Pass The Mustard
styles and lifestyles, from free and playful and light and breezy, to contemporary classics. Colors likewise reflect these differing moods, encapsulating vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.”Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “They
have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”
Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Powerradiates warmth and cheer.
Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent
choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.
Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an
anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette.
Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue
adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.
Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilacevokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance
to any wardrobe.
Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an
adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a
perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season’s top 10.
For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango
and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle
alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more
practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer
bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.
His pre-fall collection delivers on all counts with more of our favorite ornate cocktail dresses, gowns and outerwear. Inspired by the elaborate details of a Russian czar’s lifestyle, this season’s intricate beading went even further, covering both the front and the back of mini dresses and inspiring wild prints for pants and tops. The gorgeous ombre raccoon stole is certainly luxurious enough for a czar…and is guaranteed to keep you warm for a Russian winter!
Sharp, refined, and sexy as hell. No, I am actually not talking about my dream man this time; I am talking about Cushnie et Ochs, the brainchild of fashion-forward, female entrepreneurs Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs (another reason I love the label!). Whether it’s their chic Cutout Striped Dress for a ladies night out, their sophisticated Silk Inset Dress for the office, or their edgy Sleeveless Leather Dress With Sliced Fringe for a femme-fatale-inspired date look (I have been known to dangerously seduce), this line has it covered. Leather detailing and elegant drapery blend hard and soft while simultaneously keeping admirers on their toes.
Cushnie et Ochs, $1050 – $1695; shopbop.com
Limited Edition Mark Charles Boots
This limited edition boots are undoubtedly very now. With their contrast sole and trademark Mark Charles cross-stitch on the heel they are also very head turning. And it’s with good reason that there are so many details to catch your eye: each pair of boots produced by the Mark Charles Boot Company is the work of 6 craftsmen. In much the same way that a bespoke suit is given life, these craftsmen create everything from the pattern used to shape the calf leather to the closing done to provide a sharp stitch to the sheep skin lining, leather outer, and custom-made brass buckles alike. Assuringly, in these times of mass production, each of the craftsmen do their work by hand (though at times with the assistance of specialist machines such as the ‘post-bed, lockstitch’ machine), with even the often machine-done process of affixing the boot’s upper around the last (shoe mould) done by hand. As Charles says of the process, “we prefer to do this by hand. Lasting the boot correctly is a fine art in itself and involves a very steady hand, a perfectly balanced last and a brilliantly constructed upper. This is a delicate process that requires a lot of experience to produce a perfectly constructed shape.” It transpires that the boot’s insole has been especially constructed from a double layer cushion latex foam with due concern and extra cushion applied to the key pressure points. “There is a lot that can be done to make heeled shoes more comfortable whilst at the same keeping them sexy and stylish – I think it comes down to your overall objective.”
“Luxury is equally about comfort as it is about style and exclusivity,” adds Mark. “Ultimately good design always focuses on the end user, or wearer in this instance.”
Available as part of a limited edition of 500 pairs, shipped in a handmade wooden box and with a complimentary cleaning kit that includes everything from a horsehair wax brush to gloves, the Mark Charles Camy boots are available from MarkCharlesBoots
.com. Pictured in two colours here, similar styles are available in suede and without buckles from the site.
Alexander McQueen Knuckle Buster Clutch
This clutch is just about the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, talk about multi-purpose! This bejeweled piece of heaven can be worn as a clutch, includes a chain to wear as a shoulder bag or crossbody bag, and if shit gets crazy this bag is sturdy enough to knock a bitch out! Now this bag is hardly everyone’s taste, but my inner badass could not resist this jeweled handbag. I have a very hardrock edge that tends to revovle around a darker color palette acessorized with hard metals, zippers and buckles, black leather with silver hardware. I think women should embrace their inner rock star and gab up this bag! I purchased mine in bronze python but this signature McQueen bag comes in many color choices Alexander McQueen Knuckle Buster Clutch $2,295
Orange: The Must-Have Hue
Red and orange were all over the runways in September at spring 2011 fashion shows. For fall 2011, designers merged the two trends to form one of the season’s hottest colors: emberglow. It’s a bright reddish orange hue that looks fantastic at any time, on any skin tone and in any season.
Yummy “emberglow” and “coffee liqueur”, two of Pantone’s pick’s for Fall 2011 Fashion Color Trends report are alive and full of life. They just landed in my inbox today, as I was about to post this sultry color combination! Another of my faves for the summer season is coral, and neon yellow. All the warm and lively colors make me wish for spring. I am glad to depart for the dreary grey’s and black’s of autumn’s past and embrace color during the fall/winter season.
