Happy 2014 hues

Brighten your look in 2014 with the season’s color wheel of choice.  Express yourself with color from pretty pastels to primary hues and some glam metallics.

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This season, it’s all about combining pastels with brights. It creates a balance inspired by nature. Pair cool pastels like Placid Blue, like the sky; Violet Tulip or Hemlock, similar to the lush spring greens with bolder brights like Cayenne, a burning red; Freesia, an intense yellow; Celosia Orange, a reminder of the sunset; Dazzling Blue, a brilliant blue; or the Color of the Year Radiant Orchid, the vibrant counterpart of Violet Tulip.

Here are other ways to kick-start your colorful moment:

• Classic combo black and white continues to reign supreme.

• Intense primaries are all the rage. Mix red, blue and yellow or wear each on its own.

• The season’s muted blush, mint, violet and blue works for day and night. The latest takes have an added shimmer for extra appeal.

• White is still clean and cool for summer. An all-white look is always chic. This season, it’s all about mixing textures in an all-white getup.

• Wear blue instead of black. It‘s the go-to hue for the trendsetter set.

• Neutrals like Sand and Paloma Gray are perfect to keep you cool during the summer heat. They are also the perfect canvas for mixing and matching the season’s soft pastels and vivid brights.

• Add an unexpected hint of pink to an edgy style. You will instantly look au courant. You’ll always look pretty in pink.

• Add glam and luxe to your look with metallics. Keep accessories simple when wearing glitzy garb.  Or, for a quick updater, add details in metallics to adorn your look. Grab a clutch or a pair of shoes in reflective metals and you’ll definitely shine this season.

Adding colored details to your look is the quickest way to look current. Add a pop of color on your wrist with the latest Swatch collections in happy hues or shiny metals. Make a color statement using fun and bold accessories — from earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Even shoes and belts have a kaleidoscope of hues you can choose from. You also need not look far to add an “It” bag to your wardrobe.

Proudly hand-woven by artisans in the Philippines, S.C. Vizcarra has been producing finely crafted luxury handbags for three generations now. Take your pick from the Zacarias line based on contemporary art, design and architecture.

“The wicker Oscar N bag, I based on Oscar Niemeyer in Brazil, while the Swell bag also in wicker is based on the Swell Soundwave, a sound acoustic wall covering. This line is named after my grandfather,” said Rita Nazareno, granddaughter of Vizcarra’s founder who continues the family tradition.

Proenza Schouler and Chloé also have the latest arm candy in the season’s “It” colors.

“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium. While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with the new looks and color combinations,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute.

Show your true colors this season. Let go. Have fun. Try the season’s new color combinations and express yourself with color. It’s the year to show your individuality. Be bold, bright and happy in 2014.

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Send queries and suggestions to jo@joyceorena.com. Follow Joyce on Twitter @joyceorena or on Instagram @jo_joyceorena.