[Style Diva] Color of the Year 2014

Near about three weeks, before we enter 2014, and few days ago, came the much awaited announcement from Pantone- the Color of the Year 2014. Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. The PANTONE® name is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. 

Every year, Pantone announces the Color of the year, which then becomes the sought after color in that year and most of the color trends- fashion, beauty, make up, interiors revolve around that color both in Spring and Fall.

Color of the Year 2013 was Emerald. We still have 3 weeks left in 2013, if you would like to know more about Emerald, read the posts here and here. To have a look at the previous years' Color of the Year-

Now, coming on to 2014, The color of the Year is (drum rolls) Radiant Orchid.... Expressive, exotic Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and warmth.
“While the 2013 color of the year, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.”
“An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

Source: http://www.pantone.com

My Views on the Color of the Year 2014
An interesting and complex color, Radiant Orchid is also one of my favorites. For me this exotic color signifies luxury and confidence. It is a complex color to work around for combinations, but will be absolutely gorgeous if used well. I have always been fond of colors from this family. Apart from luxury, this for me is a color for romance, I would say matured romance, with a bit of mystery, a bit of luxury and ofcourse not too sweet like pinks and not too sexy like reds. Similar color also features in my company's Logo along with Silver Gray. I selected this combination for the luxury and elegance associated with it. You may check my website http://www.mirrorimageandstyle.com/
Looking forward to work around this color styling and make up...

What do you think about Radiant Orchid as the Color of the Year 2014? How would you like to use it?? Do leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Keep reading for more on Radiant Orchid in the New Year...

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[Style Diva] Monogrammed/ Signature Bags- Haute or Not

I was reading an article in style: (A MediaCorp Publication) Issue of October 2013, a couple of days ago, which was about our obsession with designer bags. Somebody has been mentioned who needed a functional handbag that can keep whatever she throws in, is professional and she should be able to pass in a Client meeting as well as Social evening with same confidence. She was happy to find a Proenza Schouler PS1 but was not sure if she should spend a fortune on a 'Simple' bag, which was able to fulfil her requirements but was not so identifiable. 
How many of us are guilty of doing that. That does make sense to some extent that if you spend Thousands of dollars on a bag, it should be identifiable to get its worth. After moving to Singapore, the number of Monogrammed or Signature Bags that I see around has increased many folds. Every other lady has a Louis Vuitton Tote with monogrammed canvas or Coach signature bag, which to me seem to be a bit on the face. I would rather prefer an LV in Damier Canvas, which still tell others that you are carrying an LV but is subtle. Similarly I love Chanel 2.55 as it is identifiable as a Chanel and is subtle at the same time. 

Subtle yet Effective!

But my only concern would be to dress up as well to make the bag fit your outfit. I don't remember how many times, I have seen women carrying a great bag teamed up with an outfit which shows how less she cares about herself, with a feel that the presence of bag will amp her up in any situation.
Another point that comes to my mind is what is the significance value of a bag that a fairly decent number of people are carrying irrespective of what they are wearing, what kind of houses they live in, what is the kind of lifestyle they have? How authentic does the bag come across as, knowing well the fact that there are lot of fakes going around in the market worth only a couple of hundred dollars. 
How authentic a bag would seem when it is carried by a woman wearing shabby, neglected and worn-out clothes vis a vis when carried by somebody in a chic dress. People view somebody as a complete package and just carrying an expensive bag with taking no care of your outfit and grooming will not present you as a fashionista. So, I always suggest if you are trying to carry an expensive bag or shoes, make sure your dress goes with it and you don't come across as an ugly duckling wearing a diamond necklace pretending to be a swan.

What are your views on monogrammed or signature bags? What is the best way to carry them off? Do you have a favorite Signature bag or you dream of buying one? Do leave a comment and share...

Till then keep reading... 
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High 5- The Style Must-Haves NOW!!

The classics that always are in vogue but are like the Fashion Must Haves at this moment-

1. Lace
To bring out your feminine side or just to add a bit of sexiness and mystery to your personality, go for lacy dresses in pastel or vibrant colours and see how this seemingly boring and traditional or ultra feminine fabric can work wonders for you!

Image Source- http://www.haute-cocktail.com

Image Source- http://www.fashion-era.com

2. Graphic Prints
Go as far as you want with the extreme and crazy Graphical prints but remember to team them up with accessories in solid colours.

3. Sleeveless
Go sleeveless to show off your well toned arms or if you are not very comfortable showing your arms (like me), add on a lacy cardigan or a bolero; to be able to wear sleeveless yet need not expose your flabby arms. To know what kind of sleeveless top looks good on you, register for Online Shape & Style Analysis with me at an Introductory price from S$25 (Usual Price- S$45). Send a mail at nsur20@gmail.com to know more.

4. Delicate Necklace
Delicate chain necklaces look great on their own or if you are someone who doesn't feel comfortable with so less of necklace, you may like to mix and match two or more chains in different lengths or add more than one pendant in a single chain (taking care not to make it extremely heavy)!

Image Source- www.shopwasteland.com

Image Source- www.miniinthebox.com

Image Source- www.aliexpress.com

5. Pink (Clothes and Accessories)
Whether you want to be sweet and innocent or flirty and sexy or you just want to add a spark to a seemingly boring outfit, pink is the new black... Go for pastel and powdery shades for added sweetness, or fuchsia and hot pink for a flirty touch to your personality or outfit. Everyone has a perfect shade of pink for them. To know your shade of pink or other colours as well, register for Online Colour Consultation with me at an Introductory price from S$20 (Usual Price- S$40). Send a mail at nsur20@gmail.com to know more.

So, grab these fashion essentials now and get a New Look! What are your style staples? Do leave a comment and let us know.

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Style Diva: How to Wear Canary Yellow?

Canary Yellow or Canary, as it is commonly known as is a moderate yellow colour, sometimes with a greenish tinge. It is also one of the colours from the colour palette of Spring-Summer 2013.

It is taken from the yellow of Canary bird. It is also the yellow that is used by printers as one of the subtractive primary colours along with Cyan and Magenta in CMYK colour scheme.

Canary

Who can wear Canary?
This one shade of yellow is feared by most but suits almost everybody and also helps to show off tan.

Colour Combinations with Canary

How to include Canary in your Outfit?

How are you wearing this colour of Spring? 

What's your favorite combination with Canary?... Do leave a comment and let us know!

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MOTHER'S DAY CONTEST 2013

Hi Mamas, 

Let's crown The Diva Mom 2013 this Mother's Day! 

To participate follow the steps-

1. Send in your pic in your best outfit (it could be any outfit (formal/casual/dressed up etc.) that makes you look beautiful. The pic should have atleast one of your children (you also can participate if you are expecting!) to our facebook page Mom- The Diva

2. Send in your details along with the pic- Your Name, DOB, No. of children, Names, age and gender of children, your country of residence. You may send these as a separate message to  Mom- The Diva.

3. Write a comment on the blogpost titled Mom- the Diva stating why you are The Diva Mom.

4. Ask your family and friends to like your pic on Mom-the Diva's wall.

5. The last day to submit your entries is 13th May 2013 (11 pm, Singapore time GMT+8.00). However, people can continue to like your pic till 15th May 2013 (11 pm, Singapore time GMT+8.00).

6. A Winner and 2 Runners up will be declared (based on your pic, the number of likes on your pic and your comment on the blogpost.) on 16 May 2013 before Midnight (Singapore time GMT+8.00)

7. Surprise gifts awaiting the winners!

So, come up and get a chance to be The Diva Mom 2013.

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Style Diva: How to Wear Emerald Green Make-up?

To continue from yesterday's post on How to wear Emerald Green in clothes, let's move on to make up. This colour can be worn well on eyes and nails.

Emerald Green for Eyes

Eye Make Up Products

Emerald Green can be used by both Warm and Cool skin tones. 

Warm Skin Tones can wear Emerald Green Eye makeup with a coral or peach lipcolour, while those with cool skintones can wear with pink or purple or even red.

Warm Skin tone

Cool Skin Tone

Eye Make up Looks

Emerald Green for Nails

Emerald Green can be used on nail by itself in its many variations- Matte, Glossy, Sparkle or Glitter and can also be combined with other colours and materials to create interesting Nail Art.

Emerald Green Nail Paints

Emerald Green on Nails

So, Go ahead and wear this colour and make people Green with envy!

If you would like to share your favorite look using emerald green, do write to me at nsur20@gmail.com or leave a comment below...

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Style Diva: How to wear Emerald Green?

Declared the Pantone Color of the year 2013- Emerald Green

Emerald is a tone of green with a faint bluish cast and is derived from the colour of gemstone, emerald. It is an inspiring colour and suggest abundance and wealth. It also signifies material and emotional well being and creativity.

Who can wear Emerald Green?

This is most suitable for people who have vibrant skin with blue undertones, dark brown or cold blue eyes with a grey tint. Hair in blue tones, black, dark brown or palest blonde. Others may like to try and see if and how it works for you!

Colour Combinations with Emerald Green

With Neutrals

Dramatic Combination

Exotic Combination

How to include Emerald Green in your outfit?

How are you wearing this colour of the year? What's your favorite combination with Emerald Green?... Do leave a comment and let us know!

Keep reading for Emerald Green Make up!

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Style Diva- Decoding your Personal Style- Natural Persona

Take the Style Quiz here

Natural Persona

What defines this Style?
Relaxed, Minimalistic, comfortable, easy to maintain, loose fitted, Casual, Functional, Practical

Personal Characteristics
Relaxed, Friendly, Informal, Easy going, Girl-next-door, not much concerned with fashion, most often a Mother! As Mums, we want to be as fuss free as possible atleast with our clothes, considering all the fuss and mess that we have to handle!

What do you like?

• Comfortable, loose fitting, easy to maintain clothes
• Minimal Accessories
• Light and muted colours
• Flat or low heel shoes
• Simple or no make up

Wardrobe Must Haves

Lots of Jeans, T-shirts, cargo pants, tank tops, Loose structured blazer, unstructured dresses, sneakers, fine accessories, sporty watches

To get the best out of your Style Personality
You tend to appear sloppy sometimes, avoid that with proper grooming and adding a bit of interest with some key pieces or colour.
Use light accessories like scarf, necklace strings to add a new dimension to an outfit.

Celebrities with Natural Style
Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston.

Hope you have discovered your Style and Style Persona... try to get the best out of it and for any queries and concerns, please email me at nsur20@gmail.com
Would be happy to answer your concerns and will try to get the best out of your style!

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Style Diva- Decoding your Personal Style- Dramatic Persona

Take the Style Quiz here

Dramatic Persona

What defines this Style?
Bold, Glamorous or Sophisticated, Statement Pieces, Sharp silhouette

Personal Characteristics
Bold and Confident, Sensual and alluring, Sophisticated and authoritative and posses leadership qualities, add drama to your look, like to be center of attention, tall, sharp and angular facial features.

What do you like?

• Tailored and structured lines.
• Large, dramatic, styled design features and prints.
• Contrasting Colours
• Exotic, Unusual, Large Scaled accessories; often Statement pieces.
• Bold, defined make up!

Wardrobe Must Haves

Bold Colours, Statement Accessories like collars, necklaces, earrings, cocktail rings, Jackets with wide shoulders, Pumps, wide belts, structured skirts and dresses.

To get the best out of your Style Personality
Tone down on certain occasions with softer looks.
Wear only one statement piece or have only one focal point of your outfit
Balance the neckline and hemline i.e. lower neckline-lower hemline and vice versa to avoid looking trashy

Celebrities with Dramatic Style
Victoria Beckham, Lucy Liu, Dita Von Teese, Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell

Keep reading for Decoding other Style Personalities...

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