Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Hot Colors for Fall

In February, the color wizards at Pantone introduced the hot colors for fall 2010.  Now that fall is almost upon us, I thought it was worth revisiting them.  Here they are:
And here's what Pantone said about them:

Exotic Purple Orchid, a purple leaning to fuchsia, is an unexpected choice for fall, imbuing a bit of magic and vibrancy to the season. Elegant Chocolate Truffle, evocative of delicious treats, is a rich brown with piquant plum undertones, that pairs tastefully with Purple Orchid. Not your mother’s avocado green, Woodbine takes last season’s neutral greens to a whole new level, and when mixed with Purple Orchid and Chocolate Truffle, results in a stunning combination.

Lagoon, this season’s turquoise – Pantone’s 2010 color of the year – is guaranteed to add a tropical splash. A great color for fall and winter escapes, Lagoon is a popular hue, especially in accessories, pairing dynamically with all shades of red. Lipstick Red, a deeper, more dramatic sensual red, makes its imprint on fall, particularly in cosmetics.

Reminiscent of a radiant sunset on a brisk autumn evening, Golden Glow, an earthy, deepened shade of yellow, creates a retro look with Purple Orchid or Woodbine. A softer, more inviting orange with a hint of pink undertone, Living Coral is the perfect complement to Lagoon, whether heading for a tropical destination or just fantasizing about it. Crisp Endive, a revitalizing yellow-green, adds freshness to this season’s top ten, and will enliven any wardrobe. Add it to Lagoon, Chocolate Truffle and Purple Orchid for an invigorating fall look.

Oyster Gray, a classic neutral that grounds the palette, is a lighter take on the traditional fall gray, as designers heed consumers’ concern about the economy and deliver investment pieces that carry through to spring 2011. Rose Dust, a flattering beige, offers an ethereal, romantic, wispy option to span the seasons.

I love how bright and bold they are.  No wimpy colors this fall! 

Check out Pantone's Fashion Color Report for Fall 2010, which includes sketches and commentary from leading designers.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Top 10 Advertising Slogans

According to Advertising Age, the following are the top 10 advertising slogans of the last century.  Do you agree?

1. Diamonds are forever (DeBeers)
2. Just do it (Nike)
3. The pause that refreshes (Coca-Cola)
4. Tastes great, less filling (Miller Lite)
5. We try harder (Avis)
6. Good to the last drop (Maxwell House)
7. Breakfast of champions (Wheaties)
8. Does she ... or doesn't she? (Clairol)
9. When it rains it pours (Morton Salt)
10.  Where's the beef? (Wendy's)

"M&Ms melt in your mouth, not in your hand" got honorable mention, but I thought it would have been in the top 10.  What else should have been included?

Monday, September 6, 2010

Pink and Fushia Treasury

Madrigal Embroidery has once again included a Yellow House Knits sweater in one of her fabulous treasuries.  By now, it should be no surprise that pink is my favorite color, so this one really appeals to me!  (In case you missed it, that's the Allison Street sweater down there in the lower right corner.)

There's a lot to love in this treasury--the little winter coat, the pink beret, the crochet necklace.  So fresh and happy!

Don't forget to check out Madrigal Embroidery's shop, where "many a splendid adornment" awaits you!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Photo Shoot with Richard

I've been a little slow in posting pictures of my photo shoot last weekend with Richard.  What a cutie!!  He was quite the little charmer--when the camera came out, he wasn't the least bit shy.  He tilted his head and batted his eyes like a pro.  Somehow I think his parents take more than a few pictures of him! 

Thanks to Richard and his parents for a fun shoot!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Cranberry and Mustard Treasury

The Belmont Street sweater was feautured in this stunning treasury curated by Sweet Anne Vintage.  To me this treasury just screams "fall."  And I just love everything in it--that reversible bracelet, the gadget case, the vintage bag, the cocktail ring . . . just WOW!  Sweet Anne Vintage's shop is pretty neat too.  There is a vintage milk glass candy dish (that I might just have to have) and an awesome old Pepsi crate. Please be sure to take a look. 

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Evolutionary Experience

I'm not much of a wine drinker.  In fact it all pretty much tastes the same to me, so I rarely buy anything that isn't in the sale bin at Harris Teeter.  

But I do have one go-to wine for when I'm entertaining or otherwise feeling fancy: Evolution from the Sokol Blosser Vineyards in Oregon.  One review described it as "a blend of everything from chardonnay and pinot gris to Muller-Thurgau and sylvaner" and another calls it an"androgynous white."  My best friend, who grew up in Portland, introduced me to it, and I have to say it's pretty good. 

So I was particularly excited to see Angelo select it as his wine for the wine-pairing Quickfire challenge on Top Chef last night.  Maybe I am fancy after all.  Have you tried it?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

One Quarter Down Already?

Well, we're officially one-quarter of the way through my 35th year.  I'm not making the kind of progress I'd hoped for on my 35 Before 36 list, but I think I'm headed in the right direction.  Thanks for cheering me on!

35 Before 36 Update

1. Read 12 books.  3/12 complete.  Finished in August: "The Girls from Ames" by Jeffrey Zaslow.
2. Go to New York City for a Broadway weekend.  It's on the calendar for November; I'm hoping it sticks. 
3. Start saving regularly—even if modestly—for the addition to my house.  On track.
4. Clean out my closet and give a lot to Goodwill.
5. Finish my state streets project.
6. Donate to: Washington Humane Society, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, and my various alma maters: Northwestern University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Michigan Law School, the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
7. Go to the U.S. Botanic Garden.
8. Get a massage and/or a facial each month.  3/12 complete.
9. Purge and replenish my underwear drawer.
10. See 12 movies in the theater.  2/12 complete.  Saw in August: "The Switch."
11. Spend a weekend the Omni Bedford Springs (my favorite).
12. Keep an inventory of food in the freezer.  On track.
13. Run three half marathons. Registered for Detroit in October.
14. Try yoga again.
15. Start to research the history of my house.
16. Reorganize my pantry.
17. Buy a nice piece of jewelry (pearls?).
18. Try 12 new (to me), local restaurants.  2/12 complete. Tried in August: Ted's Bulletin and Blue Duck Tavern.
19. Improve my bread-baking skills.
20. Take Bullet on a weekend trip.
21. Get a new camera.  I bought my Nikon D3000 earlier this month and love it!
22. Take more pictures.
23. Pay off my car.
24. Master real push-ups.
25. Make at least two meals per month to freeze for later.  On track.
26. Organize my knitting and needlepoint supplies.
27. Send more postcards when I travel with notes telling people I’m thinking of them.
28. Make a star tree-topper for my Christmas tree.  Canvas is purchased--need to start needlepointing.
29. Have a party.  I think Alissa's shower in October counts for this?
30. Go to the renovated National Museum of American History.
31. Go to the beach.  Only 11 days til Hilton Head!!
32. Buy fresh flowers more often.  I'm still trying to pick some up whenever I got to the farmer's market.
33. Paint my old patio furniture (or have it painted).
34. Take a crafting class.
35. Walk home from work at least once a week, weather permitting.  So far so good.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Who's Popular?

Bloomberg Businessweek recently published its "Popularity Issue."  It's an odd and strangely fascinating look at what places and things are the most "popular" in the American economy.  Just as in junior high, "popular" probably doesn't always translate to "best liked" or "favorite" (as anyone who's ever been forced to fly through Hartsfield-Jackson airport knows all too well), but it is interesting to see where our dollars go.

Here are some of the highlights.  You can find the full list, along with the runners' up for each of the categories here.

Airport: Atlanta
Booze: Smirnoff
Car color: White
Cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios
Chip: Lays
Deodorant: Secret
Dog: Labrador
Drug: Vicodin
Gum: Orbit
Item at Walmart: Banana
Lipstick: Revlon
Parenting book: What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Peanut butter: Jif
Sports car: Camaro

(Cartoon courtesy of Bloomberg Businessweek)

Monday, August 30, 2010

Shower Invitations

I'm hosting a baby shower in October for my dear friend Alissa.  She's expecting a baby boy in mid-November.  We're cutting it really close on the timing of the shower, so hopefully the baby won't be early!

I'm in the process of getting the invitations ready to mail out.  I don't generally like baby shower invitations that are too precious, and Alissa isn't into that kind of fussiness at all.  So I looked really hard for something that was fun and modern, but still said, "baby shower."  I'm thrilled with these.  Aren't they fantastic!?

A huge thanks to Erin at Ink Obsession Designs, who made these happen.  Check out her website--each design is cuter than the next!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Sahan in Yellow House Knits

I had a fun photo shoot with Sahan yesterday, who was such a good sport about putting on sweater after sweater in the August heat.  Here are some of the highlights. Isn't he beautiful?  I just love his curls and his big, serious eyes. 

Thanks again to Sahan for posing and his mom for being a great stylist!