What is the 2011 Color of the Year?

Honeysuckle Pink

by Miriam Schulman

Offering a sense of continuity from spring, dynamic Honeysuckle adds a bold punctuation point. This playful, reddish pink works with any other color in the palette. Flirtatious and festive, produces a healthy glow, great for makeup and  holiday soirees.

Decorating Inspiration for Piano Peonies

Although a beautiful woman will light up a room, the reverse is also always true. Decorating with colors that are flattering to a woman's skin flatters the women who enter. Therefore, smart women have always used color in their home to their best advantage.

Pink pillows on tan couch, Flamingo art

Pairing pink with bamboo yellow adds intensity. If you are not ready to commit your whole room to a pink decorating scheme, add honeysuckle with artwork and pillows

Detail from Piano Peonies

This stunning piece is created using a collage of piano sheet music, watercolors and acrylic on canvas. The modern wall art depicts pink peonies in a garden.

Fashionable yet Affordable Backpacks for your Books and Art Supplies

Backpack Roundup
by @lindsayleboyer, guest blogger Lindsay LeBoyer

Spin Art by Miriam Schulman

Your backpack is one of the most important school supplies on the list. You'll use it every single day for the next 10 months, so finding the perfect one is essential . Choose a backpack that can hold up under the weight of your books, but still represents your style. Here are 5 backpacks that will give you the best of both worlds, and won't break the bank or your back!

1) The Classic

Jansport Right Pack, $54.95, bagking.com

You can never go wrong with the widely popular Jansport. Jansports are great quality bags and will last throughout middle and high school. The classic "Right Pack" has a sturdy suede bottom, and front pocket to hold extras like a cell phone and ipod. Jansport offers their packs in deep purple, teal, and several other stylish hues.

2) The Messenger Bag

Kipling Messenger Bag, $69.95

An alternative to the traditional two-strap backpack is a messenger. Kipling, known for their unique colors and signature monkey symbol, is not as popular as Jansport. The single strap provides less support, but the messenger is easier to get on and off than a two-strap. Since it doesn't look like a backpack, you can use it as a weekend bag too. Kipling's expandable messenger bag has an adjustable strap, front zip pouch, and comes in 9 different colors. Save $30 off the regular price during their back to school sale.

3) The Designer Bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs, $68

Believe it or not, designer backpacks can be affordable! Take this Marc Jacobs bag for example. The nautical stripes will impress all your fashion-forward friends!

4) The Stylish Satchel

Deena and Ozzy Satchel from Urban Outfitters, $49.99 

In addition to the messenger, a satchel is another great alternative to traditional backpacks with vintage charm and plenty of room for binders and notebooks. Most styles can be carried by the handles or worn with the shoulder strap. This satchel from Urban Outfitters has flap pockets on the side, zip pockets on the front, and is made with vegan leather and suede. (photo by Lindsay LeBoyer, see related blog post: http://www.thestylechildblog.com/2011/07/whats-in-my-bag-fashion-institute-of.html) 

5) The Splurge: Cambridge Satchel

Cambridge Satchel Co. florescent satchel, $170. J. Crew

If you're head over heels for satchels but want something a little more structured, look no further than the British bag pros, the Cambridge Satchel Company. Dubbed the season's new "it" bag by countless magazines and style blogs, this satchel comes in a myriad of sizes and colors. For the original vintage tan, check out their website, cambridgesatchel.co.uk. Visit J. Crew to check out their limited time collaboration in florescent pink and avoid international shipping fees.

Blogger Lindsay LeBoyer is interning at Schulman Art for the Summer 2011 season. She writes a fashion blog called The Style Child. 

What's on your back?

A Project Runway challenge for real people

What to wear for the first day of school

by guest blogger @lindsayleboyer, Lindsay LeBoyer 

model Shalom Harlow

September is fast approaching, and we all know what that means; back to school. The beautiful weather and endless free time will be missed, but fall shopping can cure the back to school blues in no time! If you stick to a few key guidelines, you'll have the perfect outfit for the big first day.

Pay attention to the weather 

Crew neck t-shirt, $14.99, J. Crew

Check the weather forecast for your first week of school. In many areas, September still feels like summer. You may feel tempted to wear your new fall jacket on the first day, but most likely people will be wearing shorts and a lightweight top. The key here is to wear pieces that can transition from summer to fall. This can save you money too, because a lot of stores have big summer sales towards the end of August. One of the best things you can buy for fall at a summer sale is a t-shirt. Not just any old t-shirt, you'll want it to be soft, comfortable, and flattering. You can never go wrong with a crew-neck in 100% cotton. A t-shirt never goes out of style. You can wear it with cargo shorts from summer and long jeans in the fall. T-shirts also make great layering pieces underneath cardigans when the weather gets really chilly. Basic white is always a must, but you can take advantage of summer sales and stock up in several colors. Bamboo yellow, cedar green, deep teal, honeysuckle pink, and phlox purple are all hot for fall 2011. You can find all of these colors including basic white on sale for just $15 at J. Crew.

Converse sneakers, $39.95 at Nordstrom

Some other items that can transition from summer to fall are sneakers, like Converse all stars. In addition, layer pieces like open knit sweaters, and a great pair of light to medium wash jeans.

Don't be afraid to accessorize 

Set of wooden bangles from TopShop, $28

You'll want to buy some great pieces of jewelry and accessories on your back to school shopping spree. Jewelry can really transform a look. A statement necklace or chunky bangle is an easy way to get noticed on your first day. Avoid things like hemp or seashells, which scream "I'm still in vacation mode." Go for something that's still youthful and fun, yet sophisticated, like a wooden cuff. This set from TopShop has shades of chestnut and copper, which are perfect for fall.

Fall essential: scarves

Plaid scarf by Thakoon, $250, Thakoon.com

Urban Outfitters, $24

   

Wear a lightweight woven style and save the heavy knits for winter. Try a floral print for your first day and classic plaid once it gets deeper into fall. Plaid was seen all over the runways this season, like at Rag and Bone, Sonia Rykiel, and Thakoon, who took his leftover plaid fabric and created limited edition scarves. Thakoon's scarves will set you back by $250, but all the proceeds go to UNICEF.  Another more affordable option is this tartan scarf from Urban Outfitters for $24.


Dress comfortably and be yourself 

Striped v-neck T, $29.95, Gap

The first day is nerve-wracking enough, so you want to feel comfortable in whatever you decide to wear. Shorts that are too short will leave your legs sticking to the chair and self-conscious in front of your male teachers. If you're going to wear new shoes make sure they're broken in before the first day. When you feel comfortable in your clothes you'll appear more confident and at ease. Feel good in the look you're projecting. There's no need to put on an act, just be yourself. If you're sporty, you probably won't feel like yourself in a bold floral print. The key is to dress in a way that represents your personality but still looks put together. So if you're a tomboy, try a racerback tank or striped t-shirt like this v-neck from Gap, with a pair of comfortable, sporty long jean shorts. This style still looks like you put some effort into your outfit. A little effort shows that you care about your appearance, but there's no need to get carried away. Trying too hard to look stylish often has the opposite effect. When you're getting ready for the first day, think "effortless chic."



Blogger Lindsay LeBoyer is interning at Schulman Art for the Summer 2011 season. She writes a fashion blog called The Style Child.

Sensible and Spirited Coral

Emberglow

by Miriam Schulman

Radiant Emberglow coral, a traditional autumnal tone, emanates the warmth of a glowing fire – the perfect panacea to the crisp air of fall. A close relative of honerysuckle pink, this coral color is very soft and feminine.

Summer Butterfly Fairy, 10x10"

Combine Emberglow with Coffee Liqueúr walls for a classic look, or with Honeysuckle pink for something a bit more retro as in the decorating inspiration in the figure.

Summer Butterfly Swirls, watercolor on Canvas

Butterflies take center stage in this canvas artwork. In the room inspiration, a coral butterfly rests on a pink flower. The detail left features one of a series of canvas paintings called "Summer Butterfly Swirls". The butterfly art depicts a yellow butterfly on a coral orange flower. The cedar green background adds a lovely contrast. The butterfly decor looks great alone or hung as a collection of wall art.

Art Shows to Visit on the College Tour

Art Across America

by @lindsayleboyer, guest blogger Lindsay LeBoyer

When you're traveling around the US on college visits, there's more to see than just the campus. There are plenty of colleges with amazing museums and art exhibits for your family to enjoy. Take advantage of these art shows to turn your college road trip into family vacation memories.

SUNY Purchase 
This college is bursting with artists, from dancers to painters and everyone in between. Take advantage of the talent at hand and visit the incredible music and dance conservatories at SUNY Purchase. Initiated in 1974 with Roy R. Neuberger's donation of 108 works of art, the permanent collection of the Neuberger Museum of Art has grown to over 6000 works of uncompromising quality and variety.The permanent collection includes works by 20th century masters such as Edward Hopper, Willem DeKooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Maurice Prendergast, Mark Rothko, and many more.

Williams College Museum of Art 

Modern Art by Egon Schiele from the modern art exhibit

Williams College has one of the best art history programs around. In addition to Williams College Museum of Art, which is currently showing an exhibit called "Masters of Modern" featuring Goya, Miró, and others ending October 2nd, your weekend in the Berkshires should include visits to MoCa (Museum of Contemporary Art), the Clark Art Institute and the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Hopper's Maine at Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Edward Hopper, Captain Upton's House, 1927

The "Edward Hopper's Maine" exhibit at Bowdoin College Museum of Art showcases 88 of Edward Hopper's paintings, watercolors, drawings, and prints. Each is inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Maine and was created by Hopper in the summers between 1914 and 1929. See the Hopper show before it closes in mid-October, and time your visit with peak fall foliage for an unforgettable New England road trip. However, be sure you get to the museum before it closes. The museum is open till 8:30 on Thursdays but most days the museum closes by 5:00.

First Fridays in Albany

Lark St., Albany

Visiting SUNY Albany? Plan your visit to coincide with the first Friday of the month and head over to the Lark Street neighborhood after your campus tour. This area opens new gallery art shows on the first Friday of every month. You'll see some wonderful artworks by emerging and mid-career artists during a night on the town.

Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo  

Le Carnaval d'Arlequin by Miró

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is a must see for those visiting SUNY Buffalo. Thomas Hoving, art historian and former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, said that "the Albright-Knox Art Gallery should be on everyone’s list to see, for it’s an overwhelming art experience. Small, intimate, and seductive, the museum has one of the most thumping modern and contemporary collections in the world."

College Art Picks

Blogger Lindsay LeBoyer is interning at Schulman Art for the Summer 2011 season. She writes a fashion blog called The Style Child.

Miriam's last tip: when visiting SUNY Purchase, head across the street for the Pepsi Sculpture gardens. Behind the main building is a beautiful koi pond with lily pads that never fails to inspire me.

Detail from Pond Gemstones by Miriam Schulman



Packing for the College Tour

Road Trip Essentials
by @lindsayleboyer, guest blogger Lindsay LeBoyer

Newbury Street, Boston Fine Art Print

Visiting college campuses is one of the most thrilling steps in the application process and the best way to learn about a school beyond the published curriculum and list of majors. A visit to the campus is a signal to the college that the student is a "likely to attend" which increases their chances of admittance. Late summer and early September before the school year is in full swing are convenient times to visit, since many colleges begin their fall semester as early as mid-August and many high schools are not yet in session. If you are hitting the road or helping your child prepare for this adventure, don't leave home without creature comforts to ease application stress. In addition to the basics like toothpaste and socks, pack these spirit lifting finds. All of these essentials also make great presents for the prep-student in your life.


 1)  Silky Pajamas

Vintage pajamas from Etsy shop DearGoldenVintage

Many college visits include an overnight stay in a college dorm. If you don't already know someone attending the school, the college will pair you up with a willing college host. Be sure you are comfortable and modest in whatever nighttime attire you bring. Remember that many coed dorms have shared bathrooms located down the hall. In addition, you want to be rested when you're walking around huge campuses and interviewing with admission officers. This vintage white satin pajama set will bring you sweet university dreams. 

2) Toiletry Case

Cosmetic Bag by Etsy crafter SewLovelyDesign

Keep all toiletries organized in a stylish waterproof bag. This trendy polka dot pouch fits perfectly in your suitcase. Again, don't forget you may be schlepping personal toiletries down the hall and this case will afford the right amount of privacy.




Aluminum Water Bottle

 3) Aluminum Water Bottle  
Dorm rooms don't come with hotel mini bars! Save money and the planet with a reusable aluminum water bottle. Customize this one with your name (or the college's name!) and keep hydrated on the road.



4) Tote Bag

Tote bag from StitchedOnAWhim

Hold all of your things together in this stylish tote bag! Use it as a small suitcase for a shorter trip, or carry your phone and belongings in it when touring universities. The colors and mix of patterns will set you apart from the rest.


5) Sunglasses


sunglasses from Cityfleas

Block glare on the road and keep the sun out of your eyes on campus with a pair of vintage ray bans! This tortoise shell wayfarer style is classic and cool, perfect for making a great first impression on future classmates.

As a thank you to your college hostess, why not a beautiful but affordable piece of art for their dorm?  

Miriam Schulman has tons of fine art prints for you to choose from, like the watercolor street scene of downtown Boston pictured above. For more great art prints, visit Miriam Schulman's etsy shop. This fine art print also makes the perfect congratulatory present for that high school student who just got a college acceptance letter from one of the many Boston area universities or the graduating senior.

  

Blogger Lindsay LeBoyer is interning at Schulman Art for the Summer 2011 season. She writes a fashion blog called The Style Child.

Green goes with anything — just look outside

The Art of Color
by Miriam Schulman

Evoking the freshness of a cool mist in a dark forest, cedar green is a versatile, mid-tone neutral green. Mix this color with deep teal, or with rich purple or a misty light violet gray for a sophisticated and timeless design scheme.In this decorating inspiration, only the fireplace mantle is painted in a rich cedar green. The earth tones complement the terracotta curtains and blue and white striped rug. Not sure if this painting would look good in your home? Relax, green leaves and trees go with everything! Just look outside.

Decorating Inspiration with Cedar Green Walls

Purple with a Hint of Mystery

The Art of Color
by Miriam Schulman

Magical Phlox, a deep purple with a hint of mystery, makes a chic statement. Create a bit of drama in your home when added to neutrals, or combine it with Cedar green, or deep teal for something extraordinary. To add even more excitement in your decorating scheme, pair Phlox with Honeysuckle oink or Bamboo yellow against a Cedar background – a combination inspired by Mother Nature.

Impressionist waterlilies Watercolor Painting 20x20"

In this room inspiration a chenille phlox purple throw complements the light orchid walls. The perfect art for this decorating scheme is a tranquil impressionist painting of waterlilies. Click HERE for more information on the original modern wall art.( Painting 20x20") The painting would look just as beautiful on blue, white, green or any other color inspired by nature.

Filtered Sunset on the waning days of summer

Bamboo Yellow

by Miriam Schulman

Schirmer Peacock (sold) Peacock Prints Available

Bamboo, a surprising fall hue, brings a warm, exotic flavor to the season. Like a filtered sunset on the waning days of of an Indian summer, Bamboo is a standout yellow with a subtle green undertone.

This bright and stunning depiction of a peacock displaying its feathers is painted over a collage of sheet music on canvas. You can see the music when you get close up. Truly a conversation piece, the artwork may be purchased custom framed as pictured and ready to hang in your space. There are subtle hints of iridescent gold shimmer throughout the bird. The contemporary painting will fit into modern or traditional decorating styles and the colors are right on trend for your modern home.

Detail of Peacock Art

Decorating inspiration comes from placing the peacock art on a smokey blue wall. The bedspreads are in a neutral cedar green, right on trend for the season. The peacock painting with its golden yellow feathers acts as a dramatic focal point and will complement most decors.

Shown to scale in actual Room View 

Romancing the Stone

Quarry Blue
by Miriam Schulman

Decorating Inspiration using a smoky blue-gray painted wall

Pantone is fashion's leading authority on color. By surveying the designers and trendsetters in the fashion and home decorating industries they bring a biannual report of color trends each year. One color not to miss is "Quarry" blue. This reliable medium gray remains a practical, dependable staple. Almost a sea green, the color blue on the walls make any room tranquil and peaceful.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^® “Designers take a painterly approach to fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art...Much like a painter's masterpiece, there is a certain romance to this season's palette.”

In this swan painting we see shades of cedar and teal greens, and touches of purple phlox and violet that blend harmoniously with quarry. For those not brave enough to commit a whole room to a new design scheme, a simple addition of a painting can change the whole mood of a room. Home is a place to relax and decompress and the impressionistic colors of nature can naturally enhance your mood.

Summer Swan, Watercolor by Miriam Schulman

Calm, peaceful and tranquil blues

Five Unforgettable Wellfleet Adventures

My heart belongs to Wellfleet
by guest-blogger Talia Schulman

Wellfleet is best known for its artsy shops, galleries, natural fresh water ponds, and of course oysters. Here are five unforgettable activities to do in Wellfleet.

Lifeguards by Miriam Schulman

Newcomb Hollow
Set in the northern area of Wellfleet, Newcomb Hollow Beach has been an enjoyable destination for generations. With lifeguards patrolling the area, people of all ages have enjoyed going in the ocean to boogie board, surf, or to just take a dip. There are plenty of sand-castles and seals swimming along the shore.




Gull Pond 

Silk Painting The kayakers by VivienPollackDesign

Spend an afternoon at Gull Pond with its clear blue-green waters. They offer various ways to boat and There is a swim dock that parked at about five feet deep which is perfect for families concerned about young swimmers. The bathroom facilities have flushing toilets and running water. If you choose to kayak you will have an amazing adventure traveling to connecting ponds.

The Juice

The Juice on 6 Commercial St

On the corner of Commercial Street, this healthy eatery is best known for its smoothies but you will also enjoy nightly live music and eclectic fare such as fish tacos. Look for their "cake of the day" as a special dessert or save room and go to a Nice Cream Stop.


Dessert at A Nice Cream Stop

A Nice Cream Stop. 326 Main St.

Choose among tasty flavors such as Wellfleet Mix, Grasshopper or Purple Cow. There are also sorbets and frozen yogurts for those wishing a lighter treat. The college girls behind the counter are always really friendly.

A walk on Uncle Tim's Bridge View of Uncle Tim's Bridge by Helen von Borstel The perfect way to burn off all that ice cream or cake of the day is a walk on Uncle Tim's Bridge. This beautifully built wooden bridge connects Commercial Street to an Island surrounded by salty marsh. In the distance are views of gorgeous Wellfleet Harbor and a walk around the island is enjoyable for family bonding time.