Pantone Spring/Summer 2020 - Storm, Fiery Red and Blueberry

Last week I was really struggling with all that was going on in the world and in our country, so I only posted once, and never did send out an email. I apologize for that. Sometimes, life is like a sucker punch to the gut and you have to step back and try to catch your breath. I am going to approach the subject of all that is happening and my own response to it on my Faith page tomorrow, so just know that I do feel this is important enough to talk about, but I do not think it needs to be done on my Fashion page. Be sure to look for that post tomorrow.

Today we are looking at two very bright and bold colors. When I thought about pairing Storm with Fiery Red, I knew I wanted to keep it as far away from looking Christmasy as possible. Obviously, Storm would never be mistaken for the typical Christmas green that we usually associate with that holiday, but things have changed. Christmas green and red are no longer the only color combinations in holiday decor. Still, I wanted this look to evoke a feeling of fierce femininity, so let me know what you think.

This thrifted, graphic tee from Old Navy is the perfect green and considering everything we have been going through, I love its positive message. Everything has beauty, we just need to look for it.

I had some sheets hanging out on the line on the day we took these pictures, so we had a little fun with it.

Rather than create an outfit with a full red piece, I thought I would show you an outfit where you use one color just in your accessories and wow, what a statement it makes! The Fiery Red bandana in my hair, the jewelry and the bag, add that bright red color, without being overwhelming. Some people feel less comfortable wearing bright colors and prefer to just stick to the classics, like navy, gray or black. Adding a bright color really boosts the overall look of an outfit.

My medallion print skirt is from Christopher and Banks last year. I like that it is light weight, and yet not at all see through. Win, win. I felt that it was a good match for the Blueberry Pantone classic color.

You’ve seen these loafer heels numerous times on the blog before. I got these thrifting and have had them for years, but they still look pretty good. The plus side of real leather. These are Relativity brand.

What do you think of these colors? Do you think this was a good combination? Do you where skirts in the summer? What length skirt do you like to wear; mini, knee, midi or maxi? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you to all of you who regularly comment on my posts. I always look forward to your insights and of course the positive feedback is wonderful, but your negative feedback is welcome too.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. I hope you are staying safe and healthy wherever you are!

Photos and graphic Rebecca Trumbull.

These shopping links are affiliate links which means I get a few pennies when you click on a link. Thanks for those clicks. All opinions are my own.

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Denim

I've been taking you on a tour of my vest collection and showing you ways to style these fun pieces for warmer weather. Today I am styling two denim vests to show you how these can be used with various pieces, including capris and a skirt.

Look 1 - Medium Wash

For this first look I wore a medium wash vest from Christopher and Banks. Here is an embroidered option here and a dark wash version here. 

To keep the look casual I paired the vest with my olive colored capris. I really like the look of blue denim with olive. Olive has become one of my faves for a different color to turn to for a neutral. When you think about it, olive really pairs well with many other colors. These thrifted capris are Sonoma brand with a modern fit, which simply means they sit a little lower on the waist and have a roomier fit through the hips and legs. Here is a utility style from Kohl's.

The top I wore was a sleeveless Izod popover, with a fun tropical floral design in pinks and purples. Here is a possible version from JC Penney. I thought the sleeveless top worked with this sleeveless vest. It gives the outfit an edgier vibe. 

I kept the accessories simple with a stretchy cuff bracelet from Chicos and a silver necklace. Here is another pretty option for the bracelet. 

My tote is from Charming Charlie and is a very light sage green, which I thought went well with the whole outfit. They don't have this version any more, but here is another pretty one. 

I finished off this casual look with my bright blue Keds. Keds are a great sneaker for summer. They are comfortable, cute and reasonably priced. These I found thrifting, but I've brought a few pairs at Kohl's. They don't have anything this bright, but here is a cute striped version. 

Look 2 - White

For the other denim look, I went with a white St. John's Bay vest that I got at a thrift store. This time I paired the vest with a blue striped tee and a navy and white maxi skirt.

You can see I was doing a little print mixing for this outfit. I thought the colors went well together and the narrow stripes on the tee, didn't overwhelm the geometric pattern on the skirt. This skirt was from Christopher and Banks also. 

For my bag I chose this fun little straw number. Straw handbags were on trend this summer and I came upon this little treasure when my husband and I were on a weekend away, while I was perusing a second hand shop.

For my accessories I went with my "stained glass" necklace and two bracelets. I like the contrast of the gold with the blue and white. 

Keeping the look casual I wore my navy Candies canvas sneakers. My husband reminded me the other day that I have numerous pairs of navy or blue sneakers! Ha, ha. I think I counted four pairs, but no two pairs are the same! 

Here are the two looks side by side. 

Do you have a denim vest in your closet that you have neglected to wear? These are versatile pieces that you can wear all year long through all four seasons. 

Have a great week. Be sure to check back Thursday for another post on thrifting. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge.