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Where to shop in Houston for Pantone's 2023 ultra-hot, 'brave and fearless' color of the year

The Pantone Color Institue announced its color of the year, Viva Magenta.

Photo courtesy of Pantone Color Institute

The color experts at the Pantone Color Institute have spoken, and the newest 'It' hue for 2023 is Viva Magenta 18-1750.

Viva Magenta, according to Pantone, "is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration. It is a color that is audacious, full of wit, and inclusive of all."

For more than two decades, Pantone has chosen a color of the year to highlight the relationship between color and culture. It has effectively turned color into a celebrity, influencing everything from clothing, accessories, product packaging, and home decor.

Last year's color Very Peri, a light purple, stood for courage and creativity.

This year, Pantone says Viva Magenta is "an unconventional color for an unconventional time. Three years deep into a global pandemic, facing a war, an unstable economy, social unrest, supply chain breakdowns, and mounting climate change, we need to heal," the company adds. "Here, Viva Magenta cloaks us in both power and grace and sends us out into the world with the verve we've yearned for."

Universally flattering on all skin tones, the ultra-rich color is a mixture of red and purple and is a more sophisticated way to embrace the Barbicore trend of last summer. Viva Magenta is a way to stand out by adding even the most minor touches in nail color, jewelry, and accessories.

For 2023, add a bright pop of color to a neutral closet or manifest joy and optimism daily, by giving Viva Magenta a go. We've curated several Houston purveyors who can help on-trend types to incorporate the bold color into the new year.

Abientot 713

A necessity for Houston's unpredictable weather, Abeintot 713 offers a gloriously soft felted cashmere shawl in the perfect shade of pink for 2023.

Abeintot 713 shawl Keep warm and cozy in Viva Magenta pink with this soft felted cashmere shawl. Photo courtesy of Abeintot 713

Chloe Dao

Chloe Dao's M-K-T Heights store is bursting with color. The designer offers several different bright pink dresses, including a satin Shirt Drape Dress, a more casual Pink Plaid Organza Dress, and a stunning and sleek Cut out Slim Straps Dress. At a price point under $150, Dao's fashion-forward dresses are a great way to incorporate color into any wardrobe.

Chloe Dao MKT Houston Chloe Dao's MKT Houston shop is bursting with pink options. Photo courtesy of Chloe Dao/Instagram

Gorjana

Visit Montrose Collective and pack a subtle punch of pink with Gorjana's Power Gemstone Geo Bracelet for Compassion. Perfect for stacking, the bracelet features an adjustable cord and a Rhodochrosite gemstone for harnessing compassion.

Gorjana pink bracelet Add subtle touches of pink to your 2023 wardrobe. Photo courtesy of Gorjana

Hemline

Feel emboldened with this gorgeous Alice & Olivia Jamila Spaghetti Strap Mini Dress from Hemline Boutique. This stylish mini is perfect for Houston's mild climate, and its Viva Magenta-inspired color palette makes it ideal for a year-round closet staple. Shop for this dress and more at Hemline's CityCentre, Woodway, and Heights locations.

Hemline Boutique Viva Magenta Jump on the Viva Magenta trend at Hemline Boutique. Photo courtesy of Hemline Boutique

Jentry Kelley

Makeup artists have been embracing a bold pink lip, and Jentry Kelley's Immortelle Matte Liquid Lipstick in the shade, I Need It is an ultra long-wear velvet matte liquid lipstick that offers full coverage and promises not to dry out your pout.

Jentry Kelley pink Have a perfectly pink pout with this Jentry Kelley staple. Photo courtesy of Jentry Kelley

Paloma Beauty

The color of the year will influence manicures everywhere, and Paloma Beauty is ready with two great options. V.I.Please by Essie and Miami by the Gel Bottle are fantastic shades and long-wear options at the clean beauty destination.

Essie Paloma Beauty Viva Magenta Don't forget the tips! Paloma Beauty has several great options for a Viva Magenta mani/pedi. Photo courtesy of Essie

Tres Chic

Upper Kirby's Tres Chic is ready for rodeo season with its pink suede fringe jacket. The bold statement piece is great for a night out on the town or for keeping warm during the slew of RodeoHouston 2023 events and shows.

Tres Chic rodeo jacket Get rodeo ready and make a statement in pink with this jacket from Tres Chic. Photo courtesy of Tres Chic

St. Bernard

Posh River Oaks District specialty shop, St. Bernard, knows that immaculate kicks make an outfit. The boutique offers two shoes that will add pep to the Viva Magenta trend.

Dolce Vita's Landen Boot in electric pink is not only an excellent accessory for rodeo season; it will carry over into spring and summer. Loeffler Randall's Amyra Bos Kitten Mule is a refined accessory for those looking for a more sophisticated shoe.

Docle Vita cowboy boots The perfect kicks really do make an outfit. Photo courtesy of Dolce Vita

LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Houston dermatologist's guide to doing laundry for healthier summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories. A dermatologist shares how often to wash common summer essentials to help prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and other seasonal skin concerns.

Houstonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

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