Wearing Pastels is our ‘Style not Age’ challenge this month and that is, indeed, a challenge for me, because regular readers know that I do not have many pastels in my wardrobe. However, I do like pastel colours when I think of decor and houses.
I normally associate pastels with babies (think baby blue and baby pink) or marshmallows.
According to Wikipedia:
“The colours of this family are usually described as “soothing”, “soft”, “near neutral“, “milky”, “washed out”, “de-saturated”, and lacking strong chromatic content. Pink, mauve, and baby blue are commonly used pastel colours, as well as magic mint, periwinkle and lavender.”
You may remember I had my colours analysed by Maria Macklin (House of Colour) and the colours that suit me are as far away from pastels as humanly possible. I am a warm AUTUMN, so think gold, browns, certain greens, russet, mustard etc. I have always been drawn to these colours anyway, but the analysis gave me a colour palette that takes the guesswork out of shopping. Below you can see my very best palette.
Of course, I do have some pastels in my wardrobe and so I shopped it for this challenge. I bought this candy-coloured kimono type coat in Penneys/Primark last year. It was reduced to €9. This is its first airing!
I love this paisley-patterned dress bought years ago in Paula’s Malahide. The colours are quite muted, so they fit in very well with the pastel theme. The shift style is just so easy to wear and the cute neck piece came with it. I usually wear it with heels, but this time went more casual with light pink runners.
What is going on with my hair in this photo?
I did use a stronger lippy to contrast with the pastels and I think it worked.
You are probably wondering about the backdrop for the photos. Graham and I were away for a night in Bangor in Northern Ireland and stayed in the most amazing B&B called The Cairn Bay Lodge. I just loved the colours in the bathroom. Don’t worry, I will do a full post about our stay very soon.
And so to my friends:
Anna from annasislandstyle
Anna loves bright colours and you usually see her in something strong and bright with maybe some colour-clashing thrown in for good measure. My theme last month caused her a few headaches and she thought pastels would also be challenging, but look at that coat. She is like a shimmering mermaid emerging from the waves. Hop over to her post to see what is going on.
Jacqui from mummabstylish
Jacqui looks very pretty in her pastels: pink jeans from Next, cream top from Matalan and a green Eva Trends long line cardigan. Another back view, so you need to visit her page.
Emma from stylesplash
Emma chose this month’s theme and so we let you see her face in a side-on pose.
How elegant does she look? Her top is from M&S outlet, trousers from Mango, bag is by Suzy Smith (really old) and she made the rose quartz bracelet.
So, are you a fan of pastels? Or do you prefer them on your walls like me!
Apologies to my e mail subscribers who got a half-baked post yesterday. The gremlins were messing! Here is the full post.
Please spread the word if you know anyone who might like to read my ramblings. And remember, for more fashion inspiration you can follow me on instagram and do keep up with all the craic and some serious stuff on my FB page overthehilda. Remember ‘You only live once’.
Cheers
Hilda x
I think that soft pink doesn t look bad on you! And it looks very good over the beautiful dress! But what about your bathroom? It looks amazing!
Thanks Nancy…unfortunately not my bathroom..but if you ever get to Northern Ireland I recommend the guesthouse. I will be writing a post on it soon.
All of you ladies rocked the pastels!
Thanks Hana x
Didn’t you do well with this bit of styling! I really like your dress, such a lovely pattern and it works surprisingly well with the pink. It’s a cute look with the trainers too Hilda – fab x
Thanks Anna… I love when I find a new way to wear clothes. x
I adore this jacket/kimono and can’t believe I missed it as I go into Primark often! Great cover up for your dress although it doesn’t really need to be hidden it’s so cute. Good challenge again eh Hilda? Looking forward to the next one. Jacqui Mummabstylish
I have it about six months and never wore it… Delighted with it now that I found it in the back of the wardrobe.
The pink kimono looks fabulous over the paisley print dress! I love the colour scheme of that bathroom!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks Emma I wish that bathroom was mine.
That kimono is gorgeous and it really does suit you! The dress is beautiful too. And I love that you wore the outfit with trainers. I’m on a big trainer obsession at the moment since I threw away most of my heels so I just love this, Hilda!
Hugs
Suzy xx
I love the trainers, now I just need to find other outfits that work with them.
We can wear color outside of our color season and rock it like you did Hilda! All the looks we’re fab…
Thanks Rebecca for reading x
Looking FAB, Hilda! Sometimes just a little experimenting yields a pleasant result. The dark lip adds that extra lift to your natural color! ❤️Xx
Thanks Barbie. xxxx
I also find pastels hard but you all pulled together wonderful looks! Would love to have a color analysis done as well – like you, there are tones I gravitate toward but I’d love to have a better idea of what some “unexpected” options might be.
It makes shopping easier definitely.
I am so loving pastels right now!!! And we can wear them at our age…and well! Everyone looks so amazing! Hilda, I love that paisley dress on you.
Thanks Loretta…. xxx
Hi, Hilda
You look beautiful even though you’re not exactly wearing your best colors! You’re just glowing. Goes to show that we can wear other colors and look great even if they are not our BEST ones. I agree that pastels are better for Easter eggs and such. Lol!
Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Ah Thanks Angie for reading and commenting xxxx
this turned out fabulous Hilda. I’ve been trying to only wear my good colors lately, but it’s nice to venture out into other colors too!! and there are wonderful ways to make it work, like you’ve done here!!
XOXO
Jodie
PS…I think the same thing about my hair EVERY DAY!! LOL
Thanks Jodie. What are we like?