Each year, color authority Pantone chooses its color of the year. Citing its sense of “clarity, renewal and rejuvenation,” the company has chosen Emerald to be the official color of 2013. We can’t argue with that, so we’ve decided to also make it Style Tutor’s color of the month. Emerald is a bold and sophisticated color, which some may find a bit overpowering as a dominant color in an outfit. This makes it particularly fetching as an accent color to use in accessories — and you don’t have to be able to afford authentic emerald jewelry, as options abound at a more affordable price point. And while jewel tones are often associated with the winter months, several of our picks can work throughout the year.

Style Notes: Gap Printed Flare Dress $59.95 / Timex Weekender Watch $50 / Kendra Scott Viola Chandelier Earrings via Nordstrom $95 / Kate Spade South Kensington Dunn Bag $211 (sale price) / Madewell Silk Charmeuse Shirt in Dotdash $94 / Kate Spade Bauble Dot Necklace via Neiman Marcus $57 (sale price) / Kate Spade Garnet Sunglasses (similar style) / Steven by Steve Madden Ravesh Pump via Nordstrom $148.95   Kate Spade Neena Pant $179 (sale price) / Leslie Danzis Glass Stone Bib Necklace $49 

During our stay in IN we are trying to get out in the snow, and freezing temps, as much as possible.  On this particular day it was a balmy 27 degrees, so, once again, layers were key.

When traveling, especially when visiting my parents, I always pack light because one of our favorite family past times, of the ladies’ anyway, is to hit up the local Gap where my Mom works.  Thus, the base layers of this outfit (jeans and sweater) have been on repeat several times throughout our trip.

I’ve been wanting a plaid flannel this season, but have had a hard time finding one in the exact colors and texture I was looking for.  This one was in the men’s at Gap and was an after thought as I was heading out the store.  The colors caught my eye and then when I felt the soft flannel, I knew it had to come home with me!

Obviously, a man’s shirt fits boxier than the typical woman’s shirt, so this isn’t a shirt that can easily be dressed up.  I was hoping this would look cute with the glitter belt and a pair of leggings, but it ended up looking like I was wearing a tent. Tucked in, though, the shirt has a better fit and is a perfect casual look for a winter weekend spent traipsing through the snow.  Since the shirt is roomier than most of my button ups, it is also a great piece to layer thin sweaters and waffle knit shirts under, which is both stylish and cozy!

The over sized knit scarf (with a chunky strand of pearls peaking through), gold glitter belt, and pink boots help add some feminine touches to the overall look.  A few girly touches are an easy way to keep a flannel shirt from reading lumberjack instead of cool and chic.

Style Notes: Gap shirt (winter 2012; purchased with an additional 40% off; similar style) / Gap sweater (fall 2012; purchased at 40% off) / Gap scarf (winter 2011; purchased at 50% off; similar style) / Gap jeans (fall 2012; purchased at 40% off) / J.Crew belt (winter 2011; gift) / Gap socks (borrowed from my Mom; similar style) / Hunter boots via Last Chance (fall 2011; purchased at an extra 50% off; similar style) / Michael Kors watch via Last Chance (spring 2012; similar style) / Kate Spade ring (fall 2011; similar style) / Kate Spade bracelet (winter 2012)

Plaid is a classic print that transcends the passing of time and trends; depending on the color combinations it can range from preppy chic to cool mod to a touch punk.  One of my favorite things about plaid is that it coolly straddles the line between the masculine and feminine (like that great bow tie from local company, Dapper + Dash), which means no matter the garment it can be easily dressed up or down.

Style Notes:  Lands End Women’s True Slim Caroler Pants $49 / Land’s End Women’s Bow Front Flannel Blouse $39.99 / J.Crew Collection Janey Printed Flats $248 / Gap Plaid Academy Blazer $98 / Topshop Plaid Skater Skirt $72 / Dapper + Dash Huckleberry: The Scottsman Bow Tie $42 / J.Crew Perfect Shirt in Ivory Tartan $88 / Kate Spade Plaid Foxtrot Hill Alexie $148 / Madewell Plaid Trousers $104.99 /  Hazel Plaid Coat $139

Burgundy, oxblood, maroon, ruby red…whatever name the fashion industry chooses to call deep red colored garments and accessories we are absolutely crazy for the hue!  It’s the perfect blend of moody and sophisticated to usher in fall and when paired with the right garments or accessories it can carry you through a multitude of holiday soirees!

Style Notes: Baublebar Red Gem Bloom Bib $34 / Madewell Counting Sheep Sweater $108 / Topshop Toplock Bowling Bag $76/ Arturo Chiang Avia Pump via Piperlime $59.99 / JCrew Pleated Sweater Skirt $79.99 (currently an extra 30% off!) / Anthropologie Sequined Jacquard Dress $228 / Essie Leading Lady $8  / Modcloth Collar Me Maybe Flats $29.99 / Topshop Clean Felt Hat $50 / Kate Spade Small Square Studs $38 / Loft Marisa Straight Leg Corduroys $59 (currently 40% off!) / Pim + Larkin Polka Dot Crew Cardigan via Piperlime $47.99

 For this month’s color we chose to go with a play on traditional Halloween colors to show you some great looks, not to mention deals, that can work for many areas of your life. These pieces also serve as a way to incorporate one of our favorite fall trends: pairings of black and gold. 

A traditional line of thought might be that black and gold should be reserved for more formal social events or holiday parties.  Here at Style Tutor we beg to differ.  Take, for instance,  the fun BCBG embellished top from local online retailer Klury.com:  how amazing would it look with a great pair of cuffed skinny jeans and the glitter heels?  The jeans would help to balance out the dressier tones of the top and shoes and would make for a great date night or girl’s night out look.

 Before you think I have gone daft, let me make a little clairification about that lovely Anthropologie coat.  No, I cannot afford a $500 coat.  If I spent that kind of money on a coat I would have to literally wear it day and night, no matter the weather.   By the way, I don’t suggest you drop $500 on a coat either, especially if you live in AZ.  But, oh my, it sure is pretty to look at!

Style Notes: Emerson Fry Noir Ring $125 /Ark & Co. Sequin Zig Zag Dress $89 (currently 20% off) /Tinley Road Art Deco Bangles $18 (currently 20% off) /Anthropologie Tracy Reese Collared Peplum Coat $498  / The Limited Cross-Strap Glitter Heel $98 (currently 40% off) / Bauble Bar Triple Tear Pendant $26 / BCBG Max Azria Embellished Blouse via Klury.com $85 /Aryn K. Metallic Ladylike Jacket $99 (currently 20% off) /Gap Suede Belt $24.95 (currently 30% off) / Anthropologie Sariah Birdsong Script Dress $188 /Kate Spade Paisley Park Bangle $89 (on sale!) / Zara Trousers With Gold Side Trim $79.90 / Seychelles Mulberry $120 (currently 20% off)

The inspiration for September’s Color of the Month came from one of my favorite sources for all that’s new and hot in the worlds of beauty, fashion, food and entertainment, Daily Candy. I came across the dark teal color in a recent feature about the best new nail polish colors for fall and fell in love. Then, a few days later, I was delighted to see that color pop again at Anthropologie in the form of my latest pair of AG Stevie Ankle jeans. As I’ve mentioned before, the AG Stevies are the most comfortable and flattering jeans I own, and since I had a birthday discount to use, I didn’t mind splurging a bit for a pair of proven jeans that were just the right color.

This dark teal/turquoise color will bring a pop of excitement to your fall neutrals, and works particularly well in the form of fun accessories (or even your nails!).

Style Notes: Anthropologie Bottle Green Dotted Party Dress $198/ Modcloth Weave Through Crowds Scarf in Teal $19.99/ Roberta Chiarella Gold Teal Caramel Layered Necklace $78 / AG Stevie Ankle Jeans via Anthropologie $158/ Bee Charming Teal Knotted Leather Chain Bracelet $50 / Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC $195 / Modcloth Vintage Teal Me on the Go Heel $59.99 / Daniel Rainn Silk Peplum Blouse $79 / Ivanka Trump Cece Flat $135 / ZOYA Nail Polish in Evvie $8