Yellow: Fresh and Free

Pantone, Fashion and Interiors' most esteemed color expert, upholds the color "Beeswax" as one of the top 10 colors for this season.

Yoana Barschi demonstrates the brilliant trend of yellow this Spring of 2011.

So why all of this buzz about yellow?  As spring dawns, a season of warmth, color, and life sprouts into view.  Flirty and fresh sundresses, accessories, etc. paint a new look that aims to warm and heart and excite the senses.

My trip to Corvallis this week highlights nature's love for the same hue.  Not only did I get an eye-full of inspiration, I got my senses revitalized with the warmth of rekindled friendship.  One year ago, I met two wonderful women in London, and we traveled part of the world together.  13 months later a reunion was made, creating a bright spot in my year thus far.

yeah, we have fun!

...

At its most basic form, nature creates a beautiful pattern of artistic expression.   Dark clouds and frosty air are undressed to reveal a new season; as the sky slips on a skirt of warm rays and flower’s delicate petals dance in the light.  In the same way heavy wool jackets are unbuttoned and chunky scarves unwrapped to reveal a wardrobe of bright colors, chiffon fabrics, and intricate details.

Corvallis was a refreshing town of pure nature.  Allow me to create my own inspiration for some of Spring/Summer 2011's most buzz-worthy designers.  (Images also include my excursion to Bainbridge Island)

Picture of a flower taken on a hike with my girls

Bright yellow petals are elegantly gathered together in flower and grounded with a subtle green

DIOR

Back door junk makes a treasure of a picture in Bainbridge, WA

The color combinations of this scene create an effortless color palette--Moss brightens the life of an old black  awning, a dirty window subtly reflects the sun, while brick anchors the scene.

Etro

Trees and buildings downtown Seattle outside ferry entrance/exit

Bright yellow (infused with a neon green) brightens a drooping and drab scene--It adds organic excitement to the grey drizzling sky and geometric backdrop.

Proenza Shouler

A yellow home nestles within Corvalis' lush green land--creating 

a happy and refreshing statement of beautiful living 

in the simplest of terms.

On my drive home, I stumbled across a field of daffodils.

I am happy to have taken the time to smell them, 

for their scent was similar to that of a gardenia.

This image (part of an ad campaign for Marc by Marc Jacobs) is the epitome of loving life--hair in disarray, clad in color, and wearing a skirt made to spin and dance, this woman is ready to take on the warm weather in brilliant form.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Want a simple way to create some buzz in your wardrobe?  Accessorize with a fresh nail color or bright bag for a pop of color.

And now I leave you with a happy statement to stick in the pocket of your yellow jacket:

A quote given to me on a birthday card from my sister makes a very valid point.

For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. 

But here was always some obstacle in the way, 

something to be gotten through first, 

some unfinished business, 

time still to be served, 

or a debt to be paid. 

Then life would begin. 

At last it dawned on me that this was my life. 

This perspective has helped me to see that 

there is no way to happiness. 

Happiness is the way.

-Alfred D. Souza