Sweetheart Dresses

By Amanda | Published: June 17, 2010

I came across this pic of one of my favorite brown girls, Solange Knowles, on the Fashion Bomb blog.  This cute, colorful dress (designed by Boxing Kitten) made me realize how much I love sweetheart dresses.  I love the way they expose your shoulders and when paired up with a funky necklace or earrings the effect is simply amazing.  The cut is als0 flattering on just about any body type.

Shop Bop - Milly

Neiman Marcus - Ikat Print

Express - Ruffled Sweetheart

See Shopstyle for more great dresses.

If you can’t stop thinking about how fierce Solange’s dress is, see more of Boxing Kitten’s Resort line here.

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Color 101 – Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Colors

By Amanda | Published: June 17, 2010

The Color 101 series will detail some of my coursework as well as provide a basic understanding of color and the terminology behind it.  Our first lesson will go through primary, secondary and tertiary colors!

Primary colors (red, yellow and blue) are thought of as the “original” colors since they are the starting point for all other colors and cannot be recreated by  the mixing of any others.   They are thought to be exuberant, decorative and decisive.

It’s from the blending of these primary colors that secondary colors are born.   There are 3 secondary colors.

Red + Yellow = Orange

Blue + Yellow = Green

Blue + Red = Purple

Tertiary colors come to life when a primary color and secondary combine.  There are six tertiary colors:

Red-Orange

Yellow-orange

Yellow-green

Blue-green

Blue-violet

Violet-red

Together these colors make up the traditional 12-color wheel.

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Feature: Trina Turk

By Amanda | Published: June 15, 2010

Trina Turk is well known for her bold use of color and texture that is inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture and landscape of Los Angeles.  Her collection embraces contemporary design with color and prints creating strong graphic effects.

"Cora Tangier" Strapless Dress

In 2009, Trina transitioned to the home fashion market teaming up with manufacturer and wholesaler of home textiles, Peking Handicraft to create a line of pillows, fabrics and rugs.

Trina has recently collaborated with Peking Handicraft to launch a bedding collection.  The four beds are offered in three-piece duvet sets – a comforter and two shams – retailing from $179.99 to $299.99, and a mini-comforter set that includes a comforter, two shams and a bed skirt.

Check out more of Trina’s apparel at Bloomingdale’s.  Several of her home accessories are also available here.

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Color Bringing People Together

By Amanda | Published: June 14, 2010

I was recently introduced to an online community of color enthusiasts at colourlovers.com.  On the site, users can join millions of other color fanatics in creating their own palettes/patterns or draw inspiration from the over 1 million existing ones.  In addition to this, participants have access to articles and trends on recent events and discoveries within the color and design landscape.

Creating palettes and patterns can be useful for many things ranging from redecorating your living room to experimenting with color in your personal fashion apparel.

I did some experimenting and created a couple of patterns of my own.

Azul Meets Purple

Noodling Around

I’m so geeked at all the future combinations that are ahead of me.  Sign up for your own account today!

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Friday Video: Janet Jackson – Anytime Anyplace

By Amanda | Published: June 11, 2010

Every Friday I will feature a music video that uses color to convey messages.  First up, Janet Jackson – Anytime Anyplace.

I saw this while watching Vh1 Soul the other day.  It was directed by Keir McFarlane and released in 1994.  I love the use of vibrant reds, yellows, greens and blues throughout.  The high-contrast quality and color work to demonstrate the song’s sensuality.  Enjoy and have a great weekend!

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Urban Outfitters Beauty Offerings

By Amanda | Published: June 10, 2010

One of my favorite stores, Urban Outfitters, recently announced that they will now be carrying beauty products!  The company now offers a variety of items from manufacturers such as Stila, NYX and Paul & Joe.

While perusing through the make-up section, I found a couple of colorful blushes, lipsticks and eye shadows that would be great for the summer.

Stila Convertible Color

Stila Mini Lip Glaze Set

Paul & Joe Lipstick

NYX 5-Color Eye Shadow Palette

Along with the make-up products, UO also offers hair and skin care products, scented perfumes and candles and beauty accessories.  See them all here.

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iDYE – Dyeing Made Easy

By Amanda | Published: June 9, 2010

The summer is fast approaching and what better time than now to experiment with color.  iDye makes it incredibly easy to dye your favorite pieces.  The solution dissolves in water, so all you need to do is put your items in the washing machine, add salt and let it run through the wash cycle.   Alas, gone are the days of creating a mess with those powders!

The product is available in 38 colors  – 30 for 100% natural fabrics (cotton, linen, wool, etc) and 8 for polyesters and nylons.   Colors include sun yellow, crimson, pumpkin and emerald.

One packet dyes roughly 2 to 3 pounds of fabric.  At the cost of approximately $3 for each, this seems like a fun DIY experiment for any stylista.

See here to buy.

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Colorful Keds

By Amanda | Published: June 8, 2010

Keds  has refreshed their look from the traditional white we all know and love, to include vibrant and fun varieties available in multiple colors.

The company has also followed on the heels of Nike, Adidas and Reebok by allowing buyers to design their own sneakers.  Several styles are available for design including Champions, Pro-Keds, Slip Ons and High and Lo Tops.

If the idea of creating your own  is overwhelming to you, then the Keds Collective line may be right up your alley.  The Collective line is a collaboration between Keds and several independent designers,  musicians and stylists, where these artists lend their inspiration on the white canvas.  The fun varieties offer the ability to showcase your unique style in special, limited edition footwear.

Brennan Kelly - b-b-b-but.....shoe

Ben Warwas - Staircases

More of the Collective and all of Keds’ sneakers can be found on their site.

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Fab Flavor

By Amanda | Published: June 7, 2010

ZenH Hyper Space

undrcrwn

UNDRCRWN

Zenh Sky Pyramid

Nooka is one of my favorite watch manufacturers.  Check out more of their designs here.

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Using Color to Open Up Spaces

By Amanda | Published: June 7, 2010

I recently read an article featured in the Metro on how color can be used to combat clutter in rooms.  Interior designer Greg Cann speaks of a method he uses called color blocking to organize and hide flaws within spaces.  The article further goes on to discuss how color adds depth to a room, making it look bigger and how harmony is created when matching paint hues lend synergy across furniture and knickknacks.

Apartment Therapy did a great post on accent walls a few months ago and here are a few of my favorite pictures from the feature.

Read more on Metro’s article here.

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