The Color Purple

Oct. 26, 2009 | Ready To Wear | permalink

I've only just come around to purple. It's always made me think of Prince's jumpsuits, the packaging for Elizabeth Tailor fragrances and the 80's mania for all things jewel toned. But this season's purple spectrum is nothing if not sophisticated and includes shades like rich raisin, dark concord grape and deepest aubergine. Dark purple is understated. Nothing stagey about it and it provides just the right spark for tried and true colors like gray, camel, red, and navy. Black gets a real boost from purple.

If you look great in purple - meaning you are a winter in Color Me Beautiful parlance- then adding a dark purple jacket or coat to your wardrobe gives you a piece that will complete looks for day and night but I like it best as an accent color. Instead of more black or navy, consider purple for a roomy bag for day, for a combination of opaques and shoes, for gloves. Try on the glint of a purple and metal cuff and carry an exotic ( or faux) purple clutch combined with your LBD for the holiday parties ahead.

Some of this gear is pricey and so- as always- borrow good ideas from the top and interpret as you will at your price range...

1.Akris Fall 2009 runway on style.com. 2. Janis Savitt chain and colored stones necklace from saks.com. 3.Croco-embossed leather cuff KARA by Kara Ross on vivre.com. 4 Marc by Marc Jacobs bag on couturezappos.com. 5. Ruffle pump in raisin from anntaylor.com. 6. Bottega Veneta Fall 2009 runway on style.com. 7. Eggplant python clutch by Sang A. on vivre.com. 8. Kalei pumps on zappos.com.

Comments

georgia says... I love what you are writing about color. I live in white shirts and jeans and I am bored! I would really love that Akris jacket!!

coca bee says... Great! I know what I am doing with my old LBD. I can't believe how reasonable the shoes are and I like both alot. Thanks for this blog. Love it!!!

jim dorsey says... Love your blog. And loving the season's rich purples. Invested in a deep-purple pinstripe jacket, and wore to a wedding Friday and dinner Sunday. Classic as navy, way more fun. PS: Kate Spade has a good purple tight for $28.