"When in doubt, wear red." - Bill Blass

Red is a vibrant and stimulating color.  It screams energy and immediately draws your eye (therefore, only wear it where you want to accentuate your assets).  Red is supposed to increase enthusiasm, encourage action and confidence, while giving us a sense of protection from our fears and anxieties.  I also found out that it is the color of the root chakra.  The base or root chakra is located at the base of the spine. Supposedly, focusing on the color red allows us to ground our "energetic body".  In other words, it helps us to regroup when we find ourselves "spacing out".  And, red represents beauty in many languages.

With all of the praise and good vibes that red brings, why do we always shy away from this color?  Well, it is a bold color. You will draw attention if you wear a brilliant red dress, skirt or blouse, but is this such a bad thing?  Not at all!  So, now is your chance.  Red is back and bigger than ever this fall.  Not just as an accent, but as the main attraction.  This brings me to the point of this post... a perfect way to transition your wardrobe is to bring a little red into your life.

There are so many options that you will most definitely find the piece that is right for you.  It could be a dress, skirt, blouse, pants or shorts... whatever it is that you makes you feel the most comfortable.  Just remember (as I said before), only wear red where you feel it is befitting to draw attention.  For example, if you are a bit bottom heavy, a red pair of pants or pencil skirt, may not be the most flattering option.  Rather,  focus on a red blouse, a-line dress or fuller skirt.  

Let's get on with it, shall we...

Cacharel

Asos

DVF

MARC by Marc Jacobs

Joie

Elie Tahari

Sexy chic courtesy of Victoria's Secret

To make the transition to red even easier, Harper's Bazaar gave some great advice this month... wear red with python print accessories and gold jewelry.  This is the perfect way to wear red now and into the chillier weather.  Happy shopping!

                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, asos.com, dvf.com, shopbop.com, victoriassecret.com

Will You Wear Red on Valentine's Day?

To be totally honest, I am not one who dresses in specific colors to celebrate a holiday or sporting event.  If the Steelers (my hubbie's favorite team) are playing the Patriots, I won't go to the bar wearing navy or red, but I am also not going in black or yellow (well, maybe black...).  I don't wear orange & black on Halloween, green & red on or around Christmas, or red... until now.... I am starting to rethink wearing red on Valentine's day.

Why?  Well, first, I am in a Spring mood!  I don't want to look at anymore wool sweaters, snow boots, or puffy coats.  I am obsessed with brown/neutral woven heels, maxi dresses, flare jeans and any type of dress that is silk or chiffon with a great drape!  And, for some reason I cannot get red (or any variation of the color) mixed with neutrals off of my brain.  With the resurgence of the neutral heel, handbag and belt, there are so many more ways to wear red that help to soften the color a bit.

Let's face it, red can be a very harsh color.  Paired with black accessories is not a bad look, but very heavy and expected.  Pairing red with an animal print is cute, but there have to be other options.  Enter the neutral shoe and accessories.  It is so nice to have so many options... nude, grey, metallic, even a pale blush... this is a fantastic season for variety, which leads to a perfect scenario for experimentation.  Beautiful red dresses, shorts, pants... there is just so much to play with, you really must try one piece this spring!  So, will you wear red on Valentine's Day?

                         - Allison

*photos courtesy of saksfifthavenue.com, jcrew.com, yoox.com & topshop.com