Showing posts with label pantone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pantone. Show all posts

Thursday, December 28

pinspiration: new year's eve

I recently saw a post where someone described 2017 as "personally, great; internationally; a mess," and I couldn't agree more. While our New Year's Eves tend to skew toward the cozy (our friends plan a night of Minute to Win It games and appetizers), if this year's fashion offerings are any indication we're all dreaming of a little Studio 54 throwback style. Even a cozy night at home needs a little sparkle and glitter, in my opinion. Let's do this, 2018. We're ready.



Monday, June 5

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
SWOON.

FYI.

SMILE.

FLASHBACK.

Tuesday, March 28

pinspiration: niagara blue

So far 2017 is shaping up to be such an exciting year in my life, and I keep feeling like so many of my little steps along the way have led me to precisely this season. In November, I was hired as the instructional coach and coordinator for a new school-within-a-school, the seeds of which were planted long ago. I would not have taken the chance to even apply for the job if not for the confidence I've gained from working with the most amazing team of all-new-to-8th-grade-English teachers this year. All the best things I've done in life have come from choices I've made when I had nothing to lose.


Two weeks ago, my forward momentum came to a grinding halt and balancing two jobs at once became too much for me to bear. Teaching has never been an 8:30-3:30 job for me - it's not just my job but my calling and passion and I am a self-identified workaholic. I love what I do. But adding a lot of research, paperwork, and tasks that delved into the PR and HR fields on top of planning three differentiated lessons a day for 70+ hormonal tweens, scoring 70+ essays on a regular basis, and dealing with all of the IEP progress reports, RTI forms, gradebook deadlines - oh, and being the 8th grade English department chair - my body finally said "nope." What I thought was just a good cry after a stressful conference call and one dropped ball on my part was actually the first sign that I was sick.

I woke up at 3 a.m. the next morning with terrible pains in my stomach. A few hours later, it became abundantly clear that I had norovirus - fever, chills, and all. I had to miss two days of work and lived on saltine crackers and Pedialyte for a week. Through it all, my team - the 5 beautiful ladies I've been mentoring this year - were there for me, helping make sure that my substitutes had the right plans and materials, that my students were behaving and on track, and, once I returned to work, that I really had talked to the powers that be about my workload.


These girls - our group Snapchat name is "Teacherladies" - aren't just my coworkers. They've become some of my dearest friends. I was so heartbroken about my old English team breaking up, but I don't think I've ever connected with a new group of people so quickly. One of the greatest gifts this group of women has brought me has been the invitation to a Bible study consisting of a handful of English teachers, several young pastors, and a handful of other folks in their late 20's and early 30's from a variety of denominations. Oh man, has this group been a blessing for Mr. Q and I. Sitting in a friend's living room last night, arms still sore from an indoor rock climbing adventure we shared this weekend, talking about Jesus and taking communion and cuddling with dogs, I was just so thankful that the Lord restores my soul - even if it takes getting knocked down by my immune system to know that restoration needs to happen.

Tuesday, October 11

Pinspiration: Lush Meadow Green for Fall 2016

As most of you know, I'm a sucker for Pantone's seasonal color reports. I love seeing which colors the experts predict will dominate the runways and how those trends manifest in my favorite stores. Autumn is my favorite season for fashion - I love, love, love sweaters, scarves, knit dresses, tights, books, and jackets. One of my favorite fashion colors this fall is the rich green Pantone calls Lush Meadow (LOFT calls it Ponderosa Pine, and at Old Navy it's Winter Spruce). Here's some of my current inspiration:






What are your go-to colors for fall?

Wednesday, March 30

Pinspiration: Let's get away...

One of the shades I'm loving for my spring wardrobe is the perfect tan Pantone calls "iced coffee." Fashion has taken on a 70's vibe this year which lends itself perfectly to my dreams of someday driving alongside the California coast with Joni Mitchell on the stereo... happy Spring Break, y'all!


Tuesday, March 1

Oscars 2016: Favorite Trends

This year's Oscar red carpet was a true reflection of current fashion trends, with several of Pantone's colors of the year for 2016 seen on leading ladies - and gentlemen. After SO MUCH TAUPE last year, it was refreshing to see lovely jewel tones dominating the fashion coverage. Here are some of the major color trends that went from the runway to the red carpet. For image sources, check out my Pinterest board (and pin from there rather than from this post, please!)

Best Dressed

Soft colors will always win me over (like Anna Kendrick's simple coral halter dress from last year), and this year I was infatuated with Cate Blanchett's gown in a color Pantone calls Limpet Shell. The appliques make it similar to the dress she wore to the 2014 awards, which makes sense - both are Armani Prive and make her look like a princess. The shape is so flattering on her and the color is gorgeous on her.

Blue Violet


My favorite colors made a big impact on the red carpet this year - Best Actress winner Brie Larsen wore a ruffled dress with a camisole neckline, and Mindy Kaling's black sheath dress featured a blue violet train that was really unique and lovely.


Naomi Watts and Tina Fey both rocked purple on the red carpet. I think this is the most elegant I've ever seen Tina looked and I liked how both leading ladies paired their strapless dresses with statement necklaces.

Trendy Taupe

This shade of cerulean has been dubbed Snorkel Blue and was spotted on both ladies and gentlemen at this year's Oscars. Both Sofia Vergara and Patricia Arquette chose flattering shapes in this color that looks beautiful on every complexion.


I have gone on record in totally loving dudes in blue tuxes (see Jason Sudeikis in 2014 and Eddie Redmayne last year). Among the handsome gentlemen wearing Snorkel Blue with black were Aaron Rodgers (escorting girlfriend Olivia Munn) and Best Actor nominee Mark Ruffalo. Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Michael Strahan also wore this color on the red carpet.

Classic Black



A black gown is always appropriate for Oscar night, and Jennifer Garner's was one of my absolute favorite looks of the night - so elegant. I also liked Julianne Moore's gown with geometric accents.

White Florals


Isla Fischer and Priyanka Chopra would both look great wearing paper bags, but look so lovely in white dresses with floral motifs. Isla's dress features romantic chiffon, while Priyanka's was figure-hugging, sheer, and J. Lo-worthy.

Marsala Shades


Variations of 2015's Pantone Color of the Year are still very popular at Hollywood events. I loved television host Zuri Hall's form-fitting gown and unique necklace, and Chrissy Teigen continues to be the most fabulous pregnant person probably ever.


Copper and champagne were the trendy metallic shades at last year's Oscars, but this year the pendulum swung back to classic silver and gold. Margot Robie clearly loves 70's-inspired dresses with plunging necklines and tassel details - her look this year hit many of the same notes as the black dress she wore last year. Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Daisy Ridley wore a silver tea-length sheath that was elegant and youthful.

What were your favorite looks at this year's Oscars?

Tuesday, December 8

clicks of note: leave a light on...

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.
  • My all-time favorite singer songwriter, Marc Broussard, has a new Christmas album out this year. In addition to beautiful, soulful versions of traditional hymns, the record includes two original songs. I've been playing "Almost Christmas" on repeat.


    SMILE.

    FLASHBACK.

    Tuesday, July 21

    Summer Trend: Boho Tassels Under $50

    The summer trend I am most obsessed with right now is tassels on everything - jewelry, purses, shoes, you name it - so for this week's style post, I've paired some of my favorite on-sale summer pieces that can easily transition from vacation to the office with the perfect tassel accessories. Best of all, since there are some awesome end-of-summer sales going on right now, every item in this post is under $50!

    Summer Trend: Boho Tassels
    1. Purple Periodot tassel necklace  2. Old Navy soft pants in Pantone Scuba Blue (on sale for $12.97)  3. LOFT henley shell (currently 40% off)  4. Purple Peridot beaded tassel earrings 5. Antonio Melani tassel sandals in Pantone Tangerine from Dillard's (40% off - similarsimilar6. Old Navy tropical wrap dress (on sale for $14.97)

    Disclaimer: ModCloth links include an affiliate code. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!




    Tuesday, July 14

    Style: Custard and Scuba Blue

    Custard yellow hit the style radar this spring after being named one of Pantone's Color Report picks for the season. This summer, I'm loving this edgy twist on yellow paired with the vivid teal the color authority calls Scuba Blue.

    Disclaimer: Amazon links contain an affiliate code. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

    Summer 2015: Custard and Teal
    1. Mimou "Nippon" wallpaper 2. Trina Turk clutch (Similar) 3. Baublebar tassel drop earrings 4. Hardwood dresser from Little Posh Cottage 5. Essie nail polish in "Garden Variety" from Amazon 6. Zoya nail polish in "Daisy"

    Anyone else getting some serious DIY inspiration from that dresser?


    Tuesday, July 7

    Summer Style Trend: Palm Leaf Green

    One of this summer's biggest color trends is a green shade Pantone calls Treetop. Many of our favorite designers and retailers interpreted those treetops as palm trees, and bright green hues and palm leaf prints are making everything look a little more summery - whether you're in the office, at the gym, or at the resort!

    Disclaimer: ModCloth links contain an affiliate code. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

    Summer 2015: Palm Beach

    1. Old Navy sleeveless dress  2. J. Crew Factory collector tank  3. Chico's tropical scarf   4. Kate Spade palm tree charm  5. ModCloth maxi dress   6. Essie nail polish in "Pretty Edgy" from Beauty.com       7. Wayfair table lamp       8. Kate Spade notebook 
    9. Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Breeze body spray        10. Athleta ankle pants

    Which of these palm leaf green picks is your favorite?


    Linking Up:

    Shopping My Closet

    Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

    Tuesday, April 7

    style picks: spring refresh

    Following an academic calendar is definitely one of the biggest perks of being a teacher - I love my summer vacation, winter break, and the occasional long weekend. If you've been following my little adventures this weekend on Instagram you may have noticed that I've hardly taken off my floral Old Navy scarf - and when shopping with my mom yesterday I noticed that I keep gravitating toward the same shades of classic blue, aquamarine, blush, strawberry, and toasted almond. Here's what's inspiring my color palette for the new season!

    Spring Refresh

    1. Old Navy floral scarf  2. Maurice's open stitch cardigan  3. Old Navy reversible tote (similar)  4. J. Crew cotton cord bracelet  5. Essie nail polish in "Borrowed and Blue" from Target  6. EOS summer fruit lip balm  7. Bensimon sneakers from Shopbop (similar)  8. Jeffrey Campbell sandals from Shopbop  9. Gartner notebooks from Wal-Mart

    What colors or prints are you obsessed with this spring?

    Linking Up:

    Wednesday, March 11

    style: blush and lucite for spring

    One of the must-have items on my spring wish list is this floral scarf from Target - it's very similar to the Kate Spade scarf I spent last spring drooling over (note to self: stop waiting for Kate Spade pieces to "go on sale"... they will go out of stock instead!).  Target's version includes two of this spring's most popular colors, blush pink and lucite green, is 1/8th the cost of a Kate Spade scarf, and makes me look forward to the days when my lunch buddies and I will be able to eat outside!

    Disclaimer: Modcloth links contain affiliate codes. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

    Ready for a Spring Fling
    1. Target  floral  infinity  scarf     2. Kate  Spade  studs   from Piperlime  
    3. Analog clock from Modcloth  4. Modcloth dress  5. Old Navy reversible tote  6. Target faux succulents (I'm loving this idea for planting succulents in mugs)  7. Modcloth ballet flats  8. Essie Resort 2015   nail   polishes   in  "Stones  N  Roses"  and  "Time  for  Me  Time"

    Tuesday, March 3

    Spring 2015: Custard Yellow

    Don't adjust your monitor - leading color authority Pantone's favorite yellow for spring 2015 really is that bright. Custard is a creamy, muted yellow that's popping up all over the place now that spring is just around the corner! Here are a few pieces I wouldn't mind adding to my closet.


    Spring 2015: Custard Yellow
    1. Old Navy pleated skirt 2. LOFT polka dot pouch 3. ModCloth fruit earrings 4. LOFT hair ties 5. LOFT trouser socks 6. Francesca's knotted necklace 7. Old Navy crossbody purse 8. LOFT chino shorts



    Jenny Packham via Style.com | Dennis Basso via Style.com

    Please let me believe that spring is just around the corner, even though the forecast includes snow on Thursday...


    Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
    Oh Hey Girl at Pumps and Push-Ups
    Let Your Light Shine Thursday at Made With Zeal



    Tuesday, February 3

    Marsala for Valentine's Day

    Pantone's 2015 color of the year, Marsala, is perfect for Valentine's Day - it can be classy and sophisticated, or have a laid-back cool-girl vibe.  I like to think that on a perfect day I'm a little bit of both, so here are my Valentine's picks for the lady who's the perfect mix of classic and unexpected - whether you're treating a special someone, treating your best friend, or (obviously the best choice) treating yo self!

    Marsala for Valentine's Day

    Disclaimer:  Amazon links contain an affiliate code.  Thanks for your support!

    1. Rebecca Minkoff earrings from Shopbop  2. RVCA Bailona beanie from Swell  3. Sephora Collection 18k gold eyelash curler  4. Dior 5-color eyeshadow in Trafalgar from Sephora  5. O.P.I.  nail laquer in Lost on Lombard  6. Deborah Lippmann nail laquer in Lullaby of Broadway 7. Dexflex Comfort scrunch flats from Payless



    Monday, December 8

    clicks of note: please let me back in your heart...

    get your week off to a colorful start...
    LISTEN.
    • Colbie Caillat is the go-to girl for laid-back, feel-good songs.  I'm currently obsessed with this Jackson 5 song because of the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, but I think I might like Caillat's version better than the original.  I'll be linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos.

    SWOON.

    SMILE.

    FLASHBACK.
    WEEKLY ROUND-UP at HIGH-HEELED LOVE