{ inspiration board } mustard

Two of my most recent pins on Pinterest have featured mustard hues, a color that happens to be absent from my closet. Since Mustard has never flattered my pale complexion, I'm sticking with golden accessories, like a tote, bracelet or these gorgeous high-heeled loafers.

Do you have any mustard pieces in your wardrobe?

{ trend spotting } Colorful Clutches

As much as I try to embrace vibrant color in my wardrobe, I'll always be drawn to a more subtle palette. (Some may call it boring, but I prefer "effortless.") However, one of these clutches - especially the Comme des Garcons version - would be just the thing to lure me out of the grey doldrums.

1. Postman's Lock Continental Wallet, Mulberry, $420
2. Portfolio Clutch, ASOS, $101.56
3. Isabeli Clutch, Kate Spade, $275 $137
4. Clover Embossed Pouch, Comme des Garcons, $138
   

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

A green-tinged ale didn't touch my lips this year. In fact, wearing a green sweater to work was the extent of my Saint Patrick's Day celebration. There wasn't even the annual Guinness meal replacement (let's face it, that stuff is dinner in a pint glass). Are you celebrating the holiday?

1. PS1 Pochette, Proenza Schouler, $895
2. "Abagail" Silk Dress, Tory Burch, $350
3. High-Heel Leather Pump, Sergio Rossi, $550 $199.95
4. Textured Gold Clover Earrings, Anya Jewels, $59
5. "Dance Like No One's Watching" Notebook, Smythson, $75

{ trend spotting } orange & raspberry

I think Punxsutawney Phil was full of it last week when he predicted an early spring. My disgust with this ever-lasting winter has manifested itself in my wardrobe: black sweaters, black skirts, black tights ... you get the idea. But if there's one thing that can pull me out of the doldrums, it's a springtime-ready combination of orange and raspberry.

1. Baliko Ribbon-Detail Silk Top, Twenty8Twelve, $300 $90
2. Essex Scout, Kate Spade, $395
3. Paperbag Waist Skirt, TopShop, $70
4. Round Pintuck Pillow, Urban Outfitters, $32
5. Multi Stones Drop Coral Earrings, Ben-Amun, $95

2011 is in the Pink

You'll be viewing 2011 through rose-colored, er, honeysuckle-colored glasses, according to the design industry's color authority. Pantone's color of the year claims to "embolden us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor." I'm not so sure about that, but the hue's cheerful disposition can't hurt. Are you thinking pink?

1. Bow-Embellished Sweater, Tibi, $248 $124
2. Lip Gloss, Stila, $22
3. Silk Taffeta Mika Dress, J.Crew, $250
4. Metallic Belt, Banana Republic, $39.50
5. Peep-Toe Pumps, Sergio Rossi, $560 $252
6. Ruby Earrings, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $205
7. Lincoln Road Remy Wallet, Kate Spade, $195 $136

Pantone Unveils Color of the Year

The design industry's self-identified "color authority" recently unveiled 2010's esteemed color of the year: turquoise. It's a color that "transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times," according to Pantone.

Promise of an escape from the snowy tundra in favor of a "tropical paradise" is enough to convince me to opt for ocean hues - even if they're not Pantone's official 2010 color of 15-5519 turquoise.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

J.Crew, Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress, $225
Milly, Paisley-Embroidered Silk Blouse, $325
Ben-Amun, Multi Stones Drop Turquoise Earrings, $95
Temperley London, Mini Agnelli Studded Dress, $1,195

Joan & David, Demille Pump, $220
DV by Dolce Vita, Cairo Flat, $80

Bounkit Jewelry, Oval Turquoise Button Earrings, $275
Kara Ross, Stingray Bracelet, $310
Missoni, Acqua Eau de Toilette Spray, starting at $60