Colors inspire. Colors attract. Colors motivate. Colors are mood makers.

The selection of colors for standards to be used in Women’s, Men’s, Children’s and Home each year is serious business!!!

Pantone is the global leader for color.There is a “color of the year” selected by a group of color experts headed by Pantone’s executive director Leatrice Eiseman. This group determines the “color of the year” and they also put together seasonal palettes.

In an interview for Nautilus by Claire Cameron, Leatrice Eiseman said that they came up with “Marsala” for 2015 because they were looking for a robust color. Marsala is the color of wine and it is seen in food too. People connect with wine and food and earthy tones. The colors selected for the fall seasonal palette are universal for women and men.

A really interesting note in the interview said that there is now a new color standard called “Minion Yellow”. Those little guys are just showing up everywhere!!  According to Pantone, the color standard is “the color of hope, joy and optimism”. How great is that? Let’s hope that the color shows up everywhere and conveys exactly that sentiment!

So….here are the colors you will be seeing for fall 2015.

Center stage is Marsala- a wine, reddish brown shade. Warm and rich, naturally earthy.

Earthy neutrals are Dried Herb (an olive green shade), Desert Sage (a cool and soothing gray), Stormy Weather (think of the sky on a dark gray day), and Oak Bluff (think golden sun yellow after stormy weather!)

The more bold and invigorating colors are Biscay Blue (a lush elegant teal), Reflecting Pond (conveys dark blue with depth), Cadmium Orange (optimistic, fun, warm. This is a nod to the ’60’s and ’70’s), Cashmere Rose (looks very lilac, “soft pink hue…uptown color”) and Amethyst Orchid (Jewel tone. Vibrant! Bold! Exciting!).

The palette this fall is a terrific mix of earthy neutrals with bold color. The colors selected will permeate all fashion lines for fall and their influence will also be seen in the home categories.  The colors also play into the beauty lines. Make up, after all, can’t clash with the clothing!!

In my opinion the palette has great potential. In past years I have not always felt that way. Last year’s color was Radiant Orchid. That color was not great against all skin tones and it was not used extensively in clothing. No worries that colors you love will not share the spotlight. There will be vibrant gem colors, lots of chocolate and at least 50 shades of gray!!

Color is everywhere…color expresses mood…”feeling blue”… “seeing red”… “in the pink”…  “green with envy”.  Color expresses your own personal style. Try different colors and you will see how people react to you and how color can enhance your own well being. It would make me happy if everyone put on a little Minion Yellow!!

Fall is upon us!  I have always been very excited when all of the trends and styles were shown for the fall season. I recall, as if it was yesterday, sitting at the community pool with the HUGE August edition of Seventeen magazine.

So here I am years and years later still being thrilled when the conversation turns to Fall. There are so many things going on this year. Amazing that some of the trends which are “retro” and “vintage” are periods of fashion I have already lived through and actively participated!!

There is a trend which is a “nod to the 60’s”. I did more than nod at the 60’s!! Those were truly my formative years and some of the trends of this period are still my favorites! I love Luxe Bohemian looks…printed skirts, vests, embroidery, fringe and denim!  Then there is “70’s Chic” ruffled necklines as well as glamorous styles.

There are several things we can all add to our closets this season that will keep us looking on trend. Here is what I think is worthy of investigation.

A Moto jacket of some sort.  Leather is ideal, but if you are not comfortable with that there are versions available in different fabrications that cover the look (see QVC Susan Graver #A266820 for $58.00 as a good alternative).

Ankle boots…also known as “shoe-ties”. There are a lot of fabulous styles offered this season and a variety of heel heights that make it something that works for all of us. (again, some of the best I have seen so far are on QVC: Clarks and Isaac Mizrahi).

Fringe: in handbags there are many hobo styles available. The cardigan/kimono styles I wrote about for summer continue into fall in some beautiful prints and fabrics.

Lace as trims and and layering pieces. Looks are very feminine and bohemian. Combinations with chiffon and sheers look great.

Belts: tied belts are making a comeback!. Everything from skinny to Obi ties. Very flattering.

Denim- this has never left my closet and I am sure that is true for you too. Updates in pants are crop pants with a flare, and slight flare legs. Skirts are also trending as well as boyfriend shirts.

High low hems continue and the car-wash pleat skirt is also making a comeback. Seeing this in Dior’s runway show sealed the deal!

That is a capsule review of Fall 2015.

Stay tuned….Next I will tell you about the color palette for the season.