picture this palette | 01

I know, I know, big surprise - I'm starting another "series." Now, I'm aware that in order for the word "series" to apply, you have to actually have more than one thing. And I know my track record of continuing things isn't exactly the best, BUT I've determined that this is just sort of my creative process. I start a bunch of different things, see what sticks, and I run with that. One thing I'm really trying to work on with myself is being okay with the concept of evolution. Everything doesn't have to be buttoned up or purposeful or tied together from the beginning. Sometimes the chaos and the trying stuff out is necessary to get to the good stuff. So bear with me as I ... eh hem... evolve.

(Speaking of evolve, you might have noticed the new digs. I hadn't changed the look of this blog since January - which is a wonder in itself considering my aversion to sitting still on anything - and it no longer felt like it represented my style. As some of you know, I'm in the process of upgrading this blog to a brand new built-from-scratch Wordpress site. It's kind of like the equivalent of moving from a studio rental to a two-bedroom starter home in a gated community - basically I'M BECOMING LEGIT. Anyway, in the mean time I thought a fresh coat of paint here could be a good move. Feel free to leave your comments below - I'd love to know what you think!)

But yes, back to the task at hand. (I sure do have a knack for digression.) I've had the idea for this feature in my head for a while now. In case I didn't make it abundantly clear before, I LOVE color. I get color crushes with different seasons and will find myself constantly gravitating toward images or things that have that palette. Which is why I think the whole "picture this palette" thing will be fun. I've seen a lot of bloggers do some interesting things with inspiration photos. I love how the essence of one thing can be represented in something else that is completely different. (Nikki over at Cupcakes for Breakfast does this particularly well with her Side by Side feature).

For my take on things, I'll be starting with one inspiration photo that has a color palette that I find interesting. I'll take that palette and reinterpret it three ways: interior design, fashion and art. Hopefully it will speak to my fellow color lovers out there, and you may just develop some color crushes of your very own! 

inspiration // in your home // in your closet // on your wall 1 // on your wall 2

For my first "picture this palette" feature, I began with this gorgeous floral motif photo I saw on Pinterest. It reminds me of some beautiful display in Anthropologie. (I don't, however, know where it came from because the pin didn't have a link associated - if you know where this image came from, please let me know in the comments!)

The combo that first caught my eye was the mustard with the bright voilet. I used to hate strict complimentary colors, but the purple/yellow thing has me intrigued lately, especially with fall around the corner. It's bold and rich all at the same time. I know it's a bit hard to see but I also pulled out the tiny bit of burnt red that's in the center of one of the flowers. I think it's such a fun pop to the palette and it somehow brings balance to the purple and yellow. Add the warm coffee and muted midnight blue and the whole thing is just some kind of wonderful.

// PICTURE THIS PALETTE IN YOUR HOME //

First, the interior reincarnation. When I saw this photo I was amazed at how perfectly it seems to work the palette I created. That yellow rug is obviously a main color focal point, but I adore how the one pop of bright violet on the lamp shade is so powerful. Without it, that color scheme could have come off so primary and predictable, but it's that little element of the unexpected that makes it special. Also, did you notice the deep red on the throw? How perfect is that? (Aside from the colors, let it also be stated that the natural wood textures and the mismatched pillows are also responsible for my love of this room.)

// PICTURE THIS PALETTE IN YOUR CLOSET //

I had a vision for an outfit that I felt embodied these colors but I couldn't find any images that hit the nail on the head. This was the closest thing I found, and while it's certainly not a look that I would probably rock in my own life, I still love the styling and the tone of the photography. It's a little more muted than the original palette, but again the red pumps just made it too perfect! If I had to reimagine this outfit for myself, I think it would include a pair of mustard cords, a voilet sheer-ish button down blouse with pockets or a simple v-neck tee and a pop of red on a ballet flat or a pendant necklace. I actually own all of these items except the shirt so if I decide to wear my imaginary outfit in real life, maybe you'll spot it on Instagram.

// PICTURE THIS PALETTE ON YOUR WALL //

Lastly, I know the whole "art" category is a little vague since the inspiration photo itself could be art, but I wanted the chance to expand the palette to all types of art or posters or prints etc. Like the watercolor, for example. This was yet another instance of me pinning something in my feed only to realize later that it relates so well to the color of the inspiration photo, which I had pinned only minutes earlier. (Pinterest can be really amazing for that sometimes - making you aware of patterns in your taste that you didn't even recognize before.) I also love the fact that I feel like so often you think of watercolors and you think lilies and florals and dainty little beach scenes. But this is so urban and saturated, so it's particularly delightful.

I also couldn't help but add a second piece of art only because I loved how subtly the color scheme played out in this French poster. At first glance the yellow of the sky and light blue of the water kind of take over in terms of hue, but after a closer look you can see all sorts of other shades popping up. The thin red stripe along the sail. The purple of the boat's shadow reflected in the water. The blue on the dark side of the sail and the brown of the boat. Hunting for color palettes is so fun!

Well that's it for this addition of "picture this palette." Is this the type of thing you guys would enjoy? If you want it to come back, please let me know in the comments. Hopefully I'll have another installment for you soon and it will officially become a series!

Until then, thanks to everyone who liked my new Facebook page for the blog! If you'd like an easy way to keep up with posts plus some other fun bonuses like pins I'm obsessing over or my favorite links from the many other talented blogs out there, give her a little likey-poo. (Or at the very least do it to be nice because if only 20 people like my page it might crush my spirit and cause irreparable damage to my self-esteem. Do you want that kind of blood on your hands? I didn't think so.)

Hope you all had a great Labor Day and sorry if you're bummed because you're back to work today. Listen to Hootie & The Blowfish on Pandora if you have to - that's my go-to cure for a killer case of the Mondays-but-actually-Tuesdays-but-still-feels-like-it's-Monday-because-of-the-holiday-s. Toodles!