Pantone has announced the Color for 2015

Remember the Color of the year 2014 declared by Pantone last year? Radiant Orchid ! The results of Pantone's annual poll of esigners, retailers and manufacturers is out now, and 2015's Color of the Year is: Marsala, the wine color.

Every year since 1990, the Pantone Color Institute has announced its pick for the Color of the Year, which involves a surprisingly exhaustive selection process. While past picks have ranged from fuchsia-rose to emerald, it looks like 2015 is going to be filled with marsala, an earthy, reddish-brown hue.

 The color is more subdued than its aggressively pink predecessor, Marsala is a red that Pantone describes in the following ways:

"Enriches our mind, body and soul," "exuding confidence and stability." "Like a fortified wine," "tasteful," "the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal," "grounding," "sophisticated, natural earthiness." "Hearty yet stylish," "burnished undertones," "versatile," "complex and full-bodied," "welcoming," "plush."

Comparing with last year's Radiant Orchid, Marsala is going to be a lot easier to wear on your face and person. No matter your skin tone, the sophisticated hue is an excellent choice for those looking to spice up their look. Add just a touch of color with a pair of shoes or turn heads in a vibrant coat. We also love how well Marsala plays with other colors. Look for items that are color-blocked with similar red-brown hues. In the winter, pair the color with jewel tones for an even bigger statement. Come spring, opt for marsala with icy pastels. It's also going to work well against rich fabrics.

Décor wise, the Marsala color is so rich which works along almost many earthy hues and even pastel colors. So, comprising the color in home décor has already been widely accepted.

The only thing I didn’t get is why did Pantone call the Wine color ‘Marsala’, not Oxblood or simply ‘Wine’ ? It seems like Pantone also like to make their own range of colors ! Anyway, acceptance of any color in our wardrobe, designs etc largely depends upon indivisual perception, and Marsala is already wearable one. Come on, you have got quite a hint for this New year’s gift shopping, haven’t you ?

Wishing you a hopeful New year ahead ….

Color Blocking Trend : How to wear for maximum benefit ?

"Fashion is what served to us 4 times a year and Style is what we choose from it". And I simply agree. 

While Color Blocking was a rage last year in fashion and home decor. It was a popular trend but how we choose to wear it ? It depends upon how we decide to style it in our way. Color-blocking is when a garment or outfit is composed of finite blocks of color.  

                                                                     

Now the reason it is popular, and mentioned as a trend is because color blocking is most commonly styled with bright color; it is almost used with bright color as well as monochromatic colors. And Often almost neon shades! That isn't something for the faint of heart. 

                                 

However, we can still wear the color blocking trend by combining two solid block of color.

Style Tip 1# While color blocking your outfit, don't mess with many colors. Chose two colors that you don’t normally wear together.

                                           

Style Tip 2# Without a doubt, color-blocking is a bold and fun way to dress! The secret is to make sure the focus remains on you and not solely the style technique. You want to wear the trend and not let the trend wear you.

Style Tip 3# Complete your look with neutrals – neutral colors (gray, brown, black, camel, white, navy, etc.), neutral designs and/or neutral accessories, as necessary. These neutral pieces can be gorgeous, yet they need to be visually uneventful in relation to the rest of your outfit to best support your chosen color-blocking style.

Benefits of Color Blocking:

1. Color Blocking is great for all body types and shapes. If strategically placed, it camouflages the bulges and fats in tummy areas which is a problem of many.

                                   

2. While wearing color blocked dress or outfits, body can have new dimensions and you can appear taller. It helps to elongates heights which can work wonder for boosting confidence levels.

 

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• Here is what Vogue suggests while color blocking outfit:

# Team colors from the same family together for a harmonious look - think bright pinks with vivid fuchsias, turquoise with royal blue.

# Keep warmer tones like orange and red together.

# Go for a neutral-toned shoe to keep it simple.
# Work regal purples in with contrasting, fiery oranges.

# Go to town on the look with a loud, contrasting shoe or handbag.

Now, of those many trends in runway, i found Color blocking wearable in daily lives for corporate wear. If strategically placed, these blocking of colors can make you look slimmer, taller and confident. Even a purple sweater thrown over a yellow dress can be a simple yet effective color blocking. Depends, how you choose the colors that will flatter you. What do you think ? Do you use color blocking or is it just a trend for you ? 

Image source: www.vogue.com and web

HOW TO WEAR PASTEL COLORS ?

Monsoon is in full bloom here in Nepal, and I've been getting attracted to pastel hues along with all those bright and bold colors. However you may regard pastel hues as the color of spring, but as I always assume colors don't have restriction, it's the mood and feeling which makes us to prefer one with another as season changes.

Pastel hues are one of the hit trends in runways last year and I don't think it'll disappear from our sight! Pastel colors are the lighter (or sometimes lightest) hues of any group of color. It looks good in home decor and wardrobe all year round which is a good reason to wear pastel shade. So, here we go for How to wear pastel shades.

Style Tip 1. : Wear Pastel with Contrast Color

Pastel looks great when pairing with contrast color. Black, Navy, Brown, Emerald; choice of contrast color is all ours!

                 

Style Tip No. 2 : Pastel Monochrome

Monochromatic obsession continues and pastel is no exception. Single color of Pastel hue looks divine and feels cool to the eyes.

Kate Middleton, Amanda Seyfried, Salma Hayek in pastel color 

Jessica Alba in head to toe Pastel color

Mila Kunis in Pastel color evening gown

Style Tip No. 3 : Pastel in/with Prints

Prints are everywhere and combining it with pastel colors is never too loud or too casual. Perfect for day wear as well as dressier events, this combination is my personal favorite as prints can camouflage our bulgy area and pastel is never loud.

 

Style Tip No. 4 : Pastel Color Blocking

Color Blocking is here to stay. When an outfit is worn in 2-3 different solid colors (Not prints) it's called 'Color Blocking'. And pastel color blocking looks good for a cool summer afternoon.

Work your clothes in your favor. Have a Stylish day ahead. :-)

Black and White Magic spells !

I often tend to wear Black in rush and for those last minute decisions to get ready. I think many people do the same. It may be a very dark color that defines darker than somber attitude and emotions Art wise. But in outfits, Black has always been in those most worn colors that is chic, edgy, smart and sophisticated. Black certainly has personality and adds to it's wearer as well.

While White is the pristine and elegant color. So pure yet polished. This time around may we look upon the style trend that has been showing in the red carpet this year by almost every designers. Internationally, Black and white is such combination which brings out best in every personality with various complexions. Wearing Black and White, Black/White can make us look gorgeous which has been proven by many celebrities; we only need to pick right fabric and silhouettes for our body. 

# Style Tip: Look slim even in all White outfit by strategically color blocking with Black

An all white ensemble may look you have gain weight in problem areas, explore the genius color blocking with Black. With these very cleverly placed designs, I think one of the major problem areas and flab in waistline can be hidden. It's never Bad to look better. Is it ? Experts swear by strategically color blocking trend.

# Style Tip: Explore Floral Trend with Black and White to make feminine with edge.

We've always loved Floral Trend in fashion scenes that it has made us tempted to wait for more. Opting for a Black and White outfit doesn't mean, we should look plain and stuck in one color frame. Explore the floral trend with Black and white outfits and experience that old Hollywood glam in your overall look. I simply love it. Red lips will justify your attitude.

# Style Tip: Mix Prints with Black and White. It only adds to your creativity and glam quotient.

There are polka dots, Stripes. Some Bold and some pretty smooth stripes! All is well when combined with ease in Black and white ensemble. Rest is in the eye of beholder. :-) A very day to night classy.

Who will forget Audrey Hepburn in classy polka dots and stripes mixed together !!

very casually dressed sriped back and white ensemble.

Have fun with animal prints !

# Style Tip: If nothing goes Right, wear the obvious one, Black Bottom with white top/shirt. Or, wear only white and Black as you wish to stand out! Adding a blazer might be a great option.

There are gowns and dresses in black and white that only catches attention every time in the red carpet. It's repeated, still a statement making and timeless. Or else wear white shirt with the wardrobe staple black trouser. Embellishments, blings and sequins will only enhance the overall feature.

The endless options are always there for a Black and white combination in outfits. As I've always said in my earlier post, it's upto us to decide what looks good on us, we only need to choose fabrics and silhouettes that is best for our own body frame. While inspirations from celebrities and designers always are advantages. Black and White magic have always made stunning spells through their appearances. However, choosing sheer, net fabrics are so appropriate for spring summer this year and always. It's timeless.