9.16.2009

Art of Shade: Eco Chic Fashion

The other night I went to my first green tweetup in Downtown Hollywood. It was great meeting other local tweeters who are also eco minded. I always seem to find something new and interesting in Hollywood be it an antique fair, a cool wine bar or a new gelatto cafe. I will definitely write more about Hollywood. But for now, downtown is a lazy town with great character that is close to the Beach and in the midst of a redevelopment. One of the most eco chic and refreshing newcombers is Art of Shade, a couture fashion boutique uniquely based on recycle and redesign.

Designer Kaycee Armstrong's designs are one of a kind and custom pieces of art, reflective of her own take on repurposing and individuality. Each piece is reconstructed using recycled materials like sweaters or the men's dress shirts used below. Everytime I step into their creative showroom, that is often open late or hosting trunk shows, I am inspired.

9.13.2009

Spring 2010 Home Color Trends


Just in time for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, the Pantone Color Institute has officially announced the colors for Spring 2010.

Designers describe this palate as happy, colorful, cool, modern, fresh, delicate, wearable, romantic, feminine, earthy. Inspired by the seaside, country garden sunsets, weathered neutrals, global travels, urban jungle, iconic natural images of Georgia O Keefe and the fluid romanticism of Degas ballerinas. 1930s, 40's, 70's
  1. Amparo Blue - a brighter blue references the ocean & tropical beaches
  2. Turquoise
  3. Sunshine, Aurora yellow
  4. Coral
  5. Romantic Violet is reminiscent of Spring blooming
  6. Tomato Puree Red
  7. Neutrals are comforting but luxurious like the new “bubbly luxury" of Pink Champagne
  8. Tuscany, a warm beige perfect with Coral or Violet
  9. Dried Herb green
  10. Cool Eucalyptus gray

Home & Interiors Color Trends 2010: Also recently released

  1. Green Market - Visual Appealing, Artisanal, Urban - colors like tomato puree, apple green, paprika
  2. Resourceful - Sustainable, Preserving, Originality, Value- golden ochre, aqua sky, mauve orchid
  3. Transformations - Modern Nostalgia, Romantic, Graceful, Soothing - lavender grays, stratosphere blue, pale gold, cameo pink
  4. Ambiance - Understated, Layered Neutrals, Retro Glam, Sensuous - coffee bean, cognac, silvered pink
  5. Galaxy - Metaphysical Presence, Illusion, Passage of Light - turquoise, orchid, peridot, stormy violets, golds
  6. Gatherings - Global, Cultural References - copper, smoked blue, cyprus green
  7. High Definition - Refined Glamour, Sleek Sophistication, Clarity - black, white, gray with dramatic pops of fuscia, purple, silver & gold
  8. Pastiche - Upbeat, Unexpected, Tongue & Cheek Playfulness - a potpourris of blues, mimosa yellow, strawberry ice

I love how these colors are happy, uplifting and hopefully a tell all for the future. It is so inspiring. My favorite way to include a trend is in the accessories. Just as you might splurge on one red dress or a few colorful bangles you can select sofa pillows with a pop of bright color and your living room will take on a whole new look. Express your passion for eating healthier or living greener by changing up the dish towels and artwork in your kitchen with new colors like tomato red and paprika from the green market palate. Or, if you are in need of a new paint job, replace your beige walls with a fresher, more modern neutral like lavender gray or a deeper green.