We don’t have anything against Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2015. Marsala is, you know, nice. It’s like an earthy maroon that can hang out as a shade of brown on some days and a shade of red on others. It’s versatile. Subdued, but not easily ignored. It’s a neutral you can wear on everything from your denim to your lipstick. And while we’re not on Pantone’s official board of color pickers, if we were, these are some of the finest shades that we think would have made great alternatives to Pantone’s Color of the Year.
1. Meringue Pink: Pastel colors lasted from spring to winter in 2014, and it made us dream of cupcakes, frosting and cookies. To spread our love of all things pastel, our first nomination for an alternative Color of the Year is Meringue Pink — a color sure to grace everything from your manicure to your ‘do.
2. Almost Orchid: Radiant Orchid, we have to admit that it’s hard to say goodbye to you, so we figured we just wouldn’t. With purple locks in full force, we think a faded version of the hue could make a gradient-like evolution from “radiant” to perhaps “earthy.” Okay, okay fine. Maybe we’ll just let it go with dignity. (photo via Kelly Osbourne)
3. Deep Berry: The ’90s called, and they’re letting us keep their lipstick. Deep reds were all the rage, and while Pantone’s Marsala is almost there, it’s not quite saturated enough to leave that lasting pop of color. A richer tone gives you the option of going subtle or statement depending on how you use it. (photo via Kalei Lagunero)
4. Solange Ivory: A white dress? That’s so cliché. After Solange showed us that ivory bridal is the way to go, we kind of wondered why everyone wasn’t rocking an off-white jumper + cape combo down the aisle. Ivory is a more natural non-stuffy alternative to white, and it’s one of our new favorite neutrals. (illustration via Niki’s Groove)
5. “Break the Internet” Rust: In all the hubbub over this controversial cover (and nudie photo spread) in Paper Magazine, everyone glossed right over that perfect barely rust shade on the backdrop. It’s like a rusty chocolate, and we want to put it everywhere from our pouts to the powder room.
6. Rose Gold: Talk about an all-star metallic. While gold was over here trying to make a comeback, rose gold came out of the attic and found its way right into our homes and jewelry boxes. Its blushing shine is a great balance of vintage and feminine and even if in its matte form, we’re kind of in love. (photo via Houzz)
7. Chambray Blue: Chambray, you’re just swell. Perfect from business to casual, this is a fabric that just won’t quit… so why should we? We’d love to pull swatches of chambray into our everyday from painted walls to kitchen tile.
8. Annie Red: It’s the rebirth of a classic in which cherry red is basically one of the starring characters. Sure, we’re not going to go and paint our bedroom this color tomorrow or anything, but a classic red is perfect for tying a room together with accents or even a great statement wall. (photo via Annie)
9. Elsa Teal: Saying Frozen took the world by storm is the understatement of the year… well of last year. From “Let it Go” on your radio to icy teal wedding dresses on the runway, this tale of sisters made a major impact on all kinds of art this year. Why not pay tribute with a swatch? (photo via Elie Saab)
10. “Happy” Yellow: Because every time we see this color, we think of the song and can’t stop smiling. “Happy” yellow would make a perfect interior accent color or pop in your wardrobe palette. It’s also a little “Moonrise Kingdom,” no?
11. Gorgeous Gray: Going gray no longer has anything to do with age. Now, gray hair is super hot, and with the scale of blue to purple undertones, it’s no wonder. We think a solid, dynamic steely gray is just what the world needs in the ways of new neutrals. (photo via Lux and Laune)
What hue would you like to see as Pantone’s Color of the Year? Let us know in the comments!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.