Color Blocking

But first, from design sponge, a picture of a peony against a Chagall print from the home of Caitlin and Eric Flemming, photo by Michelle Drewes. 

http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/sneak-peek-caitlin-eric-flemming.html

Anyways.  I thought I would include a definition of color blocking because I like the concept- not because you can't find a million other definitions out there right now.  Color blocking is tres chic right now, as they say.

Color blocking means wearing several solid colors next to each other in an outfit.  It can be two extremely bright colors, two neutrals, one neutral and a bright, etc.  Here are some beautiful examples, both from lookbook.nu:

I think I may have a crush on both of these women.  It may be because I like to think that my facial bone structure is similar to both of theirs (especially the brunette), and these are actually manifestations of myself living stylishly in other places.

I tend to prefer a bright color beside a neutral, mostly because I don't like feeling like a runway model from the 80's:

http://makeupandbeauty.com/color-blocking-fashiontrend-alert/

These are just a bit much, even if most of them do have a little bit of pale color/white in the look to balance things out.  I believe these are current pictures, and not actually from the 1980's.

The reason I like a neutral/bright combination is because I think outfits benefit from a focal point, just like many paintings do.  For instance, I think Kate Middleton's focal point in this picture of her touring Canada in 2011 is definitely her legs.  Or maybe it's just me.

http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/royal-visit/rogers-gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=29355753&page=7

An outfit should have several colors within the same range, like a navy t-shirt, blue jeans, and gray shoes.  But then add a bright red cardigan and you've got yourself a deal!  I think the key in color blocking, or my personal adaptation of it, is to surprise the viewer with a pop of color and a trim cut to your clothes.  I don't think I like the idea of assaulting the viewer with several different colors and then expecting them to stay calm while talking to you. 

Also on this topic: while I was in Toronto, a trip that I talk about constantly to my friends, I saw many a young man looking like he just stepped off a sailboat.  Airy shirts, light tan pants cuffed just above the ankles, and pale matching loafers.  Oh man.  I was so happy.

J Crew guy

All single hipster women should move to Queen and Dundas in Toronto immediately.