Orange Is the New Black

Prabal Gurung Fall '15 - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images North America

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Orange you glad summer's almost over? No? You're right, no. Definitely no. But judging by what designers sent down the Fall '15 runways and the palpable (make that pulpable) buzz surrounding the season's juiciest colour, looks like we'll be able to take some colour comfort for the new season. 

No shade stood out so vibrantly for fall as orange. I'm talking in yo face, unapologetic, orange.  Designers like Derek Lam, Jill Stuart, and Prabal Gurung splashed their collections with the vibrant shade and fall looked far brighter for it. Orange was shown mostly head-to-toe on the runway, but the shade looked especially wearable when mixed with tan & black, with bright white or even, surprisingly, with merlot.

You might not be super stoked for fall but remember fellow stylistas, shopping makes everything better. Get your dose of Vitamin C here with my top orange picks to wear now and all the way into fall. 

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Orange is the New Black

Orange looks dominated the Spring '14 Runways at Alberta Ferretti, John Galliano and Tommy Hilfiger. Photos viaFairchild Photo Service.

Originally posted in The LOOK

While everyone's talking about purple right now, there's another, decidedly more juicy hue, that took the world's runways by storm for spring. Designers showed off bold shades of orange in the form of playful surfer-girl separates, chic suits, and even evening gowns, signalling a super happy return to the sunny days ahead.

So what is it about orange that's so appealing (or should I say, a-peel-ing)? Orange combines the energy of red and the optimism of yellow while providing a healthy dose of heat, so after a long, cold winter, it's no wonder we're drawn to it. This spring, opt for saturated orange shorts, blouses and dresses to instantly warm things up. Not quite ready to be so bold? An orange shoe, handbag, or statement necklace will add the perfect pop of colour to your outfits - especially against white, khaki, blues and purples. While you're at it, don't forget to give good face - orange lips and nails will help you look right on trend for the new season.

Check out these lovely orange crushes in stores right now. Sigh...orange you glad spring's almost here?

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(ps - and happy friday xoxo)

Orange You Glad It's 2012?

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Clockwise from top left:  Rain Boots, Gap, $54.95; Art Deco Earrings, H&M, $6.95; Colorblock Scarf, Gap, $29.95; Tunic Dress, H&M, $29.95; Striped Sweater, Reitmans, $46; Faux Leather Shoulder Bag, Le Château, $29.95; ToyWatch, The Bay, $260; Large Leather Travel Tote, Gap, $130; Beaded Necklace, H&M, $14.95 

Every January, I make a few style resolutions so I don't repeat mistakes I've made in previous years.  I promise myself that I'll stop buying black, that I won't buy clothes just because they're on sale and that I'll once and for all get rid of things that don't fit, don't flatter and don't make me feel fabulous.  No matter how steadfast my resolve, by February, I've usually committed a multitude of style sins with a safe, black pair of on-sale pants that don't really fit hanging guiltily in my closet.  The shame. 

One resolution I always manage to keep is to try out a colour that scares me a little.  Last year I succeeded big time by adding a bright yellow coat and a pair of bold red pants into the mix, and discovered that I actually loved wearing both.  

This year, Pantone, the world's leading authority on colour trends, has named 'Tangerine Tango' as THE colour of 2012.  With last year's 'Honeysuckle' supposedly encouraging us to face our everyday troubles with optimism, "Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward," declare the peeps at Pantone. 

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Orange, I've found, is a love-hate shade.  I know people who adore orange in all of its warm, brilliant shades, while others run screaming from the in-your-face hue;  I fall into the former camp.  I'll wear orange all year long but especially love it when the weather warms up with tan, gold, pink, purple, white and blue.  If you just can't handle all that Vitamin C, test out orange as an accent in a bag, watch or necklace.  And, if orange just really isn't your thing, fret not - simply check out Pantone for all of the other must-wear colours for 2012.

Will you dare to wear orange this year?

Tangerine Tango

After a brief (very brief) respite from shopping between Christmas and New Year's, my wandering eyes have landed on this orange crush-worthy blouse.  I spotted it at the Old Navy Spring 2012 preview last year and found it online today, and now it's absolutely official:  TOTAL must-have.  The tied-up hem, the drapey rayon fabric and the very of-the-moment colour (more on that tomorrow) will make this shirt a go-to in my wardrobe.  I'll pair it with khaki, brown, navy and white pants, or even as a cute little cover-up once pool season rolls around.  I'll add in bright pink costume jewels some days or classic gold on others and then I'll head to my nearest bar (likely the liquor cabinet in my house) for a good shot of Cointreau (the best way to get your Vitamin C in my totally uneducated opinion) Cheers to 2012!  Hope it's treating you perfectly so far! xo

The Tie-Hem Drape Blouse ($32.94) is available now at Old Navy stores nationwide or online here