Emerald for 2013 Colour of the Year

A few moments of quiet during the snowstorm lead me to search out Pantone's colour forecast for Spring 2013. After the energy boost provided last year with Tangerine Tango, this year is about finding balance.

"Emerald, a vivid verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight as well as promoting balance and harmony." Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Colour Institute.

While Emerald is clearly grounded in nature, from the many shades of our spring landscape to coveted gemstones, it creates a positive feeling and focus on growth. You will be sure to find a shade that perks up your wardrobe, and freshens your outlook.

Look forward to bringing a bit of green into your home this year too.

emerald love

Those fabulous red heads have always known the power of green, emerald is appropriate for every occasion from backyard casual to a formal dinner. “Make emerald your new black,” says Veronique Henderson,creative director at Colour Me Beautiful.

From head to toe, or as a great accent, you will see it in solids and prints this season. Freshen your existing wardrobe with this bold colour, wear it with other shades of green, neutrals (black, grey, white or champagne) and definitely wear it with an equally strong shade of blue.

Emerald is a universal shade meaning it’s suited to all colourings. Colour Me Beautiful’s Veronique Henderson has this styling advice:

• Cate Blanchett lookalikes (blonde, pale, blue eyes) can wear their emerald with other pale shades - think pastel pink or even cocoa.
• Priyanka Chopra types (dark hair, dark eyes) can wear their emerald with lime, bittersweet reds and even black.
• Christina Hendricks colourings (golden skin, red hair) could create some interesting looks mixing emerald with primrose yellows or tangerine shades.
• Judi Dench dames (blue eyes, grey hair) will look wonderful inemerald mixed with pale greys for an elegant look.
• Nancy Ajram types (bright eyes, dark hair) will look striking wearing the sparkliest of emerald. To introduce another colour try mint shades, or black or white for contrast.