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Wearing Honeysuckle: How to pull off the color of 2011

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You might have already heard that Pantone, an internationally-recognized company in the field of printing, fabric, and paint color measurements, has declared honeysuckle as the color for 2011. From 2010’s relaxing turquoise, we now shift to a bright, reddish-pink hue. It’s somewhat difficult to imagine what honeysuckle looks like if you’re not very familiar with the botanical equivalent, so try to think of it as being more intense than your usual cotton-candy pink but a little less piercing than hot pink or fuchsia.

Since it is after all the color of 2011, incorporating it into your wardrobe is a must if you want to keep yourself updated. It isn’t really supposed to make you luckier this year (if you don’t want to get all metaphysical about it), but it may be bright and stimulating enough to give you more energy. Color experts claim that since honeysuckle belongs to the red family, it is a good color for getting one’s adrenaline going. It also makes the wearer seem more alive, or as the expression goes, appear to be “in the pink of health.”

If you’re fashionably fearless, going for a wardrobe overhaul in favor of this bright hue isn’t really a problem. In fact, you may already have several articles of clothing in this shade. If, however, you don’t have a lot of pink in your closet, or if you’re not sure about how to add it to your collection, don’t worry. After all, many designers and brands have already come up with their designs and product offerings in this bright and cheerful color. You’re bound to find something that suits you perfectly.

Sweet like honey

Honeysuckle, according to Pantone, is a “brave new color for a brave new world.” Well, isn’t that just a great attitude to adopt for the new year? If you want to imbibe the vibe, this is the best time to do it! Spring is fast approaching, and this season is poised to usher in loads of new designs, whether it be for dresses, tops, skirts, shoes, and every manner of accessory.

Why not start off by getting yourself a flirty little honeysuckle dress? If you’ve been feeling a bit down all winter, you can break away from that dreary frame of mind by shocking your wardrobe to life. And have you noticed how well honeysuckle compliments green?

Speaking of green, if you’re the active type who enjoys the great outdoors, then add some spring to your step by donning a pair of brightly-colored trainers. On rainy days, you can still go out and brave the puddles in a pair of honeysuckle rain boots. It’s a great way to have some fun with your outfit. Besides, all the confidence you exude in your playful get-up might just attract other people to you like little hummingbirds.

Keeping the balance

Okay, so while you may be open to wearing honeysuckle, you may be afraid of having too much pink on. Well, wearing the color doesn’t mean that you have to start looking like Penelope Pitstop. There are still a million other colors out there! The best for the coming season (and I daresay for the entire year) are warm colors. Pantone’s spring and summer forecast makes mention of metallics such as bronze and gold. In addition, the recommended palette for spring includes nice greens, ethereal silver and light pink shades, as well as an earthier russet. Have fun with these colors!

In the professional setting, you might have to go for a more understated look. You can choose to go for a more muted color scheme and, following the example of Olivia Palermo, add a bit of life with a nice pair of honeysuckle heels. If you like wearing gray and black, either for work or for casual events, you can simply tie a bright pink scarf around your neck. Scarves are wonderful for subtly adding life to outfits because they are so versatile. If you’re wearing pants, the scarf can even double as a belt. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks until you find one that you are comfortable with.

Little bursts of color

Incorporating honeysuckle into your look doesn’t just mean buying a piece of clothing. You can add a bit of eye candy here and there in many different ways. For instance, why not spice up an otherwise plain outfit by getting a chunky piece of jewelry in this year’s color? One of the great things about this is that finding earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and other such accessories does not have to be expensive. Cherry quartz beads, for example, are quite reasonably-priced and come in shades which are as close to honeysuckle as you can get.

The next time you decide to get a manicure or pedicure, while you might not be able to find a polish called “honeysuckle” very easily, you will certainly be able to find a shade of reddish-pink which comes pretty close. For a clean and classy look, have your nails trimmed and filed before painting them. Really long nails in such a bright color may be too much, depending on your outfit and make up.

Lastly, pucker up and smooth on a juicy layer of color on your lips. For everyday use, you can simply put on a sheer pink gloss. It may not always be wise to pick an intense pink shade for your eyes, unless you are going to be in a fashion show or  stage performance. Stick to a lighter, more neutral color for the eyes and go for a more natural, peachy shade of pink for your cheeks, such as Orgasm by Nars.

Real men wear pink

Just because women have more things to think about and more options than the men doesn’t mean that men can’t be a part of the trend for 2011. Men can incorporate honeysuckle into their wardrobe and still look very manly. It’s quite easy to find casual shirts in different shades of pink, so go out there and find one in a design that you like. Office wear should not be a problem either. You can get a plain pink tie as an accent, or if that’s a bit too much pink, choose a striped design which offsets the bright pink with more “masculine” colors such as navy, gray, or brown.

2011 is certainly bound to be an exciting and interesting year. You can definitely make it more fun for yourself by being bolder and braver — even in (and especially in!) fashion. So go out there and check out the new finds, or rummage into your closet and rediscover the bright pieces you have either forgotten or were too afraid to wear. At the end of the day (and of the year, for that matter), it doesn’t really matter how much honeysuckle you wore but really how much you’ve been able to reinvent yourself and create your personal style.

Can Hiking Jackets Be Fashionable?

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Would you ever wear North Face jackets or any other hiking jacket as a fashion statement?

Outdoor jackets have been popular with hikers and people who enjoy walks outside for many years. Why? They are of course perfect at protecting you in any conditions, making them great for the British climate. However, outdoor jackets have also now become a fashion statement to the British public who do not actually intend on wearing the outdoor jackets for hiking in, oh no, they intend on wearing them as a fashion statement. I do not know how this came about but I do think that it is a very strange concept but if it is something that will evolve in to a much bigger trend remains to be seen. I sincerely hope not though!

This trend in wearing an outdoor jacket as a fashion jacket seems to be most popular within the teenage groups. I have seen an increasing amount of school children wearing their North Face, and Berghaus jackets. I have also witnessed children who appear to have worn the same outdoor jacket every day for about a year. Why, oh why is this popular at the moment?

You would never catch me dead wearing one of these jackets as a fashion statement? The biggest reason why I would not wear one of these jackets as a fashion statement is because they really are not fashionable at all!  I am a big fan of fashion and looking good in the clothing that I wear and it is beyond me how anyone thinks this looks good in a fashionable way. The majority are made up of horrible patterns and are usually only marginally better with the range of colours.

In addition to this, there is a certain group of youths who tend to wear outdoor hiking jackets as a fashionable item; some people may call them ‘chavs’. These particular groups of youths can use the design of these outdoor jackets to their advantage, as they usually have hign knecked collars which can be tightened so it can conceal every part of your face except for your eyes. Certain youths use this technique in a way to intimidate people and look threatening. A group of twenty youths stood on a corner with their hoods up, completely concealing their faces is not good for society as it can mean that they can commit felonies and avoid any punishment as they have no way of being identified.

So, if I did happen to think that these jackets looked attractive and would look good if I were to wear one as a fashion statement then I would still chose not to where one as I would not like to be associated with such a culture. I want to see these sorts of problems being removed from our streets and I would not be happy with myself if I were to encourage the popularity of this kind of fashion, and the kind of culture that sometimes goes along with it.

I really do not see how anybody in their right minds could wear these outdoor jackets a fashion statement. I am not denying that they are excellent jackets for hiking in and they look good when you go hiking but when you are in social town centres, it is just not the same. They do not look nice in any way and I really do hope that thi fashion trend ends, leaving these jackets to be worn as intended, hiking!

Advice for Petite Women

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Naturally, petite woman have a desire to look tall, it is not just about the clothes they wear, but the posture they hold.However, for women a sure way to create an illusion of being a little taller is to wear strips going down, never across. In addition, a good trick is to wear quite light clothes, for instance chiffon or cotton material, so when they walk they do not feel so weighed down, and therefore tend to walk tall with their shoulders and head held high.

A round neck I have always felt makes you look shorter and a little plump, go for a V-neck, or even try the Kaftans style tops could work wonders.

A very simple light jacket, nothing with patterns on or to much detail, a lot of detail closes a person in, you want people to see you for you, not be hit with to much detail, it would just be to chaotic for your small frame.

Party Dress Tips

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It’s time to dress up, ladies (and gentlemen)! If you’re one who normally prefers to dress “down” rather than “up”, you now have the perfect opportunity to show some sparkle by dressing up for all those parties and get-togethers in the coming weeks. And the simplest way? Through a good party dress.

Good things about The Dress:

1. You just throw it on – no need to worry about matching/coordinating as with separates.

2. There’s just something about wearing a dress that makes a woman feel instantly feminine and good all around (provided it fits well).

3. Dresses are easy to find and surprisingly cheap these days.

4. For even more penny pinching, use an old “Little Black Dress” and  simply glam it up by adding on some statement jewelry like some chunky jewelled cuffs or an interisting necklace. If you still don’t have that LBD wardrobe staple (shame on you!), do yourself a favour and buy one today. Try Top Shop for some cool LBD’s that will last years. H & M also has finds that will keep your Christmas budget lean and healthy.

5. Lastly, don’t forget good undies.  A good dress will look even more fabulous on you when you make the effort to wear the “streamlining” kind like shapewear. Its not cheap, but unless you are a pilates fanatic with  buns of steel, it is so worth the expense.

Scarves, Style, and Celebrities

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I never thought of myself a scarf person. As a student living in Paris in the early 90’s, I sometimes donned the “cravat” look, tying an Hermes scarf (or one that looked like it) around my neck, above my navy blazer, complete with shoulder pads. Very 90’s Eurotrash. Since then, scarves have not been an essential in my wardrobe, except for when the weather dictated. Until a trip to Laos last month.

In Laos I discovered the most beautiful scarves. Gorgeous designs, intricate weaves, they were so many to choose from (at great prices), and best of all they were soft and wearable.  I went crazy in the Luang Prabang night market (a veritable treasure trove of scarves and embroidered linens) and came home with 10 scarves for me plus some for presents (which the recipients loved). What an amazing place that was.

But back to scarves. Since then, I’ve rarely been without my beloved scarves (great for all weather I’ve discovered since the sweltering heat of Laos).  I find that it completes my look and adds that little extra bit of style. Even my fashion-forward 6-year-old loves scarves, and I must say they look fab on her.

In Hollywood, scarves are almost a necessity (for the stylish at least), as seen on Nicole, Lindsay, Jessica et al. In fact, they’ve all been wearing them since last spring, by both men and women. There’s even been a book written about celebrities and their knitted scarves aptly called “Celebrity Scarves“, written by Abra Edelman. Aside from great photos of the celebs in their own creations (people like Daryl Hannah, Rosario Dawson, Eartha Kitt, Portia de Rossi and Parker Posey), it gives instructions on how to recreate the scarves yourself if you happen to be a knitter.

Image via ArtofCute