I chose to work with a light version of Monaco blue, because (a) it was what’s available, and (b) I think it brings a more sophisticated look to the gray and navy of the Common Work Capsule Wardrobe. A nice alternative to the usual light blue that’s always available in oxford shirts…
Bracelets – Swarovski, blazer – Paul & Joe, silk blouse – 0039 Italy, scarf – Athena Procopiou, watch – Georg Jensen, sweater – Paul Smith, flats – Thierry Rabotin
Turtleneck – L.L.Bean, blue striped shirt – Golden Goose, blue shirt – D&G, white shirt – Theory, navy blazer – A.P.C.,
grey sleeveless sweater – J. Crew, grey cardigan – J. Crew, navy v-neck – J. Crew, navy shirt – J. Crew, navy pants – A.P.C.,
grey skirt – Comme des Garcons, grey pants – Theory
Pantone Spring/Summer 2013
This is a *really* refined blue, and so much gentler than a garish royal or bright cobalt next to the face. Those classic "jewel tones" don't look so good on women in their older years (like me), and like primaries, read as rather juvenile. But this is greyed yet rich. I'm eager to see it in a good fabric. (In denim it looks a bit triste.)
I looked at some home decor sites, as a painted wall it's stunning.
I was tempted by almost everything in this post – the tweed, the knit, and mmmm the silk…. And Thierry Rabotin shoes – my favorites. It will be interesting to see this color when it's in stores, but I agree that it's going to be flattering, and quite versatile for many of us!
thanks for dropping by – I'm always honored!
J
Janice, these choices are so lovely. And as usual, it's the astonishing shoes, the gorgeous scarf, the watch with exactly the right band that make these outfits. I said yesterday that I find matching blues very tricky–but how elegant these blues are with gray! Thanks, as always, for the gift that just keeps on giving–this prodigiously creative blog.
((((Gail)))) Some days I'm not sure if anybody's reading, or if they like what they see! Your comment made my day. – J
Never doubt this!
I so much agree, Gail. Janice is indeed (love this) prodigiously creative and she has really changed the way I approach my days. I now enjoy the process of getting dressed, even in retirement. I worked for years in academia, where dressing creatively was often misconstrued by the feminists. i did it anyway, albeit rather conservatively. When I moved to Idyllic Village, I missed the ritual of putting together a look of the day, since jeans and muck boots rule here. Janice showed me the way!
I also agree! I live in SLC, mountain time, and it is part of my morning coffee ritual every day. I half cleaned out my closet and now also enjoy dressing for work, too. Thank you, Janice. Susan in SLC
Janice, I just love these pieces. You've chosen beautiful examples of the elusive "Monaco blue". I've scoured my closet and all I seem to come up with is, alas, a slightly "triste" denim shirt (right on, Duchesse). It's the same one you purchased from JJill, I believe. And the fabric is a light, polished denim, so I think it's fine for my casual country life. BTW, this shade of blue appears in a number of my scarves.
This Monaco blue is a very soft feminine shade that looks like it could be worn by anyone, no matter what their hair colour. I can see this as a versatile alternative to the deep cobalt blues that seem to be getting so much press.
It would really perk up some shiny sterling jewelry too.
It's a beautiful, sophisticated blue indeed. Is this very different from Cadet Blue? That was my first thought when I saw the picture.
Other than navy, I am not normally drawn to blue clothing but the pieces you have chosen for Monaco Blue are such a pretty, soft shade. I agree that silver jewelry would look lovely with it. I ride the line between Soft Summer and Soft Autumn, so I have both cooler and warmer colors in my closet. This color is ideal for a soft season as it is definitely not garish and blends well with both warmer and cooler colors, as you have so aptly demonstrated. I will have to keep my eye out for this color in clothing or fabric.
I'm the same season(s) as you are. I agree with you that this is a beautiful choice for "us". I tend more toward the soft summer (75% )with about 25% soft autumn. (Not to put too fine a point on this distinction!) It's not always easy to find shades that look appealing when "greyed", but when we do, the results are really flattering.
Love it to bits (but then I'm nuts about most blues….).
Love the Thierry Rabotin shoes. Where did you find them?
Beautiful gentle colour schemes.