Emerald City

For those who always keep one eye firmly on current or upcoming trends, you will know that every year a colour is chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year.

This is a tradition upheld since 2000, when the first colour was chosen as Cerulean Blue. The past five years saw Blue Iris (2008), Mimosa (2009), Turquoise (2010), Honeysuckle (2011) and Tangerine Tango (2012).

I am completely, unashamedly excited that this year's is Emerald Green. This is a colour that I feel I can safely say looks incredible on absolutely anyone, and that makes me wish I was a redhead for that extra dramatic contrast.
Emerald Green is a colour which is sophisticated, bold, lively and fresh all at once. From satin ballgowns, to wool capelets, and from jewellery to footwear, it knows no bounds.

Below are five different looks that I have put together, which I feel perfectly capture the essence of what is a fantastic choice from Pantone as their colour of the year.
I wonder if it's coincidental that Emerald was chosen the year that a new Wizard of Oz movie is being released...

1. The Hipster


Metal Point Lapel Green Chiffon Blouse / Elizabeth and James Leather Legging / Chic Leopard Lace-Up Creepers / Bower Sunglasses

The perfect outfit for pretty much anywhere casual. For some reason I love green and leopard print and I also love any bold colour with leather, so this outfit really should just get in my wardrobe.
 
2. The Business Meeting
 

J-Crew Cafe Animal Jacquard Capri Pants / Burberry Brit White Cotton Shirt /
Diane Von Furstenberg Royal Blue Suede Pumps / Mini Pompa Necklace in Coral
Another thing I absolutely love is coral with green, green with royal blue and coral with royal blue. These statement pants are just the right amount of corporate and cool. The blue pumps and coral necklace bring out your quirky side, while the crisp, white shirt lets people know you still mean business.
Coral or tangerine are also the perfect alternatives to wearing red in order to avoid looking like a Christmas decoration.

3. The Red Carpet (In My Dreams)

Zac Posen Satin Gown / Giuseppe Zanotti Brass Collar Necklace / Mimco Intergalactic Clutch / Saint Laurent Paris Nude Gold Heel Pumps

 

I'm sorry, I couldn't hear what you were saying. I was too busy dying over this dress.Zac Posen is nothing short of a genius and this dress is superb.

Due to the fact that this dress is a statement in itself, I have paired it with quite toned down accessories. I'm a firm believer in wearing gold with green, and this collar and clutch are the perfect additions for staying in the background without being boring. The nude shoes are the perfect finishing touch.

 

4. The Casual Sunday

 

 HTC Paula Forest Green Wool Felt Hat / AR SRPLS Striped Pocket Tee / Acne Yellow Overdyed Slim Leg Flex Jeans / Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses / Faustine Spiked Loafer

This wool felt hat is the perfect versatile way to inject a little bit of Emerald into a range of different outfits, and this akubra style is big at the moment. The striped t-shirt and coloured jeans combo is another favourite of mine, and the yellow with the Emerald is mouth-watering. The tortoiseshell glasses and the black loafers are perfect ways to top off this casual day-to-day look.

5. The Winter Warmer


Woolen Caped Style Coat / MANGO Relaxed-Fit Round Jumper / Alice + Olivia Super Flared Wide Leg Pant / Cole Haan, Jen & Oli Chelsea Collection - Ankle Boot / Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses

So, basically everything I said in about The Business Meeting about red and green? Yeah, ignore it for this one. I don't know if it's because here in Australia, Christmas is in summer, but red and green together in winter doesn't feel 'Christmassy' for me.
This outfit is sort of English countryside meets Blair Waldorf and I love it. Green + red + navy = sublime, and these tasseled booties are just too cute.


Courtney - The Peony Muse
xxxx