Trend Spotting: Emerald Green, Colour Of The Year 2013

This year the streets of fashion have been turning green. No, not (just) with envy but with major style! From runway to red carpet to street style, “lively, radiant, lush green” better know as Emerald has completely taken over.

The colour gods, aka Pantone decided to make Emerald {17-5641} this year’s colour ambassador. And why should they not? After all, this verdant jewel tone is often associated with sophistication and luxury, and according to its official colour definition, it “enhances our sense of well-being by promoting balance and harmony.”
Also, after last year’s in your face, attention grabbing Tangerine Tango, Emerald with its refined allure comes as a breath of fresh air. No less attractive than its predecessor, emerald green is perfect for those who wish to wear a rich, luxe hue minus the all-eyes-on me boldness.

[Images via Pinterest]

Emerald may be a new shade for some, but here in India it has been a part of Indian attire for years. Often spotted in bridal trousseau or traditional Indian weaves, emerald along with many other tints and tones of green is culturally an integral part of Indian fashion ethos. Plus, the beauty of emerald is that it complements most Indian skin tones.

If you are looking for ways to tryout and wear Emerald Green, here are a few styling options to help you out.

Start Small: The simplest and safest way to experiment with a new colour is by opting for small pieces, aka accessories in that shade. Start with a pair of emerald green earrings or an emerald green tote or emerald green pumps. Once you have found the confidence as well as your comfort zone with the colour you can invest in bigger pieces.

[The look is a combination of Spring Summer 2013 three biggest trends: Bright Yellow, Stripes and Monochrome]

Colour Block with Contrasting Shades: Ever since colour blocking was discovered and made into a trend it has been a hot fave of the fashion world. A great way to mix ’n’ match bold and rich colours of your choice to create striking look. If you think you can rock a color block look, pair your emerald green piece with contrasting shades such as blue, purple, yellow and orange.

Balance With Monochrome and Neutrals: One of the best ways to style a bright hue is to mix it with neutrals. Pair it with a classic monochrome black and white combo (IT trend of the season) or neutral shades such as brown, grey, beige and navy. The neutral colours balance out the ensemble without diluting the charm or taking away the attractive quality of the main colour.

The trick to styling emerald green is by balancing out the ensemble’s colour palette as per your preference and picking a look most suited for you body structure and personal taste.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute stated, “The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,”
This year along with nature, emerald green is going to be the most abundant hue of the fashion world too.

What do you think of Pantone's pick for Colour of the Year 2013? And how would style emerald green? Share your views with me in the comment section.

This post was written by me as a guest blog post for Shop InOnIt's Style Blog.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

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Trend Spotting: Colored Jeans

One fine day, the quite boy who has been working with you for the past 3 years, shows up looking like a corporate version of Ryan Gosling! Shocker!!! What do you do, other that stop in your tracks, stare and take notice of him like you're seeing him for the very first time. Well, that’s exactly how this new trend has taken-over and made its impact on the world of fashion. For years and years we all have worn jeans like second skin, but for the first time we are actually giving them insane amount of attention {Almost at par with Kate and William’s wedding coverage}. Why so you ask? Because designers’ world over decided to add some serious colour to our otherwise uniform indigo/blue jeans, and offer us a complete new way of wearing a classic piece of garment.
So, the next time you're off to buy a new pair of jeans, make them a coloured pair.[Images Via Top:1,2,3,4,5,6 Bottom:1,2,3,4,5,6]

While selecting colored jeans for the first time, keep in mind:
1.Pick a color you're most comfortable in. There is no point buying one in a colour you won't wear and that will eventually been seen adorning your closet instead of you! If you’re not a colour person; and want to try this trend, then start with shades similar to classic denim like navy or dark brown. If you are a colour lover like me then the world is your coloured denim oyster. From in-your-face neons to soft pastels the colour variety is endless.

Note to self: Pick a colour you will wear more than five times.

2.The same rule of picking a pair of good, well-fitted jeans apply here too. They must fit very well on your waist, hips, butt, and crotch. No bulging, sagging, hanging, please. Remember, an ill fitted colored jeans will not only look bad but attract unwanted attention on places you don’t want to flaunt. The fit is of paramount importance.

3.Colored jeans are a statement piece, therefore the cut and style should be flattering to your body type. Finally, make sure along with the colour and fit, the fabric and the overall finish of the jeans is up to your liking. 

For the colour experimenters, here are some of my styling suggestions for bright and bold coloured jeans.

[More information on these pieces here.]

Different ways to style Colored Jeans
1.Mix it with Neutrals: The safest way is to pair your colored denims with neutral shade-black, white, grey, nude, beige, ect. Any coloured pair-bright or light- would look amazing with a white button-front shirt or a tan blouse or a black tank. For a night out you can spice up the look by pairing it with a metallic top.

For example, I have paired scarlet red skinnies with silver grey beaded top- it is a regular grey and red outfit, with a trendy twist! Glam-up this look with a complimenting purple clutch and black and white earrings and stilettos. Or if you're in a mood for soft shades, then pair lime green jeans with a light brown pussy-bow blouse. Because the base of the outfit is so classic looking, polish the look off with bold accessories such as printed bag and cuff bracelet. Throw on a pair of bright coloured sandals and your good to go!

2.Pair it with a Print: Prints are having a major moment this summer-ranging from classic floral to nautical stripes to funky tribal and many more. The beauty of prints is that they can be styled  in a casual as well as formal way.

The cobalt blue jeans plus colorful stripe top and a contrast colour shoulder bag and bangles is perfect for a casual outing. While for a more sophisticated or semi-formal look combine a tribal print blouse with lilac jeans, chunky jewelry and taupe wedges. The beauty of coloured denims is that they work very well with western as well as Indo-Western wear. Style an embellished ikat print tunic {kurti} with salmon colored jeans and gold earrings and sandals, and you have the perfect ensemble for a dinner with the in-laws.

3.Try Colourblocking: Another fun way to rock your colored jeans is to pair them with another colour piece. You can pair colours from the same harmonies-cool colours, warm colours, pastel on pastel ect- or you can pair contrast colours. Opting for a colour combination that works well, pair canary yellow jeans with a pink {floral} top for a brilliant colour-block look. The outfit is a statement on its own, therefore finish this look with classic jewelry and bag.

 If bright colour is not your style; have no fear, you can always opt for soft and candy coloured jeans.

[More information on these pieces here.]
Whether you like to wear then bright and bold or soft and light there is a coloured pair that is bound to whet your style appetite! 
{For some more coloured denim styling options check out how to style tangerine, mint green, pale pink, neon yellow and neon pink jeans}

What's your take on this trend? And which coloured jeans has your name on it? Share your views with me in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la,

 Amena!!

 Connect With Fashionopolis on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe

email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

{Featured On Links À La Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup,May 10th}

Trend Spotting: Bright Coloured Tights.

Don’t you just wish you could somehow wear your pretty summer dresses in the cold season! That there was a magical garment that would look great paired with skirts and shorts while keeping you warm and winter chic at the same time. Well ladies, the fashion Gods have heard our prayers and granted us with winter seasons must have accessory- Bright Coloured Tights.

Trust me,nothing says hot quite like a pair of bright coloured tights. Thanks to winter’s hottest trend we can ingeniously carry forward our summer wardrobe into the chilly winter season.

[Image Courtesy: 1,2,3,4]

You ask, what makes these simple been-around-for-ages piece of hosiery a sudden must have item?

For starters, unlike the old-school sheer skin tone tights, the bright coloured ones are opaque, making them convenient to pair with dress, shorts and skirts in the winter months. Along with being inexpensive, they also are very easy to play around and mix and match with. The same pair can be worn with a number of clothes, on a number of ocassions and still offer a fresh look. From bold and vibrant shades to demure and subtle tones, this trend has something for everyone.

Girls, what are you waiting for! Don’t hide your legs this winter. Flaunt them colourfully!!

[Collage Source]

How's a girl to choose between so many oh-so-fab and stunning colours,'sigh'. So, is this trend gonna be your winter style statement? Are you ready to rock a pair of bright coloured tights? Share your views regarding this trend in the comment section.

Till then, tra-la. 
Amena!!

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email- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

{Featured on Links À La Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup (January 19)}