Category Archives: color trends

Fall And Winter Color Trends for 2020

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If 2020 were a color palate, what would you choose? Thank goodness we don’t have to wear the sad colors that probably first jumped to mind! With lovely pops of color like Mint, Mustard, Cayenne, Powder Blue, and Hot Coral, your fall and winter wardrobe can actually help brighten your mood!

Let’s start with key neutrals. Navy and grey have taken over black as the trendiest neutrals, and the geniuses who decide what colors will trend did us all a favor by including colors that pair well with navy. Many of us feel a little unsure of what to wear with navy and so avoid it, but if you think about your favorite pair of dark denim jeans as an example of navy, perhaps that will help you feel more confident! Mustard, yellow, hot coral, mint, grey, and powder blue all look amazing matched up with navy. For grey, try the bright yellow, powder blue, and the hot coral as great choices. A more neutral palate choice might be a navy top and grey bottom or vice versa.

Mustard (Zinnia) and Cayenne are warmer colors and will pair well together or with browns. Think of a warm sunset to help you imagine these colors. And, while you are imagining a sunset, add in a beach and a pina colada. That might improve your mood too!

For those of you who prefer cooler tones, you will love the Mint, Bright Yellow, and Powder Blue. The last of these is a personal favorite because it makes me feel peaceful….there is just something about soft blue that is soothing. On the days when you need a pick me up, choose the brighter colors and on the days you just need to feel peaceful, choose the blue.

All in all, embrace color this season. It can do a lot for your perspective on things. Let your clothes lead your psyche into a better place because we WILL make it through this! Better times are ahead.

For more on this and for examples from our store of these colors and how the pair them up, watch our Saturday Savy video which will be published this Saturday on our Facebook Page.

What Trends To Buy Now And Wear Next Fall

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When you are making your spring purchases, it may be helpful to know what will be trendy for this coming fall so you can buy with an eye to what will transition into the next season.  After all, that is just smart shopping.  Fortunately, many of the strongest trends for spring will also be important for fall.  If you think carefully about your color choices, you will be able to make spring purchases that will carry over.

Top Fall Trends To Buy Now:

  1. Printed tops: From beachy to polka dots and stripes, printed tops are a great way to add a pop of color to your neutral bottoms.  Since there are several carry over colors from spring to fall like mustard, navy, pink, and wine, if you choose your top styles carefully, you should be able to wear them this fall too.  This adorable leaf printed tank could easily be paired under a grey blazer and worn with black slacks for fall, as an example.  IMG_5685
  2. Printed bottoms: look for animal, camo, and herringbone to be key prints for fall bottoms.  As you are shopping spring and summer, you will see many of these same prints, but in lighter colors.  Keep in mind how you might be able to transition your purchases now into fall later.  Grey animal prints, for example, are season-less and can be paired today with a grey tank and next fall with a grey sweater.
  3. Colored denim: I saw everything from mustard, olive green, wine, and even pink for fall, so this is a trend you will definitely be able to carry into next season.  Obviously, some of the more summery colors like mint won’t work, but if you buy a mustard or pink jean now, you will most definitely be able to wear it next season.
  4. Colored blazers: Just as a rainbow of colored denim was a key trend, I saw this same idea in blazers.  Again, thinking forward, if you buy a color like denim blue, mustard, or pink, you will be able to wear it now while it is colder and then use it again when the leaves start to fall.
  5. Embellished jeans: The market was flooded with all kinds of embellished bottoms for spring and summer.  See my spring trends blog post for more info.  This trend will continue to be very strong into fall.  Look for raw edges, painted designs, and embroidery to grace the bottoms of jeans.  Again, since everything is about the ankle length right now, the ankle jeans you buy now will most definitely be wearable in the fall as well.  The great thing about ankle length bottoms is they are season-less!
  6. Teddy Bear Coats: This trend takes nubby fabric, like you might find on a teddy bear, and applies it to an over sized, zip up coat body.  The most popular color that I saw was teddy bear brown, see below.  We saw this trend be strong for this past fall season too, so if you bought one, you will definitely be able to wear it next fall or if you find one this spring that you like, you can feel confident that this trend will continue.  IMG_5689
  7. Wool Dress Coats: I am doing the happy dance on this one! While I love my down coats for warmth, I have missed the classic wool dress coat!  They are back for next season.  Now is the time to shop for coats, so if you find a wool dress style you like, buy it and put it away for next season.
  8. Vests: Here in Wyoming we love our vests.  They are so versatile, and a very handy extra layer when it is 2 degrees.  They will be fashionable next season, and I saw everything from down puffy vests to suede vests to menswear inspired styles. Vests are 3 season items, working for spring, fall and winter.  Thus, they are always a great investment.
  9. Shoe boots: Because the ankle length bottom is so strong, shoe boots continue to be an important trend in shoes.  I saw quite a few printed shoe boots, especially in animal prints.  Again, these are a great transitional style that will work now as well as into the next season.
  10. Polka Dots: The dots just keep going and going.  There is no slow down in the pre-occupation of designers with polka dots.  Again, a black and white dot top will work well for spring and fall.  Another great choice, would be a navy and white or mustard and white option.  These are colors that will transition easily into colder weather.  Wear white with them in the summer and then choose navy or black in the winter.

Spring 2020 Fashion Trends For Women

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As I sit at my desk to write this trend review, the snow is softly falling outside, coating the barren tree limbs just outside my window with a white blanket.  As I look over the top of downtown buildings from my loft, steam is rising in multiple places in a Dickensian scene.  It seems a bit strange to be thinking spring, but the store is full of new spring arrivals and bright pops of color, and March is only a few weeks away.

Having just returned from market in Las Vegas, my mind is filled with the new colors and styles that will be dominating fashion for this upcoming season.  I always feel excited to see the seasons change, even when they change faster in the store than they do outside!

pantone 2The spring/summer color palate is a combination of bold, bright colors and earthy neutrals. From bold Flame Scarlet on the left to Biscay Green (mint) on the top right and Orange Peel (tangerine) in the middle, these colors will have you feeling cheerful and flirty.  And, since balance is the key to life, you’ll also be able to choose from Chive green, Saffron, Cinnamon and Lavender on those days when earthy colors suit your mood better.

 

After looking through some trend reviews, it’s pretty easy to see there are some trends that will likely never make it to Wyoming.  Things like Bermuda short suits, hot pants, corsets, blazers and bra tops, or feather shirts are just a bit too edgy for us out here in the west.  There are other trends, however, that I feel confident we will see here on our streets.  The following are my top 10 trends for spring:

  1. Ultra feminine dresses: This will definitely be a season of dresses.  Look for everything from ribbed sweater mini dresses to classic shirt waist styles and all over floral maxi styles.  Other dress trends you will be seeing are all over 60’s wallpaper prints, tiered dresses, and ultra feminine touches like ruffles, peplums and frills.
  2. Tie waist pants: Look for these especially in striped linen or linen looking fabrics.  Many of these pants have a ruffle detail at the top of the waist and then a belt that you tie in front.  Because of the focus on the waist, you will want to pair these pants with solid tuck in tops or cropped tops that don’t hide the waist.
  3. Gauchos: Again, by in large, the trendiest styles have horizontal stripes and can be found in a variety of fabrics.  The trick with a gaucho is to balance out the wide, cropped leg with a tight fitting top.  Tuck in tops or cropped tops are also good choices here.  For shoes, try a wedge sandal with a bit of a heel.  Adding length to your calf will help you pull off the wide leg.
  4. Neon: Even though neon colors were not included in the Pantone color forecast, they are everywhere in the market.  Think highlighter colors.  Use these as pops of color.  Maybe a lime top under a black blazer, as an example.  Neon colors also work great in scarves and accessories.
  5. Raw edge, embellished, clipped front bottoms: Everything is about the ankle pant right now, so designers are drawing attention to this trendy length by adding fun details at the hemline.  Look for everything from embroidery, stones, raw and un-hemmed edges to clipped front details (as if someone clipped out a square from the front of the pant at the hemline).  Remember, to make an ankle pant work, it should hit you an inch above your ankle bone.  If you are short, it helps if you wear a wedge sandal or something with a heel to elongate your calf.
  6. Jean jackets: From colored denim to vintage washes, the jean jacket has been re-imagined in all its glory.  Pair them with dresses, striped pants, gauchos….the sky is the limit.
  7. Floral printed and vintage wash denim: This season, denim is playing a strong role again, but the washes have lightened up with vintage washes taking center stage.  If you’ve been only buying dark denim, this is the season to work some lighter denim into your wardrobe.  Also look for floral printed denim, especially in jean jackets.
  8. The Front Tuck: With the emergence of the over-sized sweater last season, you will now be seeing light, over-sized sweaters paired with everything from skirts to pants.  What makes them trendy is the “front tuck” or simply tucking one part of the hem into your waist and letting the rest fall out.  This trick tames the over-sized nature of these tops.
  9. Polka Dots: We’ve seen this print be strong now for 2 seasons, but I especially love it as a spring/summer trend.  Polka Dots just seem happy to me.  Black and white is, by far, the most common way to do this trend, but I’ve seen it used with other color combinations as well.
  10. Color Blocking: Take two or three colors and put them together in geometrical squares, and you have a color blocked print.  This trend was also strong for fall and winter 2019 and continues to be strong for this spring.  It brings a bit of the “mod” to this season, and is a clean and bold style.

To see some examples of these colors and styles, watch my video on our Fashion Crossroads Facebook Page.  If you read my last blog post, I finished part 3 of my 3 part closet clean out video series.  In that post, I recommended making a “trends I want to buy” section to your buying list.  This would be a great time to start that list.  For some added inspiration, check out our Latest Trends Collection on our website. 

Spring 2018 Color Trends

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spring-2018-color-palletteIt’s nearing the end of January, and I spent yesterday skiing with my family.  It was really a beautiful day with a warm winter sun.

Despite my fun in the snow, however, February is an absolutely rotten, no-good, horrible month in Wyoming.  There is nothing redeeming about February: it’s cold, grey, snowy and, usually, windy.  Which is why I relish the new spring arrivals at this time of year because they are a reminder to stay strong…spring is on the way.

Take a closer look at the Pantone color palate at the top of this blog post so you can see just all you have to look forward to this spring.  It includes Meadowlark yellow (which I love because that is our state bird), Cherry Tomato, Little Boy Blue, Chili Oil, Pink Lavender, Blooming Dahlia, Acadia, and Ultra Violet.  From earthy and warm to soft and cool, spring’s palate is sure to have you clamoring over at least one color.

My color crush for the season is Blooming Dahlia.  We just received our new Tribal Sportswear, and within our January collection are several pieces in Blooming Dahlia. It is such a wonderful, peachy pink.   It pairs beautifully with soft olive and navy blue, as you can see in the pictures.  Of course, it is always great with white too.  Best yet, it is a decidedly feminine color that just makes a girl feel pretty.

I would love to hear about your color crush for the season in the comments to this blog post, and in the mean time….stay strong.  Spring is coming!

Behind The Scenes: Treska

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After being a women’s clothing store manager and owner for eighteen years, I was so excited to get to see the behind the scenes process of one of my favorite jewelry vendors – Treska.  On a recent buying trip to Dallas, Texas, my mom and I had the opportunity to tour Treska’s warehouse and get an up close perspective on the jewelry making process.  We also got to shop straight from the warehouse shelves – we were like two kids in a candy store!

The process Treska goes through to design their jewelry is meticulous and time consuming.  First they begin with inspiration.  I found this inspiration board outside the bathroom (probably because that is the place everyone would see it multiple times a day).  It was such a great example of how an idea blooms into something tangible.  Take a close look at the items included on the board.    IMG_4192You can see how it represents themes, colors and textures for a group of jewelry. This particular design is playing off earthy wood textures and the soft tans and pinks in sea shells.  What a beautiful combination that represents the soft pinks and neutrals so popular in fashion right now.   It also appears this group might have some feather accents as well.  Won’t it be fun to see the finished jewelry that arises from this inspiration board?

Even more fun than the board was meeting Treska’s chief designer.  She was a Bohemain mama, dressed in colorful cottons and a graphic tank and seemed right at home in a jewelry design office.  IMG_4207She took the time to show us some of the pieces they were currently working on and how every necklace begins in a box as a conglomeration of colors and textures that are then formed into a unique necklace.  IMG_4210

While we were in the design room, we also got to see a Treska employee doing appoxy on some pieces.  This process requires hand painting metal pieces with a cue tip to create a patina look.  As you can see in the picture, each one is done by hand.  IMG_4206

Once a design is finalized, two master copies are made.  One is then sent to China where Treska has their necklaces assembled.  A production sample is sent back, approved by Treska, and then that sample is used by the Chinese to make the individual necklaces which are then shipped to the United States.  It’s quite a lengthy process requiring Treska’s designers to work ahead.  While we were there, they were working on Spring 2018.

Outside the air conditioned design room, the warehouse sprawled.  There were rows and rows of shelves with boxes of beads and bobbles.  Readers,  I am telling you, there were hundreds of thousands of beads.  It was mind boggling.

As we made our way back, we came to more shelves with completed necklaces available for sale.  This is where all the fun began!  Up and down the isles we wandered, grabbing necklaces, earrings, and a few bracelets of beautiful Treska jewelry.  IMG_4194

In the end, we came home with a whole bag full of Treska priced with a special discount just for you!  It is out and on the floor, so you will want to hurry in to get the best selection! IMG_4258

2017 Spring Colors 

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It is always an exciting time to look ahead to a new season and as I shared in my previous blog post, new beginnings.   Even though I get a peek at the prominent colors when I go to market, the season doesn’t fully take shape for me until the new spring merchandise begins arriving in the store.  Those racks begin to fill up with a burst of newness, and the whole store gets a color makeover.  

The colors for the spring 2017 season are grounded in nature.  According to Pantone.com, the dominant color for the season will be Niagra blue (third from the left on the bottom).  In this case, dominant means Niagra showed up the most on the runways of fashion week and will be prevalent in prints and solids.  Based upon my early shipments from Elan, I am finding this to be true.  We ordered several new tops in Niagra, as it felt fresh.  It is a soft blue but with plenty of pigment to keep it from being whimpy.  

Niagra is next to Kale(to the right) which, if you have ever eaten this good for you green, you will agree is an excellent description of the color.  Kale is a deep, almost dark, green.  Lapis rounds out the row and is placed at the end.  All three colors are somewhat muted and softened and remind me of the ocean and forest.  They are all calming colors and will be a joy to wear this season.  

On the same row, you will find Flame (on the end) and Pink Yarrow (second from the left).  Both are the colors of tropical flowers and make a beautiful contrast to to their more muted partners.  They also provide some liveliness to the color palate.  These are colors that you use to “pop” an outfit.  A Pink Yarrow jacket, for example, will look radiant paired with white ankle pants.  These are also the colors to use in accessories or as layering pieces.  

On the top row, we can begin with the left and work our way to the right.  Primrose yellow is the first color, and is vibrant without being bright.  It is a warm yellow and exudes the warmth of a sunny day.  Next to it is Pale Dogwood.  This, barely there, soft pink is the perfect compliment to sands and tans, giving them color but keeping them very neutral.  You can see how nicely it pairs with its neighbor, Hazelnut, for example.  The neutral shades in the palate ground it in earthiness and are contrasted to the last two colors on the top row: Island Paradise and Greenery.  The turquoise of Island Paradise conjures memories of island vacations and the intense blue of the Carribean ocean.  It is a universal color that compliments most complexions.  Greenery is the color of the year, and you can learn all about it in my last blog post.  

Keep checking back as I give more tips and tricks in the coming weeks on how to wear and pair these colors.  

Color Of The Year

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As it is with New Year’s resolutions, so the fashion world begins the new year with a fresh start.  It is a re-set, if you will, on the color themes that will dominate clothing, accessories and interior decorating.  Just as in literature or art, the color of the year represents our social culture and what we are longing for at this time in our lives.

Last year’s key colors were rose quartz and serenity blue.  Both soft and inviting colors, 2016they offered a sense of finding peace and calm in a chaotic world. While they did invite contemplation, both had blue undertones and an icy feel that lacked warmth.

According to Pantone, this year’s color is quite different.  Called Greenery, it has a yellow undertone and is drenched in warmth.  Green is the symbol for new life and rejuvenation.  Speaking about pantone_color_of_the_year_greenery_pci_logothis color, the Pantone website describes it as “nature’s neutral” and goes on to explain, “the more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world.”  So within this color is the recognition of a move in our society to seek newness but also to escape the cold, sterile city environments for the natural environment.

Coming from Wyoming, I have been blessed to grow up in a state that celebrates the natural and offers ample opportunity to experience it.  An avid backpacker, I have found that my annual trip with my husband offers a re-set to my soul that no other vacation can match.  There is something about exerting myself amid towering mountains and the smell of pine that cleanses my mind.  This is my “greenery,” if you will.

I recently read an article that shocked me.  We have a whole generation of children growing up who have never experienced the out doors.  New programs are sprouting up with the goal of giving children experiences in the natural world.  Many outdoors advocates are worried that if we sit by and do nothing, these children will one day be legislators voting about preserving our great outdoors with no knowledge of why we must protect them.  How sad.  Having grown up camping in the the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming, I can’t imagine a childhood without those experiences.  At 45, I am not a child of the plugged in generation, but now more than ever, we need to get kids out in nature where they can separate themselves from their devices and remember what true imagination looks like.

So personally, I am so pleased to see that my industry is celebrating this very idea in the color that I will see gracing my store for the next twelve months.  I say, bring it on and implore you to get outdoors!

Why Say Goodbye to Serenity?

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img_3799Serenity Blue was a key color for 2016, but with its denim friendly hue, why say goodbye?

Our last shipment of clothing for the year was a small grouping of this wonderful blue from Sweet Wanderer and Blu Pepper.  It was such a nice change from the dark colors of winter, and it got me in the mood to change my display to highlight this wonderful transitional color.

While harkening to spring, serenity blue is a year round hue.  If you imagine the soft blue of a summer sky at dusk, then you have captured the heart of this color.  As you can see in the three pictures below, this soft blue pairs well with dark, medium and light denim.  A dark denim will anchor it so it doesn’t seem too spring like in the midst of January and February chills while still allowing you to add some softer colors into your winter wardrobe.

I don’t know about you, but now is the time when my heart begins to long for the lighter colors of warmer weather, and it is amazing how wearing a little bit o spring can instantly lift my mood.  Why not try experimenting with this yourself?  I’d love to hear how it goes! After all, we can all use more serenity, right?

Celebrate Color

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I love that this season offers two radically different color palates – soft and feminine as well as bold and bright.  We just received this new group from Multiples in lime and royal, and I could hardly wait to get it in the window.  I’m not sure any color screams summer quite like lime.  IMG_2662

I always feel a bit sad when a customer tells me they shy away from wearing color.  I don’t know about you, but in Wyoming when I am surrounded by brown, white and grey from November to March, I am ready for some color come April and May.  It literally brightens my mood to wear something cheerful, and, for me, cheerful means color.

If you are one of those people who feel intimidated by wearing bold colors, dial it down.  Wear one bright item and pair it with foundation pieces in a good neutral like grey, black or white.  Put your colorful item on the part of your body you like the best and wear the solid neutrals elsewhere.  My bet is you will have a million compliments from your co-workers who are used to you just blending in.

If you are comfortable wearing bold, then this is your season!  Get out there and get some color!  You have just 4 short months before the cool winds of September will force those summer colors to the back of the closet.  Make your wardrobe reflect your sunny disposition and how happy you are that warm days are just around the corner!

Making Rose Quartz Work In Your Wardrobe

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With Pantone’s announcement of Rose Quartz as the color of the year, you may be wondering how to wear such a soft and gentle shade of pink.  I am dark haired and look much better in bolder colors.  As a result, I usually avoid pastels.  What I love about this shade of pink, however, is how well it pairs with darker shades like brown and olive green as well as with creams and whites.  

  
When pairing Rose Quartz with olive green, it is essential that you stay consistent with either warm or cool tones.  Rose Quartz it usually a slightly warm color, so you will also want to choose a color of olive that is also slightly warm.  Avoid strongly warm greens that have a predominate yellow undertone.  The other fantastic aspect of putting Rose Quartz and olive green together is that the pink adds a feminine aspect to the more masculine olive green, especially in utilitarian or military themed items.  Military continues to be a strong trend in spring so you should see plenty of military vests, tanks, and light jackets out there.  Try putting a Rose Quartz tank under them!

Rose Quartz is also beautiful with creams, khakis and browns.  Apply the same advice of matching the level of warmth, and you can’t go wrong with any of these colors.   You can also pair Rose Quartz with its counterpart color of the year Serentity blue.  This feels less earthy to me than the other choices, but remains a viable option.  What I’ve done here is to put an ice blue blouse under the Rose Quartz sueded vest and then pop the two with with a Serentity blue purse.    It’s a nice combination with both soft and strong elements.  

  So have fun this season exploring these new colors.  You may just find your new favorite !