color story: bright red

image via design lovefest

in a recent post about my newfound appreciation for purple, i mentioned how i used to really, really dislike the color. i never wore purple, and to this day i have almost zero purple pieces in my closet. (that's about to change as i begin my spring shopping, but i digress.)

i could say the same thing about bright red. i suddenly have an insatiable appetite for ruby accessories, clothes and manicures, in sharp contrast with my once-reluctant attitude towards the "basic" primary hue.

but i'm not talking about brick red, pinkish-red, or blue-tinged red -- only the brightest, punchiest orange-tinged red will do. it's an amped up version of our beloved coral - fresh, feminine and downright playful for the warmer months. from apple-printed ballet flats to a lip-shaped miniaudiere, the color carries a little twinge of humor, and that i cannot resist.

{clockwise from top left: cacharel belt, essie 'ole caliente' polish, paula dorf 'bosa nova' lip color, michael michael kors tote, giuseppe zanotti peep-toe pumps, lulu guinness snakeskin lips clutch, j.crew printed ballet flats}

II emily

color story: purple

i used to love purple... as a child. 
 but until recently, i was not a fan of the color. something about purple just hasn't felt special, nor has it had a proper place in my wardrobe. in high school i couldn't wear purple with other colors without feeling like an 80s jazzercise instructor, and i hated how purple looked against blue jeans and neutrals like black and gray. blah. the color in general just felt very un-chic and uninspired.

however: i'm now reconsidering. this season's extra-bold palette made me a fan of all things colorful, including jewel tones like emerald, deep purple and cobalt blue. the trend is continuing into spring with pastels and neons, and i'm becoming ever more inclined to wear purple in springy hues like bright fuchsia & pale lavender. 
worn with white and camel, the colors pop without being overbearing, and paired with complementary hues like yellow or pink, the effect is soft and feminine.

{clockwise from top left: 3.1 phillip lim top, thierry lasry sunglasses, nixon watch, forever21 nail polish, h&m dress, j.crew pants, current/elliott jeans, current/elliott polka dot skinnies}

naturally, blair eadie (my fave) sparked my newfound interest in bright purple and its infinite combinations; mixed with neons, animal print, neutrals or bold jewelry, she's successfully convinced me of purple's resurgence on the fashion frontier:

{images via atlantic-pacific}

II emily

color story: kelly green

{form top left: malene birger dress, dolce & gabbana bag, norma kamali bikini, tibi pants, unknown ring, repetto flats, willow tank}

i've never been a huge kelly green person. in fact, i can only name one or two pieces in my closet that are any shade of green. not only is bright green somewhat unusual to find in stores, but i've just never considered it for my skin tone, style or personality.

however.

this spring, things are completely different. kelly green is everywhere and i'm predicting it will be a hot color for months to come. it's rich, bold, and perfectly unexpected - i can guarantee you'd be the only one wearing an emerald sequined dress at your next soiree. it's just quirky and ironic enough to feel fresh and modern, yet not overly trendy.

not to mention it reminds me of the pretty flowers, fresh cut grass, and minty refreshments of spring. #21days

II emily

color story: turquoise

{earrings / phone case / scarf / pumps / clutch / ring {obsessed} / swimsuit / necklace}

i can't really explain why color has felt so extra-inspirational lately -- maybe it's my escalating anticipation for spring + warmer weather? i'm literally itching to pull out my new floral jeans and rock my brightest spring brights.

regardless of what's causing my color craze, turquoise has always been one of my absolute favorite hues. from rough-hewn turquoise stones to especially-saturated clothing items (how hashtag-totes-amaze is that furry coat?!) the color feels rich, luxurious, and perfectly oceanic.

ps - if you didn't catch that hashtag joke, i suggest you watch this video.

II emily

color story: blush pink

{runway: bottega veneta / sunglasses: thierry lasry / bag: miu miu / vest: karl / bracelet: j.crew / jacket: j.crew / flats: lanvin / jeans: current/elliott}

currently feeling extra inspired by the girliest color of all time: pink. 

bright pink was everywhere this fall; i must admit i invested in more than a few statement pieces, from fuchsia flats to a wooly neon cardigan. but as spring gets closer, i'm gravitating more towards pastel pink, which is both on-trend and delightfully reminiscent of fluffy cotton candy. double-win. 

i'm already thinking about pairing the color with other soft hues like aqua, mint, and grey.  but don't go on a complete sugar high; you have to temper a candy-colored ensemble with neutral accessories (or none at all). this isn't the time to break out your rainbow arm party!

or you could always just follow in karl lagerfeld's chic footsteps and toughen up sugary-sweet icy pink by slapping it onto a moto vest and adding black leather accents. bam - completely new vibe. 

II emily