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      Colorful Mocktails: Blue Agave Margarita

      Colorful Mocktails: Blue Agave Margarita

      At the time this post was written, there were 38 days until the end of the Summer season. The CALENDAR end.

      I'm always a little annoyed at things that have unwritten rules based on nothingness, like "don't wear white after Labor Day" or "Pumpkin Spice Lattes are Fall drinks". Who says? Who is this invisible authority figure that puts arbitrary timetables on everyday living? 

      Margaritas have long been associated with warmer times, beach vacations and paper umbrellas. But I'm here to break the cycle of seasonal rule domination by declaring Margaritas a colorful mocktail for all seasons.

      My Blue Agave version is a refreshing mix of bitter citrus and spicy with a side of mild sweetness. It's a cocktail for ALL seasons. 

      Watch my how-to video or follow the complete recipe below for all you need to add my Blue Agave Margarita to your home bar repertoire!

       

       

      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!

       

       

      Juliet's Blue Agave Margarita

      makes 1 drink

      INGREDIENTS

      Glass: Margarita

      Garnish: lemon, lime, salt rimmer

      Glass Size: 14 oz.

      INSTRUCTIONS

      1. Fill serving glass full of ice.
      2. Pour ingredients into cocktail shaker in order listed.
      3. Add ice from serving glass.
      4. Cap shaker and shake to mix.
      5. Slide a lime slice around the rim of serving glass.
      6. Dip serving glass into a salt rimmer.
      7. Pour ingredients back into serving glass.
      8. Add garnish, serve and enjoy!

       

      Until next time, let's raise a glass to living a life filled with COLOR!

      Love, Juliet

       

       

       

      Color Craze: 9 Must-Read Books for Every Color Lover

      Color Craze: 9 Must-Read Books for Every Color Lover

      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.

       

      The MET

      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:

      Colorful Craze: 9 Must-Read Books for Every Color Lover

       

      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.

         

        Until next time, may your life be filled with rich, beautiful color!

        Love, Juliet

         

         

        The MET

        Color Craze: Limelight and Sulphur Spring

        Limelight and Sulphur Spring - JulRe Designs LLC

        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!

         

        Noritake Co., Inc.

         

         

        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.

         Green Color Schemes - Better Homes & Gardens

        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!

        Energy Green Bathroom - Elle Decor

        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!

         

        JulRe Designs Studio

        image: JulRe Designs Studio, South Orange, NJ

         

        Bloomingdales

         

        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!

         BADASH CRYSTAL Evergreen Vase - Macy's PHILIPPE DESHOULIERES Arcades Green Dessert Plate JONATHAN ADLER Carnaby Nesting Dish
        InterDesign Spa Rectangular Trash Can | Amazon Jamie Young Small Curved Pendant Light | Bloomingdales
        MEDARD DE NOBLAT Ikebana Mug - Bloomingdales

         

        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!

         

         

        Love, Juliet

         

         

        The Met Store - Scarves

        Colorful Closet: Why I'll Be Wearing Lots Of Colorful Dresses This Summer

        Colorful Closet: Why I'll Be Wearing Lots Of Colorful Dresses This Summer

        I'll be wearing lots of dresses this Summer. It's not a fashion statement or a trend alert, my dear friends.

        Let me explain.

        One unseasonably warm day a couple of months ago, I was inspired to get a head start on changing over my thick, loungy, Lou & Gray sweatpant set-heavy wardrobe to my lighter, J. Crew t-shirt, shorts and Old Navy swing dress outfits. I went deep into my closet abyss and what I found was unsettling.

        image above: Juliet in J. Crew Brocade Sheath Dress (no longer available but adore this similar one) Shoes: vintage Nine West (only available in Tan in very limited sizes)

        Way in the back on a long forgotten rack were tons of brightly colored dresses. From dressy to casual, it was all there. Dresses I'd bought years ago, some dated back to 2010. And there was one thing they all had in common.

        The price tags were still attached.

        Juliet's Spring Dresses with Price Tags

        Finding one or two items each season may be acceptable but the haul I found could fill a small boutique. These "vintage" (my definition = items older than 10 years) finds were still in fantastic shape - no fading or moth holes. They were all in the same condition they were when I bought them.

        I toyed with the idea of actually opening a virtual dress shop (Atelier Juliet?) but what I quickly realized is that I still loved almost every dress I found, they were all quite wearable and remarkably, most were still in very much in style.

        Since we seem to be headed in the direction of our lives returning to some sort of normalcy, as vaccines for COVID become more available and some restrictions are being eased, my hope is that as the weather gets warmer, I will be more comfortable getting back to doing the types of activities that used to mean dressing up for the occasion. Or just dressing.

        Juliet in vintage Spring dresses from her closet

        (left) Juliet in Polka Dot Tunic Dress by Ann Taylor (no longer available but here's a style I LOVE, Bag: Gifted (similar style here), Shoes: vintage Nine West (no longer sold), (right) Sweater Dress by Ann Taylor (no longer being sold but I love with the print on this one), Shoes: vintage Nine West (only available in Tan in very limited sizes)

        So while I won't be shopping for new clothes anytime soon, perhaps you will be. Maybe you already have weddings to attend, in-person meetings or dinner parties on your calendar. Or perhaps you'll be like me and take any opportunity I can find to put on something other than the wide leg pants I've come to adore and the long sleeve stretch t-shirts that have become my daily uniform.

         

        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!

         

        Elizabeth Arden Free 6 Piece Gift with any $37.50 Arden Purchase! $91 Value! Valid 6/16-7/6

         

        I've collected some of the prettiest, brightly colored dresses (available in lots of sizes and price points) in vibrant solids and fabulous prints that I could find to give you some options for whatever chance you may have, casual or formal, to show a little or a lot leg! Shop my finds below!

         

         

         

         

        1.  Kobi Halperin Sophie Printed A Line Dress

        2.  Johnny Was Cabot Mixed Print Silk Dress - out of stock but this one and this one are lovely as well

        3.  MICHAEL Michael Kors Chain-Print Fit & Flare Dress - sold out but here's a cute one.

        4.  Lauren Ralph Laren Ruffled Georgette Dress

        5.  Ramy Brook Olsen Rainbow Cable Knit Maxi Dress

        6.  Tadashi Shoji Cap Sleeve Lace Gown

        7.  Tommy Hilfiger Cotton Polo Dress - almost sold out of most sizes. Here's an alternative.

        8.  Kasper Sleeveless Sheath Dress - sold out but this one's a goodie! 

        9.  Calvin Klein Cotton Chambray Maxi Dress - no longer available but I love this one too.

        10.  A.L.C. Mischa Cotton Printed Midi Dress

         

        I hope you have fun shopping for Summer looks this year and until next time....

        May your life be filled with COLOR!

         

        Love, Juliet

         

         

          

         

          

         

        Hanes.com

        Colorful Closet: Seasonless Slip Dresses

        Color Craze: Seasonless Slip Dresses - JulRe Designs LLC

        I love a good slip dress. Whenever I see a really special one, I grab it. They are so easy to wear, figure flattering and widely size inclusive. Almost every womenswear brand has at least 1 or 2 in their offerings because they have become a classic fashion staple. I think designer Carly Cushnie did them the best so when I was late to the budget-priced and hyper colorful Cushnie x Target collab last Summer, I panicked. Fortunately, I was able to snag 2 lovely slip dresses, that have now become my absolute favorites, before they sold out. I wear both all year-long so instead of packing them away until the next warm weather season like you may be inclined to do, I work them into my wardrobe planning year-round. Scroll down to see all of the ways I make them work for almost every season!

        I hope you love the products I recommend! This post may contain 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!

        Cushnie x Target Slip Dress | The Color Lab Blog

        left: Dress: Cushnie x Target (no longer being sold but a similar dress here) | Earrings: JulRe Designs Studio | Necklace: JulRe Designs Studio | Shoes: Nine West | Hair: Shakeria at NJnaturalstyles Hair Studio

        right: Sweater: Lou & Grey (from a few years ago) | Boots: Nine West (available in black only, limited sizes)

         

        The MET

         

        Cushnie x Target Slip Dress | The Color Lab Blog

        left: Dress: Cushnie x Target (no longer available but lots of great styles available here) | Earrings: JulRe Designs Studio

        right: Sweater: Lou & Grey (no longer available) | Earrings: JulRe Designs Studio 

         

        Lou and Gray Slip Dress, Uniqlo Cropped Hoodie, Nine West Booties | The Color Lab Blog

        left: Dress: Lou & Grey (gone but here's a goodie!) | Earrings: JulRe Designs Studio | Shoes: Nine West

        right: Hoodie: Uniqlo (currently not available but this one is fabulous!) | Earrings: JulRe Designs Studio | Booties: Nine West

         

        Mother's Day Sale! Extra 25% Off With Code MOM! Shop now at Macys.com! Valid 5/4 through 5/9

         

         

        Here are a few more slip dresses I adore:

        TED BAKER Printed Midi Slip Dress

         

        TED BAKER Printed Midi Slip Dress

         

         

        TORY BURCH Embroidered Sheath Midi Dress 

        TORY BURCH Embroidered Sheath Midi Dress

         

        VINCE Satin Midi Slip Dress 

        VINCE Satin Midi Slip Dress - Nordstrom

         

        BCBGMAXAZRIA Asymmetrical Slip Dress - Macy's

         

        BCBGMAXAZRIA Asymmetrical Slip Dress 

         

        MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Tie-Dyed Maxi Slip Dress - Macy's

         

        MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Tie-Dyed Maxi Slip Dress

         

        Until next time, may your life be filled with an endless stream of COLOR!

        Love, Juliet

         

         

        Bloomingdale's