Laura Pearson-Smith: Colour of the year

FASHION blogger Laura Pearson-Smith casts her eye on the latest trends and styles
Marsala-toned make-up. Picture: Laura Pearson-Smith/InstagramMarsala-toned make-up. Picture: Laura Pearson-Smith/Instagram
Marsala-toned make-up. Picture: Laura Pearson-Smith/Instagram

If you didn’t know that we get a designated colour of the year every January, you do now. Colour intelligence and trend forecasting firm Pantone announced that Marsala - an earthy red-brown - is the colour we will all be wearing and accessorising our homes with in 2015. Marsala is a tasteful and elegant colour, with many shades in its family. Fashion, beauty and interiors brands have all been creating their collections around it for autumn and winter, and I want to share with you my tips on how to add it into your life.

STYLISH HAPPENINGS

Debenhams put on their biannual press day last week in Glasgow to showcase their new AW15 fashion and beauty collections to journalists and bloggers. It was a beautiful event held in the city’s upmarket Blythswood Square hotel. Guests enjoyed facials from Murad, makeovers from Urban Decay and hair styling by Aveda while browsing racks of beautiful clothes. As predicted, Marsala tones were in abundance; along with the usual seasonal influx of faux fur and knitwear.

Picture: ContributedPicture: Contributed
Picture: Contributed
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The other Glasgow shopping institution, House of Fraser, were also hosting their popular Beauty Confidential promotional period and invited me along to the private shopping evening. Brands such as Lancome, Laura Mercier and Benefit were demonstrating the new season’s key makeup looks to customers and showing them how to incorporate the new on-trend colours into their daily regimes. Rusty red eyeshadows are where it’s at, so expect to see this striking take on a smoky eye everywhere.

I also took a trip to fabric retailer Remnant Kings on Glasgow’s Argyle Street for the launch of their new sewing room. If you want to know what fabric colours and textures are popular at the moment, head straight there- they have a new collection of fashion trend-led fabrics to keep you ahead of the style game. Marsala is definitely having its moment, and I was shown the basics of sewing and following a dress making pattern. Remnant Kings now have a range of free workshops and sewing classes that you too can attend. So, if you have ever had dreams of making your own clothes, this is where to learn.

WHAT TO BUY ON A SHOPPING SPREE

The brand new fashion collection for Debenhams by Sienna Miller’s sister Savannah has the perfect on-trend handbag for AW15. The dark red Lou cross-body bag (£35 from Debenhams) from Nine by Savannah Miller even has fringing to reflect the huge 70s boho look that everyone will be wearing during the upcoming season.

Pantone's colour of the year, Marsala. Picture: PantonePantone's colour of the year, Marsala. Picture: Pantone
Pantone's colour of the year, Marsala. Picture: Pantone

Wearing a Marsala-toned lipstick is definitely the easiest way to show you are up-to-date with what’s on trend. The Dior Addict lipstick in Not Shy (£26.50 from House of Fraser) is a perfect match. Its moisturising, high-shine formula will look after your lips throughout the colder months and it packs a real colour punch too.

Nobody wants to be redecorating their home every season. Trends fade fast, so a simple and cost-effective way to update your interiors is to add some new accessories to a room. Cushions are ideal for this and Next have some beautiful geometric print Marsala ones for £16 each.

INSTAGRAM OF THE WEEK (@LPearsonSmith)

I’ve been busy reorganising my makeup stash to get ready for autumn. All the bright summery coral shades have been packed away, and the deep Marsala and berry-toned colours have taken centre stage. A quick trip to a high street store such as Boots will allow you to cheaply update your makeup bag with shades appropriate for the new season.

• Laura Pearson-Smith is a fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger at A Life With Frills. You can tweet her at @LPearsonSmith