Fall 2012 Color Trends

I hate to say this, but Fall is just around the corner. I'm trying to get myself excited about it, so I've been looking into trends and checking out F/W 2012 lookbooks. I always use color as my starting point, so it goes without saying that I've been referring to Pantone's Fashion Color Report a lot.

I needed a place to collect my "thoughts", so I started a collection on SocialBliss. Here are a few of my favorites:

"French Roast" Pantone 19-1012: Polka Dot pants from J.Crew

Honey Gold and Ultramarine Green at Kate Spade

"Olympian Blue" Pantone 19-4056: Viv Patent Flats from J.Crew

Rose Smoke" Pantone 14-1506: Chloe F/W 2012

"Tangerine Tango" Pantone 17-1463: As seen at VersaceF/W 2012

Note: Tangerine Tango is Pantone's Color of the Year!

Update: Cee brought up a good point in a comment on this post: Are these really Fall colors? They seem too bright. Well, my argument is that, yes, I think these work for Fall. Maybe not all together, and maybe you won't really feel like wearing them till later, but when you get sick of black and brown, these colors will be a nice pick-me-up for your wardrobe. Still having trouble imagining how to wear them? Think mod-meets-cocktail-party, like at Kate Spade in the F/W 2012 collection. 

Personally, I don't like how the colors look all grouped together, and I'm not a huge fan of Pink Flambe or Rhapsody (the pink and purple circles), but I know, once I've had my fill of navy and burgundy, a shift dress in Tangerine Tango will be just the thing! 

For more Fall Color Trend reading:

Color Trends: Fall/Winter 2012

Look of the Day: expletives

There were many expletives in use today. It was that kind of angry where you just start crying instead of yelling. The whole reason: I've discovered that my new camera doesn't fit on my tripod. WTF, right? Oh, I'm sorry, was making it a standard size too troublesome for you, Fuji? Funny, it fits my other 4 cameras, even my SLR! Such a pain in my ass.

For now, I'm back to using my old camera for outfit photos. These turned out nicely, though, which helped calm me down.

The dress is new-ish and was one of those magical, meant-to-be finds. I had been thinking "I want a dress just like that one Alexa Chung wore in Elle magazine." I even painted a picture of it, but I messed up the face, so I haven't posted it (serves me right for not using watercolor paper). One day I was browsing Value Village with my mom, and there it was! Or at least, there was its short-sleeved cousin! And just my size, too!

Perfect mod coolness.

Anne Taylor Petites Dress - Forever21 moto jacket - Kate Spade ipad case - Xhiliration patent flats - American Apparel tights

better.

Finally, everything is coming up Catie! If that doesn't make any sense, it's a Simpsons reference. Millhouse said something similar once. Anyway, things are starting to go very well for me.



After nearly a year of foot problems, my feet are finally starting to feel better. I've completely cut coffee out of my life (sigh) because it causes inflammation and I'm seeing an acupuncturist. After trying everything else, I didn't think it would work. I was wrong! Acupuncture is magic!! I have my second appointment tomorrow, which I'm hoping will go well. You see, I'm pretty terrified of needles. Like get-up-and-run-out-of-the-dentists-office terrified. My aunt, who works at the acupuncturist's office, didn't think I would actually come in for it, but I did! Christie, if you're reading this, thanks for telling her I blacked out when I got my ears pierced!



I don't know if I'll ever be able to wear heels again, but I am so, so thankful to just be pain free. It's nice to have a little break from that whole ordeal.

On top of improvements in health, I've been approached for more features and a collaboration; two things that are always welcome! And I have all you lovely readers :) It feels good to be a part of this community.

P.S.

A little shout-out to my Uncle Paul and Aunt Anita who made my latest Forever21 shopping spree a possibility :)

In theses photos:

Forever21 jacket & stockings

Forever21 sheer blouse

H&M cotton mini dress

DKNY fishnets

Kate Spade iPad case

Aldo shoes

January, supposedly.

After dealing with crazy weather 3 years in a row, I was really prepared to get snowed in again (it only takes like 2 inches). So far, not one flake. Instead we get days like yesterday. 49 degrees and sunny. Apparently, the rest of the country is experience this, too. It just doesn't feel like winter.

Apart from that, Happy New Year! What are you looking forward to most this year? I, for one, am bound and determined to start seeing some improvement in my feet. That is what I'm looking forward to (cross your fingers). I will never wear heels again, but I will be satisfied with just being pain-free. It puts quite a damper on my blogging, as I'm sure regular readers have noticed.

I got these pictures as we were heading out the door yesterday. The cardigan is new and was free with the use of my Chic Points on Chictopia.com. I really love the black piping around the edge.

You know what else I'm looking forward to? The February issue of Glamour Magazine. You know why? Because I made it in!!! The section I'm in was suppose to be in the November 2011 issue, and I figured they ran out of room or I didn't make it. Then, last month, I got word. I feel pretty accomplished. They sought me out for this and I made the final cut. Pretty damn affirming :) Remember, hard work always pays off. Keep blogging, keep writing, keep doing whatever it is that you love!

In this photo:
Tisvin cardigan
Zella leggings
Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Kate Spade iPad case

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for IT

gifts for all by fleur-d-elise on polyvore.com

This gift guide has no gender. Maybe you need a gift for a couple or for a whole family, or maybe you just need ideas for someone you don't know very well on a personal basis, like your boss. Well, this is the guide for you!

1. Crate and Barrel Goodies $5-$22
Crate and Barrel has great general purpose gifts. Their gourmet Christmas goodies are always a hit, because everyone likes food! Everything is relatively affordable and comes festively packaged which is perfect if you're hurrying off to a holiday party and need a last-minute gift.

2. Heifer International $10+
Heifer International is a non-profit organization that provides livestock to poor families in the US and around the World. This gift is great for someone who already has everything or a family that is interested philanthropy. You can "buy" anything from a share in a sheep to an entire "Ark" of animals, which will then be sent to a struggling family in your friend's honor. The organization also accepts monthly donations.

3. Kate Spade Leather Cleaner $10
Most people own something made of leather and every once in a while it needs to be cleaned. This gift is for that practical person on your list. Maybe it's your aunt or your older brother, or maybe you are just trying to encourage your younger sister to take care of her stuff for once! This leather cleaner is perfect for cleaning smooth and patent leathers and can also be used on vinyls!

4. Kate Spade Domino Set $30
I swear, this is the last Kate Spade item. There are just so many great gifts on that site! This set of dominoes is perfect for a family with kids or anyone who likes to play games. Fun, affordable, and can be played by all ages.

Holiday Gift Guide: Ladies

gifts for ladies by fleur-d-elise featuring a cotton beret

Buying for the ladies in your life probably isn't as hard as buying for the men, but just in case, I've come up with a list of things I think would make great gifts (i.e. I want them all).

1. Kate Spade Rain or Shine Mug $20
This is my favorite thing on the list. Who wouldn't want one of these?! They're made by Lenox (ooh la la) and at only $20, it's waaay cheaper than what the tote bag version of this design costs.

2. J.Crew Edie Purse $238
Ok, so I imagine at $238 this isn't something you are going to be buying for all your best girl friends, but maybe put it on your own Christmas list...

3. Diptyque 'Roses' Scented Oval $45
This would make a great gift for a special lady, like your mom or grandma. The loop makes it perfect for hanging in a closet and the scent lasts for 3 months. Visit the Nordstrom website to find matching candles and other scents.

4. Weleda Everon Lip Balm $5
I am wearing this lip balm right now! It's my favorite. All-natural, high quality ingredients leave your lips soft and healthy. Real vanilla and rose oils give it a delicate scent and at $5 it makes a great gift or stocking stuffer!

5. American Apparel Beret $20
This cotton beret comes in 4 colors and the wool version comes in 13 colors! The cotton version isn't quite as stiff as the wool and has a more relaxed fit. Both are adorable, though!

6. American Apparel Turtleneck Crop Top $28
This gift is especially perfect for any fashionistas you may know. The cropped style pairs perfectly with high waisted garments. Made from spandex jersey, this sleeveless top is also great for layering. Comes in 8 colors.

7. Kate Spade Hinge Bangle $88
I will never have this kind of money to spend on gifts, but I'm kind of obsessed with everything at Kate Spade right now, so it's on my list.