Trending! CORAL for Spring 2012

Is Spring here yet? Toronto is still waiting for that warmth to creep in, but before it does, it's probably smart to plan ahead with a little Coral! We've already covered this season's hottest colour, Mint, but that shouldn't discourage anyone from experimenting with other popular colours of the season. Spring has given us a unique mix of pastel and power-pigment hues that range in everything from royal blue to lemon yellow! Neon is in in bold patterns and blocked colour; Coral is a part of that movement.

Coral is the second trending colour of the season. It started with McQueen not too long ago during the famous fashion house's Spring 2012 Collection. Splashes of both pastel and jeweled-toned Corals dominated the runway in everything from floral pumps to billowing dresses. The re-introduction of this tone, which was very popular last season, has sparked an uproar of new, bold designs that have filtered down into the consumerist market from the runways of the world's greatest designers.

Coral is fresh and feminine. It has hints of both pink and orange that give it a uniquely diverse quality. It can be neutralized with warm, beige tones as well as used as a power pigment when made bolder with brighter, more fuchsia tones. Everything from great shoes, to skirts, to slacks, to overcoats, and head-to-toe jumpsuits is fair game when using Coral for Spring! Like Mint, Coral is one of this seasons new faux-neutrals. Partner it with everything from soft oranges and deep pinks to true greens and bright yellows!

Coral and Mint, the two hottest colours of 2012, are also fantastic together! Experiment in new ways by using these Spring faux-neutrals to balance one another in clever, unique ways! A Coral dress grounded with a Mint belt, or fantastic turquoise jewelry accessorized over a Coral blouse are just a couple of easy examples.

Don't fear the pink, embrace Coral this season!

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Trending! MINT for Spring 2012

It's finally here ladies and gents! Spring is dawning on us. Our cool temperatures are finally giving way to double-digits in Celsius, and the sun couldn't be brighter! So, what's this post all about? Trends of course!

Mint is the hottest colour of the season, it's time to embrace that cool, fresh glow! Everything from pastel Mints, to jewel-toned Mints, to more aqua-toned Mints and more blue, ice-toned Mints are all fair game. The colour is a refreshing departure of the sea of neutrals we've been seeing lately from not only many of the Spring collections last year, but as well as the dismal, stark palette of much of Fall/Winter.

White is still very much in season this year, as is black, but adding details of Mint in contrasting and complimentary elements could take your everyday look from seasonal to spotlight stunner. Add a heel of Mint, a bag, or a skirt to balance out the neutral elements of your outfit. Personally, I love seeing it in statement pieces; like a skinny pant in full Mint, a chunky heel, or an oversized carry-all. However, you can also be more subtle in your Mint choices! Mint jewelry can easily become a great faux-neutral that will pop with almost any jewel-toned blouse. It's also a fantastic colour for powerful accessories like a wrap scarf or a bold, turquoise ring!

Mint is also extremely versatile. It's naive to think that it can't be partnered with other hues in bold patterns, because Mint itself is a hue that can be found in hundreds of variations. So what's the problem with mixing Mint with Mint? None I say! Spring is about catharsis and liberation, explore your colour options! A pale, pastel-tinted Mint pump can still look totally fantastic with a bolder, jewel-toned Mint skirt. A light, aqua-tinted Mint scarf partnered with a bright, blue-toned Mint purse? Why not!

Spring is not just about embracing colours as they are, it's about playing with them. What colours work with your skin? What colours work together? And how can you make bold statements out of signature pieces? Take your time this season girls; just embracing the new and the exciting is a testament to your character and your ability to be at the forefront! Leave a lasting impression this season by using Mint as a staple in your wardrobe palette.