Yay for the start of spring!

It comes as no surprise that many of us, all around the country, are ready for warmer weather. (I’ve been waiting for it to warm up so I can get out to Tennessee and practice more!)

And at the start of every new season I like to look to Pantone – who are, as always, dedicated to predicting and reporting colors – to see what hues will be trending in the coming months. Groups like Vogue, top design houses, and (of course) fashion conscious girls like ourselves, like to harmonize with these trends so we can always be our most stylish selves in and out of the show arena.

“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium…while this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations,” explains Executive Director of Pantone, Leatrice Eiseman.

This palette, which those at Pantone are calling a “Season of Colorful Equilibrium,” contains a balance in the selection of a medley of pastels, neutrals and brights. These colors all mix well together, yet they also have no problem standing out on their own.

As it is a spring palette, some of the colors were undoubtedly inspired by nature and blooming flowers (florals for spring – groundbreaking!). Yet, according to the report, these colors were also inspired by “travels abroad and strong, confident women.” Sounds good to me!

Here’s a list of all the Pantone spring colors and how you can use Show Seasons fabrics to make sure you are up to date with all these latest color trends –

“Three very adaptable pastels sit on one end of the palette and, because we are so accustomed to seeing them as nature’s background, they can be creatively combined with any other color in the spectrum.” They are Placid Blue, Violent Tulip and Hemlock.

Evoking feelings of peace and calmness, Placid Blue, is a soft and dreamy blue, while Violet Tulip – a vintage, romantic, delicate purple with a hint of gray – evokes wistful nostalgia. Similar to the verdant shade of springtime foliage, Hemlock is a summery, ornamental green, which is very different from the vibrant Emerald green that was 2013’s Color of the Year. Pair any of these pastels with a bolder hue (such a yellow, orange and red) for a hip look. I especially love Hemlock. I think this would be a beautiful suit color on any chestnut.

The perfect neutral for spring and summer, Sand is a beautiful, lightly toasted and amiable neutral that – just as its name implies – conjures images of the warm sandy beach. Try pairing Sand with Hemlock for perfect, natural balance in the show arena.

Paloma – the new black of spring – is the ideal neutral for the warm spring and summer months. This subdued color great when combined with any color for sophisticated show ring combo. It would look amazing on grays.

The spicy red hue, Cayenne, is a bold break from the season’s palette of pastels. Wear it with neutrals to add a dash of spicy heat, or try mixing it with Freesia, a warm and energizing yellow – evocative of tropical flowers – that is sure to illuminate wardrobes and show outfits this season. Freesia can also shine just as brightly when paired with Dazzling Blue, as well as illuminate muted colors like Violet Tulip, Hemlock and Paloma. Personally, although I know this color seems really bright, I think it is a super fun, standout color to have worn as a tie or in a patterned vest.

Celosia Orange is another lively color for spring. This captivating hue conjures images of a summer sunset and brings a touch of optimism and spontaneity to the spring palette. Celosia Orange pairs well across the entire palette, but it is especially captivating with Violet Tulip and Radiant Orchid (a lovely blend of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, and the color of the year).

Strong and vibrant, the final color of the palette is Dazzling Blue, which is the perfect color for a staple blue suit, as well as companion to pastels, white, and other bolder shades.

Overall this new palette signifies a major transition from the brights and neon colors that have dominated the last few Spring seasons. With so many options, I am for sure inspired to start styling!

Everyone knows that the New Year begins on January 1, but for nearly 4.3 billion Asians and Asian-Americans, it really starts on the 31st. That is when the moon enters into a new phase of its 12-year cycle, marking the start of the Lunar New Year – a 15-day celebration that makes NYE look like child’s play.

OK, so maybe there isn’t a ball drop, midnight kisses, or backless minis. But there are red envelopes filled with $$ (cha-ching!), firecrackers going off in the day, eight-course meals paired with strong cognac, and ancient traditions that might not always quite make sense (but you follow them anyway).

This year’s zodiac sign is the horse (I’m taking that as a very good omen for my year ♥, as I’m sure all of us horse-lovers are).

A symbol of strength and energy, those born in the Year of the Horse are clever, talkative and stubborn, characterized by their bright, hard-working spirit and tendency toward patience (freethinkers Jennifer Lawrence and Oprah Winfrey were both born under it).

What does this mean for the rest of us? A chance to indulge in the new fashion trends, which have officially slithered away from the Year of the Snake and galloped their way into the Year of the Horse!

So, even if you don’t celebrate the Lunar New Year, per se, channel this year’s spirit animal in these fun fashions – perfect for us horse-loving fashionistas!

From cool tops emblazoned with horses and subtle, equestrian inspired accessories, these picks will for sure get you in the spirit of things (they won’t, however, get you those lucky red envelopes – sorry!). And there is even a makeup element: Chantecaille’s warm earthy hues for eyes and cheeks like Palomino and Mustang are imprinted with stallions (a  portion of whose sales benefits the efforts of the Humane Society of the United States to conserve land for wild horses).

National Champion, Rebecca Fulkerson has become the rider she is today, not from luck, but from hard work and a life long passion.

“I’ve been riding for as long as I can remember. I think my mom put me on a horse around age 2. She and her family raised quarter horses so I was kind of born into the horse world. It’s a passion and in my blood,” explains Rebecca.

“I started showing locally around age 7 and was really into jumping for a time, and then went to my first “A” rated show around age 10 and have been hooked since then.”

Earning a National Championship in the Half Arabian Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 with Sheza Rising Starr, as well as a Top Ten in Purebred Western Pleasure Maturity AAOTR with Chablis WA and a Top Ten in Purebred Western Pleasure AAOTR 19-35 with Koweta Pheonix, Rebecca always knows how to ride and win in style.

Learn more about this riding star’s style, here.

Show Season: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?

Rebecca Fulkerson: I’ve loved all the Show Season outfits that Melissa has put together for me, but my favorite is my burgundy/black western outfit. I have had it for several years and know I need to get a new one, but it has so many wonderful memories with several horses it’s hard for me to part with it. My hunt coat is also a favorite and gets compliments every time I wear it.

SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?

RF: Not anymore, I am usually frantically getting dressed as I wait until the last minute so I don’t have time to make sure I have anything on other than all my clothes.

SS: What is one thing you never go in the ring without?

RF: Saying a prayer. I try to take a moment before I go in and be thankful that I am even there.

SS: How would you describe your non-horse show style?

RF: I am a jeans and a T-shirt girl, always have been.

SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?

RF: Certainly, winning this year at Nationals was huge, but probably the most satisfaction I have had was when I showed horses on my own and one win at an “A” show in an open class on my first horse, Mark, stands out the most. I’ll never forget it. Actually, it’s the only ribbon hanging in my office.

SS: What are your riding goals for the future?

RF: As much as I love showing western, and dabble in hunter from time to time, I would really like to pursue English horses. I was allowed to ride one a few weeks ago at Rick Gault’s and I think I am still smiling from that ride. What a rush!!

SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?

RF: My mother for always supporting this crazy obsession and Rick Gault. He works harder than anyone I know and has more talent in his pinky than most of us could ever dream of having. He’s taught me a lot about riding, showing, and horsemanship. I would never be as confident of a rider without him, and he’s made me a better person in and out of the show ring.

Rider, Anita Hill, has a long history with horses that, not only started out in a different breed, but a different country all together.

“I started riding in South Africa in my early teens,” explains Anita. “One of our neighbors was a riding instructor and took me with her to the stables on a Saturday. I got to mainly ride thoroughbreds and “Boerperd”…a mix of breeds similar to Quarter Horses in disposition.”

“I spent the rest of my growing up years riding hunters, doing dressage and jumping,” competing all the way up until she had four children – selling her horse to focus on raising her kids.

But in October of 1998 that all changed. Anita and her family moved to the U.S., and she was finally introduced to Arabians through the Taylors of Taylor Ranch.

“They told me they had horses and that I should come ride. I asked what breed, and when they told me Arabians I was a little disappointed, as the only Arabs I had seen were all small horses, and I was used to bigger ones.”

“We arranged for me to come out to the farm, where I was first introduced to Aladdin. He looked at me with his big, intelligent eyes and I was impressed. I was then introduced and shown every horse on the farm. I ended up going out to their ranch every day, and I fell in love…”

Two months later, in December, her husband, John, bought Anita her first half Arabian, Mussiahs Quartermark (Wyatt). “The love of my life, he is now 19 years old.”

“The Taylors told me about trainers in the area and I ended up taking Wyatt to a trainer in the summer of 1999. It was a real challenge to my trainer as he taught me and Wyatt the ropes…Every show we went to I would always ask at the end of my class ‘Why did I not win? Did the judge not see Wyatt and just know he should be the winner?’”

Anita was officially hooked.

“I promised my husband one horse was enough, but the more I learned and competed, the more I realized I needed a more competitive horse. And so the madness started…I now have 6.”

Show Season: What is your favorite head-to-toe riding outfit?

Anita Hill: My favorite outfit is the outfit Melissa put together for me last year to wear in my western class. I ride with Cynthia Burkman, and when we knew I was going to go to Nationals, Cynthia told me to go to Show Season, let them take my measurements, give them a picture of my horse, then leave it to the professionals to do their job.

So I did just that, and the first time I saw my outfit was in the September just before we were due to leave for Nationals. I had arranged for Melissa to send it directly to Cynthia in California.

I must tell you, after I had my measurements taken and had asked Melissa to make me a drop dead outfit, she sent me their invoice. I remember opening it at home and wondering why there were so many zeros. After putting on my glasses and seeing how much it was, I called Melissa and reminded her I just wanted an outfit, not shares in the company. Of course we had a good laugh, and I paid and got my clothes.

When I first saw it I was bowled over. I remember saying to Cynthia it was just over the top and I could never wear it. She assured me it was stunning and just what I needed. I put it on and felt like a million bucks. To this day, every time I go to a show and put on my western outfit I feel like I just cant be beaten.

SS: Do you wear anything for good luck in the show ring?

AH: I never wear anything into the show ring for luck.

SS: What is the one thing you never go in the ring without?

AH: I know you are going to laugh and you probably won’t be able to repeat this… but Melissa made me buy one.

I never go into the show ring without…my corset.

The first time I brought it at US Nationals last year I had no idea how the thing worked so I started putting it on (all wrong) when my friend Katie Russell came into the dressing room and told me she did not think the “boobs” on my back would work. We figured it out and I always wear it to show.

SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a rider?

AH: My biggest accomplishment was my Reserve Championship both last year and this year. I only got Chase after Nationals in 2011, had never shown Western, and he was not in a bridle yet. In fact, once I had my outfit, my gorgeous horse, got to Nationals, and told Cynthia I was going to win, she was a little nervous and told me to be patient. You should see my pictures. Every one in the barn has their mouths open….shocked. Ha! Knew we could do it!

SS: What are your riding goals for the future?

AH: My goals for the future are to do well at Scottsdale (last year was terrible), try to win at Nationals on Chase, and also do better at riding my Half-Arab, Its a Celebration.

SS: Who has been the most influential in your riding career?

AH: Without a doubt Cynthia. I watched her for many years before I took a horse to her, and when I did the first thing she asked me, “What it was I wanted to do with my horses.” My answer? Win.

She has heard me, helped me, let me figure things out, taken amazing care of my horses, encouraged me, been honest with me, and helped me win.

I have to also say Natalie Jones. She has only been with Cynthia for a little while, but she, too, has done so much to get Chase to the point he is at. In fact, the most amazing thing was that she did not show him this year at Nationals in the open Western class so that I would have a better chance at doing well.

I must also add that I have told Melissa to come up with something really special for this year’s Nationals.