Pantone Summer 2015: Aquamarine

Always a sought after color – Pantone describes aquamarine as being an airy blue with a dreamy feel. Sounds tranquil, doesn’t it? Add to that cool, calming, open and expansive and once again Pantone says it all. I often wonder how many writers they have working on the task of color description! Way more than one I assume! As for the energy of the color – it is thought to help reduce stress and give you courage! I don’t know about you but I can sure use that these days! Life seems to be spinning so fast that at times all I can do is muster the courage to hang on tight and wait for it all to slow down a bit.

Pantone Fall 2014: Aurora Red

Don’t you just love the word “verve?” Something about it makes me smile. While reviewing the Pantone Fall 2014: Fashion Report, I came across a line that describes Aurora Red – “a more sophisticated red that adds verve and spark” in comparison to the Pantone color Sangria which is described as “an exotic red that evokes a sense of glamorous adventure and faraway destinations.” I swear, when I read these color descriptions I always feel like I should be in the caverns of a winery doing a bit of wine tasting.

Pantone Fall 2014: Cognac

Cognac…the name alone lends a bit of mystery to the color, don’t you think? When I think cognac, I conjure up images of heavily paneled old libraries, a variety of very old and very expensive patterned rugs tossed here and there covering magnificent solid wood floors; of course, there is a dog or two or four sleeping in the sunshine streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. The years have softened all of the wood, giving it a unique warm patina and the rich tapestries and textiles in the scene show just a bit of wear. Nice, no?

“Sunshine, oh sunshine, wherefore art thou?”

I know, I know, I live in the Pacific Northwest so why am I always complaining about the lack of sunshine? I should be use to it by now, shouldn’t I? Well, let the record show I am not use to it; and, honestly, I don’t think I will ever get use to it. I’m a SoCal beach girl at heart – so sunshine and ocean breezes are my happy place!

What Story Will You Tell?

Unique or ordinary? Have you noticed that people tend to compliment and ask about the jewelry you're wearing? When it happens, and you know it will, you can respond with an "oh, thanks, it's plastic and I blindly picked it from thousands just like it at Brand-X department store just down the street." Well, that's exciting, right? I'm thinking...not so much. Now, let's rewind and look at the situation a little bit differently. Wouldn't it be much more fun to respond with a unique and interesting tale about the piece under observation, especially when the compliment comes from "the cute guy" standing in line next to you waiting for his venti Americano? (Interesting side note: no sugar, no milk, no froth...manly man. I'm guessing that just maybe you've noticed him before.)