May 16th, 2013

Neons!

Posted by Pam

One of the biggest trends this spring is neon! So I need to publicly apologize to my friend Andrea. She started wearing a neon pink J. Crew tank last summer and I told her that I wasn’t going to do neon again! I did it in the 90′s and I wasn’t going to repeat the trend! Well, she was ahead of the curve and I need to learn to never say never! Geesh! I was wrong and I’ve been sporting my fair share of neon this spring and I’m loving it! It is important to note that unlike in the early 90′s, do NOT wear neon head to toe. One or two hits of it in an outfit will do the trick!

Here are some of my fave neon picks…remember…only one or two pieces at a time, such as a scarf and shoes, or a t-shirt and a bracelet. Keep other pieces in your outfit neutral…denim works very well with neon. A little goes a long way!

J.Crew Shorts in Neon Peach $56.00

Gap Striped T in Blue $24.95

Joe Fresh Striped Scarf in White, Yellow and Black $16

Gap Foldover Pencil Skirt in Powerful Blue $39.95

Gap Neon-Stripe Infinity Scarf in Tree Frog $24.95

Gap 1969 Legging Skimmer Jeans in Lime Cooler $49.99

Gap Skinny Mini Skimmer Khakis in Luminous Orange $59.95

Gap Leather Stripe Tote $79.95

Kate Spade Locked In Mini Turnlock Bangle $58

J.Crew Neon Stone Necklace $95.00

Sperry Top-Sider Audrey Boat in Neon, Nude and White $85

J.Crew Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoes in Neon Rose $98

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank in Neon Azalea $28.50

Gap Patent Perforated Flats in Neon Yellow $39.95

You only need one more thing to really carry out the neon trend…the perfect neon polish….oh, and do I have a fave!

Essie’s Boom Boom Room is the perfect cotton candy pink. I apply it without using a white underneath…I don’t find it necessary! It’s a fresh and fun color that looks fantastic with a bit of a tan!

So for me, it’s a lesson learned! Trends come back and, yes, sometimes they are worth repeating….but never literally…things always come back with a twist!

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April 19th, 2012

Color Blocked Pieces

Posted by Pam

One of the easiest ways to pull off the color blocking trend this spring is to wear a piece that is color blocked for you! A couple of weeks ago, I walked into the Mexx Outlet in Langley and I was immediately drawn to a colorful scarf!!! I had no idea what I would wear it with, but I knew that it was coming home with me! It follows Kitty Cohen’s rule of using colors close to each other on the color wheel.

I paired this color blocked scarf with a neutral top, neutral ballet flats and tied it in with purple denim

Here are some color blocked pieces that do the work for you!

Color blocked pieces by sugarplumsister featuring knee length skirts

Wearing just one of these items will add a dramatic punch to your outfit!!! I know that all of this color is a dramatic departure from the blacks, grays and charcoals of the winter, but once you give color a try, I’m positive you’ll enjoy it! I know that I feel great wearing this scarf!

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April 17th, 2012

Color Blocking 101

Posted by Pam

One of the biggest trends this spring is color blocking. But what really is color blocking?? I have to admit that I’m loving all of the color this year and I’ve heard a lot about color blocking, but I couldn’t really tell you how to do it or what it is, so I researched it. Here’s what I found out!

“Color Blocking is combining different colors that support and compliment each other.” from http://achicdirection.com/2011/03/29/what-is-color-blocking/

I watched a quick video by Kitty Cohen It is worth the 3 minutes and 23 seconds!!! I call this Color Blocking 101.

To be able to put Kitty’s tips into practice, here is a color wheel for reference!

Photo courtesy of http://colorwheel-colourwheel.com/

Some of you may have this memorized from elementary school, but for easy reference I saved this to my photos on my iPhone.

Here are some outfits created from separates that follow Kitty’s rules for color blocking using colors that are close to each other on the color wheel….

Color Blocking with Separates by sugarplumsister featuring a long pencil skirt

Bottom line…you can create color blocked outfits from pieces in your closet that you probably never thought to put together. I’ve been experimenting with this lately….I tend to go too matchy-matchy, so I’ve been trying Kitty’s rules!

Coming soon…our fave color blocked pieces and accessories!

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March 19th, 2012

Toss Cushions, the Best Way to Add Color and Pattern!

Posted by Pam

Recently, a client asked for some help to add some color to her townhome. It had been recently built and the builder had used a lot of great, high quality finishes, but the space lacked color and character. The walls are beige and the furnishings as largely beige and brown.

On a trip to HomeSense, my fave discount home accessory store, I put together three different color schemes of pillows that will work with my clients current furnishing, but just add some color, some pattern….they will bring the space to life!! I make myself at home at HomeSense, no pun intended, and I start pulling cushions for the shelves and arranging them together on the ground to see how the patterns and colors work together. Don’t be afraid to do that!

Which do you like the best?

Here is the RED collection. I love that the patterned pillows have a touch of Tiffany blue as well as the brown to tie my client's furniture together!

This is the GREEN collection. I love the ikat pattern on the middle pillow. It also has some brown which ties in the right pillow set.

Last, but not least, this is the ORANGE collection. The crewel pillow in the back is more traditional in design, but I love that it will add life and color to the room. The front pillow is made of cut felt. LOVE!

I love to mix up colors and pattern, but there are a few things to consider…

1. In each collection, there is one pillow that is predominately the main colour.

2. Each grouping has at least one geometric pattern. If you are scared that you have too much going on, find a stripe for one of your patterns. Stripes can be combined with almost anything.

3. Geometric patterns are more modern and floral patterns are more traditional. Ikat and damask type patterns can go either way depending upon what you pair them with.

4. Have fun and don’t be scared to step out and try something. It’s not a huge investment piece…we’re talking pillows and most of these in the pics about are $30 and less!

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January 7th, 2012

Searching for Color!

Posted by Laurel

This time of year is lacking seriously in the color department… gray skies, gray sweaters, gray moods! Don’t get me wrong…i love gray! But, what better pick me up than a pop of color? And what a delightful way to express a positive attitude and some “life” through some brilliant hues? The easiest way to do it? Keep your staples and more “investment” pieces in the neutrals…boots, jackets, etc…and infuse life into your accessories! Here’s my take:

~~WEAR IT!

Choose something with both whimsy and bold color

Add simple bracelets for a more chunky look

Stack vibrant colored bangles...sure to match with your neutrals

~~WRAP YOURSELF IN IT!

Kate Spade Prize Ball Scarf~ On sale $56.25 (reg $125)

~~WALK ON IT!

Been eyeing this..they are even prettier in person! Kate Spade Latrice now on sale for $133.50 (reg $298)

~~CARRY IT!!

Go out of your comfort zone and tote a bright handbag!

Kate Spade Sorbonne Square Evangeline Purse ~ on sale $155.25 (reg $355!)

You’ll notice i’ve shown some Kate Spade items…if you wanna get happy in a hurry, check out www.katespade.com Her take on colors, fabrics and designs bring a smile to my face every time. As one of her emblemed wallets encourages: Live Life Colorfully. Good advice… And right now, she is having a worthwhile sale. Right now, take 25% off all sale items. As well, ground shipping in the USA is free. Can’t beat that.

Color. It’s a feast for the eyes…and for the soul, dare i say. Give it a try and you’ll agree i’m sure!

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