emerald isle

here's my theory: people are slow to adapt. (remember when you thought there was no need in your life for a smart phone? don't leave me hanging!)

it's like that with color. pantone named emerald their color of the year for 2013 but it is now, a year later, that the color is really making its way into the collective mainstream heart. it's popping up everywhere, and i just love it. here are a few of the reasons, spotted lately, that the lovely emerald is enjoying its well-deserved heyday.

1. it is instant art.

{canvas painting via the nowhere girls}

{watercolor wallpaper mural via anewall}

these artworks are complex in their simplicity; hardly more is needed than the color itself.

2. it evokes another era.

i've always thought i was born in the wrong decade, and these photos of the greenbrier hotel, a historic west virginia resort that has held meaning for generations in my family, just prove it. 

{via this is glamorous}

3. it will make you look amazing.

especially if you're lupita nyong'o on the red carpet. can she do no wrong?! this is so gorgeous it makes me want to freak out. Freak. Out.

{via fab sugar}

it also helps if you're angelina jolie, a woman who can make pure evil look glamorous. not to worry, though, there's nothing evil about this giant emerald ring, and it would look good on you too.

{via frazer harrison/ getty images}

...as would these double tear-drop earrings. 

{mysterious beauties via pinterest}

another perfect place for a pop of this color: killer pumps

{via we the people}

the bitties can rock the look too, with this adorable girls' smock dress.

{via crewcuts by j. crew}

4. it will bring depth and drama to your surroundings.

{madeline weinrib ikat fabric via design salad}

{nippon emerald wallpaper via mimou}

{paint via cote de texas}

5. it will bridge the gap between modern and traditional:

{linen ditte sofa via anthropologie}

{via elle blogg}

{via dying of cute}

sweet sassy molassey. i now need a green ballgown and a green couch. why isn't santa real?

6. it will take you away.

{cinque terre, italy, via the fab guide}

{scotland, it seems, via sita says}

7. it will frame your words.

{white words pop against this green-backed menu, via ruffled blog}

{and on this invitation suite via dallins paperie}

{and on this wedding suite via ruffled blog}

well, are you convinced of emerald's charm? i'm curious to see just how strong of a force this color will be and for how long. turquoise enjoyed about a 4 year run...for emerald, i'll go on record and predict 2.

and if my original theory is true, about this time next year i'll be writing "radiant orchid round-up." (thankfully i have time to come up with a more clever title). we shall see.