Do you remember that scene in the Devil Wears Prada where Miranda goes off on Andy about the color of her sweater?
You know the one:
“But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise. It’s not lapis. It’s actually cerulean. And you’re also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves Saint Laurent… wasn’t it who showed cerulean military jackets?… And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. And then it, uh, filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin.”
Well this wasn’t planned (although it’s ironic), but I’m sitting here typing this post up wearing a blush colored maternity sweatshirt that I bought while I was pregnant.
How does that tie into the Miranda Priestly quote above?
Because Rose Quartz was Pantone’s color of the year in 2016.
And sure enough, all of a sudden everyone was wearing blush pink. It was everywhere on Instagram, it was everywhere on bloggers, it was everywhere in stores.
It seemed like we all collectively decided that blush pink was our favorite color.
And I’m not excusing myself from that. I suddenly felt this urge to have more blush pink in my closet… even though I had never felt like pink truly represented my style.
So much so that I actually went out and bought a few things in the color.
Guess what happened?
I rarely wear those two things.
Because I don’t actually really like pink.
But I let the fashion “gods” tell me that I do.
Now it’s possible that my pregnancy brain was muddling my decision making.
Maybe.
But I think I’m just like every other person who struggles to rise above the messaging that is given to us about what we should or should not be wearing.
Here’s the thing though: falling prey to the marketing strategies of the Miranda Priestly’s of the world woke me up to the fact that I don’t have to.
I don’t have to like something just because everyone else does (doesn’t this sound like something I should have learned a decade ago?)
It made me really think about what colors I do like and it brought me back to my first couple of capsules.
I like red and I like shades of blue. Occasionally I like mustard and green.
Isn’t it funny how susceptible we are to external messages?
Staying true to your own personal style sometimes takes a lot of grit and focus.
So moving forward I’m going to do my best to operate with “tunnel vision” when it comes to my wardrobe.
Because I know the reward of a focused approach to my wardrobe is a closet full of pieces that I love and feel confident in.
What about you? Did you find yourself falling on the pink bandwagon? Or were you a pink lover who rejoiced in the sudden resurgence of pink clothing?
Also, tell me what colors you like to add to your wardrobes? I’m curious to know!
Until next time,
Outfit Details:
Blouse: Thrifted. Similar Ethical Version.
Shorts: Old. Similar USA Made Version. Similar Ethical Version.
I so noticed this too! But blush has always been a favorite of mine (and actually one that has been hard to find up until this year!) And isn’t it strange that I actually found myself questioning whether or not I should acquire a blush piece – just because it was trendy?? Like, me, a person who loves it and a shade of pink I actually rock, finally has the opportunity to acquire said blush piece (with plentiful options) now saying, “oh no, maybe it’s just a trend I shouldn’t partake in…”
I guess it goes both ways! Waaaaaay to much psychology going on here…
Yes! I can see blush being such a good color on you! You definitely have the coloring for it! And I’ve totally done that too. It took me FOREVER to finally break down and get a pair of mom jeans. I didn’t want to buy them just because they are a trend, but they really do suit my style! Are you strong willed by any chance? Because I find myself digging my heels because I hate to do things when I feel like I’m being “told” to.
I actually bought a blush top from Amour Vert and have got good use out of it, even though it isn’t my favorite color to wear. My husband loves it when I wear pink so I was comfortable adding it to my wardrobe, which is mainly just shades of gray, black, blue! I wonder what 2017’s color will be? I’m still seeing a lot of blush.
That’s great! Maybe it actually got you out of your comfort one in a good way. 🙂 It’s a pretty green color , which I love, but don’t feel would suit my coloring.
Yes, there is so much behind color when it comes to fashion, I can barely find my favorite colors in some seasons. I prefer blue reds, most blues, bright shades of pink or very soft pink. It really depends on the shades. I feel & look best in icy, bright colors. I never jumped into the mustard,, cognac, rose quart, blush pink band wagon, as I would look like the walking dead, per se?,. I’m no expert, but not all colors, fit all skin tones. Too, I wear all silver jewelry & mostly find gold on the shelf☹️. BL-be true to your real self?.
That’s so great that you know your coloring so well Marti and what suits you! It shows that you have a strong confidence in your style and I think that’s admirable!
Ack. I bought a blush shirt, too, and never wear it!! Good note to self.
So I’m not the only one! Haha!
It’s actually funny you say this. I am an avid fan of Pantone. But I don’t see it as the fashion god ruling my life. More as inspiration, a focus. There was only one year I went out and got a specific Pantone color, Tangerine Tango back in…2012? When a new color scheme comes out, I find it in the clothes I already have and use them to inspire my outfits and Capsules. I’m picky when it comes to pink, but blush has been a favorite long time.
That’s great! Not everyone is able to stay so true to themselves so good job!
I am a pink lover, for sure, but when I started capsuling, I realized most of the shades of pink I had in my closet weren’t flattering for my skintone, so now I have very little pink. Instead I go for salmon or coral. Navy and turquoise are also favorites. Olive and pine are staples in fall/winter. And I’m still on the hunt for a bright warm yellow top. One of the things I’ve learned about color in wardrobes (and in beauty, for that matter) is I can appreciate and love a color, but I don’t have to own it. Some vibrant flowers and a fridge with a rainbow of produce satisfies my need to live colorfully.
I love your summary because that is something I’m coming to learn as well! With really a lot of things as well, I can appreciate the benefit or beauty of something, but I don’t necessarily need to own it.
I must say that I usually don’t like the “color of the year”. I always look at them and wonder how in the world did it get picked! So needless to say I’m not buying things in those colors. Maybe one day I’ll like the “color of the year” (used loosely) and have to have it in my wardrobe ;c)
I don’t usually either! I think what swayed me was more the resulting feeling that everyone “needed” to have a blush colored top in their wardrobe and so I must too! It showed me how susceptible I am to marketing messages!
Welp…LOL. I’ve always loved Denim. That makes me a blue and black pant girl. Pantone doesn’t speak to me ever. Why not denim???
Interesting post. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Sandy! Denim should definitely be in the running haha!