Color Play: Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse with Brown and Gray

If you keep up with the Pantone Color of the Year, you know that this year’s color is a creamy brown with rosy undertones looking much like the dessert it is named after, Mocha Mousse. Click on the link to see the actual color. As I began looking through my closet, which contains almost every color under the sun, I realized I don’t have anything this exact color. The closest I came was a piece that is a little bit lighter version of the actual color, but I thought it would do for this post.

This tunic length sweater was a thrift find from last year. It is Lauren Conrad brand and I love the soft texture and the cute heart

I thought adding this thrifted, brown Fever vest a good way to further infuse the idea of the chocolatey goodness of mousse.

Style Tip: Adding a vest is a great way to have the fun of layering without the added weight and warmth. Vests are perfect for these transitional times between winter and spring, and summer and fall. Look for lighter weight, flowy vests that still provide coverage, but don’t add too much heat.

I decided to use my second hand White House Black Market Blanc jeans. It is nice to fit back into this trouser type pant to take a casual look up a notch.

Style Tip: Adding a pair or two of trouser type jeans, which have a somewhat wider silhouette allows you to dress up an outfit without going outside your “jeans box”. You know I am an avid fan of jeans and they are what I wear most of the time, but it is nice to have the option of a jean in a different style and/or color for a completely different look.

I decided to go for rose gold in my jewelry which I think goes well with the brown and the Mocha Mousse colors. I also added my pink Bueno crossbody bag which was a gift from my younger daughter a few years ago.

My thrifted patent leather ankle boots have made an appearance on the blog before and are Forever 21 brand. Apparently patent leather is making a come back this year, so if you have any of those in the shoe direction get them out of the dark corners of your closet and let them shine.

What do you think of Mocha Mousse? Do you like this color? Do you like the combination of brown with gray? How about brown with black? Please leave me your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a comment on Facebook. I always love to hear your ideas.

I’m including a few shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

I hope you all are having a great week!

Awesome Accessories - The Oxford: A Great Transitional Shoe

When it comes to shoes there are so many choices. From sandals and flats to heels and boots. At times the number of choices can be, well, overwhelming. There is also the question of what do I wear when it is not warm enough for sandals anymore, but not cold enough for boots? This week I want to look at the simple, but classic Oxford.

The Oxford shoe originated in Scotland and Ireland and was called Balmorals, after Balmoral Castle. Later the name changed to Oxfords after Oxford University. These particular type of shoes didn't come to North America until the 1800's. Women's Oxfords, which do not adhere as closely to the actual shape and stitching of the original have become a trendy fashion piece stemming back to the early 1900's.

Let me introduce you to my family!

As the assistant manager of a small university bookstore, I am required to dress professionally, and I also have to wear close-toed shoes. Trying to find shoes that are both comfortable for walking, standing or even receiving heavy boxes of books and that look nice is no easy feat (I know that's puny). The Oxford has provided me with a shoe that meets both of the aforementioned requirements.

Though this was not my first pair of Oxfords they are definitely one of my favorites. I found them at DSW on the clearance rack and as real suede often does, they fit perfectly. These are much less formal so I would call them my "casual" Oxfords.

This gray pair adheres a little more closely to the true Oxford form with the stitching on the toe cap. The open stitching makes the shoe less formal, so I would call these my "cute" Oxfords.

This black pair is much more formal and is reminiscent of the early men's wingtip shoe. The patent leather gives it a polished shine and the closed stitching gives the shoe a much more finished look. These are my "formal" Oxfords.

These were my most recent thrift store acquisition. The color is perfect for fall and the open woven look, make it a great shoe to transition from summer to fall. These are my "fun" Oxfords.

Oxfords are the perfect menswear inspired accessory and will go with anything in your wardrobe. There are so many lovely versions out there that you could find a pair to wear with pants, skirts or dresses and it won't break your bank account. 

I hope you enjoyed meeting my "family". Do you own a pair of Oxfords? How do you like to wear yours? Do you think they are a good shoe for transitioning from summer into fall? I'd love to have your input.

Have a great weekend and keep stylin'!

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull

Shopping for Oxfords:

Suede - Zappos - $79.00

Cute - Aerosoles - $49.95

Formal - Nordstrom Rack - $46.97

Fun - Nine West - $89.00