beauty banter: pastel perfect

It's just around the corner, or depending on where you are, it's already here. Some refer to it as the dog days of summer, while I think of it as my favourite time of year. Hot summer days, and sultry summer nights. Dawning light and breezy outfits, sunshine, gelato and soft pastel hues are everything that this time of year is about and everything I dream of on cold winter days.

While pastels are synonymous with summer, they are also a trend this year. I have a naturally fair complexion and even if I tried to tan I wouldn't be much darker, anyway. Fair skin generally doesn't work well with pastel shades, at least in my experience. Layering a pastel top with a contrasting shade can often address this problem, but it still doesn't help the fact that I don't feel I can wear a pastel hue on its own against my fair skin tone.

Even though I don't feel I can wear pastels well, I decided to give them a chance this season the best way I know how: a pedicure! After being introduced to Essie's new summer collection I chose Cascade Cool, an adorable shade of pink, and purchased the polish with some skepticism. I should mention that while Cascade Cool is a pretty pastel shade, the other colours in Essie's summer collection are quite the opposite.

So, I tried it out. The result? I was pleasantly surprised with the first application! And after a second coat, I was in love. It was different from the bold, heavily pigmented colours I usually opt for, but it was nice; in a pretty, summery way! It's a very feminine shade, and it looks beautiful with peep-toe shoes or sandals this season!

Tangerine tango: colour of the year

Almost every fashion magazine I've picked up in the last couple of months has been full of snapshots, samples and articles about how this summer is all about colour. I, for one, was more than happy to welcome some bright, fun shades into my closet and I was surprised to learn that a purchase I made in February would turn out to be one of the biggest staples of my wardrobe this year.

While reading In Style (one of my fav fashion magazines) I learned that Tangerine Tango was selected by the Pantone Color Institute as the colour of the year for 2012. A red orange with a lot of depth, Tangerine Tango is an energetic shade that's seductive, full of personality, and irresistible! Coincidentally enough, my new Kate Spade handbag is everything that I believe Tangerine Tango represents. When I first saw it, I was attracted to its vibrancy and I knew I had to have it when I couldn't stop thinking about it. It's fun, playful, and when paired with the right outfit it's a great standout piece; the perfect way for me to wear the colour of this year!

Will you wear tangerine in 2012? Leave a comment and tell me how!

Happy Independence Day! x

Photo credit: Sam Russell

Photo credit: Sam Russell

The catwalk: Summertime for colour

It's finally here! While I'm excited for ice cream, warm weather and all things summer, I am most excited about wearing colour this season. Since I'm usually safe and go with neutrals, I've decided to embrace colour and change. It's time to get bold.

During a recent trip to California, I embarked on shopping mission in search of red skinny jeans. That's right, red! I found my red denim and I love it! Pairing nicely with a printed top or classic black (if that's your thing), it's great for daytime or a night out!

Toothpick denim in Dark Poppy, J. Crew; Polka dot popover, J. Crew; Byrd handbag, kate spade; Black flats, Nine West; Wayfarer sunglasses, Ray-Ban