Pantone's 2015 Colour of the Year: Marsala

Earlier this month, Pantone, the global colour authority announced Marsala as its colour of the year for 2015. Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

 

"Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors."

Complex and full-bodied without overpowering, Marsala provides a unifying element for interior spaces. Add elegance to any room by incorporating this rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, accessories and paint. Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it an ideal choice for rugs and upholstered living room furniture. Nurturing and fulfilling, Marsala is a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room – making it ideal for tabletop, small appliances and linens throughout the home. The hue will be especially prominent in striping and floral patterns found in printed placemats, dinnerware, bedding and throws.

I have to be honest, I am not too sure if I'm really into this colour. As I prepare this post, I really struggled to find photos of rooms that I loved. My overall feeling is that while it can be dramatic and rich looking, I really think it looks tired and dated. On the other hand, I saw countless fashion photos that I was completely in love with. How does that happen? I think it's safe to say I would not go all in with Marsala but perhaps I could handle a few décor pieces.

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And some gorgeous fashions:

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What do you think? Are you loving this colour trend for 2015?

Your new best friend...Kylie!

How do I wear thee?  Let me count the ways!

There’s a reason why LSJ’s Kylie Tank is a staple in my wardrobe. It is perhaps the most versatile piece as it can be worn through any season, for so many different occasions. I’m all about getting longevity out of my clothing! Let me introduce you to your new best friend!  Kylie!

 

 

 

Wear on GIRLS NIGHT OUT! – Pair the Kylie Tank with fitted leather pants, black heels and a gorgeous pair of chandelier earrings! You’re ready to dance all night with your BFFs! 

Wear on DATE NIGHT – Dress up the Kylie Tank by tucking it into a statement skirt, wear some statement jewels and a comfy pair of heels for a romantic summer stroll!  

Wear to WORK! Half tuck your Kylie Tank into a pair of slim ankle pants, with a Chanel inspired jacket. Accessorize with a belt and pair of patent leather flats. Look chic and professional, you’ll be climbing the corporate ladder in no time!

Wear to CLASS! Wear the Kylie Tank over a simple pair of  skinny jeans with your favorite pair of wedge sneakers and a black faux leather jacket. No sweats for this girl!

Need I say more?  Go on, you know you want one (or many!!!)

Feel free to email me with any questions and to place an order!! Or you can simply enter the promo code LSJ-MRCA at www.lasenoritajolie.com (US) / www.lasenoritajolie.ca (CAN)

 

Prettiest. Closet. Ever.

My closet.  I have a love/hate relationship with it.  When it's neat and organized, I love walking into it.  When it's not so, I just want to avoid it, it becomes so uninspiring.  Well, my closet definitely pales in comparison to fashion blogger, Rachel Parcell's closet and office space.  Designed by Alice Lane Home, this closet is definitely off-the-charts!  A-MA-ZING!!! 

Rachel writes the blog, Pink Peonies, which I have been a fan of for the past couple years.  Rachel's style is feminine and classic, with a little edge.  I think the closet reflects that completely.  Have a look!  I'm sure, you'll be swooning over it too!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

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Ok, so we all don't have a closet this size.  But here are my tips for spiffing up your closet, whatever size it may be, and turning it into your own inspirational dressing room.

 

#1.  Take everything out of your closet.  And I mean everything!  Sort it into four piles: Keep, Repair, Donate and Toss.   

 

#2.  Take note of what storage and hanging space you have.  A trip to Ikea may be in order to buy shelves, baskets or racks.

 

#3.  Buy some new hangers, toss out those old dry-cleaning wire hangers and opt for a uniform look of wooden (my fave) or velvet hangers.

 

#4.  Glam up your lighting.  That ridiculously boring flush mount light can be easily replaced by a beautiful chandelier or a statement pendant. 

 

#5.  Sort your clothes by type, then by colour, from lightest to darkest.  Instead of trying to find that perfect blouse hidden next to a blazer, you'll know right where to find it!  This will save you so much time when putting together an outfit.  And clearly you can see how beautifully Rachel does it in her closet.

 

#6.  Invest in a full-length mirror!  I am not talking about the ones we all had when we were in university, the $9.99 mirror from Wal-Mart!  No, a beautifully framed mirror so you can see how gorgeous you look in your styled outfit!

 

#8.  Add artwork!  Some fashion inspired art of your favourite style icons will give a whole new look to your space.

 

#7.  Organize and really put some creative thought into how you can display your beautiful jewelry pieces.  Incorporate decorative hooks, stands, fabric covered cork board or small dishes and teacups. 

 

Try one, a few, or all of these tips to turn your closet into your own personal boutique!  Share with me how it goes!  Do you have any of your own tips?  How do you style your closet?

 

If you need help styling or decorating your closet, contact me.  I am currently taking e-clients; contact me for details. 

 

Michelle

XO

 



Becoming a La Senorita Jolie Stylist

Every once in a while something comes along in your life that is totally unexpected.  We all have an idea of how we want to live our lives but when that one thing strikes you in a way that totally resonates with you, it's hard to ignore.  Exactly that happened to me earlier this year.  I'm a huge fan of Natalie of Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers.  I do not miss a day of reading her blog.  One day I was reading her post where she was talking about a company called La Senorita Jolie and how she hosted a trunk show and posted a few pics of some of her fave pieces.  Hmmm...I thought, I love these pieces!  So cute and chic.  So, like after every other blog post that I read, I continued on with my day.  The next month, I somehow revisited her post and starting checking out the company a little more.  I visited their website and I found myself loving each and every piece.  I wondered if this collection was available in Canada.  I sent an email and magically, a couple hours later, a response!  No, they were not in Canada.  I was initially disappointed but, the person who responded to my email, suggested that we could chat.  That conversation changed my life...a long story short, LSJ is now available in Canada.  Jennifer Dixon, founder/creator, is a courageous, strong and insightful woman, with such an amazing work ethic.  She has already made this company a success, just having launched in the US last year and now crossing north of border into Canada.  I admire this woman for her beauty, inside and out, and feel so lucky to call her a friend. 

 

 

"La Señorita Jolie", in other words (a combination of Spanish and French), "A Beautiful Girl".  Clothes and accessories should enhance the "pretty girl" that you are, yet your beauty should come from within.  

 

Jennifer grew up in the south, lived abroad and in New York City for 14 years working in fashion (contemporary and designer) and returned to her southern roots in 2013.  Jennifer launched LSJ as a salute to simplicity, southern charm, and influences abroad.  The LSJ HQ is in Jennifer's home-town Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

Working in NYC and traveling often for work over the years, she learned a lot of about retail, styling, design, trends, and fashion.  She wanted to use these experiences to empower women with the tools they need to be a successful "pop-up stylist" and create business opportunities.

A lover of glamour, albeit a self-professed "t-shirt and jeans" girl, she found that women tend to spend more time in casual wear and women love new opportunities to pursue a career on their own terms.   Jennifer saw this as an opportunity for a new twist in the social selling marketplace and LSJ has already created major opportunities for women wanting to build their own business!  LSJ offers a curated collection of casual, affordable and chic garments to their shoppers in a fun "party-plan" environment.  The average price point is $40 versus $150 of other social selling companies.  Who wouldn't rather have 3 tops for under $150?  

So, needless to say, I am going for it!  I have been blown away by the amazing team and the company's business model and I am totally in love with the clothes!  . . .  a few of my favorite pieces are below.

If you are in the Ottawa area (or Ontario) and would like to host a trunk show with me at your house, please contact me.  Invite your friends over, see the amazing LSJ styles and receive free clothing just for hosting!  :)  What's not to love?

Or, if you are interested in becoming a stylist (you don't have to be in Ontario), let me know and I'll get you hooked up on my team.  Here's to new adventures!  


Check out the collection at:
www.lasenoritajolie.ca (Canada)
www.lasenoritajolie.com (US)

If you would like to make a purchase, enter promo code LSJ-MRCA at checkout.

Find me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/lsjmrca

Stay connected for new styles, promos, contests and styling tips. 

A Happy Medium

Last weekend I was at a friend's house and we were talking paint colours and she said that she really wished that she had chosen more gray undertones throughout her house.  Meanwhile, all of her furniture, window coverings and accessories are in the brown/beige family.  So, what to do?  So many people are in the same boat, where they want to embrace the gray trend but, don't want to have to get rid of everything they already own.  So, how do you marry the cooler tones of gray with the warmer look of browns and beiges?  Let me introduce you to greige!

Greige...a colour between gray and beige.  Kind of like Brangelina, Kimye...you get the point! haha.

Here are my go to greige paint colours!
 

Edgecomb Gray HC-173 (Benjamin Moore)

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Grant Beige HC-83 (Benjamin Moore)

 

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Manchester Tan HC-81 (Benjamin Moore)

 

 

 

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All of these paint colours are great neutrals that work well in a variety of space and lighting conditions.  If you would like help incorporating these new neutrals into your space, email me.






No Doorknobs Allowed!

Last month, a bylaw in the city of Vancouver came into effect, banning the installation of door knobs in new homes.  Say what?  When I first heard this, I thought it was so ridiculous.  Then I researched it a bit more and discovered that the extinction of the doorknob will be replaced with lever handles, a more sensible option for those with limited strength and movement.  I understand that this is ideal for people with accessibility issues but, why should anyone who is perfectly capable of turning a doorknob be forced to install lever handles?  

Apparently, doorknobs have been on their way out for a while now as some manufacturers stopped making them as they knew this trend was coming.  Other municipalities will likely follow suit, as building codes are updated.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think the banishment of doorknobs is excessive and unnecessary?  

Say goodbye to beautiful looking doorways like these.  

In my opinion, this is probably the worst ban ever!  What's next?  They'll probably be telling us what light bulbs we can and cannot use.  Oh right....they already did that!

My new baby: Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

The fiddle leaf fig tree has to be the hottest house plant right now.  It has been featured in countless design magazines and is a fave of designers Jonathan Adler and Emily Henderson.  It has large, floppy leaves that gives it so much character.  A full sized tree can run upwards of $350!  Something that I am not prepared to spend given my history of having two black thumbs!  Check out these beauties...

 



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I have been on the hunt for a fiddle leaf fig plant that is smaller and a little easier to take care of.  This plant is native to West Africa, likes light but not too much and lots of warmth and can be a little finicky when placed in a new environment.  Great!!!  Cold, dry winters in Ottawa probably not the best climate but I'm willing to give this baby a lot of attention and care.  Yesterday, my search came to an end at IKEA!  And to make it even sweeter, I paid only $7.50!  So, no pressure, if my black thumb conquers all, I’m only out $7.50.  

Now to find the perfect planter!