Pour La Victoire "Ravel" Ankle Boot:

Image via Amazon.com

I adore differently colored heels on shoes; I think they're so fun.

Ilaria Ranieri Pumps:

Image via yoox.com

Although I'd certainly wear the bright emerald flats above, my heart belongs to dark emerald pumps like these.

A & Ro Gabby Chevron Print Cardi:

Image via Piperlime

I actually own this cardigan and although the shape is weird and the buttons are superfluous, I really rather like it.

Treesje Crossbody "Breeze" Mini Bag:

Image via Bloomingdales.com

I don't carry small bags (where do you keep your book?) but I am mildly obsessed with, and so would make an exception for, this one.

What about you, Reader Friends?  What are your thoughts on emerald?  Bright?  Dark?  Not at all?

Happy Friday, All!

Gracey

** Disclosure: Actions taken from the hyperlinks in this blog post may yield commission/compensation for the writer. Please see the Disclosure tab for more details.