William Rast for Target

Biker Bohemia. Rebelliously Priced.


So, there's been quite a lot of changes in my life since we've spoken last. One of those changes includes a new job! I am a proud employee of the American legend: Harley-Davidson. I am the department manager of "Motor-Clothes". In other words, everything but the bike and parts.

Seeing textures and style looks in a new light, I've begun to tackle the challenge of making Harley a mainstream, household brand--"rider" or not. I'd like to start with the look of Harley first. It's tough. It's unapologetic. It's rebellious. It's durable. It's functionable. It's cool. It's also a community dedicated and loyal to its brand. Whether a Harley-chick/dude, we're picking up a few of its traces. According to the William Rast website (www.williamrast.com), "William Rast, the ‘New America’ denim culture brand, was conceptualized and founded by business partners Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala in 2005. Originally comprised of only denim, the brand has expanded into a complete lifestyle collection. Grounded in the iconography of American denim heritage and biker culture, yet re-packaged and presented in a contemporary context, William Rast has found its place on the floors of top-tier department stores and boutiques across the globe, and has become a staple for denim fans worldwide." The "biker" look was partially shaped in the nation's only still-standing original motorcycle brands. This William Rast brand created just for Target evokes some of the same essence of the Harley Davidson Brand. So, out of my dedication to my job and love of making fashion affordable and accessible, I would like to invite you to take a peek :

Bookshelves

Whether your bookshelf is a god-send to stay organized, a place to keep your favorite items out of reach from the kids, or the home to all of your favorite books, a perfect shelf can be the centerpiece of your personal style! How many ways can you arrange your shelf? The options are endless. I find myself switching around one or two items almost weekly to find my perfect display arrangement. I love using art pieces as a backdrop to some collectibles. Try using books in an unexpected way: as a platform for a beautiful bowl or urn-like vase, alternating stacked sideways and upright, or even by cover color. Use your shelf as a canvas for adding seasonal decorations to keep your shelf dynamic! When creating your perfect shelf, think about using the space wisely. Should you switch up the shelf size by taking out a few (if removable) or making the shelves smaller or bigger to customize the fit for that awesome framed watercolor of yours? Think about proportion and balance more than symmetry. You don't want your shelf to be predictable, but you do want it to be eye-candy pleasing. There's no perfect recipe; that's what makes it fun!

Tucker for Target

Don't you just love it when a designer comes down the expensive (yet fabulous) fashion ladder to meet our budgets? I certainly do. I want to introduce the Tucker for Target collection. Meet designer Gaby Basora. “My line for Target was inspired by my passions for art and travel, and has a carefree elegance that is fashionable, but never fussy,” says Basora. I’m excited about interpreting my vision and creating a budget-friendly collection that women everywhere can enjoy.” Two things I love: fashionable without fussy. Enjoy.

Shop the Tucker for Target Collection

Sequins

In my opinion, sequins are timeless. They sparkle and glitter and glitz like few other embellishments. They are my personal favorite. I've been told that the very best way to wear sequins is to wear only one piece adorned with the lovely sparkle at a time. I couldn't believe how many sequin items found a home at J.Crew. I've shared a few of my favorites!

Fashion: Shapes & Colors

In fashion, color brings the shape of clothes to life. As of late, I've noticed how some clothes fall short of fabulous because they were the wrong colors with the right shape OR the wrong shape with the right color. Of course, I attribute high importance to both elements. I've been captured lately (maybe because I'm looking forward to fall?) by the rich, jeweled colors contrasting with an airy counterpart. I stumbled upon such beautiful examples. I've all but drooled over the timeless silhouettes with such classy touches of an embellishment. Although my days don't call for this kind of elegance, I'm learning to focus in on my wardrobe in the way of shapes and colors.




Berry Oscar de la Renta; Pink Louis Vuitton
Gold Lela Rose, Navy Monique Lhuillier

Let's Take a Look at Art

Here are some of art's wonderful examples of color in action. Examine each painting. How does the artist evoke emotion and energy through careful placement of color? Is it through shadows? A window? Nature? Attire? Although I plan on continuing to further explore color in art, I want to first hand the mic to you: What about these (or any other piece!) paintings capture you? What makes each piece special and distinctive? And of course, how does the use of color and light weave its role throughout the entire work? Can't wait to hear your thoughts.


Poppy, Georgia O'Keeffe
Twilight on the Sound, Darien, Connecticut, John Frederick Kensett (1816–1872)
Mighty Proud, Norman Rockwell, 1958
Philosopher in Meditation, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1632

House Beautiful: A Bright and Bold Summer Beach House

In the July/August issue of House Beautiful, I fell in love with Krista Ewart's California beach bungalow! The article highlights ways to make the most of your small spaces. In Ewart's space, she uses bold color to expand the room. She explains: "I don't think you should ever restrain yourself! And big, bright, and bold actually makes small spaces seem larger. The more statement pieces, the better." I'm totally inspired. I was encouraged to tell one of my readers, Maria H., that even white walls do not limit the use of color in your own space. In this beach house, with exception of one small use of wallpaper, the backdrop is sterile white! Such a surprise to see with such bold accessory colors. Plus, bright, fun, and inexpensive accessories can be swapped around to sync with your mood. Don't worry about making the plunge to the color world for fear of over-commitment! Pick your favorite colors and run with them!

The Future: Eco Friendly Paint

What's the latest in paint technology? Eco-friendly paint. Benjamin Moore offers a line of paint called aura paint, using colorlock technology, a technology that bonds the pigment color microscopically to the paint film, allowing for low odor, fast dry time. In addition, this technology rises high above safety standards, with its incredibly low amounts of VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds). Benjamin Moore's Aura paint has no true competitor on the market, indicating its innovation in paint technology. Aura's promise to be green without compromising excellent color gives further proof to its unique place on the market. Benjamin Moore offers every one of their colors (3,500 of them!) plus most colors from other competing paint brands in the Aura line. It's a painter's dream come true.

View the Key Features of Benjamin Moore's Aura Paint, and you may never buy another brand again!

Any Suggestions?

As I mentioned in a previous post, I hope to continue writing in this blog, even after my class ends (about one more week!). As such, I would love to get insight from you! Yes, YOU! I want to know what you're interested in. What about color do you find fascinating? Would you like me to investigate further on a topic already posted? Please send your thoughts, questions, and suggestions my way!



A Bar at the Folies-Bergeres 1881-82, Edouard Manet

Webs.com : Social Networking Website Tool

Hello again. I have good news! Per assignment, I have discovered a great social networking website to create free websites! I'm loving it! My new site, of course, goes hand in hand with this blog, so I wanted to introduce it to you. You can become a member of my site, comment on my posts and pages, or even sign my guest book! Please, tell me what you think! I'd love to hear your feedback.

Check my new site out here!

The Future of My Blog

Of the future of Color in my World? I'm glad you've asked. Although I don't want to put myself in a forecasting box, I will say that the future of my blog is sunny. Although this adventure began as a school-driven initiative, I have developed a desire, school-work aside, to continue posting. So, I'm happy to announce that although my class is coming to a close shortly, Color in my World will not be. Not yet anyways. I still have some ideas rolling around in my head that I can't wait to share with you. Hopefully, I will be able to post at least once a week, and of course, you, my reader, will get an update if I change my mind. :) So, until my next post, have a sunny day!

Oh, and why the crazy colored cake? Just because! :)

AOL Video-Interior Design & Color

Remember our discussion about warm and cool colors? Well, this video gives more insight into the uses of different colors (often strategically choosing from the warm or cool colors) to create different moods, looks, and atmosphere in living spaces. In a nutshell, this video is a good starting point to learn how to use color in your own home!

Watch more Grab Networks on AOL videos on AOL Video

Blip.tv- Color & Food

Just like I have discussed in a previous post, color and food have an unusual and distinct relationship. The color of food often triggers our brain to decide if food looks desirable or completely unappetizing. This video talks a little about the same idea: the link between food and its color.

Google Video- Colors & Holidays

I love painting Easter eggs in the spring time. This video talks about just that! It talks about how to use dye to paint and create color on Easter eggs. Enjoy!


How to Color Easter Eggs With Food Dyes -- powered by eHow.com

Youtube Video (For the Little Ones)

Although kid-friendly, this video is the perfect way to introduce colors at a basic level.

My Slideshow: Costa Rica Trip

PodCast For Flickr Pics

To listen to my audio narration for my flickr pics on the right-hand sidebar, click the red arrow to begin playing the audio. Hope you enjoy!

Podcasts of Interest

Again, per assignment, I have explored the itunes Library of podcasts for 5 great podcasts that relate to color! The first few mentioned relate to the use of color and interior design. The last two relate to color in nature (specifically butterflies--this one is really fascinating!)and the connection between health benefits found in certain foods that are identified through color. Enjoy!


1. Danielle Huirsh from Color Splash - HGTV Design Podcast (FREE!)

2. Black & White with a Splash of Color - Expr.ession (FEREE!)

3. The Dimensional Divide Episode 001 - The Dimensional Divide (FREE!)

4. How Do Butterfly Wings Get Their Color? - Stuff You Should Know (FREE!)

5. The Edible Benefits of Color - Color Yourself Healthy (FREE!)

Just like my teacher said, "Check out the iTunes store by downloading iTunes to your computer (for Mac or PC) and browsing the podcast directory there." That's all there is to it!

Primary Colors: Staple to Most Logos

Are you picking up what I'm putting down? Lesson for the day: Primary colors. Although I'm sure you already know what these are, let's get a reminder. Primary colors include red, blue, and yellow (cyan, magenta, and yellow to be technically correct).

This week, however, I began looking around at all the common places in my area. I've learned something. Walmart, Target, and McDonald's are just a sliver of all the common large companies who exercise the use of primary colors in their logo presentation. Why is that? Well, after further investigation, I've learned that humans have Trichromatic color vision, meaning that we have the ability to see different colors among three types of color-sensing cone cells. It is the use of different combinations of cone cells (or all three) that enable us to receive and interpret different colors. Interesting, huh? So, our color wheel, complete with primary and secondary colors, was created in light our our eye anatomy.

So, that's probably why some of the most widely know businesses utilize our very basic primary color wheel. Next time you venture out, notice the logos around you. See if you find a pattern as I did.

Kodak Picture Tips

I was recently introduced to Kodak's Top 10 Tips For Taking Pictures in my media class. My assignment was to utilize some of the new tips learned to depict a process related to my blog. The previous three pictures depict pictures taken at a wedding. I had taken a picture when the bouquets were delivered, with one of the bridesmaids, and once the bouquet had fully dried.

In the first picture (flowers delivered), I used the #4 "Move in Close tip".

In the second picture (flowers with bridesmaid), I used the #5 "Take Some Vertical Pictures "tip.

In the final picture (flowers dried), I used the #2 "Use a Plain Background" and #7 "Move it From the Middle" tips.

So, although this was an assignment for school, I thought you might enjoy exploring color in YOUR world through a camera lens! (And of course, use our new Kodak tips!) Enjoy!

Color-Coated Roadways

Have you ever thought about our Road Color Key? I have. Whether humans might have a harder time stopping at stop signs without the association of the color red, I cannot say. But, I do find myself suddenly interested in the world of our brain's union with color, particularly in its' manifestation on our roadways.

Upon closer examination to our traffic sign key, I might note that all cool colors indicate mainly directional, medical, service destinations while warm colors offer yielding, cautionary, or danger-saving alerts. Is this not a direct link in our investigation behind the meaning of colors? Warm colors tend to bring our brains to highest alert, while we have a trained cool colors to trigger things of a calm, collected, and helpful nature. This is just a bite of how interesting our world's color is! I challenge you to discover more revelations about our traffic color system's history. Be an educated driver!

Rules I Live By Online: Online Ethics

Today, I learned about the common ethical dilemmas that often plague our web. My assignment, upon completion of my readings, was to create a list of ethical rules of my own.

1. I will strive for accuracy in my work.
2. I will not plagiarize, NO MATTER WHAT!
3. I will identify all sources.
4. I will be transparent with my work.
5. I will not take pictures, videos, quotes, etc. out of context for my own story.
6. I will not make derogatory comments or stereotype.
7. I will respect my peers on the web, whether known or unknown.
8. I will do my best to depict a full, unbiased story when reporting on current events.
9. I will admit inaccuracies or mistakes in my posting as they come to my attention.
10. I will do my very best to hold my audience with the substance of my blog!
11. I will research several sources before posting.
12. I will clearly indicate my opinion as different than facts.
13. I will not compromise the integrity of my work.
14. I will be fair in my gatherings.
15. I will avoid misinterpretation of my story, opinion, picture, video, etc.
16. I will not blur the lines of ethical online writing.
17. I will be held accountable to my work.
18. I will not be persuaded by any monetary gifts, exchanges, etc. to report anything but the truth (or my opinion).
19. I will exhibit good taste in my word choice, pictures, video, and links.
20. I will show sensitivity with those controversial subjects in our world.

Additonal Resources

Although I may elaborate on some of the following topics in later posts, here are some more ways our world uses color to investigate! (This is also an assignment for school ;).)

School Colors = Meaning and Pride

Animals & Colors

Art & Color

U.S.A Flag colors have meaning too!

Did you know flowers' colors have meaning?

The Deep Web

Does Weather Really Affect Our Mood? According to Rich Maloof, columnist for MSN's Health & Fitness, it does. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Maloof clarifies, "...our emotions are not casualties of the weather. The rain can be guilty by association, but not causation." Indeed the link is not a science, but rather an art of observation. Research has commonly sought to diagnose this hypothesis. Confirmation of an association between an inclination of better spirits and sunny skies cannot be ignored in sample surveys over the past decade.

In my own experience, I cannot tell you how many times I "didn't feel like doing much that day" or "feel like getting out of bed" when the sunshine was in temporary hibernation. Whether an excuse or eerie connection, it is hard to distinguish.

Our bodies give us more insight. The recognition of light produces serotonin and darkness triggers melatonin production levels to change, affecting higher energy and our sleep cycles respectively. (So maybe this is my justification to wanting to sleep through dreary, rainy days?)

In my opinion, Ani Kalayjian, Ed.D., R.N., professor of psychology at Fordham University in New York leaves us with the best advise to err on the side of sunny: "We tell people to take advantage of the sunny days. Leave the computers and the indoor games and get out there in the sun. That's when they can recharge their batteries—recharge their serotonin—and maintain higher mood."

Use of Color in Food

Have you ever thought about why certain foods look more appetizing than others? How come re-fried beans don't look nearly as tasty as a beautiful strawberry shortcake? I find this disparity fascinating! Display of color is an integral key in the perception of freshness, good taste, atmosphere, (and expensive food).

In an article from COLOURlovers, the author talks about how our brain can mislead our taste buds. Our anticipation of taste from visual stimuli changes our expectation and conclusion about what tastes good, better, or terrible. Even children are more excited about cereal from its' colorful display.
In addition, color plays a leading role in indicating the ripeness of produce, such as bananas and pineapple. So, the next time you try to decide what to eat, notice if your choice had something to do with your eyes. Until next time.

Working With Google Cites & Calendar

Like I said, I'm a student. So, per request of an assignment, I was to aquaint myself with google cites and google calendar. Here's the result. If you're just a casual reader of my thoughts, you may disregard the following:

google cites & calendar assignment!

The Pleasure is Mine...

Why hello. I’m glad to meet you at last. My name is Lydia. Among other things, I am a student, new wife, and a youngest daughter. I love all things tangible or visual—postcards, paintings, spiral calendars, stained-glass windows, sticky notes, vintage books, flowers, library books, wallpaper (yes, wallpaper), construction paper, sunsets, and magazines. I suppose it’s because I love the accessibility and color in the life of its’ aesthetic. Which brings me to my point: I am invigorated and enlightened by our world of color. What I mean is, all things seem to integrally use color in their function or allure…or both.

Why are most male animals more colorful than their spouse? How come guacamole doesn’t exactly look appetizing before you’ve tried it? Why does there seem to be a laser link between school spirit and wearing its respective school colors? Why don’t we just watch TV in black and white? Why do the colors blue, green, and grey seem to calm me down? I know why. Or at least I’m willing to investigate and report why. So let us toast—here’s to my venture of revealing my revelations, curiosities, and conclusions about the use of color in our world. Cheers!


Paul Cezanne, The Bay from L’Estaque, c. 1886, oil on canvas