PANTONE Fashion Color Report: Fall & Spring 2012

Ahh... I love it when worlds collide–

For those of you whom are new to the whole PANTONE bit, or don't know what it is – it's a swatch book in plain terms. Looks like this and designers of all backgrounds use them for color reference. Graphic artists like myself, use some form of this swatch book every day, whether digitally via common used computer software or physically. Interior designers use PANTONE for paint and furniture, fashion designers for fabrics, architects for structure materials, and so on. Thus, why I said I love when worlds collide – my every day art direction world and my hobby fashion world.

As you're all probably aware, today kicks off fashion week in NYC and designers are showing off their creations for Fall 2012. I know, it seems odd that they're already practically a year ahead of the rest of the world but that's how it works – otherwise, how would we know incoming trends? Well, what PANTONE did in leu of fashion week is they composed a "what's hot" color library and look-book of things anticipated to hit the runway from different designers. Above are the "it" colors for Fall, readers! Take note! (If you're interested in glancing at the look book I just mentioned, Download the PANTONE Fall 2012 Color Report here*).

Considering we're in that odd transition between Winter and Spring at the current moment, let's take a look at the Spring "it" colors, shall we?:

(Download the full Spring 2012 PANTONE Color Report here)

So, a lot of the same hues I'm noticing. Spring obviously a little bit more pastell, whimsical, and neon – if you've been flipping through fashion magazines lately I'm sure you've noticed a lot of turquoise jewelry coming in for Spring, it's also been a trending nail polish color. I've noticed a ton of yellow paired with grey – even among home decor. I'm personally loving the comeback of the camel-brown neutral – I prefer it over traditional khaki any day. I'm also loving navy being incorporated more with some of the neon colors as a neutral vs. redundant black. Lots of purple and jewel-tones becoming popular for eye shadow, and of course everyone (including myself) is gaga for a coral/red lip. Oh! And I can't forget the colored cigarette pant/skinny – love that trend right now!

Looking to Fall – I'm excited for the change in blue from a navy to a grecian blue – I predict cobalt is going to be huge. I'm also a huge fan of the emerald green incoming for Fall – a color often pushed to the wayside but can be so stunning, especially on those with more ivory skin or red-ish hair. I'm also excited to see an up-play of espresso brown for Fall. I think everybody got sick of it a couple of years ago when it was a huge hit in the interior decor world paired with the pale french blue. I'm looking forward to seeing how designers make espresso brown new again, changing it up from its 70s vibe.

What trends are you loving/excited for?

*Don't forget to stay tuned to my Pinterest, I'll be creating a new board shortly and begin pinning some of my favorite things that tie into these Spring and Fall 2012 color schemes!

Nautical Goes Autumn

After what was a gorgeous weekend in Chicago, the final clusters of leaves have turned their colors and we start the depressing process of bringing our colder weather clothing out of storage, as we know winter is on the horizon. In leu of the last hints of Summer and sunshine making their departure, I figured I'd compose a 'nautical-goes-Autumn' outfit of the day as a send-off. Coupled with a runway-inspired pony and casual smoky lower-lash-line swipe of navy via the lovely Sienna Miller, this look feeds our final Summer cravings.

The Breakdown:
Earrings: Kate Spade Signature Spade Studs in 14k Gold, $38
Top: TopShop Knitted Striped Short Jumper in Camel, $80
Necklace: Etsy seller 'BriguysGirls' Genuine Aspen Leaf 24k Gold Necklace, $36.55 (*Sale)
Pants: Zara Palazzo Trousers in Navy, $89.90
Shoes: NineWest Beeout in Dark Red Suede, $62.30 (*30% off Sale)
(Shadow pictured: Urban Decay Shadow in Goddess, $17)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $306.75

Sccrrreeeech!! Hold the phone– we can do better than that!

How to Save on this Look:

• While I'm sucker for ultra-classic touches like Kate Spade jewelry, to be reasonable one could out with the spade studs and in with a solid gold stud of their own.
• Same story with the Etsy necklace... If you already own a piece of gold, long pendant jewely or a maybe even a cameo pendant – use your own.
• Even though the NineWest shoes are on sale, you could save (almost) $15 and nab a similar pair from Urban Outfitters: Kimchi Blue Suede Pointy Kitten Heel in Red, $49. Or, save altogether and swap-in your own camel, cognac or brown leather or suede shoe.

By making a few swaps and compromises, you can easily cut the bill in half!

You're Turning Violet, Violet!

Today’s look is inspired by today’s weather in Chicago – a high of 70º!! In late-October, that’s almost unheard of in the Midwest. So, I figure why not celebrate with a lively color like this rich magenta by giving it an Autumn twist and pairing it with a flirty curly side pony (inspired by Keri Russell). I love this look because when I look at it, I can’t help but smile… and I think that’s a lovely outward affect to present. Without further adieu…

The Breakdown:

Top: Anthropologie Dotty Tie Blouse in Dark Grey, $88.00

Earrings: Francesca’s Collections Brilliant Beads Hoops, $16.00

Belt: BDG Skinny Braided Leather Belt in Gold, $20.00

Skirt: JCrew City Mini in Bright Dahlia, $85.00 

Legwear: UO Scale Tight in Khaki, $14.00

Shoes: Nine West Glowing pump in Purple Suede, $89.00

Total Cost of this Outfit: $312.00

How to Save on this Look:

• Swap the gold belt out for a cognac-brown belt in a similar style.
• Swap out the colorful beaded earrings for a gold pair of your own. I suggest something bigger/longer– either a hoop or dangler.
• Swap the fuchsia pump out for cognac-brown leather pump. (*brown pump with brown belt.)
• If opting for a no-tights look, go bare with a nude patent pump.

By taking advantage of the accessories you already own, you can save up to $140 off this look– reducing your spending to $175 for two pieces that will surely be in your wardrobe for years to come. Or, you could also go the route of the complete opposite of what I’ve just said and cash-in on the accessories to pair with neutral items you may already own. Nothing updates your closet like fresh accessories, and in-truth it’s just as cost-effective. In either scenario, you’re sure to be fabulous :)