When picking a color for anything – whether it be an outfit or a wall – taste often is front and center in the design-making process. On a more macro level, however, colors are associated with very specific moods irrespective of personal taste.

With that in mind, we turned to Philippa Radon, C2 Paint Color and Design Specialist, and ask her to share with us how some popular colors can impact mood.

Reddish Browns (like Raku #549  – a rich, earthy red)

Mood: passion, strength

“Unlike traditional reds, an edgy, rusty seductive color that falls into the carmine palette introduces what some would describe as a deep earthy umbered oxblood with a red base that’s easy to live with. It works its way boldly into a modern space as a single block color– suggestively sexy with black; brazen with a blue; or as a rich dark, and dramatic color when paired with a pale, pink-leaning neutral. The richness of these tones hit the notes of color confidence and sophisticated drama.”

Off-White (like En Pointe #851 – a graceful near white)

Mood: a new start, simplicity

“A graceful shade of near white, is ambiguous and fluid, effortlessly adapting to its environment. Warm, calming, and timeless, its color is reminiscent of raw lamb’s wool or pale pebble stone – with a hint of tint, it makes a perfect choice for traditional or contemporary spaces and is a beautiful choice for a wall and ceiling overall wrap of color.

Most of us find that any soft pale white allows room to breathe and a sense of internal peace as soft pale neutrals flow effortlessly with the mind and spirit.”

Light Browns (like In the Bag #840 – a gentle approach to brown)

Mood: comfort, security

“If you are looking for a gentler design aesthetic that feels more in tune with natural materials but still embraces a sense of depth and connection to the earth, look for shades of brown like In the Bag. Warm, mid-tone neutrals remain in sync with many of the most popular sustainable elements and contribute to a more monochromatic schematic assembled through mixed mediums –like paint, wood, and metal– that work handsomely, particularly with mid-century style interpretations.”

Light Blues (like Thermal #752 – a refreshing light blue)

Mood: tranquil, peaceful, calming

“Cool, calm, and sophisticated hues of tranquil blue deliver an airy, soothing veil of color that delights the eye. An incredibly versatile tone, it can be used in a limitless number of spaces and material combinations like light bleached woods, softer brushed metals, and creamy warm stone, nubby textures as a way to elevate this to an even more ethereal palette. Or, take it up a notch and craft a bold color capsule that brings in some deeper mid-tone blues and a shot of an unexpected pink or green.”

Lavender/Lilac (like Bella Donna #782 – a modern neutral)

Mood: Freshness, renewal, romance

“Lavender and lilac hues have been simmering on the color front for some time now in both fashion and interior forecasts. These cooler colors carry a more sensory connection in the light spectrum, so they work exceptionally well as a counterbalance against warmer materials like mahogany, copper, brighter blues, and darker, more intensified versions that steer us into deeper violet tones. There are many opportunities for using lavender in traditional and modern spaces based on how playful or sophisticated you want to go.”

Dark Greens (like Foliage #661)

Mood: Connection to nature, reliability

“A verdant leafy green nods directly to Mother Nature. Earthy green tones create a tranquil yet enveloping environment and can be a game changer in any space. These tones can pair perfectly with some of the botanical wallpapers (hello, posh powder room!) and also look fantastic as an accent to raw materials like marble, stone, and tile.”

The post Here’s How Paint Colors Can Influence Your Mood appeared first on theFashionSpot.

No matter how hot or cold it might be, getting time outdoors is key for not only physical health, but mental health.

Stefan Chmelik, and integrated healthcare physician, mindfulness mentor and breathworker breaks down for us exactly why and how spending time outdoors can improve your mental health.

Nature

“The benefits of spending time in nature are now beyond doubt and proven across every aspect of research but also by direct human experience. Many other people as well as myself believe that one of the biggest factors in the global mental health and stress epidemic is directly due to the fractured relationship between human beings and the natural world. We are hard wired over hundreds of thousands of years to love nature and to feel calm and at ease in nature. And we care for that which we love so it is only by rekindling this broken relationship with nature that we can return to supporting the planet that we live on, which in turn will love and heal us back. Being in nature throughout the year, experiencing all the elements and changing seasons, the moon, night and day, heat and cold, this variation enables us to develop resilience to stress and all round anti-fragility against whatever life throws at us.”

Walking

“Walking is accepted as being the best all around exercise for anyone of any age that’s able to walk at least a few steps. It seems that we evolved to walk and that standing upright on two legs made us human, maybe more able to spot food further away, encouraging cooperation between groups of people and creating complex language and society. When we walk in nature at different times of the year in different weather conditions we encourage not just physical flexibility but also mental flexibility increasing neuro-plasticity that staves off dementia as our balance needs to adapt to different terrain and walking conditions. Walking up and down hills is one of the best exercises we can do for the cardiovascular system, for our circulation, for metabolism, and the benefits of being exposed to the elements, the different seasons, and different weather conditions of cold and wind increase not only stamina but our innate flexibility and anti-fragility.”

Awe

“Neuroscientists increasingly agree that daily moments of awe are important for neuro flexibility, mental health, and for neuro-plasticity. The single most effective way to experience daily awe is in nature, small daily awe experiences can be achieved walking through a forest, hearing birds, seeing new buds push through the earth, and feeling the wind on your face, and these are as important or as big as experiences like getting to the top of a mountain.”

Water

“Human beings also have an affinity for water and we refer to green ecotherapy with nature and trees and blue ecotherapy with people who live near or regularly visit the sea, rivers, or estuaries. These environments and exposure to them are strongly associated with positive well-being and mental health. Being by moving water exposes us to negative ions in the air which have strongly powerful and beneficial qualities. Swimming in natural water is an excellent form of all round exercise and in particular, many people now benefit from cold water exposure or wild swimming which has been shown to have positive benefits for anti-aging and general well-being.”

Trees

“Human beings and plants, particularly trees, have a strong symbiotic relationship going back millions of years. We now know that trees communicate with each other via mycelial connections underground that’s been termed the wood wide web and we know that being amongst plants and trees has a powerful regenerative effect on human beings, something the Japanese have enshrined in the idea of forest bathing retreats.”

Earth

“Being exposed to the earth itself is a powerful force for good. Probiotics are being touted by many as the future of psychiatry as healthy bacterial elements have a direct influence on the mood-altering microbiota of the gut, and many of the most powerful of these microbes are found on the earth. So we see positive effects in gardeners and people who spend time outside with their hands in the soil.”

The post How Spending Time Outdoors Can Improve Your Mental Health appeared first on theFashionSpot.

It’s “sun out buns out season,” which means we’re all about those ice cold coffee beverages and backyard noshes.

From guac and chips to plant-based protein that actually tastes good, here’s a look at five food and beverage items to add to your next outdoor summer affair.

The post Churro Ground Coffee? Yes Please! appeared first on theFashionSpot.

White garments are a closet staple, but they’re not as straightforward as wearing black – and certainly not without their controversies (is no white after Labor Day still a thing? No!).

To help clear up and simplify wearing this classic neutral we turned to Jacqueline Harris, co-founder of I Love Tyler Madison, and asked her to share with us her tips for wearing white – all year round.

ALL-WHITE

“Effortlessly chic and easy to pull together, the monochrome look has a minimal, streamlined sophistication that elevates any winter wardrobe. Pair a white wide-leg trouser with a thick white turtleneck for an understated polish, zero effort required.”

MIX ‘N MATCH

“Coordinate neutral hues with warm undertones for a crisp-yet-cozy winter vibe. An earthy palette of soft white, creamy cappuccino, and timeless tan blends beautifully for a fresh take on cold-weather classics. Style a pair of white trousers with a caramel top and chocolate brown boots, top with a milky shearling coat and you’re set for the season.”

BLACK & WHITE

“For a high-contrast, graphic look with an unexpected edge, try pop of black in your all-white arsenal. Add a textured black belt, luxe boots, or a cashmere hat to your sleek silhouettes, or style a black bandeau under a tailored white suit for a crisp corporate ensemble.”

METALLIC ACCENTS

“Go glam with sparkly statement pieces for an elegant spin. Eye-catching and elegant, glitzy accessories add a dash of panache to your tonal whites. Try a vintage-inspired brooch (trending right now), chunky gold jewelry, or a swanky clutch, and you’re ready for whatever the crisp winter night brings.”

TONAL

“Pair different shades of white for a coordinated cold weather look with high versatility and endless style mileage. A balanced blend of rich vanillas, soft eggshells, creamy marshmallows, and optic whites make for an ultra-chic combo that works head-to toe. Top with an oversized faux fur for an extra dose of luxe winter warmth.”

The post Here’s How To Wear White… All Year Round appeared first on theFashionSpot.

We turned to Gretchen Hollingsworth, founder of INK+ALLOY, to get her easy-to-implement tips.

‘Throw-on-and-go’ type accessories.

“As a mother of two and a business owner — I don’t have time to put a ton of thought into each and every piece I select in the morning. I like to have a handful of ‘throw-on-and-go’ type pieces that can pull together a last-minute look with ease. So, whether it’s a classic pair of brass hoops or a neutral beaded pair of earrings, I can top off my look in a breeze + make my morning hustle look more intentional. My favorite go-to earrings for this are my linear brass hoop earrings + my citron solid petite fringe earrings. Citron is a neutral color in my world + one that always keeps my outfit on the edge of chic/modern + boho/cool.”

Car jewelry.

“Yep, it’s exactly as it sounds. I got in the car after work one day and ditched my go-to bracelet stack + earrings in my cupholder and once I arrived home, I simply left them in the car. The next evening after work I was meeting a friend for happy hour + realized I didn’t have on earrings — you know that weird ‘naked’ feeling you get when recognizing a missing piece? It was at that moment that I looked down and saw my forgotten accessories. That ‘oops’ moment turned into a happy little accident that I now do on purpose. Keep a pair of earrings + a few bangles in your car – your future self will thank you.”

Color blocking and contrasting color trends.

“The next time you step out in your favorite denim jacket, be sure to throw on a pair of contrasting coral earrings! That go-to pink-striped button-up? Accessorize boldly with green statement pieces. It’s a fun way to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh + on-trend while simply using that handy-dandy color wheel we all learned about in grade school.”

Mix metallics.

“Mixing metallics is FUN! Those classic bronze + silver hues of the 90s are back and they are even more fun as a professional woman. It’s a great way to keep your heirloom pieces in rotation alongside fresh new finds you fall for in stores now. I love that this trend highlights my white gold wedding band while allowing me to mix+match my go-to brass bangles + shimmery gold beaded bracelets. It’s a throwback trend that I’m thankful has resurfaced.”

Pick an accessory that has ALL the colors in your closet.

“You’ll reach for it time and time again. It seems like an obvious tip, but not everyone is daring enough to reach for a necklace or bracelet or earrings that are jam-packed with punchy colors. I realized though once I started collecting multicolored accessories that they really are just as versatile as a neutral piece! When in doubt, grab a bright rainbow accessory and a more muted rainbow accessory and you’ll be amazed by how often you reach for them. They’ll quickly become jewelry box staples.”

Find something to reach for in a pinch on a bad hair day.

“They’re inevitable. Whether you slept on wet hair or don’t have time to tame your frizz, you’re sure to have a bad hair day at least a couple of times a month. When you have a go-to hair accessory in your arsenal, bad hair days are a nonissue. My favorite is a classic brass hair stick! It’s a damage-free way to tame your hair in a pinch and always makes it look like you tried harder than you did. Simply twist it up and top it with a bit of shine. My personal favorite is this brass hair stick that adds a bit of modern boho flare to any outfit.”

The post Here’s How To Elevate Boring Outfits With Accessories appeared first on theFashionSpot.

There are many things out of our control… too many! But one thing that is in our control and that can have a massive impact on our day-to-day life is our home environment. The size of our home may be something we can’t change, but to a very large extent how it looks and is organized, we can.

To find out just how to do this easily and swiftly, we turned to Jane Stoller aka Organized Jane, a keynote speaker and the author of Decluttering for Dummies.

Think seasonally.

“If you live somewhere cold, you might store your warm weather items in the garage, under the bed or in a storage locker. When it is time to pull out these items, be sure to take time to declutter, audit, donate and sell anything you might not need from last season. We all love getting out our summer rollerblades, bikes, hiking shoes and paddle boards, but be realistic about what you think you will actually use this year. Same goes for clothes.

When you’re getting out your spring/summer items, it is also a great time to declutter your winter items. Often, I get so excited to use my new stuff for the current season that I forget to do this. I am assuming a few of you are also in this habit. However, this is the most important step.”

Sell.

“This is the best time to sell these items to make money if you are not going to use them; typically, people start looking for specific sporting items at the beginning of the current season and will typically pay more for an item then than at the end of the season. Once you have assessed what you will actually use, store it efficiently.”

Clean, protect, and evaluate your patio furniture and outdoor space.

“It may have taken a bit of a beating over the fall and winter and most people tend to forget about it. A quick refresh of your outdoor space is a sure way to get ready for the summer months. If there is any damage, consider investing in some new outdoor, weather proof furniture and covers, or a fun outdoor fireplace to make the space more inviting.”

Manage your time wisely.

“Summer months can be stressful, and often overplan every single weekend. This leads to little downtime that you thought you were going to have, and before you know it it’s back to fall. Track your time and be mindful. Leave time for rest and reflection at home, too.”

Sort through your linens and towels.

“Swap out your heavy sheets and comforters for something lighter. I sometimes deviate from my regular towel system in the summer, as I enjoy using colourful and light Hamman towels; these towels are also great for the beach, summer picnics, and as a travel companion. Good quality Hamman towels will last and dry quickly; this is a definite benefit in small apartments with little space to hang wet towels.”

Your tablecloth and place settings could use a fun refresh for the summer.

“Now is a great time to assess your table decor, and consider making some bold changes. Small swaps can brighten up any home. I especially love going for a mix of solids and some prints when it comes to napkins!”

The post Ready To Refresh Your Home? We’ve Got Some Easy Tips appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Bond repair products have become increasingly popular over the years, even SPATE deemed products that repair damaged hair some of the top Google searches due to their ability to go beyond deep conditioners to mend broken bonds and make hair stronger.

Since hair is essentially dead protein, it requires a helping hand to repair damage and if you use a good bond building product, you’ll look and see a difference almost immediately. To find out exactly what bond builders for hair are and how to use them, we turned to celebrity stylist and owner of The Dry House, Ali Ryan.

theFashionSpot: What are bond builders for hair?

Ali Ryan: Bond builders repair your damaged hair and prevent future damage.

tFS: Have they only recently become popular or have stylists been using them for a long time?

AR: People have been bond builders using them for a long time but they started with a slow burn and have taken off recently.

tFS: Are they only for people with damaged hair or should everyone use them?

AR: All hair is damaged in different ways, so I recommend this product for everyone. Whether you brush it, expose it to environmental conditions, or use heat, color or bleach, all of these factors result in damage. There are varying levels of damage depending on your own experiences. However, those with more damage should use the at-home product twice a week.

tFS: How do you suggest bond builders be worked into a haircare routine?

AR: Make sure a professional product like epres Professional is put into all your chemical services. If you don’t do chemical services you need to use the at-home hair care treatment once a week

tFS: Can you single out your favorite one?

AR: Ever since getting my hands on epres, its one of the only products that does exactly what it says its gonna do. It has become a staple in my salon. I was so thrilled to test out epres pilot samples prior to launch and since then I can’t get enough!

tFS: Any general tips when shopping for bond builder products?

AR: Look for a product that is effective – it is easy to get overwhelmed with so many choices nowadays. I love epres because it is comprised of four ingredients- simple but incredibly effective without any extra ingredients that may be unneeded.

The post What Are Bond Builders For Hair? An Expert Weighs In appeared first on theFashionSpot.

We have all had THAT morning.

“The one where we hit snooze a few too many times, ALL our clothes are in the dirty clothes bin, we are out of coffee and can’t find our keys,” says Corie Wightlin, M.Ed, CALC. “The thing about these mornings is that it doesn’t just affect the am hours, but it puts us into a stress response that can be really hard for our bodies and brain to shake the rest of the day.  With just a few systems in place your can set up not just your morning for success, but for the whole day.”

So how do we do that? Keep reading for Wightlin’s expert tips.

Work backwards to plan your time.

“Start with the time you have to walk out the door, and work out your schedule backwards, giving yourself a few extra minutes for each task. For instance, if it takes you about 10 minutes for breakfast, gives yourself 12-15.”

Write out what you need to do, and put it somewhere you can refer to it.

“After backwards planning, write down all the steps of your morning with the amount of time you will allot for each task and put it somewhere you can refer to it throughout the morning.”

Do as much as you can the night before.

“Put on your favorite show or podcast and get as much done as possible the night before…set the coffee, pick out your outfit, pack some lunch.”

Have a catch all system and use it.

“Create a space for everything you need to leave the house (including your keys, phone, purse, wallet, computer) and make it a habit to use it daily.”

Schedule in a dopamine fix.

“Give yourself a metaphorical gold star for smooth mornings where you follow your helpful habits such as your favorite coffee on Friday when you have followed the habits all week or a trip to roam Target for a new candle.”

The post The Keys To Creating A Stellar Morning Routine appeared first on theFashionSpot.

It’s easy to blame the apps for the downfall of dating, but is there more to the story? We turned to Maya Tyler, a life and relationship coach, to find out.

Tyler breaks down the top reasons she sees in her experience as contributing to people finding themselves in a perpetually single spiral.

Bias from prior experiences.

“People tend to lean into what they’ve seen, heard about, or are afraid of happening when it comes to negative possibilities in relationships.  When you bring in your negative bias, you limit your ability to recognize, accept, or even expect positive change.”

Peer pressure.

“Everyone wants to please everyone. We crave social acceptance. People tend to want a mate that checks all the boxes their friends, family, and traditions would require; instead of deciding or even looking for what THEY really want, or what serves THEIR personal character, needs, and lifestyle.”

Boundary fail.

“Being single can be lonely, so lowering our boundaries increases our chances of at least not being alone, or rejected- it is tempting. The problem is if you’re in a relationship that constantly oversteps or ignores your boundaries (your needs, limits, and deal breakers), you usually – eventually – wind up single again.”

Unrealistic expectation.

“This isn’t always about expecting fairy tales. Sometimes people expect a new relationship to be like someone else’s they’ve seen, a previous one they were in, or an ideal one they’ve made up in their heads without any intent to put in the necessary work toward.”

Self sabotage.

“This is when a person creates the exact situation they say they are afraid of, performs actions that push others away, or quits relationships before they can “go bad” or be painful. It’s not always a self-esteem issue, where people just don’t believe they could truly be loved by anyone. That usually stems from prior events in the person’s childhood or formative memories that create a “shell shock” or PTSD response. Sometimes, however, it’s an act of self-preservation, where the person has a fear of what happens next, and what may need to be compromised if they DO fall in love.”

The post Five Reasons That Might Explain Why You’re Perpetually Single appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Of course a fashion lover can’t go wrong with Paris or Milan, but there are other “capitals” that shouldn’t be overlooked.

To break down what those are and why, we turned to Keith Brooks, a travel expert and Happiness Member at Upaway.

Seoul

“Even though the city was hit badly by the pandemic, Seoul still holds its place as the beauty capital of the world. In the popular Myeongdong district, you can find top Korean beauty brand Innisfree’s flagship store, which leaves a relaxing respite from busy and crowded Seoul. In the Samcheong-dong district, you can find Gen Z and trendsetters heading here and get a real-life peek at Seoul’s style, as the neighborhood is filled with boutiques and stores for shopping. The Garosu-Gil district is also recommended and has a very interesting art museum, a beauty concept space for top Korean beauty brand Dr. Jart and the Etude House Color Factory where you can create your own lipstick — reservation required!”

İstanbul

“Not only is İstanbul a textile haven, but travelers can also get the biggest bang for their buck here due to low prices. The city has some of the fanciest malls in Europe and has many scattered throughout the city, including Emaar, Kanyon and Zorlu Center and are filled with Turkish and international clothing brands. Even Kanyon alone is worth visiting for the stunning architecture. The Nişantaşı neighborhood holds a bulk of the city’s designer stores, and the Cihangir and Balat neighborhoods are also great for vintage shopping.”

New York City

“New York City is one of the most expensive places in the world, but you don’t have to shop on 5th Avenue or SoHo to be fashionable. Travelers and locals tend to head to the Bushwick neighborhood just east of Williamsburg in North Brooklyn, which boasts lots of fashionable boutiques and vintage stores that hold anything you can find on a runway. Stepping off the L train you’ll find Friends NYC and also Urban Jungle nearby, which may be the biggest vintage store in the city. If you do have to get designer goods, head to SoHo, but also explore some innovative and local stores such as Flying Solo and Acne Studios.”

Sao Paolo

“Sao Paolo is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and it certainly shows such through its style, particularly with Afro-Brazilians being highlighted during past Fashion Week events. Besides Avenida Paulista, many locals and travelers head to the upscale Jardins neighborhood, particularly Rua Oscar Freire for luxury shopping and notable Brazilian brands. The city has a number of impressive malls which are a completely different shopping experience compared to a typical American mall. For affordable fashions, you can head to Morumbi Shopping Center, which has 450 retailers, or Shopping Iguatemi.”

The post The Best Cities To Travel For Fashion Lovers appeared first on theFashionSpot.