Style Guide Winner | September

vintage teacups | project sarafan
nesting bowls | romy and clare
8x10 photograph | one december
feather ring | double ele

Every month we hold a Style Guide Challenge where we ask our amazing curator's to build collections around a common theme. This month's theme was all about Fall Color, which was inspired by Pantone's Fall 2013 color palette. The challenge was entitled A Riot of Color or Just a Pop, where the challenge was to either go crazy with color or go neutral with just a hint of color. The winner of our challenge becomes our Guest Stylist on Pinterest the following month where they get to show off their individual style and share with your their favorite finds throughout the internet.

Incite a Riot was a play off of our Just a Pop theme. Jenn took a monochromatic palette and infused it with a riot of color with just one colorful image.

orange | sugartowne
coin purse | oktak
dahlia flower | paper altar
color block pillows | jillian rene decor

Cinne went the opposite direction of Jenn with Pop Color Riot. Her bold and colorful palette uses some of the colors of the season like koi, turbulence and deep rich yellow.

ceramic necklace | karo art
metallic tote bag | independent reign
love notebook | the black spruce
mosaic belt buckle | romy and clare

Helen played up a variety of neutrals like lichen and camel, but all with a shiny metallic element, in Metallic Neutrals.

watercolor painting | fiona zakka
charcoal soap | lebotanicals
ring | le chien noir jewelry
scarf | project sarafan

As this was a challenge, we have to have a winner, someone who really captured the feeling of this seasons Fall Colors.  Our winner is Kim of Semi Sweet Studios! Her collection entitled, Pantone 19-4215: Turbulence, focused on the deep gray tone for this season.

See you next month for our next style guide challenge!

Fall 2013 || Color Focus: Turbulence

Revving up for Fall?  It all starts with the right accessories and color palette.  Using Pantone's colors as I guide, I am exploring each color with some of my favorite finds from Etsy. This color focus is all about Turbulence or what I like to call a dark and stormy gray.  I think every season needs a good gray as a neutral and this one is perfect for fall since it's a deep tone and mixes very well with acai, koi, and vivacious.  Do you see turbulence in your future? 

Turbulence:

1. raindrops coin purse by oktak

2. botanical prints by 88 editions

3. silk color block pillow by Jillian Rene Decor

4. paris cafe photo by The Paris Print Shop

5. gray tote bag by Independent Reign

Fall 2013 || Color Focus: ACAI

It's finally here, well almost here at least officially. I am talking about Fall/Autumn or whatever you may call it.  I've said this many times before but it is my absolutely favorite season of the year with Spring being number two.  With the new season comes new and fun colors to explore.  Pantone has released it's fall color palette and I am going to be sharing my favorite items on Etsy that show off these fabulous fall colors. First up is Acai, a deep purple, which always seem to be a hallmark of fall fashion. 

Acai:
1. circus pillow by knit frekkles
2. floral silk scarf by Cinne Worthington
3. fifties brooch by Trees 4 the Wood
4. color block planter by Sea & Asters
5. purple pillow boxes by Green Bug Marketplace

Shades of RUST

My favorite time of year is just around the corner! Cooler temp's and cozy clothes and warm tones means Fall has arrived.  One of my very favorite colors is Rust, which is no surprise since I love anything orange. I've picked out some pillows that incorporate various shades of rust.  By adding seasonal color, through something like a pillow, you can help get your favorite lounge area ready for Fall.  What's your favorite shade of rust?

Shades of Rust Pillow Collection:

watercolor pillow | Created by Storm

industrial rust |  Catino Creations

aya pattern |  melongings

skinny stripes | Jillian Rene Decor 

Color Focus || Summer White

Now that Summer is just around the corner it's time to freshen up your home and wardrobe.  There is no other color that feels more summery to me than white. I know that white can sound boring, but pair it up with anything and it looks fabulous. Don't forget that there are lots and lots of shades of white, just look at just the five that I picked out. How will you incorporate white into your Summer?

Summer Whites:
1. set of 3 white triangle shelves || Perrodin Supply Co.
2. simple tote bag in stone || Independent Reign
3. white footed bowl || L & M Studio
4. hand knit wrap in white || Elena Rosenberg
5. pendant light || Filigree Creations

Color Focus || Ocean Water

Now that Summer is just around the corner, I've got my mind on a nice beach getaway. The cool ocean breezes, the sound of the waves, the sand between your toes, etc. How can you resist?  That's why my color palette is all about Ocean Water. Not only are these items gorgeous shades of blue they are also perfect for getting into beach mode.  

Where is your favorite beach escape? Mine is the panhandle of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.

Ocean Water:

1. blue and white chevron tote bag || Made by Nanna

2. a whale of a time all occasion card || Toodles Noodles

3. blue mod vintage sunglasses || Miss Farfalla

4. ceramic fish wall art || Karo Art

5. nautical photography 8x10 || Pure Nature Photos

It's May - Bring on the Emerald Tones!

If you're celebrating a birthday this month, then lucky you - emerald is your birthstone!  What's not to love about his gorgeous green color that radiates warmth and the lushness of this time of year?  There are many ways to enjoy this emerald color - from wearing the stone in a piece of jewelry to adding a touch to your decor with a throw pillow!  I've selected 5 cool emerald tone items from my list of favorites to give you an idea of where to begin and help get you inspired!  And remember, even if it's not your birthday this month - you can still enjoy this amazing color with any of these items below!


1.  Emerald Prong Ring || La Chica de los Anillos
2.  Emerald Green Geometric Clutch || oktak
3.  16 x 20 Paris Photography || The Paris Print Shop
4.  Swallow Print Decorative Pillow || Cloth & Ink
5.  Green Ombre Tribal Arrow Necklace || A Quiet Curiosity

Color Focus | Not so Mellow Yellow

It's now officially Spring and this Spring it's all about color. The brighter and bolder the better.  I thought the neon trend from last year was a one season thing, but everywhere I look neon is staring me in the face and I am kind of in love with it. If you want to dive right into Spring then go with a bold yellow.  It will put a smile on your face and little sunshine in your life. No mellow yellow allowed. It's all about going BOLD!


Color Focus Favorites:
1. Little Fox || Gingiber
2. Ranunculus || The Paris Print Shop
3. Arrow Necklace || A Quiet Curiosity
4. Vintage Bolero || Nemres
5. Striped Tote | Bayan Hippo

Color Focus | Floral Patterns in Purple ( or perhaps Red Bud)

The beginning of Spring to me always starts with those first blooms on our red bud trees. That hot pink- fuchsia- purple color that bursts forth around mid February means Spring has begun.  I started to post this as a floral pattern roundup and then realized that all the flowers I had picked out reminded of the colors on the red bud tree. I guess it only makes sense as spring is officially only two weeks away + floral pattern is hot right now. Don't these shades of purple and pink make you excited about a fresh new season? Let the garden lounging begin!

Color Focus Favorites:
1.  Retro Dress 1940's Floral || Let's Backtrack
2.  Hellebore Flower Photograph || Pure Nature Photos
3.  Silk Scarf || By Cinne Worthington
4.  Spring Clutch || Mama Bleu Designs
5.  Green Dress || Assaf Pelleg

Celebrate Spring with Yellow!

1.  1950 Prom Dress by zwzzy
2.  Yellow Stud Earrings by Ear Sugar
3.  iPhone Cover Case in Yellow by Red Tile Studio
4.  Personalized Yellow Clutch Set by Mama Bleu Designs

One of the first signs of spring here in Maine would be blooming daffodils and forthysia.  What do they both have in common?  They're yellow!  It's March 1st and even though we still have a good 8-10 inches of snow on the ground, in my heart I am feeling the coming of spring.  I love how the color yellow comes exploding onto the landscape and welcomes the awakening of the Earth as we begin our seasonal shift into summer.  To help awaken the spirit of spring, I've put together 4 yellow colored Etsy finds!  Each one brings a little bit of sunshine into my heart and reminds me that underneath the white snow, spring is patiently waiting!

What does the color yellow remind you of?

  

Color Focus: Coral, Coral, Coral

It seems like everywhere I turn I see coral. Ok maybe not literally, but it's out there and I find it inspiring. I guess it reminds me that Spring is just around the corner or maybe it's the fact that I don't really like pink, but when you add a bit of orange to it I love it!  The best part for me as a color lover is that it mixes so well with mint or navy blue. I think those color combinations are absolutely scrumptious and look good every Spring no matter the year. Of the five shades above, I think number 3 is my favorite. Do you have a crush on coral?

Color Focus Favorites:
1. Elena Dress || TKarambol
2. Orabella Lace Earrings || Branchbound
3. Stay Awesome Notepad || Toodles Noodles
4. Stoneware Bird Sculpture || Studio by the Forest
5. Chinoiserie Floral Pillow Case || Giardino

White, White Everywhere - I Need COLOR!

1.  Bright Stripe Infinity Scarf by Seven White Rabbits
2. Geometric Leather Stud Earrings by Boo and Boo Factory
3.  Sterling Silver and Polypropylene Bracelet by mabotte
4. Ceramic Turquoise and Orange Bead Necklace by Orly Design

After living in Maine for nearly 16 years, you'd think I'd get used to the idea that there are really only 3 winter colors here: brown, green and white.  The many pines trees break up the otherwise brown landscape and after our big weekend storm, everything has been magically covered in a massive white blanket.  It's right about this time of year that I start to yearn and ache for some color!  So, I'm giving myself a healthy dose of some bright and juicy color here in my post - it feels like a shot of sunshine in my veins!  I love wearing bold and colorful accessories and each of my above picks meet those criteria - those cute leather earrings are especially intriguing.  I literally have a scarf for every season; from light silk scarves to heavy wool scarves.  However, I have yet to add a circle scarf to my collection and so I picked out this colorful stiped infinity scarf by Chelsea of Seven White Rabbits for it's hip and modern look.   I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to shedding my wool sweater, shearling slippers and thermal underwear!

Nectarine and Poppy Red | Pantone Color for Spring

We've reached the last of the Pantone 2013 Spring Colors and it's been quite a journey.  Our final two colors are Poppy Red and Nectarine. Both are punchy and fun and work great together or with a neutral like gray or linen. These colors are definitely not subdued and will make a statement. From a little red dress to a color block pillow, it's easy to incorporate these colors into your Spring!

Poppy Red and Nectarine picks:

1. Red Poppies Print | Calamari Studio
2. Poppy and Hedgehog Mobile | Studio by the Forest
3. Orange Plaid Leggings | I Heart Fink
4. Orange Dahlia's Print | Pure Nature Photos
5. Orange Serving Bowl | Karo Art
6. Color Block Pillow | Jillian Rene Decor
7. Photo Locket | So Little Time Co.
8. Red Dress | Assaf Pelleg
9. Messenger Bag | Bayan Hippo

Lemon Zest and Linen | More Pantone Colors for Spring

Yellow is the quintessential Spring color. It's always fresh, cheerful and welcoming no matter the season.  Lemon Zest is Pantone's yellow for 2013.  It reminds me of daffodils and other early spring blooms.  This color just screams, "Spring is Here"!

a zest of lemon: (from left to right)

hounds tooth print pillow | giardino
yellow ceramic bowl | karo art
brass ring | la chica de los anillos
screen printed sweatshirt | zwzzy
polymer clay stud earrings | a quiet curiosity
yellow cafe chairs | the paris print shop
double mail holder with key hooks | pig and fish
lino print cards | trees 4 the wood
yellow tree | pure nature photos
personalized clutch | mama bleu designs

Named after the lightweight fabric and perhaps the perfect neutral for those warmer days,
Linen goes well with everything. Mix it with other subtle tones or play it up with poppy citrus brights. Pantone's Linen is your Spring must have neutral.

fresh linens: ( from left to right)

sculptural heart pendant | peiffer studios
botanical print | 88 editions
tumbled marble coasters | one december
zipper pillow cover | all things white
sculptural planter | l and m studio
striped top | assaf pelleg
linen purse | oktak
vintage linen table set | lovintage finds
table lamp | filigree creations
fiber jewelry | elena rosenberg

Pantone 2013 | Cool Tones : Monaco Blue, African Violet, Dusk Blue

Are you ready for more Spring color?  I featured Pantone's color picks for 2013 starting with colors from the Green family a couple weeks ago. This week we dive into those color tones of blue and purple.

Monaco Blue is very similar to a Royal Blue with a splash of Navy. It's a bit more fashion friendly than Tangerine Tango and meshes very well with Dusk Blue, Grayed Jade and Emerald.

Monaco Blue :
hand printed linen table runner | Giardino
infinity scarf | Seven White Rabbits
felt flower pillow cover | Jillian Rene Decor

Purple has never been my favorite color, but African Violet, Pantone's Purple choice for 2013 is a great accent color. I especially like it paired with Grayed Jade. I would have assumed it would have been a bit darker since it has violet in the name, but to me it leans toward lavender. Either way, I think it works well with most colors in the 2013 palette.

African Violet :
long sleeve top | Assaf Pelleg
beaded necklace | A Quiet Curiosity
water color painting | Louise Art Studio
hand carved stamp | Creatiate

I will wrap up the cool tones with Dusk Blue.  A very soft blue with lots of gray. I think this color also works very well with Monaco Blue.  I really see this as a perfect wedding color in 2013, don't you?

Dusk Blue :
butterfly clutch | Mama Bleu Designs
wrap top | Lirola
hand printed linen tea towel | Homesteading Roasters

We are halfway through the Pantone 2013 colors. Next up Lemon Zest and Linen!

Pantone 2013 | The Greens

16x20 photograph by The Paris Print Shop
tote bag by Cloth and Ink

It's a new year and it's time to introduce some new colors into our life. Every year Pantone names the color of the year and a whole color palette for us to enjoy. Today I am focusing on the greens. One is the star, another a muted favorite and the last one is bright and fresh. Even if you aren't a trendsetter don't be afraid to show your color style!

Emerald Green is the color of 2013.

A jewel tone that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

billy ball pillow by Jillian Rene Decor
scarf by Knit Frekkles

Grayed Jade is actually one of my favorite colors from the 2013 color palette. I think just about anything with a gray undertone is my favorite color. Grays just work well with everything and this

pastel green is no exception.

purse by Bayan Hippo
wall organizer by Pig and Fish

I think tender shoots is a softer version of chartreuse. This color really screams spring to me and is definitely a happy color that just feels fresh. Bring on Spring!

Stay tuned for this years blues next week.

Honey Gold | Fall Color LOVE

Oh Fall, you are my very favorite. My favorite season, favorite weather, favorite sports, and favorite colors. I think you get the point that I really LOVE this season.  I also love seeing the new Fall colors from Pantone.  I shared with you my fondness for Rose Smoke and now it's Honey Gold's time to shine. This color really exemplifies the season to me. It's a soft mustardy brown and it screams sweater weather is finally here!

How to DO Honey Gold this season:

1. harlequin gold pillow                               5. honey mustard french barrettes

2. autumn gold kraft pillow boxes                  6. autumn leaves photography set

3. gold lace earrings                                   7. golden glam pendant lamp

4. yellow billy ball pillow                             8. brass leaf hair sticks

Rose Smoke | Fall Color LOVE

It's a new season, almost, and I am excited all the new Fall colors. I'm usually not a big fan of pink, but I do have a fondness for Rose Smoke. It's a soft pink that's a mix of salmon and peach and I find it very refreshing.  I think it looks great with gray and even copper.  This shade of pink might have just won me over. What do you think about Rose Smoke?

How to DO Rose Smoke this Fall:

1. brass ring with pink zirconia                     5. felted rose brooch

2. copper and pink necklace                         6. honey rose bronze lip gloss

3. orchid vines pillow cover                         7. feather and lace headband

4. rose gold dangle earrings                          8. photography art set

Color Focus: Golden Glow- A Spring Color Palette

featured:
photography by Amanda Rae K
shrug by Woolbridge
necklace by Lunarbelle

What inspires you? When creating treasuries or what I like to call mini galleries of some my favorite finds on Etsy I usually find an inspiration piece and build around it. The key to creating a cohesive collection is your theme + color palette.  Kelly of 88 editions collection, entitled Lace, is a perfect example of a building around an inspiration piece (lace) and using a cohesive color palette ( what I am calling Golden Glow).  I love how she chose such subtle and delicate colors that also mimic the unique quality of lace.  Find your inspiration and start creating something beautiful. 

Lacestitch Shrug Woolbridge $118.00	Mustard Lace Earrings - Maru... branchbound $20.00	Love Lace back raglan button... stylemadehere $64.99	Long Coat - Brocade and Velv... romilochdavis $2200.00
Hand Crochet Gold Lace Brooc... sukran $32.90	Flowers Butterfly -papercut ... MimimiCards $10.00	Cobweb Shawl Scarf Stole Nat... frenchfelt $69.00	Crochet Candy Trapeze Jabot leninka $59.00
Verdigris Ornate Crescent Bo... lunarbelle $32.50	Ice Queen Pastel Hand Dyed F... DaughterShop $40.00	white cream shawl triangle c... annerstreet $38.00	nature photography mustard y... AmandaRaeK $28.00
Statement Necklace - Heirloo... GlowsShop $42.00	lace earrings -LEILA- ombre whiteowl $22.00	Crochet ROSE gold wire band ... Yoola $44.00	Crochet Gold Filled Wire and... Galit $150.00

Treasury tool supported by three quick questions