The wait is over, for the expert in predicting color trends, Pantone, has released its much-anticipated color of the year, and it’s Ultra Violet, a shade leaning more toward the true purple or blue-violet spectrum, rather than a red-leaning merlot.

Said to represent a mystical ideology indicative of the cosmos, including “the intrigue of what lies ahead,” Pantone believes this particular purple is akin to the limitlessness of the night sky and “symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own.”

Furthermore, Pantone is taking the opportunity to incorporate a sense of mindfulness with the vivid color choice, and we aren’t complaining. “Historically, there has been a mystical or spiritual quality attached to Ultra Violet. The color is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today’s over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.” With the kind of headspace this color is thought to evoke, we gladly say bring on the Ultra Violet!

1. Purple Peony Kimono

With this maxi kimono you can wrap yourself in this lovely peony pattern while also repping Pantone’s color of the year. Beautifully incorporated into this two-tone wrap, the purple pops against the black and white backgrounds. Perfect for pairing with jeans and sweaters in the winter, you can wear this piece now and again in the spring and summer. Truly a year-round item, with a little layering and imagination, this can become a 2018 wardrobe staple. Priced at $118.

2. Vintage Plum Pants

These early 1980s vintage leather pants were ahead of their time. Colored in the Ultra Violet hue of today, these evergreen bottoms feature classic jeans styling with a zip fly and slim legs. The leather is described as soft and these are said to be in excellent vintage condition, a pair even some vegans will feel comfortable slipping on. Great with a simple chunky knit sweater or a killer graphic tee, this is another item you can wear year-round with the proper styling. Priced at $98.

3. Vision in Violet Cardigan

Top rated by buyers, this slouchy cardigan can be dressed up or down and features an open front design with voluminous statement sleeves. The Wild Purple is a fan favorite and popular among petite women looking for a sweater that isn’t too long. Great with a basic tank, but still offering room for layering, this is a cardigan you can wear due to cold weather, or because of a frigid interior climate, like the always freezing office. Cute with jeans, dresses, trousers, and more, this cardigan is a keeper. Priced at $128.

4. Purple Moon Leggings

Get ready for your workout, yoga sesh, or just a stroll around town in these purple moon leggings from RUMI X. Made for movement by a yoga-instructor-turned-designer, you’ll fall head over heels for these flexible pants in Pantone’s Ultra Violet. Pictured paired with the Voice Leg Warmer in black, which we really adore, by the way, these leggings feature hip ruching, a flattering wide waistband, and a stirrup that hooks under each foot for a comfy and secure fit. Priced at $79.

5. Dusty Druzy Dress

Our list just wouldn’t be complete without a dress inspired by the new color of the year. And after stumbling upon this gorgeous jersey number with a kangaroo pocket (Yasss, pockets!) and sexy leg slit, we knew it was the one. Probably best suited for warmer winter climates and spring and summer wearing, this can still be a popular dress in your wardrobe. The form-fitting material allows for layering with outerwear, while the scoop-neck tank style is great for dressing up or down. Wear it with ankle booties and a bomber jacket, or go casual with a pair of white sneakers. Priced at $40.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post 5 Pieces Inspired by Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet: Friday Finds appeared first on EcoSalon.

Ah, green, or “Greenery,” to be exact. This refreshing and rejuvenating, slightly lemony hue is just what we needed from Pantone’s 2017 color of the year.  

Leatrice Eisemen, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, said it best when she reflected on this year’s color: “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.” In terms of symbolism, this has “wearing your heart on your sleeve” written all over it.

While we could all use a little fortitude, a little encouragement, and a stronger grasp on our purpose, we should not deny the impact that a fashion-forward outlook has on our lives. Described as a “fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring,” let’s resolve to use Greenery, or any variation of green for that matter, as a form of meaningful empowerment as we embark on 2017.

1. Crisply Colored Sweater

This slouchy sweater is certainly no slouch in the color department. The bold green is a sight for sore eyes, lending a freshness to an otherwise stale wardrobe in need of a pickmeup. Per Pantone’s insistence, Greenery goes well with more than just neutrals. If you can handle the color mash-ups reminiscent of a fine spring day, then don’t be afraid to wear this piece with a pair of peachy-pink pants. Priced at $128.

2. Soft Asymmetric Top

Considerably more subdued, and with less yellow than Greenery, this top is a very wearable way to inject some of the nature-inspired freshness into your rotation. The off-the-shoulder style and ruffles are still very on-trend, while the hue is one that will pair well with neutrals and other colors that have a similar saturation, such as terracotta and gray-blue. Dress up this top by wearing it with a skirt and heels, or go for the casual approach with a simple pair of jeans and flats. Jewelry and accessories will make all the difference. Priced at $58.

3. Bold Trapeze Tunic

Zesty and bright, this boldly colored trapeze tunic is another variation of Pantone’s color of the year. This can be worn as a mini dress, or as a top with leggings or jeans. If you’re going the dress route, this would look great with ankle booties or an over-the-knee variation. Spice it up with some accessories, like a long pendant necklace and a floppy felt hat. If you prefer leggings under your tunic, then try them out with a pair of Mary Jane style shoes and a couple of low, tousled pigtails for a retro look that’s super mod. Priced at $88.

4. Braided Maxi Dress

For a touch of the unexpected, this is just what the doctor ordered. Satiny, shiny, beautiful, braided, and green. Whether it’s for a wedding, a special date night, or simply because you like walking around your apartment in a dress that’s worthy of sipping on an extra dry martini, it’s one you’ll find many uses for over the years. Pair this with an elegant lace-up style heel and a clutch to round out the look. Priced at $295.

5. Laid Back Hoodie

Although a tad earthier than Pantone’s Greenery, this hue is still a beautiful take on the color of the year. Whether you’re pulling this on as you head out for the gym, or settling in on the sofa with a good book, the comfort factor of this hoodie won’t let you down. Pair with jeans, shorts, track pants, or your undies — whatever your heart desires, really. Priced at $68.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Get the look of the color of the year with these serenity and rose quartz looks.

The reviews have been mixed on Pantone’s pick for Color of Year for 2016. For the first time in its history the color forecasting giant chose two colors for 2016. Those colors are serenity, a soft blue, and rose quartz, an ethereal pink. The decision has seen somewhat mixed reviews, but like it or not the colors are here to stay. Pretty soon, they will be the colors you will find everywhere.

If you aren’t so sure about the colors, let us put it into perspective for you. In the way of fashion, Serenity and Rose Quartz are a huge improvement over the Marsala pick for 2015. Marsala is a fine color for a wall, but it’s more limiting in fashion. While Serenity and Rose Quartz prove flattering to many more skin tones, Marsala is a much more challenging color to pull off.

If you aren’t convinced, here are some of our favorite Serenity and Rose Quartz fashions to take you into the new year.

Color of the Year for 2016

Beatrice T-Strap Mid Heels from Boden, $134.40

Wear these rose gold metallic heels on New Year’s to ring in the new year in style.

Embroidered Chambray Peasant Blouse from NY & Co, $35

Dress this up or dress it down for on trend color of the year style.

Grace Dress from Boden, $118.80

A little sparkle goes a long way with this pretty party dress. Its straight skirt and fixed waistband gives the dress an easy yet refined edge.

Blue Zip Sweater from Dorothy Perkins, $35

Be on trend, yet warm and casual with this pretty sweater.

Colorblock Pleated Skirt from Kate Spade, $213

This colorblock skirt in rose, nude, black, and cream is perfect for work, or a dressier occasion.

Crop Top Skater Dress from Asos, $56.50

This embellished dress will get you ready for spring.

Kiera Pleated Cloche Hat from Accessorize, $38.60

Cover your noggin in style with this practical and sweet cloche.

Ballet Flats from Asos, $22

Ballet flats are just a necessity.

DKNY Crepe Blazer from Net-a-Porter, $223

This satin-trimmed blazer will make a wonderful addition to your closet for 2016.

Scalloped Silk Blouse from Banana Republic, $69.99

Pair this blouse with the blazer above to be on trend for 2016.

Belted Cashmere Sweater from Anthropologie, $28.40

Everyone needs a warm cashmere sweater, right?

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Image: Pantone

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In a bold move, Pantone, the leader in forecasting color trends for decades, chose not one but two colors as the Pantone Color of the Year 2016. It also did an about-face from the deep and earthy Marsala from the Color of the Year for 2015 and chose to go softer for 2016 with Rose Quartz and Serenity.

It’s a brilliant color trend move and one that promotes balance. Rose Quartz is a gentle color that evokes compassion and composure. Serenity is an airier color that conveys a sense of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. While both colors are quite nice, neither color is all that earth shattering on their own, or worthy of the Color of the Year distinction, but when paired together the impact is truly sublime.

The selection is an admitted symbolic one that acts as a color snapshot of our changing culture. It also seeks to provide an antidote to our modern day stresses by promoting mindfulness and fulfilling our yearning for reassurance and security. Pantone’s color selection also attempts to show how gender lines are becoming blurred in fashion and color coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity.

“Joined together Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,”  Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute said in a statement.

You may not see much of these colors now (they are the forecast colors for 2016 after all), but pretty soon you will see them everywhere–from home decor to fashion. In the meantime, here are some pretty Color of the Year finds.

Offbeat Rose Quartz and Serenity Color of the Year Finds

Colorblock Color of the Year Pillow

Image: JillianReneDecor

Restless Photographic Print by Alicia Bock

Image: Pottery Barn

Metallic Placemats

Image: West Elm

Triangle Art Print

Image: MossAndTwigPrints

Octopus Nautical Art

Image: AdamsAleArtPrints

Serenity and Rose Quartz Merino Wool Yarn

Image: Zanetto

Color of the Year KitchenAid Mixers

Image: KtchenAid

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Image: Pantone

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In the words of legendary interior designer and tastemaker Dorothy Draper, “The Drab Age is over. Color is coming into its own again…”  We couldn’t agree more. And, evidently, neither could Pantone–the global authority on color. 2014’s Color of the Year is a punchy purple, dubbed “Radiant Orchid”, which is said to “emanate great joy, love and health.” Yes, please!

It’s a little purple and a little fuchsia, with a dash of pink–it’s the perfect pop of color to liven up our beloved dark neutrals: black, charcoal, navy and chocolate brown. It plays well with other trendy colors, like chartreuse, turquoise, coral and indigo, and gives a jolt to whites, linens and creams. So, move over red! 2014 is the year for Radiant Orchid to reign supreme!

Purple Reign! 8 Ways to Rock 2014’s Color of The Year

1) Frame facelift: We all have a million picture frames lying around (or you can pick up some orphans from Goodwill)–why not give them a new life? This is a simple, inexpensive (and dare we say, fun!) way to brighten any room of your home. We recommend using an environmentally sound no-VOC paint, like Petal .04 or Petal .07 from YOLO Colorhouse.

2) Invest in a design classic: The “Savoy” vase by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto, was designed in 1936 and is an icon of modern design. It’s safe to say it will never go out of style. Iitala is now offering this handmade glass beauty in a dark lilac–isn’t she lovely?

3) Magic carpet: Who doesn’t love the feel of a cozy rug underfoot? This is another simple way to get some color in your life: in the entryway, powder room, dining area or living room. This durable handwoven number is built to last and has the added bonus of a fashion-forward chevron.

4) Shop for a cause:  This woven jute grass and raffia tray is a perfect cross of function and fashion, and you’ll feel good about bringing it home, too. Made in Rwanda by Indego Africa, a non-profit organization made up of women-owned businesses and artist co-ops, this particular design was made exclusively for the incomparable Jonathan Adler.

 5) Enter the Earth: Agate home wares, primarily bookends and coasters, are popping up in interior design magazines left and right. We love this incredible pair of pink agate bookends–so majestic! The combination of polished and raw surfaces make for a wonderful textural juxtaposition.

6) Just your type: We’ve all grown so accustomed to the soft tapping of our laptop keyboards that we forget how utterly romantic the timbre of  a typewriter can be. That clipped, determined staccato is the outward song of thoughts and dreams hitting paper. This vintage 1979 Olivetti Lettera 12 will not only look incredible on your writing desk, but is practically guaranteed to help you write the next great American novel. (Or, at the very least, an anonymous note to your obnoxiously loud next door neighbor.)

7) Bright at your fingertips: Not ready to paint your entire house purple? Why not start by dipping your toes in? Eco-friendly cosmetic company Zoya, has devoted an entire page (42 polishes!) of their website to Radiant Orchid-esque shades. All of their polishes are toxin-free and all-natural, but never skimp on color or staying power.

8) Be literal: Buy an orchid, already! These gorgeous flowering plants require indirect sunlight and only light watering (read: they are hard to kill). Your care and patience with these lovelies is rewarded with blooms that last a month or more!

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Photo credits: (top to bottom) The Tao of Dana,  My Sugar Blossom, Iitala, One Kings Lane, Jonathan Adler, Lawson Fenning, etsy seller ElGranero,Zoya, Bliss at Home, Elle Decor

The post Purple Reign! 8 Ways to Rock 2014’s Color of The Year appeared first on EcoSalon.