-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Anthropologie, Rockefeller Center

In the most dreary of New York City snowscapes, a bent orange cone or neon colored beanie adds a splash of color to an unusually slushy commute. Above neutral, Earth is full of color in fading and contrasting hues. What about space and beyond? Are the colors equally vibrant, distinct and numerous? This week, both Anthropologie's color theory windows and the Netherlands-based Mars One project fuel my fascination, as they hint at limitless opportunities within a realistic world. Keep reading for more...   

CRAZY, COLORFUL, COOL : Q&A WITH CAMILLE HARDWICK

Camille Hardwick up close [photo by Ezzidin Alwan, provided by Camille Hardwick]

The United Kingdom credits the craft of fashion with an army of accomplished alumni. From Alexander McQueen to Zac Posen and many more in between, the British art school scene is the birthplace for designers who clothe the fashionably elite. Among this year's graduates, Camille Hardwick attracts attention by pairing color and transparency in knitwear. After presenting at Graduate Fashion Week, Hardwick is chosen to show at the Best of Graduate Fashion Week Awards Show 2014. One of 3 winners in Urban Outfitter's 2014 ARTS THREAD X UO "Make It" design competition, I become acquainted with Hardwick after picking up the limited-run dress produced from her concept. Most recently, Hardwick is a UKHKA 2014 finalist and will be exhibited at Alexandra Palace and Harrogate. Her 2014 collection is currently exhibited in the "visionary" section at the Fashion and Textiles Museum's Knitwear: Chanel to Westwood exhibit. Keep reading for my Q&A with the designer... 

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS-

Something borrowed, something blue… at A|X on 51st Street at 5th Ave.

Statements are made with words, wearables and (possibly) weeks' worth of wondering and wandering. Sometimes the simplest concepts require countless hours of careful contemplation. Conversely, complexity can be configured within a matter of minutes--thanks to technology. This week, textured whites and bolded brights become the bifurcated background of Armani Exchange's Fifth Ave. and Soho stores. Silently surprising or colorfully commanding--how do YOU make a statement?

Color Story: Spring 2014

Image credit: www.pantone.com

With distinguished flair, Radiant Orchid eclipses pale plum and purple passion as 2014's Pantone Color of the Year. Alongside a palette representative of blooming flowers, Pantone emphasizes pastels to evoke feelings of sensual revival and vintage romance. Think Hemlock, Freesia, Paloma, Celosia Orange and Anthropologie-esque style pairings. Designers follow suit with Spring 2014 collections that capture the essence of freedom and confidence with flowing gowns, luxe shifts and sharp shapes. 

For the full lineup of Spring 2014 highlights, check out the PDF or visit Pantone's site.  

NICE NAILS [Part 2 ]! Q&A with NAILED IT

Nailed It's blog header [source]

Kate Spade's spots and Rebecca Minkoff's double french manicures on the Fall 2012 runway inspired my impulsive foray into nail art. In browsing DIY tutorials, I stumbled on Katy Parsons' blog Nailed It and have been hooked ever since! Katy is a self-taught nail artist and owner of over 800 bottles of nail polish. Her blog, Nailed It is a repository of nail art ideas, product trials and how-to's. Recently, I had the chance to catch up with Ms. Parsons. Keep reading to find out what she has to say about her favorite polish colors, challenging nail art and where she finds inspiration for her designs...

PAOLA NAVONE : EAST MEETS WEST AT ANTHROPOLOGIE

4 Post Bed with cushions and covering by Paola Navone at Anthropologie, Soho

Pink, polka dots and prints exude energy at the hands of Paola Navone this Spring. Forging a flavorful union inspired by the beauty of India, the Italian architect and designer translates the finest aspects of the Far East into an ecclectic home collection. Celebrating Sunday evening with the opening of an installation at Anthropologie in Soho, Navone showcases her Out of India collection, featuring plenty of pieces to spice up stagnant space!

-WEDNESDAY WINDOWS- (belated)

Bergdorf Goodman, 1.Cuben wallpaper by Simon Page, 2. Standard chair by Jean Prouve 3. Etch Light Wave pendant light by Tom Dixon

Style and design choices represent who we are just as much as any other life decisions. The way we furnish our living space--the colors, arrangement and quantity of furniture (and furnishings!)--speak volumes of how we tackle life. Through Tuesday, May 21, Bergdorf supports the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) with a colorful  showcase of exhibitor products in its 57th Street windows. My current take on furniture (and NYC) is modern, but temporary... How about you?

Color Story: Fall 2013

Image credit: www.pantone.com

The verdict is in! Pantone's Fall 2013 Fashion Color Report has been released. Along with Emerald Green, shades of red, blue, grey and purple are being prominently featured on catwalks this fashion week. Spirited hues in the likes of Turbulence (dark grey), Açai (deep regal purple), Koi (spiced orange), Samba (mature red), and Vivacious (dark raspberry pink) are just a few of this Fall's color choices. Fun, yet mysterious, this panel of colors represents a more mature state of their bolder and more youthful counterparts. Interestingly enough, yellow and black are absent from the fall lineup. Have you seen this palette live, in or outside the tents at Lincoln Center? Comment with links!

For Pantone's full scoop, check out the PDF or visit their site.