1st & 15th: Article #2

Multifarious Me: Connoisseur and Scavenger of the Contradicting, Dope, and Chic.

mul-ti-far-i-ous :adjective
selective. diverse. {Slang} dope.
Thoughts derived from the best of various styles, methods and ideas.

I am Ariel. I love. I live. I pop thrift store tags. Grab a pen and a pad…take notes.

Ok, so I am over the top elated about this article. This trend absolutely gives me LIFE!

For the über fashion junkie this year, the best idea wouldn’t be just picking up a fuchsia shirt, a
violet jacket and mandarin colored trousers; it would be teaming them together. Trust the Gods
of fashion; Gucci, Jil Sander, and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few. If you dare to pair, you’d be
flaunting the extreme dopeness known as Color Blocking.

Color block fashion is one of the most contradicting, not so new trends for this season that is
back with a vengeance; ergo, my love affair. It combines the use of two or more blocks of color
in an ensemble, utilizing the basic blazer, blouses, tailored bottoms, tunics, dresses and even
handbags, accessories and shoes. Simply it means – creating a fit by putting areas or blocks of
solid color next to one another. It can include monotone, bright colors, muted colors, contrasting
and complimentary colors.

Color blocking took center stage as the top trend at the most recent Milan Fashion Week and is
sure to be long lived. The whole point of color blocking is to sport chunks of colors you never
imagined rocking. Sarah Jessica-Parker, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba and
Rihanna ditched the monotony of ‘matching’ colors this season and stepped out with blocks of
colors in smart cuts. Bold is now made simple with this amazing work of art.

There are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to pairing colors. If you want to stay safe, you
may pair pastel shades with each other or with black. Throw in a lilac or pink blazer with blue
pants, or a pastel green cardigan with black pants to add a pop of color. The rule in color blocking is
that there are no rules. So you can pair a coral skirt with a burgundy shirt, and royal blue pants
with orange shirts. I would still advise caution. Everyone can color block to an extent, but if
you’re going all out with neons and reds, give your personality some thought. Draw attention to
your quirkiness, but don’t try too hard by pairing every bright colour in your closet. My mantra:
Don’t do it if you aren’t sure of it. You don’t want to end up looking like a Rubik’s cube or a Lego
block! Start by color blocking with monochromatic colours. For instance, a rust color skirt paired
with an orange top that’s 2-3 shades lighter looks just as fabulous.

Give your accessories and shoes a lot of thought. Having blocks of four colors in your outfit and
three in your shoes will only make you look like a pack of crayons. If you pick up a color blocked
shoe in blue and mustard, go for a smartly-cut dress in one color only. Ditto if your handbag
is color blocked. Sport a chunky, glitzy neckpiece with two blocks of colors in your dress. It is
important to remember, trends are about common sense.

Here are a few not so classic pairings for your viewing pleasure! Whatever you do, keep the look
simple, not overly complicated. Remember that style is effortless! Until next time Be Bold. Be
Dope. Be You. Follow me @JustAriii

(All images via www.GettyImages.com)