Using Brights As Subtle Flavor Instead Of A "Pop"

Here's two outfits featuring the same citron colored Fila layering top, worn on the same day. The one on the left i wore for my morning constitutional. Upon returning home i thought it would be fun to use the same piece to create a more color oriented look. I was also in the mood to wear the coral blouse as a vest - the way i first saw it worn by Bev, The Style Underdog.

I was very struck by the way the citron really pops when placed next to it's color wheel opposite (coral) but the very same color is so toned down when worn next to a cool neutral. In the first outfit the citron livens up the grey look without the color 'popping'. If i wore this same citron in a warm, khaki outfit the citron would become much more lively because the warmth of the khaki would give it a 'boost'. 

The general color guideline is to wear all warms or all cools in any outfit and i find this is an excellent idea. But i really like the way that the colors work in the first look. The citron warms up the palette and adds interest to the look without screaming "Bright Color Here!!!"  This approach increases the flexibility of 'brights'. You can take the traditional route and pair them with other colors in the same temperature for ultimate impact. Or, mix them with colors of the opposite temperature to create a little life in a neutral palette. By the way, these pictures were taken less than an hour apart - the color changes of the citron top have to do with the way the surrounding colors affected it's influence on the camera sensor and our eyes.

Secret message to Bev: i miss you and i think about you and your family every day.

Life has been very busy around here! Winter is here big-time, witness the Halloween storm on the east coast. Mr. E decided to take advantage of 'the last sunny weekend' and a super bargain bed and breakfast rate and we spent a couple of nights on the Monterey Peninsula.  Oh it was gorgeous! But a wee bit last-minute!

Happily, part of the hecticness has been The Dashing Eccentric related. I had a fascinating conversation with a boutique owner touching on friendship, mentoring, creativity, and business. I was fortunate enough to photograph the fruit of a local artist's collaboration with a clothing designer and a lingerie manufacturer. Rumors circulate about a possible guest post. A product review in progress has the potential to point readers towards a custom-fit clothing at a great price. I've even been doing writing on the Emily Cho material.

So what am i doing typing this instead of getting crackin' and whipping out those fascinating future posts? Beats me! I'll sign out now, and you all have a great weekend!


Citron top: Fila
Grey Hoodie: Free People (gift)
Grey Jeggings: Target Mossino
Scarf, Skirt, Coral Top: own design
Trainers: Merrell
Boots: Bass Lamont
Belt: Hobo