From the Flattering50 archive. Originally published 2013-03-24. Products, prices, offers, and activities described here are historical.
I am sooo ready for spring and all its gorgeous colors – emerald, yellow, purple, pink. A few brave crocuses have popped out. But, alas, Old Man Winter won’t release us Northeasterners from his grip. It snowed last Saturday and again Tuesday night. Thursday was windy with snowy flurries all day. Grrr! What’s a girl to do? Well, if she lives in New York, she could go to the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens for a dose of spring colors.
Last Saturday, my sister and I went to the Orchid Show. Did you know there are over 30,000 varieties of orchids? The NYBG does a fantastic job, displaying a sample of orchids from around the world. Though I’ve seen the show numerous times, I’m always filled with a renewed sense of awe and complete and utter joy. Mother Nature is quite the master of design! In fact, I’ve often thought that if I were a designer, I would take inspiration from her orchids.
Well, I'm not a designer, but I am a gal who likes to infuse Nature's colors and patterns into her wardrobe. This spring, there's another colorful show going on in store and online--the Colored Jeans Show. (How's that for a segue?) Jeans and slacks in bold orchid-like colors and patterns are everywhere. Take, for instance, the Women's True Slim Chinos - Velvet Orange, 14 (was $60, now $29.99. In 4 colors and 8 sizes) at the top of this post. It reminds me a bit of the "Orange Sugar" orchid above. For this post, I've put together a sample of orchids and jeans. Clearly, the jeans can't compete with the orchid's beauty, but I'm pretty excited about all these bold colored bottoms. To continue, click...
READY FOR RED
I saw orchids that were all red as well as ones with red in their patterned flowers like these...
And here are a couple of red pants...
The Slim Leg Jean (was $118, now $88.50 for Flattering50 readers. Just click on photo or text). But the color in most sizes has a 9-week back order)
[Original image unavailable: Women’s Regular Fit 2 Side-zip Twill Pants - Red Apple, 2]
Women’s Regular Fit 2 Side-zip Twill Pants - Red Apple, 2 ($59)
GREEN ENVY
Everyone knows about emerald being “hot” this spring. Pastel mint is also very in vogue…
[Original image unavailable: Michael Stars Solid Linen Skinny Chino]
Michael Stars Solid Linen Skinny Chino
Or…looking for something a little more cozy than jeans?
[Original image unavailable: Michael Stars Solid Linen Drawstring Pant]
Michael Stars Solid Linen Drawstring Pant ($112)
Then again, there are lots of splashy greens, like these
Old Navy Womens Boyfriend Skinny Khakis
($29.94).
[Original image unavailable: Old Navy Womens Boyfriend Skinny Khakis]
PRINTED MATERIALS
It was hard to choose just one orchid with a lovely pattern, so here are two…
I thought I’d never consider a pair of printed pants, but I’m seeing more and more prints that I like.
[Original image unavailable: Jones New York Printed Runway Slim Ankle Pants (Black, Size 14)]
Jones New York Printed Runway Slim Ankle Pants (Black, Size 14)
($89)
The Capri Trouser (was $128, now $96 for Flattering50 readers. Just click on photo or text)
YELLOW YEARNINGS
These next orchids were hugely popular orchids during the Victorian Era’s “Orchid Madness.” I love their name: Dancing Ladies. Don’t they just look like they’re twirling at a ball?
These next pants from Land’s End look very cozy…
Women’s Pleated Slim Slouch Chinos - Oro, 14 (was $60, now $39.99)
Women’s Regular Fit 2 Clean Front Chino Crop Pants - Atlas Yellow ($49)
PINK PARADISE
How do you like this orchid? Yes, it’s an orchid!
Here’s a pink pair of pants (say that three times fast!) from Shopbop…
Club Monaco Sarah Crop Pants ($140)
PURPLE
This orchid flower is a sphere shape. Who knew there are so many different shapes? Not this blogger.
I think I could sleep in these trousers…
3.1 Phillip Lim Draped Pocket Trousers
WANT MORE ORCHIDS?
Here are a couple of other favorites. The first one is called a Pansy orchid, naturally. Too sweet!
I love the spikey pedals on this orchid…
And finally a stunning patterned, purple orchid…
The lovely specimens shown on this post are just the tip of the orchid petal, if you will. My sister and I spent two hours oohing and aahing over the display. If you live in the NYC area or are traveling there in March or April, I highly recommend you stop by this show–it’s an annual affair. This year’s exhibit runs through April 22nd. Happy spring!
