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J. Crew's Pops of Pink

Hot pops of pink is wonderful for Fall. J.Crew is really impressing me with their stylings lately and I especially love their interpretation of this fun idea. See more of my favorite color observations here, here, and here. (I'm loving that grey sweater dress, too!)

I'm Loving Chartreuse

Lately I've been attracted to everything chartreuse. The color is just a little shy of neon green, there's more yellow in the mix and it feels more acidic. I've been using variations of the color in my design work and finally introduced it to my wardrobe with this fun summer dress from Urban Outfitters. I couldn't find this particular color on the site, but there were plenty in store (downtown Philly one). Oh one thing, this dress is a little see-thru.

1. Theory Treece Stripe Tank  2. Cotton Sateen Gâteau Skirt  3. Asymmetric Peep-Toe Pump  4. Phoenix Skinny Jean  5. Cynthia Vincent Dinah

Metallica

I love metallic details in accessories and clothing. I think all my summer shoes and sandals have a major element of metallic to them. Here are some fun pieces that'll keep you shimmery and fun.

1. Langue de Chat Clutch  2. Playa Gladiator Sandal 3. Metallic Leather Trousers 4. Lunar Earrings  (I have earrings very similar to these that I wear all the time) 5. Petal Ballerina  6. Lohan Cork Shoe  7. Metallic Silk Mini

K*Chueca

Okay so this Etsy Shop, K*Chueca, is temporarily closed but I saw these beads a while back and had to share. I love these colors together.

Trends Smrends You Say

I love trends, especially in art and design. I love researching them and understanding the context in which they evolve. Even if you hate them and think they're just a way of controlling how people dress, eat, think, etc. and you decided to rebel against them you are still responding to a trend. Which is also very interesting.

Anyway, last week I mentioned this trend in color I've noticed a lot of artists and designers experimenting with. It's graphic, bright and computer/video inspired. There are simple abstract shapes and lines, and colors are sometimes layered and multiplied to show a sense of transparency. Transparency equals depth, depth is dimension — this plays with how we see the space. It seems like a renewed interest in science-fiction, and a refreshed love for the computer. Artists had been rebelling against the computer in the last few years — everything had to be handmade, hand-lettered, hand-whatever-ed. It was a post-modern arts and crafts movement. Now with the throwback of '90s fashion and art, and probably a craft revolt, artists remember how new technology wowed us 15 years ago. (We can't forget that 15 years ago the circumstances were the same as they are today: we had a new president — Bill Clinton, the U.S. was in Iraq, our country was in shambles, interest in green-issues were resurfacing, and people were angry with the state of our nation.)

So even if you aren't into trends, at least be inspired by how things repeat themselves and why they do based on cultural, social, political, and economical influences.

Observing Color 2

There's something intriguing about these various pinks (hot pink, bubble gum, and fuschia) with pastel-y neutrals.

Observing Color

These images are various magazine clippings from Domino and Nylon. I love the combinations of rich ochres, reds, oranges and greens.

Color

Down the hall from the classroom where I teach these experiments in color theory were posted for everyone to see. I adore color and was excited to share this interesting display of various color combinations.

The Brightness

Love these mixes of bright funky colors used in homes, clothing and artwork.

Jubella is so Beautiful

Have you visited lately? If not you're missing out. Jubella.com

Tribal Inspired

Graphic patterns, beading, and basket weaving are just a few examples of this current trend.

1. Dress by Oscar de la Renta   2. Clutch purse - Forever 21    3. Beach Tote - Free People   4. Bead Necklace - Urban Outiftters   5. Wax Print Fabric - Ananse Village   6. Shopping Basket - Ananse Village   7. Enamel Textured Hoops - Urban Outfitters

Rose Inspired

I love how these items capture the essence of a rose in various ways. Whether it's in the form of a scent, color, shape or pattern the rose is always a wonderful inspiration.

1. Rose Study Outlet and Switch Covers   2. Rose rings  3. Rose studs  4. Rose Clutch  5. Rose liquid soap  6. Rose nail polish  7. Rose lip balm  8. Rose ring

Color Splash

Love the mish-mosh of layered colors and shapes in this collection of magazine clippings.

More Color Combos

Color Combos Back Again

These are color exploration samples focusing on texture and pattern. All elements are pulled from magazines.

Final Color combos...for now

Ok, here's another...

Another Color Combo

Another Color Combo

More Color Combos