Color + Design Blog by COLOURlovers

We Love Colors Tights Design Contest Winners

2012-08-29T15:20:53Z

Talk about an awesome contest! You guys have been dazzling us with your colorful entries in our We Love Colors Tights Design Contest. Now that the voting period has ended, it's time to tally the loves and see which designs you COLOURlovers loved the most. But before we do that, let's all give a huge thanks to the awesome people at We Love Colors for making this contest possible!

We Love Colors is a unique clothing company. Founded as a family-run business, they specialize in coloring all products at their dye house in Miami, Fl. Their products are shipped to and enjoyed by customers worldwide. We Love Colors carries products for men, women, and children -- sizes range from infant to plus sizes. They offer tights, leggings, fishnets, socks, dancewear, and more in over 50 solid colors and 13 hand-dyed splash colors that help you find your own unique expression.

Winning Designs!

Just a quick recap, the top 3 entries were selected based on number of loves from the community and each winner will receive awesome prizes courtesy of We Love Colors:

- 1st: design will be featured on WeLoveColors.com + $100 in cash
- 2nd: $50 in cash
- 3rd: $50 gift card for use at WeLoveColors.com

And now for your winners!

First place: A kick in the pants by Northern Dancer

Second place: Hipster leggings by GabsGiggles

Third place: shab eshgh by gollaleh

Congratulations to our three winners and thank you to everyone that participated in this contest! Your enthusiasm and creativity are always inspiring. Cheers!

We Love Colors Tights Design Contest

2012-08-15T12:17:25Z

Hey there COLOURlovers! We're back with another awesome design contest to put those creative color skills to the test. This time We Love Colors is joining in the fun and we've put something special together for you.

Together with We Love Colors, we are excited to bring you a Tights Design Contest! All of the pertinent details are included below.

How to Enter

Head on over to the We Love Colors Contest Page, where you creative COLOURlovers are going to submit your best color palettes to color in a template for tights. The palettes have to be your own creations and you can submit as many entries as you like.

Contest Dates

We will be accepting entries from Wednesday, August 15th through the evening of Thursday, August 23rd. Voting will remain open until Tuesday, August 28th and we'll be announcing the winners on Wednesday, August 29th.

Voting Process

To vote for your favorite entries during the contest, just hit the "Love" button. The top 3 most loved entries will receive awesome prizes courtesy of We Love Colors.

Prizes

First Prize: winning design will be featured on WeLoveColors.com + $100 in cash
Second Prize: winner will receive $50 in cash
Third Prize: $50 gift card for use at WeLoveColors.com

Cheers and happy coloring!

View entries: We Love Colors Tights Design Contest

COLOURlovers Betabrand Socks Now Available

2012-07-15T06:28:42Z

Do you guys remember the awesome Argyle Sock Design Contest we had with Betabrand back in April? Well we have some exciting news, the winning sock designs are now available for purchase on Betabrand!

The three winning designs can now be ordered as the stylish Reno Midnight, Pumpkinetics, and Happy Hoof socks.

In addition to these three pairs of argyle socks, you can choose from three pairs of striped socks (Blue Shindig, Faberge Egg Salad, and Von Truffler) also designed by COLOURlovers.

What's really cool about Betabrand, is if you end up losing one of your colourful socks to the laundry elves, you're insured. That's right, all of their socks (including ones by COLOURlovers) are now covered by sock insurance for one year after purchase. So if, by some tragic turn of events, you find yourself with only one sock and a frown, snap a photo and submit your claim to Betabrand and they'll send you a new one.

With a sweet deal like that, you can buy with confidence knowing that Betabrand has your back (or maybe it's your feet) if you should need it.

The Colours of the Queen

2012-07-12T09:50:52Z

If you've ever lost sleep at night wondering just what colours strike the Queen's fancy, wonder no more.

After 60 years of style and class, Vogue went on a mission to follow the beloved monarch around for a year, chronicling every outfit that she wore. The resulting data should help answer any questions you may have had about the Queen's colour preferences.

It turns out blue is the clear-cut winner with the Queen. She sports the "royal" colour about a third of the time, which is three times higher than any other colour. At the bottom of the list are boring beige and checked patterns -- because really, no one wants to be a walking optical illusion. She's not one to shy away from floral patterns though, those flowery outfits surprisingly come in second.

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel suddenly compelled to wear more hats?

The Leo Burnett ad agency in London even took this inspiration and created Pantone Queen, 60 Years of Matching Colours based on the Queen's outfits, which is pretty fantastic.

And with this knowledge, I plan to finally get a good night's rest. Cheerio!

Colorful Like A Feather

2012-06-11T08:00:12Z

Who knew a feature could be so inspiring! Feather artwork is nothing short of beautiful. People have experimented in a variety of ways to create different kinds of feather art. We have put together a collection of some of our favorite and most inspiring feather features.

Feathers have become a huge trend in the fashion industry, though you can see them a bit on clothing, accessories are where feathers inspire beyond belief. Earrings, hairpieces, and just about everything in between get an extra fashion kick when adorned by feathers.

Source: Frau Grau

Source: Yellow, Earrings

Source: Colorful Feathers

Source: Etsy

Source: Hair Extension, Colorful Feather

Source

Source: Etsy

Source: Brit

Source: Peacock

Source: Feather, Watercolor

Source: Etsy

Betabrand Sock Contest Winners

2012-04-30T11:06:37Z

Hello again! Today is the exciting day that we get to announce the winners of the Betabrand Argyle Sock Design Contest!

First of all, we want to thank Betabrand for allowing COLOURlovers to design the next product on their website. As I am sure you know by now, Betabrand has some pretty awesome clothes to choose from. The question to yourself won't be whether to buy, but instead, which color or pattern should you pick.

As you know, Betabrand chose 9 finalists and for the past week we have left it up to you guys to vote for your favorite design. Now comes the time when we announce which designs had the most votes. First, let's refresh you all on the prizes for the winners:

The Prizes:

The Betabrand design team will select three winners, who'll receive the following:

$100 Gift Card to Betabrand
Recognition on the Betabrand website (photos/video/optional) & COLOURlover username printed on the sock packaging
Five Three Packs of the COLOURlover socks bundles for free

So now, let's get down to business and announce the brand new COLOURlovers sock collection!

Congrats to Magg, Michaelann3, Faith4faith! Thanks to everyone who entered and voted in this contest. We hope to have Betabrand here again soon as you COLOURlovers can help them create something else just as awesome!

Betabrand Sock Contest :: Vote For Your Favorite Finalist

2012-04-24T20:59:36Z

We are back with an update on the Betabrand Sock Design contest we have been running on our blog for the past week. Submissions are officially closed for the contest, and it is time to get your vote on and help us pick the winning designs.

Betabrand is one of those really cool clothing companies that is sure to keep the men dapper and the women trendy at all times. Their latest release is a cool pair of shorts with a black & white design (with a hint of turquoise) that I think is pretty awesome. And in case you haven't heard this enough, COLOURlovers even has a collection of our own on the Betabrand website.

So let's get down to business. Submissions are now closed for the Betabrand contest. Thank you to everyone who has entered and voted!

Out the top 30 most-loved palettes Betabrand chose 9 design finalists and from there 3 will triumph as winners. The three winners will be bundled into a 3-pack and sold on the Betabrand website.

Voting is incredibly easy. All you have to do is head over to the Betabrand Contest Page and click to vote. You can only choose 1 to vote for, so make sure your choose your favorite. And to make things even more fun, 5 lucky voters will be randomly selected to win a free 3-pack of socks as well!

Good luck to all and happy voting! We will be back on Monday to announce the winners!

Argyle Sock Design Contest with Betabrand

2012-04-18T11:11:30Z

Ready to put your color-matching talents to good use? Betabrand is offering you a chance to design their next set of socks. They have created the argyle design, and you get the chance to color the coolest sock you can and possibly have YOUR creation sold by Betabrand. How cool is that?

Betabrand is an online-only clothing company based in San Francisco that produces unique designs in limited-edition batches every week. They make tons of hip clothes for both men and women. And look, there is even a batch of COLOURlovers pieces including 2 flannel shirts (here and here) and some cool sock designs created by COLOURlovers.

The Prizes:

The Betabrand design team will select three winners, who'll receive the following:

$100 Gift Card to Betabrand
Recognition on the Betabrand website (photos/video/optional) & COLOURlover username printed on the sock packaging
Five Three Packs of the COLOURlover socks bundles for free

How It Works:

Create an entry: Get creative and make a palette to design this argyle sock however you choose. You may create up to 3 submissions.

Once you have created the coolest palette, time to get votes. Share your entry with your friends and try your best to get lots of love on your sock. The 30 most-loved submissions with be considered for the top 9 finalist spots. Check back on Tuesday April 24, to see the top 9 finalists and to vote for you the one you want to win.

Once you have created your entry, check out the designs other people are creating and vote for your favorite. Good luck and happy coloring!

Keeping Up With Fashion Trends. Neon + Colorful Handbags

2012-03-07T08:00:51Z

Color-blocking has become all the rage in fashion these days. As far as handbags go, designers are following suit by offering their most popular designs in a variety of hit colors of the season. These choices allow you to spruce up any look, and add that pop of color in any of your favorite outfits.

These bags are not the only ones to fall in line with this new trend, no matter the price point, the designer or the look you want, you will find a variety of colors popping up in your favorite bag. With spring just around the corner, this is a great piece to lighten up your winter wardrobe.

Source: Balenciaga

Released in 2005, the Marc Jacobs Stam bag was named after model Jessica Stam and has become his most popular handbag for sale. Each year this bag is released in a variety of popular Spring and Fall colors for the given year. You better believe they added a tangerine color in the Spring 2012 collection.

Source: Marc Jacobs Stam

If you have yet to notice, there are two very popular trends right now. One is the shoulder clutch, the other is mustard yellow. Rebecca Minkoff solves both these problems with her basic collection of bags. The shoulder clutch has proven to be an extremely handy piece to have in your closet. It gives just enough space for the basics, without having to lug around those massive handbags that us women have grown to love. Speaking as someone who loves the largest size handbag possible, I have to say, a shoulder clutch is quite refreshing to put my essentials in. Although, I always have a full purse waiting for me if I need it, since it is apparent I can't travel lightly.

As for the mustard yellow, this color just seems to match with anything. It is also a little less loud than a tangerine, purple or neon green, but it still acts as a statement piece.

Source: Rebecca Minkoff

Source

No matter what look you are going for, getting a colorful bag will enhance your wardrobe so much more and make every outfit you have previously worn, look totally new. When picking the perfect color bag, make sure you choose a bold color that you love, but also something that matches a variety of different pieces in your closet. You wouldn't want to have to retire some of your favorite threads because of one handbag!

COLOURlovers Interview with Erin of Design For Mankind

2012-01-23T09:08:07Z

Erin Loechner is a writer, stylist and designer. She is a quirky girl with lots of style and a great swagger about her. Everything she publishes on her site, Design For Mankind, pushes the envelope just enough to keep you interested and excited about trends and styles. She has graced the pages of many magazines all the while keeping up with trends and colors on her HGTV.com segment.

First up, why don't you tell the community a bit about who you are, what you do, how long you have been doing it, and your background.

I'm Erin Loechner, a 28-year-old freelance design writer and blogger (DesignForMankind.com). I dabble into styling, consulting and rearranging the furniture of any willing party! I'm also an online personality for HGTV.com.

What past experiences do you think have contributed the most to where you are now?

I tend to think of life (and age, for that matter) as little more than a collection of experiences and encounters that continually shape you as a person. So many moments have led me to where I am today, but the catalyst was probably the foundation of my art/design blog, Design for Mankind, in 2006. So many opportunities have stemmed from that tiny little website! The Internet is an amazing thing.What colors do you think we will see a lot of in 2012?

I don't know if it's the wintery months or the beginning of a new trend, but I've been noticing a resurgence of muted tones as an alternative to the bright, cheery hues of seasons past. Candy-colored hues in muted tones are all over my radar this year!

Source

What patterns and trends do you think will be big in 2012?

I'm seeing a huge trend in art-inspired patterns (and am so excited!) in the past few months, so I'm predicting everything from landscape art clothing (like this collection! below) to watercolor housewares (like this rug! below).

Source, Source

Which colors, patterns & trends are you personally most excited about?

Oh, definitely art-inspired patterns. If I could watercolor everything in my home, I would!

What is your favorite website or app right now?

My favorite app is Instagram; I'm a total sucker for documenting my day visually, but will never find the time to hone my photography skills. Instant problem solver!

When decorating your home, what are the top three colors you turn to for the space? What is your favorite paint color?

Oh, I'm very much of a believer of a neutral home (exhibit A = my dining room! below). I've found in the past that my job can be so stimulating, it's important for me to come home to a clean, natural color palette. Every wall in my house is Architectural White (Olympic Paint), and I often layer each room with blacks, grays and natural wood tones. I'm very monochromatic these days!

Source

What's the best home design-related advice you've ever received?

If you love a piece, there's room for it. Alternatively, if you're not 100% in love with a piece, ditch it.

When you are feeling stumped, where do you turn for inspiration?

I'm rarely at a loss for inspiration, but I've found that when I am, it's usually due to too much research, rather than not enough. This usually means I've been spending too much time behind the computer screen, so I'll get out of the house, grab a coffee, take a walk or head out for a bite with my husband. I'm usually back to square one in no time!

For someone that is just beginning down the road to create a better home, what resources or advice would you give to them?

Find a general direction you'd like to go in, and make the rest up in your head. Start collecting images from online or your favorite magazines, and really study what each image makes you feel, rather than what you see. This will give you a great starting point for the sort of space you want to create, whether it's cozy, modern, chic, glamorous, or all of the above. Most importantly, enjoy yourself and continually surround yourself with things you love. It makes a world of difference!