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Pantone’s Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

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Kirby Beaton Student Contributor, University of California - Santa Barbara
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Rachel Miller Student Contributor, University of California - Santa Barbara
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

2014’s hottest color? Radiant Orchid: a soft, yet empowering blend of purple and pink. So now you know it’s the latest trend, but how do you incorporate this dazzling hue into your life? Here are four simple ways to stay on top of the trend and embrace your inner radiant orchid. 

1. Accessories

Try a subtle orchid-colored nail polish (check out Sephora’s new collection of pastels, then drool) or go bold with a statement necklace in the popular shade. Want to go wild? Try adding a streak or two of the signature color to your locks. Perfect for spring and summer! If the idea of permanently dying your strands makes you crazy, test it out with a few clip-in pieces from cheap places like Claire’s. 

2. Decorations

A simple orchid vase is a cheap way to utilize this color and really pops when paired with simple white flowers. Find your inner DIY side and paint your old nightstand, bookcase, or coffee table this vibrant hue. Too bold? Tone it down with sheer, drapey curtains in a softer shade. This color up on the walls will liven up any room in your house or apartment without completely overpowering it or making it look smaller. 

3. Style

Pastels are super hot this winter so finding the perfect light purple piece is a breeze. Pick up a pair of orchid-colored jeans for a statement or try out a pair of ballet flats for a sweeter look. This color is bold enough to be worn as a statement piece, yet soft enough to be worn in sheer fabrics. Pair with florals during the spring and summer and with geometric black and white designs for the winter months. 

4. Makeup

A sheer, shimmery orchid eyeshadow will turn your date night look into radiant fairy look. Finish off the princess style with pink lipgloss and layers of soft blush. If princess isn’t your thing, try an intense light purple lipstick or lipstain. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics carries a great purple stain that will have your lips popping. A touch of mascara will keep your lavender lips the star of the show. 

Now that you’ve got orchid on the brain, get out there and bring it into your life! Life’s too short to live in black and white. 

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Kirby Beaton
Kirby is a recent graduate from UCSB currently living in Los Angeles. As a proud Her Campus UCSB alum, she's happy to be back on the HC team covering one of her fave shows: "The Mindy Project." On any given day you can find her with her nose in a book (let's be real - it's a Kindle). In her free time, she likes petting dogs, binge-watching TV, and eating a lot of food. Find her on Instagram: @kirbynicoleb or @GirlBossEats. 
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Rachel Miller

UCSB

Rachel is a senior at UC Santa Barbara and studies Communication and Global Peace and Security. Rachel is from a small, beautiful town in southern California called Palos Verdes. However, Palos Verdes is just one of the many places Rachel has lived. Rachel spent her childhood moving and traveling all over the world, living in places such as Indianapolis, Indiana; Santiago, Chile; Vienna, Austria; and Orlando, Florida. Rachel has found her heart and her home in California, choosing to spend her college years in sunny Santa Barbara. However, Rachel continued her wanderlust when she studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain in Fall 2012. At UCSB, Rachel is an immensely dedicated and involved member of her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma, where she held the positions of Panhellenic Delegate, Inter-Greek Counselor, Rho Gam, and a member of the Nominating Slate. Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is a passion of Rachel's, as she is their Social Media Coordinator as well as an active and proud member. As a member of the Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honors Society, Rachel is able to implement her prowess and affinity for communication and communication-related issues. When Rachel is not writing, participating in Kappa events, or volunteering, you can find her in the gym, on the soccer field, watching Modern Family, or cooking. Rachel's love for sports, food, and writing often times go hand-in-hand, as one may see in her weekly blogs. For the past two summers, Rachel has been freelance writing for the Los Angeles Times, and hopes to continue her career pursuit of journalism after she graduates. Rachel is elated to be a part of Her Campus's fabulous team and loves every moment of it!