When Pantone announced 2013’s Colour of the Year last month – a deep, enigmatic and universally flattering shade of green – I was slightly less than enthused.
Now don’t get me wrong; I adore Emerald! As Pantone so eloquently puts it:
Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty
that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.
I honestly believe that fashion followers everywhere will be pleased with the selection. And designer inspiration is popping up everywhere, as celebrities and trendsetters alike have been photographed in the rich, regal shade. Alas, Pantone, I’ve got my own description of the hue:
Emerald green is just not for me.
Every time I wear it, I look like a tree.
Truly. It’s just much too organic for my liking; I’d prefer a mint, lime or kelly green over emerald any day of the week, especially when it comes to decor and accent pieces. So I began thinking… how can I introduce the on-trend hue into my wardrobe in a non-traditional (but fashionably chic) way?
Then it hit me. Handbags, of course! They’re the perfect way to let the world know you’re en vogue without overwhelming your outfit. Plus, you have the added benefit of incorporating the shade in a small, understated way (think wallets, clutches and crossbody purses) or with a bang! (totes and large carryalls). And so I’ve scoured the fashion world to find my best picks for gorgeous and affordable emerald handbags that will keep you fashion-forward throughout the year.
As you can see, there are slight variations in Pantone’s media – the fabric swatch is slightly more pigmented than the bar logo, and the emerald jewel tone has a little more kelly green to it. Hence, when choosing the right shade just go for a deep, rich green with very subtle blue undertones.
This reminds me of a throw back to the 1990’s. Getting my colour draping done and was told I was jewel tones. So I wore lots of Emerald (and sapphire blue, ruby red etc). I actually did get lots of compliments as I had dark brown hair and pale skin.
I think your point of ‘right shade’ is spot on! Different skin tones and haircolours need different tones.
Well Lisa, my mom has dark hair and pale skin and I must say, jewel tones look fabulous on her! I’m sure this colour would be stunning on you!
What a gorgeous colour! My fave is the Pippa bag from Town Shoes :)
It’s definitely a beaut! I actually stopped by Town Shoes at Yorkdale today to check it out, but the store was in chaos so I ducked in – and out – in about 10 seconds!
Okay I finally had a chance to get a closer look – it’s quite gorgeous :)
Love them. Beautiful color.
It IS a quite a fetching colour.
I don’t own many green coloured articles but emerald green is gorgeous and so is that Pippa bag!
Well Jenny, this is definitely the year to change that! :)
I saw this, and am so happy, I love love love green!!
So awesome! Enjoy this emerald-inspired year!
Emerald green is my fav colour and I love the look of the soft Legacy Leather Large Duffle Coach.
Me too – I think it’s my fave!
Although I do like green…my couch is green…but I don’t think I like the hue of the emerald green. I love the purses…great way to in with the trend.
Exactly. I could never wear emerald, so this is a great way to stay in fashion without compromising what works for you.
I am thrilled with this year’s selection! Already picked up a few fashion pieces in this colour.
So awesome Grace! Enjoy the colour!
I have a few pieces in my closet this color from last year!
Well, then you were ahead of the trend! Looks like you can get tons of wear out of them this year!
Nice color, I actually don’t own anything green and have no idea how it would look on me.
I think this is a great time to try on green, as it’s popping up everywhere! I was at the mall today and so many retailers have emerald green pieces in their window display.
I absolutely love emerald green!! These handbags are adorable. I have many Guess handbags and one is turquoise and I love it. I am just in love with the Pippa bag and want to add it to my collection. I need this bag!!
LOL Lee I know how you feel – because that’s how I feel about the Coach Legacy! I even checked it out today while shopping… love it so much!
this color has really grown on me!!
That’s awesome to hear – and just in time for you to join the trend!
I spent forever hating that deep forest green. Yech. But this has a beautiful emerald tone to it. Hmmm – who knew?!
Haha indeed!
Love it!!! Green and purple are my fav colors!! :)
I’m a huge fan of purple too, Mandy! I was just thinking this morning that I need to get an awesome purple belt to set off this yellow dress I have!
my sister in law has the coach bag shown above in purple. She calls it “Professor Plum” lol
OMG I die!!! That’s so darn adorable!
I am absolutely in love with this colour! I can’t wait to find a gorgeous emerald green handbag and hopefully a belt as well. Stunning!
So glad you love the colour Tania! Let me know when/if you find an emerald handbag!
Hmm interesting colour, I do however, love the emerald cut diamond
I agree. Emeralds are growing on me jewelry-wise too.
nice love the bags xox
Thanks Angelica!
not a big fan of green, but wow, what a lovely shade….and such pretty things..:)
Right?? Great way to stay on trend!
My favorite color!
i love all the items!!! so nice
Great to hear Marisha!
I love that emerald is the color of the season!
So glad that you’re a fan Lorinda!
Love the Legacy Leather Large Duffel!! So pretty :)
It is – I love it too!
Bwah ha ha….love your poem! “Emerald green is just not for me. Every time I wear it, I look like a tree.” Really put it nicely and I would totally agree with you (not you personally looking like a tree!!) but then guess what I got for Christmas? An Emerald green blouse! What to do, what to do. It’s so hard to co-ordinate with anything, except black! hmmm black bottom and green top – I really do look like a tree :D
Hahaha well if you have royal blue skinny jeans, that would look fabulous too!
I love Emerald and it goes great with my skin tone and coloring , 2013 is going to be a great year~!
That’s awesome news Melissa! Enjoy!
I love that green Pippa bag!
Me too – it’s on my list of must-haves for 2013!
Great idea! Love a bright accessory.
Thanks Michelle! Happy you agree!
I love love emerald and hope i don’t look like a tree lol and of course.. i am adorning emerald on my nails ;)
LOL I’m sure you don’t, it’s just a general observation of my own!
Oh my… I’m in handbag heaven! Great post!
Thanks Lisa!
Interesting read. Thanks.
This is my favorite shade… of everything! 2013 must be my year ;)
AWESOME Caitlin!
The Coach Duffle bag is to die for!
Yes, yes it is!
I love love the Modalu pippa bag, the emerald is definitely a color that would have to grow on me though!
I think accessories are the best way to allow a colour to grow on you!
Ugh I need to find some emerald statement pieces!
This colour is beautiful and I would love it in my bag or shoes or clothes because I like how it looks on me.