Pantone Colour of the Year: Viva Magenta
Every year Pantone releases the COLOUR OF THE YEAR! and every year I pretty much ignore it completely… because I don’t like it. Well, this year surprised me because they picked the vibrant, juicy colour Viva Magenta. Be still my heart, I am in love. Something about this particular colour brings a smile to my face. Maybe it’s the childhood love of pink that’s resurfacing. Maybe it’s that this colour defies pretentiousness. You can’t snobbily tell someone you’ve painted your kitchen Viva Magenta. Maybe it’s that every time I say it in my head I sing it like Elvis sang Viva Las Vegas. Whatever the reason I love it so I’ve made up a little list of items to incorporate some bright pink into your life.
Purses
Of course, Kate Spade would have a super cute but still chic offering! I really like Kate Spade but do not currently own any Kate Spade. I can’t bring myself to spend that much money on a purse. Maybe one day I will save up specifically for a Kate Spade purse, maybe I’ll save up for a bright pink purse…
Get it here: Katy Croc Embossed Medium Shoulder Bag
If you don’t have that Kate Spade money but still want to bring all your old receipts, pens, wallet, lost keys, and one lonely piece of gum around in a beautiful Viva Magenta purse, then this set from Amazon is a good alternative. The colour is still darling and the price is super affordable.
Get it Here: Women’s Shoulder Bag
Manicure
I am pretty cheap in a lot of ways there are lots of products that I think have little to no difference between the expensive version and the no-name cheap version. Nail polish fits into the category for me… with the exception of Smith & Cult. They are definitely expensive nail polish, at least to me, but I still buy them. The quality is amazing, they dry quickly, they last longer than less expensive nail polish, and the packaging is sublime.
Get it Here: Smith & Cult ExtraOrdinary
If $24 dollars for nail polish doesn’t fit into your budget, which is COMPLETELY understandable it’s a stupid amount of money for nail polish I know, then this is a great alternative! Still has vibrant Viva Magenta vibes but won’t make your wallet cry. Add a protective top coat if you feel like it and you are GOOD TO GO!
Get it Here: Essie Turn Up the Century
Stationary
I’ve mentioned my favourite refillable fountain pen (found here) before but perhaps proof you can improve upon just about anything I then found a gorgeous pink ink that reminds me of Viva Magenta. If you haven’t heard of Ferris Wheel Press before then gear up because your day is about to get better! They are a Canadian-based stationary and ink store. They have the most dreamy packaging and such fun ink selections. My obsession is their Double Raspberry colour! Apologies to my work who have had to deal with all my notes being written in essentially Viva Magenta, but hey it is the colour of the year after all.
Get it Here: Double Raspberry Ink
While I love my fountain pen and bougie ink they aren’t for everyone. But that should not stop anyone from experiencing the joy of writing in bright pink, it’s a zap of instant happiness. Grab a box of the much lower stakes Pentel pink pens and throw some Viva Magenta into your grocery list, journalling, work memo, and whatever else you scribble throughout the day.
Get it Here: Pentel 12 Pack Pink
Viva Magenta (Sung like Viva Las Vegas)
When I was little I was obsessed with pink but as I grew up people made me feel really stupid for liking pink. That somehow being “girly” meant you couldn’t be strong, powerful, or dignified. Well, that is quite frankly bullshit. I can smile every time I write in swashes of pink ink. It doesn’t make me less than or incapable. So I am embracing the colour of the year and getting back to all the things that made me happy as a kid.
Hannah
