Dresses Are Not Just for Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly in an Edith Head creation - Rear Window

Have the days of wearing pretty dresses long since past?  These days it seems as though women have resorted to wearing pants more often than ever before.  Is it only for comfort or convenience? something tells me that in a male-dominated world (sorry guys) being feminine has gone the way of the dodo...Or has it?  Well ladies I'm happy to say (and guys you'll like this one) dresses are not just for Grace Kelly.  There is nothing to say that you can't wear a dress to the office or on the weekends.  Dresses don't have to be reserved only for nights out or for special occasions.  I wear dresses all the time to work, appropriately paired with a cropped cardigan or blazer because I still want to be taken seriously in my job, but I wear them unashamed and unabashed even when my colleagues choose show up to work wearing pants.  

A dress is a fantastic way of feeling feminine, it can evoke a sense of confidence and there is nothing wrong with being a little flirty - but not trashy.  I understand that you may not have the luxury of showing up to work in a dress because you work in a sea of suits and have a dress code or uniform that you have to adhere to, but ladies when the weekend comes why not throw on a fun sundress and go out shopping.  Nothing is to say that a dress has to be reserved for certain occasions.  There are many different materials, shapes, styles, patterns, colours and lengths of dresses out there and if you're not prone to knowing what style of dress suits you best I am going to help uncover the world of dresses and how to drape them over your body-shape.

Dresses for the Straight Body Shape

Many women fit into this category of body shape, where there is very little differentiation from the measurements of the bust, waist and hips.  This body shape ranges from the tall & thin to petite.  The women who share the tall & thin straight body shape tend to have a smaller bust and less curves, while the women who share the petite straight body shape have similar lines as those of the tall-thin woman but can have larger bust sizes in some cases.

In order to create emphasis on the bust and waist areas for the tall-thin straight body shape, you want to highlight these areas by adding belts, sashes and embellishment to enhance and create the illusion of a larger bust or to define a waist.  The hemline of the dress can be either long or short thanks to the longer legs on the tall-thin straight body type woman.

For the petite straight body type, you don't want to overpower your dress with too many stark embellishments because this can detract, keep them simple such as an empire waist or a skinny belt.  In order to create the appearance of longer legs keep the hemlines shorter, petite straight body shapes can get away with the a-line silhouette, but stay away from a-line dresses that have a rigid material as they can make you look like a doll.  Tunic and Shift style dresses look good on the petite straight body shape and are classic.

Dresses for the Pear Body Shape

Pear body shapes (also known as bell shapes) feature a small/average bust with wider waist and hip measurements.  Meaning that the top starts smaller and gets wider towards the bottom, similar to how a pear looks.  Women who have this body shape want to draw attention to the upper-half of their body by having open necklines which focuses the eye to the face.  When the detailing is kept at the bodice combined with a loose fitting bottom this style is very flattering on pear shapes.  Try to stay away from straight or tight bottoms as these styles will accentuate the waist/hips, unless you're comfortable with showing off what you've got, then I say more power to you!

Dresses for the Apple Body Shape

Apple body shapes tend to have more weight focused at the waist and in order to create less focus on this the eye needs to be drawn to the neckline.  Dresses that have empire waistlines or babydoll silhouettes work best on this body type.  Dresses that have pattern and emphasis on design also work well on this body type.

Dresses for the Hourglass Body Shape

The hourglass is a very favourable body shape as it features a defined waist, medium to large bust and curves.  This body shape is also very versatile as you can wear just about any style of dress out there, although, there are some styles of dress that suit the hourglass body shape better than others.  The key is to accentuate the features of the hourglass, the bust, waist and hips.  A form fitting dress is always a good bet in helping to define the hourglass.  If you're tall, you can wear a mid-length or shorter hemline or go even as far as a maxi-length dress to maximize your height.  If you're an average height you can make the most of mid-length or shorter in fun silhouettes such as a bubble hem.  Just be sure that whatever you do that you maximize those curves, because after all, the hourglass is the most coveted of all body shapes out there.

Dresses for the Full-Figured or Curvaceous Body Shapes

Many women are full figured with lots of curves and there are many dresses out there that help to emphasize those curves while softening the body to create a very beautiful look.  The key is to enhance the curves without looking garish.  Look for dresses with thin straps, low necklines such as a v-neck, halter neck or scoop neck and those that have empire waists.  If you have some spots that you would like to cover up, there are many dresses out there that can do the trick either by using details such as lace or in the patterns/fabrics used.  Dresses that have movement to them help to detract the eye from those undesirable spots that you may want to hide, but if you're more daring (and I say you should be!) nothing is to stop you from selecting a form-fitting dress that can accentuate those curves!

Now those are only a few of the body shapes out there and of course not every woman fits into one of these categories as there are many combinations of body shapes.  The best thing to do is to figure out what is your main body shape and work with that. Try on some dresses in the styles that I mentioned and see what works for you.  Some women (like myself) have broad shoulders and I found that frills around the neckline/shoulder don't look as good as they do on women who's shoulders are not as pronounced.  It's trial and error, but when you do find that dress that fits your body the way that it should, believe me there is nothing more empowering.

So get out there and start wearing those dresses around town, and trust me, you'll be thanking me for it!

Happy Shopping!

Courtesy of:

BCBG Max Azria

Old Navy

How to Get Framed

This one morning I woke up from a dream that I was having, this dream took me back to a time when I was a child playing in my mother's cedar chest with bolts of funky 70s fabrics.  When I woke up I wondered if she still had those old fabrics from yesteryear.  I gave my mom a call later on that day and to my luck she said that she in fact still had them, I asked her if I could take them off her hands because I had something in mind for them and she was more than happy to oblige.  I know you must be wondering what this has to do with anything and I promise you that it does!


I had an idea; the dream helped to churn the creative juices and I thought why not frame some of those funky fabrics and hang them??  And that is just what I did.  Fortunately for me I had my pick of vintage fabrics to use in my art project, but you could easily take any fabric you have laying around at home.  You could also go to your local fabric shop and pick up some remnants to use in your creation or hit the thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales to see what they have in stock.  


The trick to creating a grouping of framed fabric wall hangings is to make sure that you have a unifying subject to tie the group together.  This could be in pattern, colour, texture, frame or all of the above.  In the first example (below) I was fortunate enough to have a grouping of 5 fabric designs in varying colours; the design provides cohesion and there is a unifying thread of white in each of the fabric swatches.  I decided to frame out the groupings in identical white frames from IKEA, which helps to tie the group together.  The white also forces to bring out the vibrant colour in the swatches.  I loved the grouping so much that I decided to hang them over my headboard in the master bedroom.  I chose the gallery style to hang the grouping (in a row) as opposed to a symmetrical or asymmetrical group.


Here is a photo of the first example:

What I enjoyed about this project is the time it took to put it all together.  The frames from IKEA, called Ribba, came with mats which helped to keep the untidy ends of the fabric swatches hidden from view.  The fabric was taped to the mat and secured in the frame.  All that was left was to hang them on the wall and presto!  I really love how they turned out and was inspired to think of other ways I could make a similar impression in other rooms in my house.


You could easily adapt this technique of using fabric to any frame that you have whether it's meant for the wall or for display on side table.  As I mentioned above, the key is to make sure that you provide cohesion.  I was thinking of ways to create a grouping of framed fabric swatches in an asymmetrical pattern when I came across an easy solution.  I was shopping at Urban Barn when I found just what I was looking for; Umbra has created a one-stop-shop for framed groupings, where all you have to do is fill the frame and hang the entire piece on the wall.  This is a brilliant solution because there is no measuring or thinking required.  The frame is called Muchomix and consists of 6 frames secured together to create an asymmetrical shape.  Umbra has different types of framed groupings so be sure to check out what they have in stock to suit your needs/style.


In this next example I wanted to create a grouping of different patterned fabrics unified by colour.  I decided to go with green as the colour choice for this particular example, but you could easily pick any colour that suits your taste or style.  If you are going to be using a grouping unified by colour, be sure that the colour coordinates with the room you are going to be using it in.  You want to piece to stand out but not so much that it detracts attention from everything else in the room.


Here is a photo of the second example:

In some of the fabric swatches you will notice that there are hits of blue, I wanted to be sure that not too many other colours were introduced so I was careful when selecting the swatches for this particular arrangement.  You will also note that the fabric patterns are very different from one another, and yet they all work together.  This is due to the unifying theme, in this case, colour.  A similar concept such as the one in the first example wouldn't look as good in this grouping.  The frames stand out on their own but fit together as a collection, they should be treated as individuals in this case, identical patterns would be too boring for this type of grouping.  Symmetrical or Gallery style hangings lend themselves to showing off identical patterns, but be careful not to use identical patterns in the same colour.  Here you can get away with a multitude of patterns which is quite pleasing to the eye.


The idea of framing fabrics also works well with wallpaper ends or magazine/book pages.  Here are some ideas to help inspire:

1. You could easily get some ends of stylish wallpaper and cut them down to size to fit inside of frames and hang those groupings together.  
2. Another idea is to go to your local thrift store (or old stash of books in the basement) and find covers of old soft cover novels that intrigue your eye, purchase them and use the covers as art for your frames.  
3. Old books that have plates of fruits/Vegetables/Plants/Animals are also a good method to use in a framed grouping, you can hit the local flea market or garage sales for some good deals on older books to use in this purpose.  
4. Magazines provide a good source of inspiration, simply use a sharp cutting tool such as an x-acto knife to make a clean cut and you're ready to frame.  
5. The covers of old magazines such as Vogue would make a stylish statement framed and hung in a bedroom or around a bar.  
6. There are some free online sites that provide images that you can simply download and print off in colour.  This is also another great way to create a collection to frame and hang in your home.

There are a multitude of ideas out there so don't just settle for the standard method, think outside of the box and get creative with what you frame and hang on your walls or place inside your home.  You'll see the difference a bit of creativity can make!

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Part 2.3

PART 2.3
In Parts 2.1 & 2.2 I discussed how to incorporate bags and shoes into your wardrobe.  In Part 2.3 I want to touch on accessorizing with jewelery, the do's and don'ts, and I want to talk a bit about accessorizing with scarves.  This will be the last installment of Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize, so I hope that you have been able to take away with you some tips when out on the next hunt for that great accessory!


Diamonds ARE a Girl's Best Friend

Jewelery is the quintessential accessory.  Earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches that come in an array of materials, styles, shapes, colours and sizes.  Jewelery has been around for the last 100,000 years and still to this day, is one of the most important accessories around - in my opinion.  Jewelery can make or break an outfit so you want to be sure that you don't go overboard with how you use the pieces in your ensemble.  I want to take a moment and go over each of these pieces (earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches) and explain some of the do's and don'ts.


Earrings: They can be used on pierced ears or not, with long hair or short, everyday or evening.  Earrings are versatile and a practical solution to bring colour and draw the eye to the face.  Earrings come in different types such as: post/stud, clip-on, hoop and drop.  They can be found in gold, silver, platinum, nickel or synthetic materials.  Earrings can be composed of precious or semi-precious stones, amber, pearls or man-made materials i.e. cubic zirconia.  Earrings should complement your outfit and not draw away from it.  Be sure to coordinate the earring, whether it's a simple diamond post or a gold hoop to your outfit.  You can achieve coordination by keeping the tones similar (i.e. metals) or by selecting a colour from your outfit in your earring selection.

DON'T: wear earrings that overpower your face or outfit i.e. big bright theatrical earrings circa 1980s.

DO: wear earrings that flatter your face and complement your outfit i.e. small drop earrings in either a precious metal and/or with a stone.

Rings: What better way to show off some "bling" than by sporting a ring.  Rings come in all shapes, sizes, colours, materials and styles imaginable and should be worn liberally.  You can select from the daintiest to the boldest of cocktail rings.  They are a great statement piece and can really accentuate an outfit.  Rings can and should be worn everyday, and because the ring is worn on the finger you can get away with bolder statements, than say if it was worn around your neck.  Don't throw away coordination because I said that you can make a bolder statement, the ring should still complement your ensemble in some capacity, but nothing is to say that you can't wear a blue topaz ring with your pink dress.

DON'T: wear all the rings you have in your jewelery box at once.

DO: wear a ring that makes an impact i.e. a bold cocktail ring.

Necklace: A great way to add emphasis to an outfit and your face is to include a necklace. Necklaces come in various sizes, styles, colours and materials.  They can be pendants, links, chains, pearls, multi-strand, lariat, and the list goes on.  A necklace can be bold or simple which is why it is important that a necklace doesn't under or over perform.  The purpose of adding a necklace to your outfit is to complement.  For example, adding a statement necklace, like those described in Part 1 of this series to your casual cropped pants and cotton top doesn't exactly create the cohesion your after.  If you decide to wear a necklace with this outfit (casual cropped pants + cotton top) you may want to opt for something more casual like a necklace made of natural fibers or something plain and simple.

DON'T: wear a necklace that sticks out over the rim of your turtleneck, and don't wear one that is close to the neck of the turtleneck - it just looks odd.

DO: wear a necklace that makes an impact without sacrificing style.

Bracelets:  Bracelets are a great way to accentuate the wrist, they can provide visual interest or add a touch of dimension to an outfit.  Bracelets come in various shapes, styles, sizes, colours and materials and can easily be coordinated to any outfit.  Bracelets come in bangle, chain, charm, link, pearl, multi-stone, semi precious and precious stones; they come in silver, gold, platinum, resin, amber and man-made/synthetic materials.  They can be worn loose at the wrist or high up on the arm as a cuff/band.  When selecting a bracelet to wear you should consider the look of your ensemble, a grouping of pearl bracelets worn with your cropped cargo pants and hoodie is not exactly a match made in heaven.  Bracelets can be worn in groupings or on their own, the possibilities are endless.  Get creative with how you wear your bracelets, but just be sure to keep the styles similar with the look you are trying to achieve.
DONT: wear bracelets that are meant for ages 5+.

 DO: get creative with pairing bracelets together.

Brooches: Now these aren't your grandmother's fashion statement any longer, brooches have started to make their way back into the accessory spotlight once more.  Brooches these day's tend to be worn in different yet similar ways as they have in the past, on the lapel of a jacket, on a hat, on a scarf or on your coat.  But the brooches of today are sleek, stylish and come in many different shapes, patterns, colours and materials.  Don't underestimate the power that a brooch can have with your ensemble, but be cautious, you don't want to look like you've walked out of the 1830's and into the 21 century.  Brooches should be selected carefully and worn stylishly.
DON'T: wear your grandmother's antique cameo with your jeans and a tee.

DO: wear a brooch on your jacket for an impact statement.  Just be sure that it's not a precious heirloom!

The Scarf
These days scarves are more fashion than utilitarian, they are not just for keeping your neck warm during the cold winter months, they have a fashion purpose, to emphasize.  Scarves can be ornate or simple, but the overall purpose whether it's to cover your shoulders or tied around your neck is to add definition to your outfit.  Scarves are also used on accessories such as bags and bracelets, they can be worn on the head or tied around a ponytail, so their uses exceed that of the neck/shoulder.  
They are versatile accessories and should be considered in one or more of their uses in your wardrobe.  There's something to be said about driving around with the top down, your head covered in a rich silk scarf and wearing big sunglasses that oozes glamour.  If you're not willing to make that statement just yet, consider adding some texture to your accessories by tying a neck scarf around the handle of your purse.  But whatever you do, make sure that you consider proportions, style, colour and material when out selecting your next scarf.

And with that, the series on Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize is drawn to a close.  I hope that you enjoyed reading about how to incorporate accessories in your wardrobe and now that You have the tools, put them to good use.  Get out there and accessorize until your your heart is content...and then go out and accessorize some more!


Happy Shopping!


Courtesy of:
Alexis Bittar
The Shopping Channel
Judith Bright
Hermes

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Part 2.2

PART 2.2
In Part 2.1 I uncovered the world of accessorizing with bags, in this part (2.2) I want to take the time to talk about shoes; the various styles and uses to incorporate into your wardrobe.


These Shoes Are Made For Walking

If a gal isn't into bags then she's into shoes - at least from my experience.  Well I'm a shoe gal, not to say that I don't have and can't appreciate a good bag, but there is something about shoes that I'm drawn to.  They're like jewelery for the foot, they can be uber sexy or really casual, high heeled or flat and can range in all colours and styles imaginable.  The shoe is often an after thought for most when in reality, the shoe should take center stage or a least play a supporting role.  I mentioned in Part 1 that the LBD can be ramped up with a killer pair of heels, and this can be said for any outfit you throw on.  Think of the shoe as a way to emphasize your look or one that can lend a hand with the overall appearance i.e. blending in.

I'm going to describe for you the 7 most popular styles of shoes out there and what role they can play in your ensemble:

The Pump: This closed shoe is a classic style and its shape comes in either pointed, round, square or almond toe.  The heel hight can vary from kitten heel (1.5-2 inches) all the way to stiletto (6 inches).  The thickness of a pump heel is traditionally slim, but not to say that there are aren't pumps that have a chunkier heel weight.  Word of caution when selecting a pump with a chunkier heel, the thickness of the heel will emphasize the size of your calf.  The slender the heel the more slender your leg will appear.  This also applies to the height of the heel, the shorter the heel hight, the shorter your leg will appear and vice-versa.  Pumps come in many different colours, textures and patterns.  You can select a simple black pump for an everyday look or go wild with a leopard print for the evening.  Pumps are great for everyday - which is how I like to wear them, in all colours/patterns/textures!

The Slingback: The slingback is also considered to be a pump - I know this can be confusing, but trust me it will all make sense in the end.  This style of shoe has a thin open strap at the heel which holds the shoe to the foot.  Slingbacks can be either closed or open toe and come in varying heel hights, similar to the pump.  These shoes are great for those starting their way into the world of heels as they offer some versatility, the slingback can be dressy or casual depending on the material and pattern/texture of the shoe.  They can be worn everyday and well into the evening.

The Open/Peep Toe: The open toe is another style of shoe which can be considered as a pump/slingback or sandal.  The only difference between an open toe shoe versus a sandal is the amount of toe/foot being shown.  Open toe shoes tend to only show off a small amount of toe whereas sandals show a large majority of the foot.  Open toe shoes are great in the spring/summer and some like to wear them in the fall/winter with dark opaque pantyhose.  The open toe can be a slingback or closed like a pump and come in many colours, textures and heel heights.

The Wedge: The wedge is a great shoe to help provide height to those ladies who would like a bit of lift.  Wedge's tend to be on the more casual side of things, however, it depends on the thickness/texture of the wedge.  If you select a thick wedge in a raffia material (see example below) these should be worn with more casual attire.  If the wedge is slimmer and in a patent finish for example, these can be worn with something a bit dressier.  Be careful with wedges, they can be tricky to walk in and get used to so try them on and walk around a bit to see if you'll be able to manage them over longer periods of time.

The Platform: Now I'm not talking about a trip back in time, the platforms of the 21st century are a bit more discrete than those of the Saturday Night Fever days.  Platforms are also a great trick for ladies who would like to add a bit of height, but are more discrete than the wedge.  The platform is disguised into the base of the shoe so as to give the appearance of a pump or can stand out on their own (similar to a wedge).  These can also be tricky to walk in so be sure to give them a try and walk around a bit before committing.  Similar to the pump, the platform comes in a variety of heel heights, colours, textures and patterns and can be worn day-to-day or for a special/evening occassion.

The Sandal: The sandal is great for the summer and can be found in varying heel heights from flat to mid-height.  They come in a ton of colours, textures, patterns and materials.  The sandal can be very casual - kicking back on the beach - to very dressy - a night on the town.  They are versatile and can be found almost anywhere.  These bad boys can be good for everyday or evening, just be sure to match the style of the sandal to the look you are trying to achieve.  Flip-flops with an evening dress is not flattering, nor is a satin sandal with shorts and a tee-shirt. 

The Flat: These shoes are great for everyday or kicking around on the weekend, they can be casual/athletic or dressier and work for just about everyone.  Just as their name implies, the flat is just that, flat.  Some flats come with a small heel others are nothing but sole.  Flats are great for the office or for driving, they can be worn casual or sometimes, depending on the right material and appearance, can be dressier.  I don't recommend wearing flats with a cocktail dress, but you could wear them with a pair of wide-leg pants and they would look great.

Stay tuned to Part 2.3 where I'll discuss jewelery and scarves and the various ways to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Courtesy of:

Nine West Canada

Kate Spade

Nine West

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Part 2.1

PART 2.1
In Part 1 of this 2 part series I talked about accessorizing with the camisole, how to pump up that LBD and whether a hat was the best option for you.  In Part 2.1, I hope to uncover the world of accessorizing with bags; Part 2.2 will discuss shoes and Part 2.3 will be left to the world of jewelery and scarves.


Bag Lady
Accessorizing with bags can be simple or complex, it really depends on the look you are trying to achieve.  Bags are the quintessential accessory for women, we travel with them, lug our lives in them, use them as statements or as utility pieces.  They are versatile and practical, stylish and ample, simple and sophisticated.  Bags can either make or break an outfit, so it is essential when out on the hunt for the next great bag that you take some facts into consideration before you select.


There are women who have collections of bags, some to suit every occasion, they have them in every colour, shape and size.  And then there are the rest of us, we get intimidated by bags and stick with what we know and feel comfortable with.  Let's take a moment to break down the top 6 styles of bags and their purpose:


The Hobo: This style of bag is easily identified by its rounded shape.  The hobo is easily carried on your shoulder which fits nicely to your body or in hand if you'd like to carry it.  What's nice about carrying the hobo in hand is that you don't have to worry about the straps being too long which avoids the risk of dragging the bag on the ground.  This style of bag lends itself to the more casual of ensembles, however you can dress up a hobo (LOL) by selecting one with a more luxe look/feel i.e. embellishments or animal skin leather (see example below). 

The Clutch: This style of bag is also easily identified by its lack of strap support.  Some do come with a dainty shoulder strap, but on the whole the clutch is meant to be carried in hand and is typically reserved for evening events.  There is a reincarnation of the clutch known as the wristlet which can be used during the day and taken into the night, this bag is identified by the strap located on the side of the clutch in which you slip your wrist into.  The clutch is not meant to be used on a daily basis as they tend to be smaller and carry less, although, if you are a girl who carries little there is nothing to say that using a casual clutch day-to-day can't be done.  Just be sure that you leave the rhinestones and satin for the evening.

The Shoulder:  Just as its name implies, the shoulder bag is meant to be carried on one's shoulder.  These bags are very versatile and come in versions from day to evening.  They also come in a range of sizes and styles.  The shoulder bag is one of the most popular styles of bag and can easily accommodate all of the things you wish to carry.

The Sling/Crossbody:  This style of bag is meant to be worn across the body.  The straps are longer to accommodate and can be shortened if you wish to wear the bag over your shoulder.  These bags come in a range of sizes, but are narrow in width so as not to protrude too greatly from the body.  This is a casual style and should be reserved for day-to-day activities like running to the local grocer or shop.

The Satchel: This style of bag is typically squat in shape and is meant to be carried in hand but can also be worn on your shoulder if your hands are full with purchases - hopefully more bags!  They come in a variety of styles and colours and can accommodate a large amount of items you need to carry.  They are typically reserved for the day, but if you happen upon one that is a bit dressier there is nothing to say that you can't take this bag into the evening hours if you need to carry more than a lipstick around with you.

The Tote: This style of bag is traditionally open at the top to allow you to toss anything you need into the bag without having to worry about a clasp, zipper or tie.  The tote is a great bag to use when out shopping or going to the beach as it can easily accommodate larger items that may protrude out of the bag i.e. a French baguette.  Totes are casual bags and shouldn't be worn everyday, but nothing is to say that you can't go from your local grocer to the beach in a snap with one of these bad boys!

That is a sneak peek at the 6 most popular styles of bags out there, so the next time you're out looking for a great bag keep this information in mind and select one or two or three that suit you because after all, a lady's handbag is a personal thing.  Just be sure you select the one that fits you and your lifestyle best, this way you know you'll get good use out of it.


Stay tuned for Part 2.2 where I'll talk all about Shoes!


Courtesy of:
Danier
Kate Spade
Aldo
Roots

Decorating with One Colour + White

Up until now I have been stressing that you can create cohesion in your space by grouping or pairing the same, similar or complementary colours.  I want to delve into the world of decorating with one colour + white.  I know what you're thinking "she's gone off the deep end", but I assure you that I haven't.  With the right injection of colour, shade and depth, using white as the anchor is possible and will look amazing!


The #1 Rule: The number one rule when decorating your space in one colour is to never use the same shade throughout.  Colours (as I have mentioned in past) come in a plethora of shades, so the worst thing you could do is to pick a colour say, pale blue and use that same shade throughout your space without changing the depth of the colour.  I know you're thinking to yourself again that I've lost it, but trust me, work with me on this one, and you'll see how easily you can decorate a space in no time using only one colour + white.


Why White?: The reason white is used as the anchor is due to its brilliance.  White is a balancing colour which can easily be paired with any colour on the colour wheel and look fantastic.  White creates cohesion and is calming to the eye it's appearance is thought of as clean and therefore will create balance between the colour you select and the room itself.  Think of white as a non-colour, it's there, but it's not.  White acts as a base and a neutral, so feel free to use it liberally or sparingly in your space, but be sure to use it!


What Colour Do I Choose?: That depends on you and the space, different colours can illicit different moods and have a certain feeling associated with them, such as:
BLUE - represents peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, confidence, cleanliness and order.
BLACK - represents power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth and depth.
GREEN - represents nature, environment, health, good-luck, renewal, youth and generosity.
ORANGE - represents warmth, enthusiasm, balance, vibrance, flamboyancy and demands attention.
PURPLE - represents royalty, spirituality, nobility, ceremony, mystery, transformation and wisdom.
RED - represents strength, warmth, luck, love, desire, speed and vibrance.
WHITE - represents reverence, purity, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility and precision.
YELLOW - represents joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope and spirituality.
The colour you decide to choose for the space you have in mind should be reflective of the message you want to convey.  Do you want the space to be restful or vibrant?  Cool or warm?  Keep these thoughts in mind when selecting the colour you would like to use as the colour you select does have this kind of impact.


How Can I Work the Colour Into The Room?: The easiest way to achieve balance with the colour you select (+ white) is to use the colour in varying shades.  If you decide to go with the colour green for example use shades of green from apple green to olive.  If you choose blue use shades from royal to aqua.  Here are some examples of the varying colours you can use:

The trick is to inject colour into the room using the similar tones and levels of colour, you don't want to use all brights and darks because that will be too stark a contrast.  Although, with that being said there is nothing wrong with injecting one or two smaller objects into your space that are outside the colour harmony.  As you will see with the colour selections in green, blue, yellow and red above, the levels and tones of the colour can vary drastically from one spectrum to another.  

If you decide to go with the colour pink for example, there is nothing wrong with using bubblegum pink to fuchsia.  If you have a pillow in highlighter pink feel free to use it in the space.  This is the variance I was talking about, as long as you don't use bubblegum pink and highlighter pink throughout the space you'll be just fine.  It's all about balance.

TIP: When thinking about colour, take a trip to the local hardware store and into the paint section.  Select a colour chip that strikes your eye.  What you'll find is that the paint chip has provided you with the colour you like in varying tones and shades.  The same principle applies when selecting objects for your space.  Think in terms of paint chips.

So now that you have the basics in mind here are some examples of one colour + white rooms:

As you can see from the examples above the colour variations in the spaces differ, some are softer hues others are bold.  The choice is yours and believe me, this is one of the easiest interior decor solutions for your space, just keep the tips I gave you above in mind when out searching for that next colour piece to add to your one colour + white room.

Happy Shopping!!

Colour Coordination in your Home Part 2 - The Neutral Backdrop, Con't

Part 1 of this 2 part series talked about the major pieces in the room I was providing examples on - the living/family room.  I discussed how you can inject colour into the space without having to go crazy on your walls.  In part 2, I am going to discuss how to finish off your space with decorative objects and artwork.


In Part 1, I talked about colour being used in pieces such as the sofa, coffee table, bookcase and entertainment/TV unit.  All while leaving the walls as a neutral jumping off point for the insertion of these pieces into the space.  I would like to now touch upon the use of decorative objects and artwork to help finish off the space and bring it to life.


VASES/BOWLS
Vases and bowls come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, styles and colours, and happen to be one of the easiest ways you can inject some colour and texture into your space.  You could easily take a glass or crystal vase and pump up the room with a wonderful bouquet of flowers or your could create a collection of pieces that could easily draw the eye.  Here are some examples of how you could create an arrangement of vases and bowls in different shapes, sizes and colours:

The key when creating a collection for display is to stick with one colour or colour combination, it makes the collection look cohesive and well thought out.  Another tip when starting a collection for display is to look for pieces of varying heights; the look is aesthetically pleasing.  Get creative with your collection and believe me, this is one of the fastest and easiest ways to create impact in your room's decor.


CANDLES
A quick and simple way to create ambiance in a room is with lighting, and no better lighting that that from a candle.  This small flickering light is most appealing and creates a flattering glow on everyone and everything in the room.  Hey, now who said that romance is dead!  You can get creative with your candle situation in your room, just be sure never to leave them unattended or in a location that could potentially run the risk of being a fire hazard, i.e. near your flowing draperies.  You can create colour with candles in two ways, either with the candles themselves or with the holders/candelabra's.  In order to create cohesion using candles stick to one colour scheme, this doesn't mean that all your candles have to be one colour and the holders another, feel free to mix and match, just be sure that you stay within the same scheme otherwise you won't achieve the look you're after.  Here are some ideas:
Black-Cream-White-Green                                                                    Silver-Beige-Brown

Red-Orange

ORBS + DECORATIVE OBJECTS
Orbs are a great way of adding some texture to an otherwise plain tray, dish or bowl.  All you have to do is select a grouping of them, many are already packaged together in a collection for you so all you have to do is find an interesting vessel and place them.  They could be housed on a bookshelf, your coffee table or sideboard.  The possibilities are endless!

Decorative objects are easy examples of where you can create a theme or whimsy in your space.  Don't overload your surroundings with too many as this can look cluttered, but there is nothing wrong with adding a globe, clock or bookends to your space to make a personal statement without getting crazy.  Stick with items in related colours but there is nothing to say that all of the objects have to be the same size.  Get creative with the decorative objects you add to your space.

ARTWORK
Artwork is very personal and should reflect your personal tastes and style, but these pieces should also tie the room together or at least be a part of it.  You want to make sure when selecting artwork for your space that the dimensions work and the type(s) of prints/canvas fit with the theme or look you're trying to convey.  Take your time, one of the biggest mistakes people make is that they select art for the sake of selecting art.  You should really love the piece before you make the commitment to purchase it, whether it's an original, something you picked up at a yard sale or something you've created on your own.  This piece that you are inserting into your space should say something about you and sing in the room - but not like a banshee!

For some tips on how to hang artwork check out my blog post on this topic.


BOOKS
Books are a great way to add some personality to your bookcase or shelves, it's all in how you arrange them.  Cramming as many books onto your bookcase doesn't look very appealing and feels a bit chaotic.  Start by removing all the books from their current location and sort them by: 1. hardcover, 2. softcover (paperback), 3. oversized and 4. magazines/paper.  Next is to sort them by colour; if you don't mind removing the covers from the hard-backed books you can easily sort the hardcovers this way.  The spines of the softcovers should be grouped together by colour or colour combinations and the oversized books should be sorted the same.  Next start removing books that look like they've seen some better days and all magazines/paper should be put into a magazine file or removed all together.


Instead of putting the books upright in rows on your shelves, why not try angling them or laying some down.  Create a more relaxed look to the way you re-stack the books on your bookcase/shelf.  Throw in some decorative objects as well to create a decorative look to the placement of your books.  Just remember to keep the ones you use most often easily accessible and you'll be all set.  Books can also be put on display on your coffee or side tables, stacked on the floor or on a nearby empty wooden chair.  The choice is yours, so get creative with the arrangement of books in your space.


Here is a photo of the bookcase I have in the front/living combined dining rooms.  The bookcase acts as a room divider for the spaces so both sides of the open-concept bookcase needed to look appealing from the front/living and dining spaces:

You will see in the image above that the books have been organized by colour and size.  The look is very relaxed and there are many decorative objects both in and on the bookcase.  Remember not to overwhelm with too many decorative objects otherwise the look will be cluttered.




These tips that I have provided to you are a great start for making a good impact on the space that you decide to decorate.  I used the family/living room as the example in this situation so as to help narrow down the amount of information about how to decorate spaces.  You can easily apply these tips when decorating other spaces in your home as well.  Based on the examples of objects and furniture items that I presented I have pulled together (as best I can, given the limited computer software that I have) the family/living room concept based on the neutral backdrop:

So remember when you're out there shopping for the next great accessory or large impact piece for your space make sure that you take the time to think about the colours in the room to create balance, the size of the pieces and the overall look you want to achieve.


Quick Tip: White grounds the space, so be sure to inject white into your groupings or furniture.


Happy Shopping!


Courtesy of:
Pier 1
Structube
Anthropologie
IKEA
Art.com