the color lab blog

Some colors lay flat when they appear in your line of sight. Others burn your eyes, somewhat literally and figuratively. Many just do nothing, leaving no impression and eliciting no emotion. And then there are those shades that feel special. They're not necessarily the boldest or the brightest but they humbly ask for your attention when they show up. They speak when spoken to but demand that you pay attention when they come together. Rhubarb and Mellow Rose are those colors for me.

 image: Pastry and Prose

These two shades came together as a Color Craze rather cryptically. They kept appearing in my life as a pair quite often and while I wasn't quick to acknowledge that they were tag teaming me, when they first showed up in a recipe sent to me by a dear friend when I asked her how to make easy rosettes (above) for a cake I was trying to bake, I took a little interest. Beautiful colors aside, these edible decorations are tasty and so simple to make!  

BLOG DISCLAIMER: This blog post was not sponsored but 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!

They showed up again a few days later when Dana, a fierce and talented Makeup Artist at Sephora in Center City Philadelphia (PA) used two of the eye colors above - Reputation (IRL a shimmery deep rose gold) and Burn (a true burgundy copper metallic) from the Urban Decay Naked Reloaded Palette on me during a lesson. Color Beauty Note: Even though those two colors are my favorite, the whole palette is rich and divine.



And then there was the Pure Collection scarf I'd forgotten I'd purchased arriving around the same time. The message was clear so I was compelled to search for the names of these two colors that kept showing up in my life as a couple. I used my color bible from Pantone and discovered Rhubarb and Mellow Rose, a combination that I find is season-less and timeless.

You may have these colors in your makeup bag and if you do, you're ahead of the game for Fall looks. But in case you're missing these gorgeous shades, I'm sharing a few of my best-loved products plus a super fragrant bath and shower gel and heavenly body scrub that I can't get enough of! Shop my 6 beauty picks in the Rhubarb and Mellow Rose color palette below!

1.  Milani Rose Powder Blush

2.  Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Raisin Berry

3.  Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Bath and Shower Gel

4.  Au Naturale Organic Anywhere Multistick in Roseate

5.  Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish

6.  bareMinerals Gen Nude Powder Blush, You Had Me at Merlot

Until next time, here's to living a color-filled life!

Soon the glorious, glow-y Summer season (albeit hotter than most recent in the Northeast, it seems) will be closing out its raucous run and we'll reservedly turn our attentions to Fall and its kaleidoscope of majestic colors. Regal shades take their turn at the forefront, moving out the tropicals, the brilliants and the neons. Tillandsia Purple and Sheer Lilac help smooth the transition, giving us a rich partnership that can be appreciated all year long.

So, what exactly is Tillandsia?

Tillandsia is a genus of around 650 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, native to the forests, mountains and deserts of northern Mexico and the southeastern United States, Mesoamerica and the Caribbean to mid-Argentina. (Wikipedia) Botany lesson aside, what I know is that the plant produces some colorful buds, which depending on the species, can be in one of many intense shades of purple. It just seemed right to pair another fresh flower, Lilac, in the same vivacious color family together to ease us gently into next season.

But before we take this Color Craze to the wardrobe closet, may I interest you in a complementary color beverage?

I hope you love the products I recommend! While this blog post was not sponsored, it 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!

The Purple Taro Latte joins my list of power potions. Not only is it pleasing to look at, it's also so good for you! It's caffeine-free, chockfull of vitamins and has an unexpected light, sweet flavor that's not overdone or off-putting. And with just 4 ingredients, it's very easy to make. it'll make a great start to the Fall mornings to come! I've shared my recipe below so you can give it a try:

Purple Taro Latte

makes 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of diced taro or 3 tablespoons of taro powder
• 3 tablespoons of Laird Superfood Creamer
• 6-8 oz of hot water
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional) - I like RAW!

Instructions 

1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Skip to Step 3 if you're using taro powder.
2. Boil 1/2 cup of diced taro until fork tender. 
3. Using a blender or handheld frother, mix taro, creamer, hot water, and honey until frothy.
4. Serve and enjoy!

I must admit - the Tillandsia Purple and Sheer Lilac color palette is a bit tricky when it comes to using the range of shades in your wardrobe. Too much of it and it can veer towards "garish". However don't be scared of using these colors together. The right balance is easy to achieve and the end result can be looks that are remarkably chic and sophisticated. I've styled two outfits that I believe have the perfect amount of the color duo but you can certainly take it down a notch or give each look a jolt of your own unique flavor by eliminating a basic piece and mixing and matching accessories. You can shop my Tillandsia Purple and Sheer Lilac style board below!

1.  Gibson X Living in Yellow Ribbed Cowl Neck Sweater (sold out but similar one here)

2.  Smashbox Be Legendary Liquid Metal Liquid Lipstick in Barely Regal (no longer available but here's a good one

3.  JulRe Designs Idalia Earrings

4.  Michael Kors Crewneck Cashmere Sweater (sold out but LOVE this one)

5.  Endless Rose Corduroy Pencil Skirt (no longer available)

6.  Aquatalia Natasia Stretch Suede Boots (no longer available)

7.  Zero + Maria Cornjo Tabi Velvet Pants (sold out)

8.  Bao Bao Issey Miyake Prism Metallic Tote Bag (a different style/size here)

9.  Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in Love To Love You Baby

10. Deborah Lippmann Never, Never Land Gel Lab Pro Nail Color in I Put A Spell On You

11. Natori Bliss Cotton Briefs

12. Natori Elusive Full Fit Contour Bra (not available any longer but this one is nice

Until next time, I wish you a life lived in COLOR!

Philly is a city of extraordinary textures, fabulous flavor and color galore. I spend as much time as I can there because its diversity of cultures, its devotion to the arts and its "let's do it all" spirit give me life. With every visit, I'm struck by how nothing ever stays the same - there's always a new adventure, in even the most familiar places, to be experienced!

Photos by Juliet at Material Culture, Philadelphia, PA

Check out my latest 60-second ColorStory from the City of Brotherly Love below. And I'm also sharing a place I discovered where dreams come true for the home decor obsessed!⁠ Take a look!

BLOG DISCLAIMER: This blog post was not sponsored but 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!

Soft. Sensuous. Dreamy. All apropos descriptives for two colors that personify the comfy, cozy lifestyle. But don't be fooled. They have a sneaky way of punching up your home with a vibrancy that can only be described as alive.

image: House Beautiful

There's something so comforting about the elegant living room in the NYC apartment designed by Jamie Drake pictured above. While this color palette is far from traditional, its soothing vibe is warm and inviting. The walls were expertly painted using Salmon Peach by Benjamin Moore Aura and softened with a custom glaze. The steel and pale gray accessories could have made a hard,  sharpened contrast but instead complement the calming energy of the room.

image: Benjamin Moore Paints

BLOG DISCLAIMER: This blog post was not sponsored but 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!

The Salmon and Glacier Gray palette get 2 thumbs up for versatility. While it may now be easier for you to envision these colors in an expansive space like a living room, incorporating them cohesively in smaller ways and spaces can be uncomplicated too. Refinishing a desk or uplifting a vanity (see below) can give new life to a home office or bathroom.

image: Estuary Designs

image: Remodelaholic

Adding a few lovely home decor items in Salmon and Glacier Gray to your space or to give as housewarming gifts is easy because I've done the discovery for you! Shop my 6 fabulous finds below!

1.  Nordstrom at Home Faux Fur Throws

2.  Christopher Knight Home Club Chair

3.  Baby Aspen Ceramic Shark Bank

4.  Beatriz Ball Vida Alegra Bowl

5.  Industrial Rewind Soap Dispenser

6.  Jonathan Adler Charade Studded Table Lamp

I've curated some more Salmon and Glacier Gray color inspiration on Pinterest! Tell me what you think!

Until next time, live a color-filled life,

Got a minute? That's all you'll need to check out my ColorStory video from a recent weekend trip to Washington, DC. The city is so high energy and truly uniquely color-filled.

images (top left, clockwise): Colorful plant life at Washington Harbour, the Washington Monument pierces the bright blue sky,  Legendary rock and roll guitarist, Chuck Berry's bright Red 1973 Cadillac Eldorado at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

In my 60-second short below, I'm giving you a couple of great things to do during a short stay and I'm also letting you in on where you can find the best Bloody Mary in the District!⁠ Enjoy!

BLOG DISCLAIMER: This blog post was not sponsored but 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!