So to help us out, I checked out Pantene’s color trend guide and pulled out a few key notes about the top ten hues that we will see variants of for the spring season! But to talk to the overall palette, the executive director of Pantone Color Institute, Leatrice Eiseman shares:

This season there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. An eclectic, ethereal mix of understated brights, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals take center stage as designers draw from daydreams of simpler times. Remembrances of retro delights, folkloric and floral art, and the magical worlds of tropical landscapes restore a sense of well-being as we head into warmer months.

As I was reading this, I immediately pictured myself twirling in midi full skirts, or maybe skipping along in my lace maxi dress, or even walking along the beach in my Rachel Pally caftan. Either way, I am here for this newness and I am all about color (with my tried and true black and white!) So are you ready for the color breakdown? Here we go:

Pantone’s Spring 2015 Color Trend Report

All quotes are from Leatrice Eiseman

Aquamarine

THIS, is the lead color for spring. I can dig this especially when paired with khakis and contrasted with varying shades of pink or sleek against white! MMMM. Yes.  “Cool and calming, ethereal Aquamarine is a shade with a wet and watery feel.”

Scuba Blue

Blue and most of its varying shades are my favorite color. This hue for me presets a softness that I can see being very feminine. I dig it.  “Even though a cool shade, the vibrancy of Scuba Blue adds a splash of excitement to the palette.”  

Lucite Green

“Fresh and clarifying, cool and refreshing, Lucite Green has a minty glow.” I am curious about this color and how it will play against my newfound favorite haircolor! I can see this is blouses and quite a few lady-like dresses!

Classic Blue

Yes honey. I am here for this and already have my eye on this midi and this other unique skirt! Please know that you will see me in this color more than a few times!  “Serving as an anchor to the Spring/Summer 2015 palette, Classic Blue is a shade that is strong and reliable.” I could not agree more!

Toasted Almond

I love this color for a great base for dresses and a great way to contrast or accent the pastel hues for spring! I am thinking safari inspirations- yes? “Timeless and versatile, Toasted Almond is an organic shade that speaks to authenticity and all that is natural.”

Strawberry Ice

“Both tasty and tasteful, Strawberry Ice is a confection color that evokes a feeling of being “in the pink,” emitting a flattering and healthy glow.” A warmer shade of pink that I can get behind without feeling too girly. I can dig this.

Custard

I already have my eye on two yellow pieces that I need in my closet. A leather yellow bomber and this tea length midi. I am ready for it! Spring, cometh to me. “Just as the name implies, PANTONE 13-0720 Custard is a delicious and delectable yellow.”

Tangerine

“Spontaneous and gregarious, PANTONE 15-1247 Tangerine is a juicy orange shade that is energizing, yet not jarring to the eye.” I immediately think fun, playful, and sassy. I can imagine a few sleek dresses, ohhh maybe even a pantsuit in this color. Ha! Yes.

Marsala

This is Pantone’s color of the year! It is very sophisticated and classy feeling to me. “Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

Glacier Gray

I was not expecting this one, but I definitely get a cool vibe from this shade. I am quite curious how this one will play out into clothing for the spring! “More dominant for men than women in Spring/Summer 2015, PANTONE 14-4102 Glacier Gray is an unobtrusive gray that contrasts and enhances; bouncing off other shades without taking away from them as it slips into the background to allow other colors to take center stage.”

So these are the colors that we can anticipate for the spring season! What are we thinking? I am all about the Custard, Blue, Green paired with Toasted Almond! I am also feeling inspired by all white popped with these top ten colors!

Make sure you pin, bookmark, and share this so you have a cool reference point!

Which colors are your favorite? Can you see yourself in a few of these? Let’s discuss!

Hello! Happy March! (Where has the time gone already?) I hope that you are as hyped and excited about spring fashion as I am! I am also equally as excited about the weather hopefully warming up and experiencing a true spring season, now that I am in Atlanta! Woot! I am sooo ready for the weather to pivot into spring and warmer, more stable and reliable weather! Last month, I cancelled so many things because of these weather advisories, to only wake up to regular weather in my hood… *sigh*

THIS, is my learning curve, I suppose.

ANYWHO, last month, we spoke to and shared thoughts and ways of loving yourself and learning how to and I even shared my own process of loving myself and how last year was the turning point for me- you shared your process too and it was so damned beautiful! If you missed a few of those posts, please click any of those blue links!

So, for March?!

Well, we are all about spring style! I shared a few tips on how to ready yourself for spring style and this month, we are going to share more tips, talk trends, and share a few faves that we are looking forward to! The color trends, favorite beauty and accessories to play in- we are giving it to you! I will also talk a bit more this month about spring cleaning your closet, giving you a few new closet confessions, and tips on developing your personal style- this is a journey for me too! I hope you are ready!

Also! Last month, we added two new contributors to the team! Tormented Sugar and Crystal from Sometimes Glam! What does this mean? Look forward to seeing more illustrations, interviews, and beauty, travel, and style tips! She did this below! I am excited to see what she comes up with!

In my personal challenge to share more, open up, and connect with you more, I will be doing these regularly, at the top of each month to say hey girl hey, to let you know what to expect, and if you have any call outs, posts you want to see more of, and to help you out, let me know!

After all, this is what I am here for!

XOXOXO

Marie’s Note: Speaking of the theme of self- love, our process, accepting, giving, and receiving love interests, I received a great post pitch from a plus size model who wanted to talk about her walk, the strength she pulls and stands on to challenge the norm- especially as a shorter plus size model!  So in the spirit of self love, I had to share!

It takes a strong woman to be a plus size woman.  She must know that she is beautiful despite what others tell her.   She must be innovative in the way she approaches how she dresses because most retailers don’t carry stylish and beautiful clothes for her body.  To know who you are and walk with that confidence everyday takes a lot of fortitude.  Everyday life is hard but to do that on a stage, photographs, or in the media takes guts.  You are under a constant spotlight.  Most times you are showered with rejection because that is the nature of the business.  You want YOU, your beauty standard to be accepted.

That strong confidence exuded by most women in the world, comes from many different life experiences.  Girls who grow up in households where their smartness and beauty are equally applauded are most likely to have a strong sense of self.  Their self-esteem and confidence soars.  Even as they enter the world, the world can sometimes shatter or shake their confidence, because she to be accepted.

So to be a plus size woman in this world with loads of confidence, takes strength.  A woman who probably at a younger age did not feel so great about herself in society;   the world’s perception tending to frown upon her uniqueness and difference.

You see, a curvy, plus size, confident woman is quite unique.

I am that curvy, confident woman.  I have done countless fashion shows and photo shoots representing that curvy woman.  Many look to me as a woman of confidence and security because of the way I carry myself.  Not afraid to step out and shine. So to show the world, but most importantly myself, I took this photo- a photo that represents MY vulnerability of a beautiful, plus size woman.

I wanted it to showcase true essence of confidence, beauty, and a strong sense of self.  Not many women would feel comfortable to post in front of the camera like this…  Yet we can and I did! The fortitude that has been built over the years of being that plus size woman has brought me here.  This is part of my process…

Every woman has her own set of flaws, but you can’t let them overpower or hinder you.  I constantly battle and struggle with my own insecurities because of my height (being shorter that industry standard).  As I pursue modeling, agencies are very strict when it comes to height requirements. BUT, THIS will not stop me from pursuing my dreams!

My stance is tall because I love the skin I am in, short, curvy, and all!

Art by Basil Watson and Photography by T.S. Photo Designs

Meet Dionne of Supersize my Fashion!!!

Blog: http://www.supersizemyfashion.com
Height: 5″7
Age:    28
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

What made you want to become a fashion blogger?
When I was younger, I had more difficulties finding trendy, age appropriate clothing. Nevertheless, I always tried to dress up and look cute. I got lots of compliments on it and wanted to share my style inspirations with other young girls who felt the same way I did before to show them that you can love yourself, be happy with who you are and look good while doing so

What are the challenges, if any, you face in being plus-size?
I don’t really consider it a challenge when it comes to fashion. I can always find what I like and even have to choose what to buy! I’m very much focused on trends in fashion, and if I have to name a challenge, it would be that sometimes, trendy looks or pieces are not always directly available for plus size consumers. Still, I always try to find a way. That also makes it more fun! You feel even better about something when you’ve worked hard to get it!

What’s your favorite thing about being plus-size?
Well, being more curvy completely changes the way clothing looks on you. I love the fact that I’m “blessed” in the chest area and I don’t mind showing it off, Lol. Apart from that, I love proving people wrong and showing that being plus sized is no excuse to not look great!

What’s your favorite thing about being a blogger? A plus fashion blogger?
I never dreamed that I could occupy myself with what I love so much, fashion. I don’t make an actual living off of it but just the fact that I can share this passion, inspire others and be appreciated for it by the people who actually take the time to read and visit my blog is so rewarding. To be taken seriously by brands that actually care about what you have to say and to be a voice/representative for curvy women around the world is amazing. It’s great to be a part of a changing fashion industry.

Who/what are your favorite designers/brands?
There are a lot of brands that I love and unfortunately, I can’t shop all of them, since they don’t ship to my country, but I love what Eloquii is doing. Monif C always blows my mind and Zelie for She is also one of my faves. Apart from the US based brands I’m really fond of Zizzi, Asos Curve, Junarose and New Look (especially for their shoes!).

Describe your personal style.
My style totally depends on my mood. Apart from that, I like to make trends my own and things that would be typically “me” are: pinks, fluff (faux fur), glitter and sparkles, and animal prints. Not at the same time of course

Any bloggers currently on your radar?
Apart from the top bloggers we already know, I’m really into Emmi Snicker (http://emmisnicker.blogspot.se/), my fellow Dutch girls Mode Plus (http://www.mode-plus.com) and Fab and Luxury Curves (http://www.fabandluxury.com/), Danielle Vanier (http://www.daniellevanier.co.uk/) The Jenesaisquoi (http://thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.nl/) and CurvEnvy (http://www.curvenvy.com/). There are a lot more, but these are the blogs I currently visit on the regular.

Anything else you want The Curvy Fashionista’s readers to know?
Don’t hide yourself or think that only a slimmer version of you is worth certain things in life. Love the skin you’re in. Confidence is the best thing to wear.  It will shine through!

Be sure to check out Dionne’s blog at SupersizeMyFashion.com!!

Do you dig her style? Which look is your fave? Let’s talk about it below!

Are you a personal style blogger? Want to be featured? Make sure you shoot us an email so that we can feature you!

Well, for starters, I love the color blue, so you will always capture my attention with that. Secondly, I am a sucker for shorts and different styles of skirts. MMHMM. Call it my own personal evolution here that I am all hyped about, but yeah… I am here for it.

Have you shopped Elqouii? Have you had a chance to play in their new and evolved site? Well let me share the latest with you and then let us talk…

Eloquii’s Code Blue Collection

(To view and shop the collection, just click the pic and the link to the item is on the right!)

Do you see what I mean? Pretty right? I mean some of the styling may be a little different for my taste, but if you look beyond that and pick out the hero pieces, you can definitely fall in love with a few of the pieces- right?

I do wish they used more variety of models and sizes; however, I do dig the overall looks! I see that lace, boho/70s vibe, and florals are going hard for spring- something that Eloquii delivered to us, right on trend and time!

You can shop the collection NOW, at Eloquii.com!

I am sooo curious about this layered midi skirt action; need the shorts, and loving the brown accents. MMHMM.

Which pieces intrigue you? Let’s chat in the comments.

Well hello, Rue 107. NOT for the demure, shy, or conservative. There is a specific woman who is a Rue Girl! Is that you? Hehehe

I do like where they went this season in swim- I mean, I love a great sleeve, pattern play, really pretty color palettes, and new silhouettes that play nice with the clothing collection too!  You give me black and white anything, chances are, I am going to love it. I am just saying. My fascination with that combo is hilarious… any who, let me share with you a few of my faves from the collection!

Swim Ready with RUE107 Curves Collection

(to see the look book, click the first pic!) 

Do you see what I mean? I love the fuller bottoms and playfulness of the sleeves and the varying types of coverage! Hello pool party, vacay, or day by the pool! Add to the fact that you can purchase each piece by itself- this helps for a great fit and your own take on these plus size swim options!

Add to the fact that she is an indie designer who is successfully incorporating plus sizes into her collections, showing various sizes, shades, and shapes- I am here for this! I love it!

I am very curious about these boy short options… I am here for this.

You can cop the whole collection, NOW at Rue107.com!

Which pieces are your fave? That you have to have for your summer fun!?!

Let’s discuss!

I could have done this before Valentine’s but since I do not celebrate love just one day out of the year, I thought now would be better.

Let’s get started.

His Two Cents: What I Love About You

I have to say, watching you get dressed is about the most sexy thing ever! That is the ultimate pre go out foreplay.

When you wear my shirts and it’s just a bit too short for you lengthwise, and your thick thighs poking from the bottom of the shirt. This. Is. Awesome!

I love when you climb into bed with freshly sprayed body spray (cucumber melon preferred).

I love it when you have on a maxi dress with freshly pedicured toes cute open toed sandals. It’s the little things you do…

I love it when you lay on your stomach with legs bent and crossed in the air? It’s about to go down.

I get a kick outta watching you stand on your tippy toes… That one too much! Lol

When you try on different pairs of shoes for me? Sexy!

When we go out together and I leave you alone for a minute, I watch you turn down other guys when they try and get at you. I feel so lucky and proud!

When you give me a shave. This is trust.

When you grab me and squeeze me when you haven’t seen me in a while.

When you try to sing and God knows you can’t. AND, and, you don’t know all the words! Cutie pie!

Lastly, I gotta say when you laugh uncontrollably to tears. This, is sooo sexy.

I mean, I could go on…  But this is all to say; ladies there are so many sexy things about you all, that I can’t put them all down. Just know your lover thinks a lot of the same things about you. Just watch them. When you find them staring at you for no reason or touching you when they walk by? They likes whatever you’re doing- TRUST ME.

Sometimes you’re most sexy when you don’t try to be!

I’m just sayin’

Photos from Pretty Pear Bride by David and Tanya Photography