Green, Green, It’s Green They Say

Morgan as The Gatekeeper at the entrance to the Emerald City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Washington Post reported yesterday that Pantone Institute has declared Emerald to be THE color of 2013. Their website declares that Emerald is  “Lively. Radiant. Lush…” and equates the color with well-being, balance, and harmony. I think of gemstones, grass in spring, and where the Wizard of Oz lives.

In any event, Emerald is popping up in furniture, paint, home decor, cookware, linens–you name it, you’ll fine it. The word that comes to mind now, at least for me, is “edit.” I don’t want my home to be all over green–too much like the Emerald City. Instead, pick a few items to get your green on. Linens, for instance, or accent pillows, or a kettle for the stove. In that way, you freshen up your home without breaking the bank, AND have the ability to switch when Emerald is declared passe. In the meantime, say it along with me: “Who Rang That Bell?”

What Is It About Color Blocking?

While it is not new, color blocking is certainly a trend that has remained popular for the last couple of fashion seasons. And it is one that captures the imagination by harnessing the power of elemental colors. I used to love mixing bright colors from my Crayola pack of 64. Color blocking takes it a step further by mixing the colors for me.

Color blocking in the strictest sense is the juxtaposition of bright colors that are opposites on the color spectrum on a garment. The purpose is to obtain the widest contrast possible–yellow and violet, or blue and orange, for example, with the ultimate opposite pairing being black and white.

However, the definition has been fudged a bit so that now you see chocolate brown, pink, and orange mashed up together on a Dana Buchman sweater dress; or navy and acid green in a suit. In any event, these prove to be perfect combinations.

Color blocking is fun, and pleasing to the eye–and, if done correctly, can be extremely flattering to the figure.

If the blocking is vertical, it prompts the eye to go head to toe, creating the illusion of slenderness. If you are larger on the bottom, a dark color block on the bottom makes your lower half appear slimmer while drawing the eye up.  If you are larger on the top, then the darker block on top will be flattering.

Dresses that have a bright vertical insert down the middle, paired with dark colors on either side, can make the wearer look much more svelte.

Color blocking invites us to play with color, so don’t be shy–the best combinations are the boldest. Have fun with this trend! Fashion is supposed to be fun, so go for it!