Merry and Bright

via Harpers Bazaar

Another gray winter is setting in and I am not in the mood!  I defy you cold and snow!  I am fighting back ~ with color.  I want bright, I want bold, I want hot colors with a bad-ass attitude to get me thru the holidays and beyond.  COLOR creates energy and energy creates warmth.

Valentino highlights brights for the resort 2015 collection that is "over the rainbow."  From sneakers to bags to jewelry, it's a great way to inject a little ray of sunshine in to an otherwise neutral outfit.

via Valentino

Or if a neutral outfit is not what you had in mind, Valentino has you covered in robust color and pattern as well.  WOWZA.  Buckle up, other designers are following suit.  We'll see juicy fruit hues as the weather warms.

Too much?  OK, baby steps….Dolce and Gabbana's embellished leather goods impart a regal touch.

Or kick your keels up at a sweet holiday soiree in these D and G's ~

or sashay away on vacation in Christian Louboutin's  Cataclou wedge

I wouldn't mind Eddie Borgo's block bracelet which would mix and match with almost anything,

but would certainly not turn down Stephen Webster's stunner of a multi colored bauble

IF I was made to choose (gun to my head), I'll take the DVF for H. Stern sapphire statement maker… Yes, please.  Not all that bright, but it shines like a diamond.

Of course if a small token doesn't seem like enough to ring in the New Year, snuggle up in Alturzara's  fur finery (or Valentino's as above).  You'd be spotted easily in a snow storm.

Better still, envelope yourself in a light bright interior.  A jolt of color goes a long way in lifting a somber mood.

Miles Redd

Just imagining stepping into one of these rooms lifts my spirits.

Indra Marcinkevichen

Amanda Nisbet

Jamie Drake

If all of the above is out of reach, grab a bottle of polish and go crazy

OR ~ add an uplifting bouquet, it is like a shot of sunshine in a vase.

OR ~  a new pretty pout in a bright, seductive shade can cure what ails you (me).

I defy you to smile ~ My spirits are lifted already.  Goal accomplished, #writeitdownmakeithappen seems to have worked (for now anyway)!

Have a MERRY and BRIGHT holiday, dear readers  : )

NYIGF Shows its Colors

Dransfield and Ross

It may have been cold and gray outside but bright, saturated color was being embraced inside the New York International Gift Fair.  Exhibitors were on trend for 2013 with all the riotous color the experts have told us to expect to come on strong.  And strong they are; bold feels beautiful.

Oomph Furniture

Everything is in living color; furniture, fabric, pillows, art, accessories ~ nothing was spared.  Neutral feels flat.  Wake it up; color your world!

Design Legacy

These lambswool and merino reversible wool throws are so chic.  The booth was bursting with buyers (many from high end stores), so don't be surprised when you see them in a store near you.

Paulette Rollo

I love the idea of the book binding being done in a solid bright color.  What a great way to bring a little chroma (and drama) to an ordinarily neutral place.  Think of the fun you could have!

Go Home

Middle Kingdom

These finials have been covered by bloggers near and far.  They're one of those things that you never knew you needed.  When you add a decorative finial to any lamp it instantly helps to define the style and "tops off" the look beautifully.

Hilary Thomas

Furniture is the obvious first place you would think to add a swift kick of color.  The furniture choice makes it feel refined, flamboyant or quirky.

Royola Pacific Designs

Classic cowhides, or any rug for that matter, are also going the way of the rainbow.  I love the look of these underfoot.  I'll take one of each, please.

Saddleman's

You may not think ostrich egg when you are looking to add a little spice to a tabletop vignette, but that was before they came lacquered in a multitude of hues. 

Outpost original

Even a neutral kitchen could use a little shot of color, whether in linens, tableware, or accessories.  The Laguiole flatware has a cult like following, and now I know why.

La Maisonette 

as above

Vagabond Vintage to trade only

The artist started with bugs.  I am glad to see he moved on to non-living organisms.  The feathers are much nicer (and beautifully displayed)

Pheromone

If your home doesn't need a shot of color, I bet your wardrobe does??

ph: CLI

Color Of The Year 2013~ Emerald

The color of the year is also the color of elegance.  While purple speaks to regality, emerald has a quieter aura; one that is sophisticated and precious, like the gem it's associated with.  A beauty that enhances our sense of well being and state of harmony, which by the way, we will be hearing a lot about this coming year.  It makes sense that it goes hand in hand.

Century Furniture

Emerald happens to be one of my favorite colors.  It translates easily between fashion and home.  Another trend we will be seeing is the transition from indoors to out.  Green is just the color to create that continuity.

Miles Redd for Lee Jofa

Sherrill Canet

Palmer Weiss

The color of growth, prosperity, harmony, renewal, and healing is one we should definitely surround ourselves with or in, as the case may be.

via loomdecor

Like everything I talk about ~ you decide whether a small amount of green accents and accessories, or an all out assault of this energizer, is what you need to get into the spirit and move forward in a positive direction for the coming year.

via 2 dash of fashion

Phillip Jefferies Wallpaper

Mary McDonald

McAlpine Tankersley Booth