2014 Color of the Year Announced!

So, it has come to my attention that Pantone, which is a pretty leading company in the fashion industry, has just announced the color of the year for 2014 … And it is called “Radiant Orchid”.  Last year’s was Emerald, which I could totally get behind, as dark jewel tones look good with most skin tones.  But this one, dark purple with a fuschia-y sort of undertone, is a little harder for everyone to match well.  Then again, in 2012 it was Tangerine, and that one really only goes with some people’s complexions, and we all managed just fine, right? :3

Alright; so if you don’t think you can pull off a full orchid/fuschia dress, then maybe this will help you.  Instead of going FULL TREND, try to just add it into your accessories.  You can still see the color if you add it as a belt, but it’s not completely overpowering.  And, you can still pair with a neutral shoe so so that it’s not too crazy … Or if you prefer, and usually I do, you can match the belt to a pair of shoes, as seen to the left, to bring that color interest down so that you can really see a continuity in your outfit.  It’s sort of like how Gigi doesn’t like nude lips – I hate nude shoes with an outfit that doesn’t have any other beige/tan/neutral tones in it.  IMO it’s tacky – but, a lot of people disagree, so wear what you like.  Shoes are actually a great way to keep the color away from your face if you don’t think it looks good on you – and chances are, if you aren’t striking a pose in that orchid or fuschia colored dress, then you don’t like wearing the color too much … But, when you feel the fashion compulsion, you have options!  The shirt or pants in that color don’t have to overpower your sensibilities (or your wardrobe).

However, accessories are definitely the best way to go to keep yourself on trend without looking like a hot mess, if that’s what you’re afraid of.  Jewelry is always a good option to add a little sparkle or interest into your ensemble without totally overpowering your outfit.  Choose two or three pieces to put together in conjunction with whatever else you’re wearing – a chunky bracelet or earrings can really add a lot of pizzaz with minimal effort.  And, speaking of minimal effort, why not just switch out your purse for that purple pop?  You don’t even have to think about it – put everything in the purple bag, pick it up in the morning when you’re running late for work, and get on the go, no more questions, no more confusion, no decisions to make.  Nice and simple!

Barring those options, another really easy one is to just paint your nails and forget about them – you don’t even need nail art (I know, blasphemy coming from me, right?) But, two quick coats of polish and a top coat, and you are set for a week – sometimes more, depending on how well you can preserve the life of your manicure.

To the left is Dim Sum Plum by OPI, but any purple with a hint of fuschia is going to suit your purposes – or even without the fuschia.  Seems like on the Pantone site, you have a decently broad range of what colors fall into the Radiant Orchid family; some of them are almost lavendar, and there’s even a black light in the toss – see the picture at the top of this post, or head to their website to check out the color.

And, when all else fails, go all out with a blown out purple smoky eye or a glam Show Orchid lip, because amped up shades are the loudest thing you can get from MAC.

All out bold eyes are fun for the club – but hell, why not wear it to the supermarket?  Just because you aren’t doing something glamorous doesn’t mean you can’t look glamorous, am I right?  Just, don’t go too over the top and do an orchid lip and eye …

You might end up looking like a flying purple people eater or something, and while Maneater is a pretty sweet jam, probably not how you want strangers to think of you.  (And by think I mean while they turn 360 degrees and moon walk away from you).

But, if you still want to be a little more daring, but you can’t go totally all out glam when you’re heading to the office, why not try a scarf?  If solid purple is too much for you, then try a scarf with other colors – blacks, grays, whites, tans, you know, the neutrals – mixed in to break it up a little bit.  Either way, there are a million and one ways to incorporate this new color trend into your wardrobe, instead of just throwing on a shirt or pants that might not be totally flattering to you.

And now I’ll leave you with this little guy, who totally gets what I’m saying :3

❤ RaeynnBeau