Shimmer + Snow | Beautiful brown shades

   

It's cold today. So cold, in fact, that I wish it would just snow already. Sorry, if I seem a tad impatient. It's just that I'm sort of a hopeless romantic when it comes to the idea of a white Christmas. Because well, when it snows something sort of magical starts to happen. And snow during the holidays? Well, that's probably one of my all time favorite holiday fantasies. I can see it now... a cozy little cabin surrounded by the prettiest snow covered landscape. Me in my favorite flannel pjs, sipping a cup of warm coffee. And a small fire flickering as I curl up on the couch beside my favorite guy.

{cabin | a woman in science, pinecone candle | decorators notebook, ornaments | ella inspiration, makeup | dustjacketattic, bouquet | michael radford photography, antlers | harwell photography, dress | tutuschicboutique, hot cocoa | photo by tina rupp via santa barbara chic, newlyweds | camillestyles, sparkle heels | kate spade

You see, something pretty amazing happens when you let yourself dream a little. Wouldn't you agree? For a moment there I was seriously taken somewhere so beautiful, so magical and so super cozy. And these colors? Beautiful brown tones pair so nicely with snowy white and just a bit of sparkle. So yeah, I think it's safe to say that I'm sort of wishing that I could jump into this scene and stay awhile. I think a snow covered cabin sounds like the perfect place to be on this dreary Monday morning. But alas, I'll just have to keep dreaming as I sit here listening to Christmas songs in my comfy pajamas and fuzzy socks. Still pretty cozy, but a little snow sure would be nice!

Pantone Color of the Year 2014 | Radiant Orchid 18-3224

Have you heard the news? Pantone has announced it's Color of the Year for 2014! And it sure is a beauty! Radiant Orchid will be the color of the year for 2014! And they couldn't have picked a prettier hue! I of course have to point out that last year I actually chose this shade as my 'Top Color for Weddings in 2012.' And so that means I'm entitled to some sort of bragging rights, am I right? In any case, it's so exciting to see that what's trending in the world of wedding colors is actually influencing what's hot for color on a larger level.

I've long admired this shade for obvious reasons. It's a romantic color at heart, but there is so much intensity behind it. It's vibrant, it's elegant, and it's surely a color that I'd love to see used in more weddings come 2014! Because what's not to love?

purple dress | oscar de la renta, gorgeous room | el tilichero, flower petals | left my heart in paris, button candy | the frosted petticoat

bridesmaid dresses | photo by eddie judd via love my dress, wedding wish cards | photo by lisa rigby photography via style me pretty, purple cupcakes | gladys jem photography via style me pretty, gorgeous blooms | kim kalyn photography

So what do you think? Are you feeling inspired? Goodness. I sure am. I swear this has been one of my favorite colors for a couple of years now. And so that's why I'm so happy to see that it made the top of the list! It's like a color lovers dream come true. And well, I just can't wait to see all of the fabulous things people will do with it this year. Whether it be for your wedding, a gorgeous bedroom makeover or even something as simple as your wardrobe! 

One thing is for sure... Radiant Orchid is sure to make a splash. What colors do I like to see paired with a purple as pretty as this? I suggest pairing this vibrant shade with colors like light gray, antique gold, navy blue or even shades of pretty pink. I suggest mixing it up! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. 

Holiday Party Inspiration | Shades of Teal

I feel a bit as though I should confess that I'm up to my knees in Christmas to-dos around here. Because admittedly, I've been pretty busy decking our halls and tackling our holiday shopping list. And well, that’s just the way it is around here come December. I’m literally one of those crazy Christmas ladies. Growing up, my family always had a way of making everything feel so so festive. It was magical, really. 

One thing I'll never ever forget is my mom's "teal tree." You see, we had one tree that had all of our handmade ornaments. You know the kind that you make in elementary school? It was a tree that was full of memories and love. And then there was the "teal tree!" This was what we called the "fancy tree." It was out in the foyer and it was strung with the prettiest teal lights and had the most gorgeous silver and gold ornaments. It was divine.  

And so today I thought I'd put together some holiday inspiration that breaks the mold when it comes to the traditional red and green Christmases we've all become so accustom to seeing each year. It's a reminder of my childhood and well, it sure does make for a pretty Winter palette. Wouldn't you agree? 

teal and aqua bulbs | in my own style, bridal necklace | photo by christin emeintjes via the pretty blog, wreath | houzz, teal skirt | dofgstyle, cupcakes | beautiful cake pictures  centerpiece | photo by our labor of love  + max wanger, floral design by landish via 100 layer cake

I'm imagining a gorgeous holiday party with teal, tiny pops of aqua and blue and the prettiest pops of silver and gold. Sophisticated, elegant and definitely "fancy," I sure am inspired by this holiday inspired palette! It would definitely make for a beautiful Winter wedding look. And eventhough I already have 3 Christmas trees (told you I was crazy), perhaps I should carry on the tradition of the "teal tree" for my kids! What do you think?

Wedding Colors | Red + Gold

     

Well, hello there color lovers! And happy December to you. Is anyone else wondering how we're already in December? Goodness, this year sure did fly by fast. It's exciting though because the holidays are just around the corner. And so today I thought I'd put together a color palette inspired by one of my all time favorite holiday color palettes, red and gold. Sophisticated, elegant and all kinds of pretty, these are the sort of colors that were just made for Winter weddings.

gorgeous red dress | photo by jen huang via reverie mag, red earrings | botanical bird, centerpiece | photo by jose villa event and floral design by kathleen deery design via style me pretty, gorgeous place setting|  floral design by classic bloom studio photo by ashley williams photography rentals by farm tables and more via valley and co lifestyle

cupcakes | the pastry studio, louboutin heels | via weddings by willy & meghan, cocktail ring, gorgeous tablescape | floral design by classic bloom studio photo by ashley williams photography rentals by farm tables and more via valley and co lifestyle

Beautiful gold tones like this look really great with warm cranberry tones like these. Wouldn't you agree? I am obsessed with this gorgeous farm table and these beautiful blooms. Talk about a gorgeous setting! And this dress. Can we all just take a look at this dress? I don't know about you, but I'm seriously wishing I could borrow it for the upcoming holiday party I'm going to. Oh, yeah, and those Louboutins. Can't forget those. I'm thinking I need to borrow those too. Hey, a girl can dream right? So tell me, what sort of color palettes do you love most during the Winter months?