Pantone Colours

The Pantone Colour of 2013 is...

I know this isn't news and the announcement was made way back when but I've been such an awful blogger that it's taken me this long to add it to the list.

My work commitment this year means that I haven't got time to make Etsy treasuries so I'll take the easy way out and look at Pinterest.

Pantone's own Emerald board has some gorgeous pins to inspire even the most jaded blogger. My person favourite? These super gorgeous ruffles that lift any dress from bland to striking.

Somewhere you'll find the perfect accessory similar to this Reed Krakoff leather tote. It's now unavailable but there are great alternatives out there. Try The Cambridge Satchel Company for a more informal look.

If the £991.46 price tag for the tote sounds a little steep then perhaps a vintage find is more your thing.

Of course, if you're really classy you'll find the most perfect accessory to match your eyes.

Us cats know how to roll.

Pantone Colours

     Ultramarine Green

We've had an overall look at the trending colours for autumn/winter. Now for a closer look at ultramarine green, which I have to say is one of my favourites.

For once Pantone's description is quite muted. Ultramarine is simply described as being a deep, cooling blue green. It's far more than that. I think it's more vibrant than cooling with the richness of malachite.

In Pantone's preview Charlotte Ronson describes her signature colour as 'representing the richness of a bohemian lifestyle.'

As usual, here's a selection from Etsy to make you want more.

Falling back into place

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. No excuses except that spring, summer and now autumn have all seemed to have merged into one. The weeks have gone by without any change. With the wind whipping up a storm, now seems an appropriate time to look at those autumn colours.

This season's new stock is in the shops. I have my eye on a lovely blue coat that I might just treat myself to this week. As usual Pantone has waxed lyrical about the new shades which it has called The Magic of Colour.


'From love potions and the magical hour of sunset to witches and warlocks, fantasy and illusion are inspiring designers this fall season.
With an unexpected mix of darks, brights and neutrals, they cleverly manipulate reality to transport consumers to an enchanting place, free from the stresses of everyday life.'

That makes for better reading that any shade of grey!

I hope you Etsy sellers out there are changing your colour tags. I changed last season's Pink Cabaret tag to Pink Flambe and my scarf sold within a week. It really does help.

I've put together a taster of some the gorgeous pieces from Etsy to brighten up those winter days. Whether you're into darks, neutrals or brights, there's something for everyone here.

'Pantone Colours Fall 2012' by Baban

A preview of this season's colours

Pheasant Bodice, ha... InnerWild $99.00	Minimalist Rhapsody... SandMwatch $33.00	Purple Scarf / Rhap... DottieQ $31.50	LA BOHEME Gray Purs... ikabags $89.00
antique beaded purs... LeMollusque $128.00	Chartreuse crochet ... DirtyLush $23.00	FRENCH ROAST OOAK a... eraberashop $90.00	Chartreuse Neon Gre... DeesByDesign $43.50
Dark Ultramarine Gr... TipToeThirty $11.00	Upcycled Linien Dre... EkoLuka $78.00	1980s dress / vinta... RustBeltThread... $32.00	Leather bracelet in... TheCraftyblack... $14.00
French Roast Brown ... necklush $42.00	Honey Gold and Fren... FirstLightGlas... $19.50	Ultramarine Neckwar... smittenkitteno... $45.00	Fingerless Gloves H... handknittedthi... $25.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Pantone colours

Starfish PANTONE 16-1120

This is the last look at the colours in Pantone's spring/summer 2012 collection. From previous seasons we've come to the conclusion that Pantone doesn't gush about its neutrals. True to form Pantone says,

Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complements all colors featured in this season’s top 10.

It can be used to tone down some of the more vibrant colours in this season's collection. I think it looks great on its own accessorized with the Cabaret and Cockatoo. For a more sophisticated look try it with Sodalite Blue.

I've taken the final colour to add some of my favourite shops on Etsy. They might not all fit the Starfish swatch but then bleh! It's my last post about this season's collection.

Enjoy!

Pantone Colours

Margarita PANTONE 14-0116

Margarita is this season's green. Pantone describes it as,
a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming
garden on an early spring morning.

April has been true to its reputation and deluged us with showers. Everything in the garden is sprouting. With so many shades of green it's got to be the hardest colour to match. Today I've gone through the shade chart and ended with the darkest sage green I could find. Enjoy the greens at Etsy.


Have a great weekend!

Pantone Colours

Driftwood PANTONE 18-1210

I make no apologies. I like sludge. You'll find me veering towards neutrals before I'll venture into vibrants. This week's colour is one that I'd wear, paint with, crochet with and it will always be a favourite. It's not brown, it's driftwood.

Pantone's description sums up why I like it,

'Natural, versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel.'


The slightly weathered feel, that's what I like. It's not pristine or in your face. It's been around the block a bit. The colour of peeling bark and flotsam, the never knowing what it once was. Adaptability? Yes! I can't think of a colour that it doesn't look good with.

Driftwood is the colour of tweed jackets and brogues, old leather chairs and cigar smoke. Find out much more in this treasury of my Etsy favourites.

Pantone Colours

Sweet Lilac PANTONE 14-2808

The weather has been glorious. I've been busy planting up new lavender and trimming those already sprouting this year's growth. For another year we've gone from winter straight to summer. Perfect weather for this week's choice.

I can't compose a better description so I'll give you Pantone's

'Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.'

Not since teal have I had so many problems finding the right choices. Sweet lilac is not the traditional pale lavender but a richer, pinker version of the shade. This can only be a good thing and might help to change the perceptions of it as being an old fashioned colour.

It used to be associated with mourning. Black was the colour worn by recent mourners but after a respectable period of time it could be replaced by lilac for widows. Although this stopped in Victorian times I remember old ladies wearing lilac as 'widows weeds.'

So on the day we mess around with clocks  - spring forward- I bring you the new improved Sweet Lilac .....




Please forgive me if my posts have been short and few and far between. My laptop has been suffering from a high temperature and sudden fainting spells. But all's well now because the lovely postman has brought me a super duper, new external hard drive. Even if one of the fainting spells is fatal all my files are backed up.

Have a great weekend!

Pantone Colours

Solar Power PANTONE 13-0759

This colour fulfils the statement made by Pantone's executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, who said “Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day.”

Described as providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power, radiates warmth and cheer.

I'm not a great fan of yellow. Probably living where I do, yellow stands out way too much in the crowd. We don't get those blazing, summer days that can make yellow look good. I think it works well as an accent colour against blues or neutrals but can be overwhelming used on its own.

It's a bold choice for those who aren't as cowardly about their choice of colour. As you can see from this week's treasury there are lovely items for everyone's tastes. Bring some sunshine into your life with Solar Power as done by Etsy.



I shall be very busy tomorrow afternoon, glued to my TV screen as Wales face France for the Six Nations Grand Slam. Whatever you're doing have fun.

C'mon Wales!

Pantone Colours

Sodalite Blue PANTONE 19-3953

Every spring the nautical look emerges from the winter sales. This year's navy is known as Soladite Blue. Pantone describes is as;

'a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every colour in the palette.'

You can wear it without doing the full on red, white and blue, brass buttoned, striped combo which always remind me of Hyacinth Bucket in the 'What to wear when yachting' episode of Keeping Up Appearances.

Here's how to do this spring's navy in good taste while shopping on Etsy.

Pantone Colours

Cabaret  Pantone 18-2140

A gorgeous rich pink with a fitting description from Pantone.


'Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.'


After last years block colours there's still plenty of clothing around showing the trend but with this years colours. You'll see plenty of Tangerine Tango mixed with Cockatoo and Cabaret. The more daring have added Bellflower to the mix. It looks as if it's going to be a vibrant summer. All we need is the sun to show the colours in the best light.


It's not been an easy colour to match but here's the best of Etsy as usual.





Have a great weekend!

Pantone Colours

 Cockatoo Pantone 14-5420

It's sometimes good to window shop. You don't spend money and you take more notice of what's on offer. Yesterday I did just that. The sales are over and the shops are filling up with this season's colours. It might be -3 but does fashion world care? No!!

Wrapped up in winter woollies we can pretend days on the beach are not that far away.

When it's safe to come out of thermals I shall buy this season's blue. Cockatoo is not just turquoise. It's got a fresher, younger feel to it, a zingy blue green that's fun to wear.


Check these lovely items from Etsy.


Have a great week!

Pantone Colours

Bellflower 

Pantone 18-3628

A new year and new colours from Pantone. We've already looked at the colour of 2012, Tangerine Tango, a vibrant orange. Today I'm taking a closer look at Bellfower. Pantone describes it as,

fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity.

Creativity seems to be the prevail mood throughout the colours for spring. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute said that,

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day. They have learned how color can help them alter a mood, while providing the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

In the dark days of January in the middle of a recession we need something to alter our mood and give us a lift. Here's what the good people at Etsy have to offer.

You can also check out my purple colour board on Pinterest

Have a great weekend everyone!

Colour of 2012

Tangerine Tango

This is one way to brighten up a miserable Sunday afternoon in December. Let's take a closer look at the Colour of 2012. In Pantone's own words,
 
Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring.
 
I've got to say it's mouthwatering in its appeal. A hint of tangerine with neutrals is probably the way I'd go. I don't really want to look as if I've been tangoed.
 
As usual the sellers at Etsy have a fantastic range of items if you want to try this out before spring. 

 

Enjoy!

Pantone Colour of the Year 2012

Tangerine Tango


As a way of celebrating my 100th blog post I'm looking forward to next year. What better way to celebrate than by having a closer look at the Pantone colour of 2012.

2012? I can hardly believe it's weeks away. I'm really excited by it.

As befitting a launch of such an important event Pantone have described Tangerine Tango PANTONE 17-1463 as a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

The press release says,
“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Pantone colours

Orchid Hush

It's rather a sad day as this is the last offering of the Pantone fall 2011 series. The new colours for spring/summer have been released but I won't focus on those until the new year.

What does Pantone say about orchid hush?

Orchid Hush, a unique tone of gray with complex orchid undertones, blends well with any other color in the palette.

Another informative description by Pantone. It has a definite undertone of lavender or lilac making it a warm grey. It hasn't the coldness of an ice blue.

I've put together my interpretation of it. Included is another print by gorjuss because this one reminds me of Beth.



Have a great weekend! I'll be off to London.

Do you know, I've got an awful feeling that cat has been in this room.

Pantone colours

Nougat

Last week's colour, quarry, was one of my favourites but as Kris of Cat House Prints said, 'Pantone must have been in a hurry the day they wrote the color description!'

Well, this week we have an even shorter description,

A deliciously warm camel tan, Nougat, is tastefully embellished by Phlox, Emberglow or Honeysuckle.

Pantone probably doesn't have to enthuse about these colours because they are staples. The more unusual the colour the more it has to be promoted.

I've been knitting furiously in the glorious, warm weather. Nearly finished are a thick cable scarf and matching headband. Just what you need, not today but in the months to come. Excuse the shadows. It's the blazing sunshine!

It's often very difficult to get exact matches when doing treasuries but this is my take on nougat. Enjoy all the lovely warm caramel on Etsy.



I hope the sun continues to shine for you. Have a great weekend!

PS
Did I mention the sun is shining?

Pantone colours

Quarry

I love blue greys. I've painted my workroom cornflower blue because I find it relaxing and a good background colour. This combination by Tommy Hilfiger is just the sort of thing I want to wear. I'll be knitting some of these heavy duty jumpers and scarves. That's for sure!

Pantone's usual effusive description has not continued for this end of the spectrum. It calls its blue grey for fall/winter 2011, quarry and says of it,

Quarry, a reliable, medium gray, remains, as always, a practical, dependable staple.

Lack of imagination, or did they run out of adjectives with their other autumn colours?

Imagination is not lacking with the shops I've included today. There were so many gorgeous items I had to leave out but special mention goes to the best dressed dog I've seen in a while.

The pattern is available at Wendy M Handknits

I've included a lovely print by Gorjuss because it reminds me of Rolla. Enjoy!




Have a great weekend!

Pantone colours

Coffee liqueúr

I've saved my favourites until last. Browns and neutrals work for me. I've always shied away from wearing colour but thankfully I'm over my black phase.

Pantone hasn't over enthused about this season's brown. It says,

rich, decadent coffee liqueúr brings a sense of elegance to fall, and is a savory alternative to basic black.

So there we have it. If Pantone says wear it instead of black then it shall be done. It's perfect for winter  with enough glow to add colour and can be accessorised with so many shades. I really enjoyed putting this treasury together. There were so many lovely items to choose from. Enjoy!




Have a great weekend!