the color lab blog — color palettes

Spring is here (insert happy face emoji) and I'm reminded that the season truly and completely owns one whole color in the spectrum. That color is GREEN. Inevitably, when the season rolls in, I see everything in those fresh shades as it’s a signal in nature that warmer weather is here.

I love the color so much because it signifies an abundant life in harmony, and supremely good health - all ways that I try to live my life every day. My adoration of the hue extends into my business with our company's foundational logo of four ombre green leaves, each representing a part of the foundation of our organization's core values: a passion for color, a love of design, respect for our community and a commitment to service to others.



I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

Shop My Sunglasses: top row, middle row, bottom row

Of course, my obsession with green wouldn't be a real thing if it didn't carry over to my wardrobe. I think it’s an incorrect assumption that this lively color can only be worn by a few. There’s a shade for everyone! It’s such a fun and energizing color for me that when I put it on, it's hard not to smile! And colorful accessories, like the 10 pairs of sunglasses I found are an easy way to wear the color to make a dynamic impact with any outfit. And adding almost any shade of green will take your OOTD to certainly not-at-all-boring levels. Find all of my fabulous eyewear finds below and happy shopping!

1.  Haskell Sunglasses in Aloe Crystal - Warby Parker

2.  EMPORIO ARMANI Women's Sunglasses, EA4162 55 - Macy's

3.  GloFX Color Therapy Glasses - Amazon

4.  Ada Sunglasses in Forest Green - Warby Parker

5.  Beale Sunglasses in Rosemary Crystal - Warby Parker

6.  BOTTEGA VENETA Women's Square Sunglasses - Bloomingdales

7.  OLIVER PEOPLES Melery Square Sunglasses, 54mm - Bloomingdales (out of stock but love these as well.)

8.  LifeArt Oversize Polarized Sunglasses - Amazon

9.  FEISEDY Classic Women Sunglasses - Amazon

10.  VERSACE Sunglasses, VE4361 53 - Macy's

Until next time, may you live a life filled with color!

It's that time of year when we realize the giving season is heading our way at rapid speed. It'll be a somewhat familiar holiday time because while we are still very much aware that there are certain health precautions we still must take for the safety of everyone, a few of us will be coming together in person to celebrate our love for each other, albeit in very strategic ways.

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

FROM OUR PARTNERS

One tradition that won't change for us is the exchange of gifts and tokens of caring. I made sure that I got an early start this year since almost every present will be sent via some form of delivery service and this year will continue to be quite a challenge. So while I was in the midst of my shopping frenzy, I thought I'd try to help you with your gifting adventure! 

Color swatches from Pantone. 

I've gathered some pretty cool gifts that are sure to accommodate most budgets, from wallet-friendly to luxury. I hope there's something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Since I live and breathe by beautiful, vibrant colors, I curated this gift guide using the colors I was inspired by from the Pantone Autumn/Winter 22/23 Trend Report!

It's a color palette that is not at all classic but exudes grand expression while maintaining a sense of calm vibrancy. These shades meant to excite but will enhance your desire to create unique self statements. Many of the fabulous items you'll find in this Gift Guide are from my great partners at Macy's. 

So, get out your gift list, have lots of fun and shop-by-color now!

1.  BRAHMIN Duxbury Leather Satchel

2.  JOURNEE COLLECTION Morgaan Tall Boots

3.  HUGO BOSS Men’s Double Breasted Coat

4.  G-SHOCK Men’s Analog-Digital Strap Watch

5.  CHARTER CLUB Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater

1.  HANDY LIVING George Armless Chair

2.  FIESTA 4pc Daffodil Place Setting

3.  COTTON ON Little Girls Marlo Track Pants

4.  LONDONTOWN Lakur Enhanced Color Nail Polish in Mango

5.  FREDDO Deluxe Push Ride-On

1.  JULRE DESIGNS STUDIO Apatite Slice Necklace

2.  NAUTICA Vitamin Sea Candle

3.  BCBGeneration Hooded Puffer Coat

4.  TIFFANY & CO Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum

5.  BELLA Hot Air Popcorn Maker

1.  NAMBE Vie Wine Rack

2.  LUCKY BRAND Stud Leather Belt

3.  DKNY Bryant Backpack

4.  COTTON ON Big Girls Wide Brim Hat

5.  UGG Westsider Slides

FROM OUR PARTNERS 

This duo brings passion, high energy, happiness and the joy of the Summer season. And with current temperatures not willing to climb higher than late Fall levels in some places, we could all use a little boost from the hotness of this color combo. 

There isn't any reason why Summer can't be eternal. Spectra Yellow embraces happiness and throws it back out to you with full-on bright. Flame brings the heat and adds spice to the mix. Let's revel in this color mashup!

But first, a celebratory colorful mocktail are on me! 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links and I participate in the Amazon Associate program, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

It is not my intention to rush the seasons here with this warm weather-centric style board. I'm just sharing a few special beach-worthy items in colors guaranteed to take the chill off when the time is right. Of course, if a trip to the Caribbean or some other hot location is in your immediate future, snap your favorites up now! SHOP my Style Board below:

1.  Kerri Rosenthal Sunny Daze Hat 

2.  Loewe Square Sunglasses

3.  JulRe Designs Studio Serena Earrings 

4.  Cirque Colors Crème Nail Polish - Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Non-Toxic Formula in Urbanized 

5.  Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick in Tell Laura 

6.  Eileen Fisher Sport Wedge Platform Sandals

7.  CHLOE x MIFUKO Basket Crossbody Bag

8.  JulRe Designs Studio Custom Biwa Stick Pearl Bracelet

9.  CUPSHE Heart Attack Falbala Swimsuit 

Until next time, may your life be filled with COLOR!

FROM OUR PARTNERS 

When it comes to color, I haven't written the book but I sure have READ the books. One thing I know for sure, color is so much more than what can be gleaned by the naked eye. Color influences our perceptions, touches our deepest emotions, and moves our decisions.

We have always existed in a color-filled world but we are rarely aware of the impact color has in our daily lives. Through books we can take a deep dive into the ways in which color has influenced our understanding of our global community, our differences and our commonalities.

From the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean to the works of Impressionist artists, these books are both tools for expanded knowledge and simply yummy reads.

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

Curl up with these books for a little trip down colorful highways and byways or display them on a coffee table to entice your guests. Here are 9 favorites from my personal library:

1. Color: A Natural History of the Palette by Victoria Finlay - The author is a genius at expanding our knowledge of color through the ages.
2. Pantone: The 20th Century in Color by Leatrice Eiseman - The quintessential book on how color has expanded our horizons from the "house that color built".
3. The Rainbow Atlas: A Guide to the World’s 500 Most Colorful Places by Taylor Fuller - Travel takes on a renewed importance when you take in the beautiful bucket list places profiled.
4. Black Is A Rainbow Color by Angela Joy - Not necessarily a book on traditional colors, per se, but one of the best children's books on skin color, race and culture written from a child's perspective.  
5. Interaction of Color by Josef Alber - The literal bible of color theory, this book has helped shape my color career and continues to be a guide for my jewelry designs.
6. The Colorful Kitchen by Ilene Godofsky Moreno - Plant-based foods never looked (or tasted) so good! A vibrant book of vegan recipes from a fellow New Jersey native (and somewhat of a neighbor).
7. The Color Scheme Bible by Anna Starmer - A must-have book for a map to bringing new life to any room through color and other home decor inspiration.
8. Bisa Butler: Portraits by Erica Warren - Artists who use color in a manner that evoke strong emotional responses are my jam! Bisa's work not only speaks, it shouts loudly and with passion.
9. Flower Color Theory by Darroch Putnam - Ever wonder how floral artists create such seamlessly elegant flower arrangements? This book will have you heading to the nearest farmer's market or flower stand to grab a few bouquets to play with.

You can depend on this color combo to bring the summertime sizzle. Limelight and Sulphur Spring bring new meaning to brightness! They're eye-catching but never gaudy. Always current and filled with the promise of life at its most vivid. 

I hope you love the products I recommend! This blog post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to bring you color commentary like this. You can find more about our site, privacy, and disclosure policies here. Thank you for your continued support!

We've been seeing variations of this color duo in fashion for years. Glowy neon yellow-greens have become a staple in activewear and accessories. I designed these Lemon Tree Earrings using these vibrant shades and will always have this palette somewhere within my jewelry collections. But I'm seeing it pop up more for home interiors lately and I love the trend!

I'll admit, I'm not brave enough to incorporate it into my home in a substantial way but I will use it to accent in an area that craves energy. The kitchen below has a proportionate balance that refreshes the senses and doesn't overwhelm. This highly functional room is a natural fit for such "health-conscious" colors.

image: Better Homes & Gardens

Bathrooms are unsurprisingly another perfect space for colors that pop. I adore the floor-to-ceiling tiles as a bright focal point. Green and clean!

image: Elle Decor

The color palette is so appealing that I've used it in our company branding and incorporated shades of Limelight and Sulphur Spring into my design studio. Although the slippers chairs you see below are no longer available, this one is a new favorite!

image: JulRe Designs Studio, South Orange, NJ

If you're not filled with the audaciousness that the tones of Limelight and Sulphur Spring require, then I've selected 6 fab, fun home decor items that will let you dabble with these high volume shades without a huge, long-lasting commitment. Have fun shopping below!

For more color and home decor inspiration, check out my Color Craze: Limelight and Sulphur Spring board on Pinterest!

Until next time, keep living a color-filled life!