Marsala Only, Hold the Chicken {& Giving Things Away}

Before I begin! I'm really excited about the new year because I'm taking on a few new projects, projects I was inspired to begin and am willing to share completely off the strength of this wonderful, supportive blogging community. Please check back here ON THE BLOG ON MONDAY FOR A SPECIAL SHORT STORY WRITTEN BY YOURS TRULY! I'm excited and nervous all at once, but I can't wait to share it with you all <33

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The mauve-y, nude Kylie Jenner lip has taken on a mind of it's own! Enter Pantone's Color of the Year for 2015, Marsala, darker in color with with a similar feel. Considering I love anything rose-colored, -smelling, or -tasting, I'm ecstatic about this announcement.

Pantone describes it as an "earthy wine red" ('Marsala' is actually a type of wine) but the earthy-tones seem to give it a pink hue at times. It seems an estranged sister to the lighter Terra Cotta, another favorite shade of mine. This deep, almost dusty, rose wine color is just so soft, feminine, sophisticated, natural and luxurious. I can guarantee I would've rocked it this year anyway (I was obsessed with it for most of last year too!). But now I can say I'm right on trend.

By now you've got to be wondering why I'm blogging about a color. For one, to highlight a shade that I really love. But mostly, to segway into a list of Marsala-colored things I'm coveting, beginning with some of the items in the Sephora collection. Sephora always has a collection in combination with the Pantone Color of the Year, and while I passed on 2014's Radiant Orchid as it was too, well, radiant for my tastes, certain items are just too good to pass up this year. The collection is sold out in stores but I'd love to get my hands on the lipstick and highlight/contour palette. Despite how downright gorgeous the packaging of everything is in all its rose gold splendor, I plan to limited myself (thankfully).

Sephora's made it easier for us to spend our money on Marsala-colored things we probably don't need :) There are, however, a lot of other products in the shade of Marsala that aren't Pantone or Sephora affiliated. I'm sure you'll find you have plenty to go with this trend just lying around. So if you're digging the earthy color trend but not trying to spend too much, here are 3 gems that you either already had or will only pay very little for:

• Wet N' Wild 'Undercover' nail polish - I just love this shade! It runs a bit deeper/browner on me but it's still at the lighter end of the Marsala spectrum if you ask me. It's so natural and chic. I predict I'll be sporting this shade and it's darker sister, Under Your Spell, for most of the year. 

• Maybelline 'Touchable Taupe' lipstick and 'Untainted Spice" - I had to order both of these Maybelline lipsticks online because I couldn't find them in any store near me :( However, I do have a different shade in the line, and let me tell you, I love it. The formulation is silky without being slick and lasts for a decent amount of time (it's a nude don't expect all day!). The pigmentation is great and the price is more than reasonable. 'Touchable Taupe' is lighter but I think 'Untainted Spice is dead on!

A month later but still, I hope you all welcomed in the New Year with the highest of spirits, the widest of eyes and the fullest of hearts! It feels like a special year, and not just because of it's perfect color choice. By the way... would it be too much if I added Marsala to my blog design? *Takes a seat*

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And now, a giveaway, because Pam over at A Little Glitter is the best & because it's the loving season. Enter to win $150 from Victoria's Secret!

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Hosted by: The Sequin Notebook, Jessi's Design, Martinis and Bikinis, A Little Glitter, Martin Manifesto, The Kari Diaries, Pink and Fabulous, Make Me Up Mia, Green Fashionista and Meet @ the Barre

May the odds, be ever... :)