Closet de Jules: Madewell

How to Wear Marsala - Color of the Year 2015

Happy new year everyone! Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday break. Lets start off the new year by getting right down to business!

Last month, Pantone announced the 2015 color of the year - Marsala. The color is very close to burgundy or wine. However, just like the name, the color is more on the soft, feminine and earthy side than the darker burgundy. It probably has something to do with the pastel trend that we are seeing today.

Pants: Dannie Pant - J.Crew - currently 53% off!
Shoes: Signature Driving Moc - C.Wonder - currently 50% off!

Looking at Pantone's Color of the Year for the past 15 years, red hues have been dominating for a few years now. Pantone selected a very similar color but spicier Color of the Year for 2007, Chili Pepper. Compared to Marsala, Chili Pepper is a bit more vibrant - think about chili peppers vs chicken masala!

Source: RCP Marketing

Because Marsala has such a deep color tone, I prefer accessorizing it or using it in prints instead of having a full Marsala outfit that makes me look like an...over cooked sausage. Here, the Marsala color is subtly reflected in my mocs, while the scarf adds a much needed splash of color and maintains a neutral tone. Marsala also works well with many of the cooler colors. Take a look at the color guide below to see how to mix and match with Marsala.

Source: Pantone

I came across these wonderful C.Wonder mocs (sale alert: currently 50% off!) after discovering a hole in my current Bed Stu Loafers due to wear and tear. Finding a fashionable pair of shoes I can wear every day is hard to come by. Luckily, I found these mocs during my holiday shopping in the mall. The pebbled leather is extremely soft yet elegant. The padded soles and treaded outsole cushion allow me to commute in the city every day with ease. Apparently I loved them so much, that mine were featured on C.Wonder’s Instagram last week! Check out my Instagram and C.Wonder’s to see what others say about these wonderful shoes.

Here are some of my favorites that would help you style Marsala for the new year. The best part is, majority of the bags below are currently on sale! Don't wait until the New Year's sale ends.

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Glasses: No Brand (similar here and here)
Scarf: Madewell (similar here)
Sweater: Textured Zipped Back Sweater - C.Wonder (here)
Coat: Ann Taylor (similar here and here)
Pants: Dannie Pant - J.Crew (here) - currently 53% off!
Shoes: Signature Driving Moc - C.Wonder (here) -- currently 50% off!

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, by Julia

Cast Away - J.Crew Whale Linen Tippi Sweater

The beginning of summer means I am on the road (or ocean, in this case) again.

For this first leg of the journey, I boarded the Disney Wonder cruise ship in Vancouver. Having been on the Disney Fantasy, the newest ship in the fleet, I was slightly disappointed in the amenities. However, the experience itself was still fantastic. The theming is very well done, as the ship is designed as the classic and elegant ocean liners of the original Disney. My favorite parts of the entire cruise were the Broadway style musicals and, of course, seeing all my favorite Disney characters decked out in their “non-traditional” outfits!

Not to be outdone by Minnie, I put together a nautical outfit of my own. As we were sailing in the open waters, I wanted my outfit to match the surroundings. The dark blues and turquoise colors bring a ocean faring color scheme to the top. The whale patterns on my sweater must have given me good luck, as I saw so many whales and sea lions while enjoying the sun!

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Sweater: Linen Tippi Whale Sweater - J. Crew
Shorts: Printed Denim Short - J. Crew Factory
Sandals: Madewell

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, by Julia

In Ann Taylor, China

The A-Line Skirt

As a lover of dresses, this was my first time (in a long long time) trying an A-line skirt. With a relatively tall figure, I always thought A-line skirts would come off as too childish. Thanks to my friend Mian, who convinced me to purchase this one. It actually turned out pretty flattering.

From my personal experience, I think there are two important factors to consider when wearing an A-line skirt:

1) Choose the right length - If you don’t want your legs to look short, find a skirt that is right above your knees. Be careful here, please don’t go too high above your knees, it’s just not a classy look.

2) Go with a fitted plain top - an A-line skirt is meant to show your curves. Wearing a loose fitting top will ultimately hide your figure and defeat the purpose of the skirt’s design. I like to make sure the shape and the pattern of my A-line skirt stands out, so wearing a plain white top usually does the trick!

I am currently on vacation in China right now. This was me on my way to one of the many over the top dining experiences they offered here locally.

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Top: Lace Tiered Shell - Ann Taylor (review)
Skirt: Belted A-Line Skirt - The Limited (similar)
Flats: Sidewalk Skimmers - Madewell (similar)

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, by Julia

In Dress, Flats

Polka Dots in San Juan

Hola mi amigos!

San Juan is such a lovely place. Every little nook and cranny has so much character. I shall just let the pictures speak for themselves.