Celine Pre Fall 2010: Not for the Color Shy

Celine, Pre Fall 2010; Photo: Courtesy of Celine

Looking at this stunning outfit from Celine’s Pre Fall 2010 showing, I would never guess that this fashion house started in 1945 as a made-to-measure shoe business for children. I absolutely adore Celine and am issuing a disclaimer that our next Off the Runway segment may also focus on Celine because I saw about a dozen other looks in this collection that I would love to feature.

Replicating this solid-colored ensemble is a piece of cake; just throw on a long-sleeved black mini-dress, red footed tights and red Mary Jane’s.  But don’t be fooled by this seemingly simple combination; red and black make a bold duo that immediately pops. Picking out the right combination of shades is key. Opt for dark crimson red tights; when choosing shoes, stick with a lighter shade of red that has more orange undertones to it.

(Tangent: Doesn’t this look totally remind you of Kate Spade? I’m not sure if it was a seasonal thing or more of a branding effort, but this fall one of the Kate Spade ads featured red tights AND all of the staff members were wearing them when I went to the Kate Spade store during the holidays.)

Given the intensity of the colors, stick with a simple hairstyle. Try a ponytail with a side part, flat ironed tresses parted straight down the middle or some soft waves. When it comes to makeup, once again–less is more. Emphasize just one feature by pairing a strong red lip with just a bit of liner and mascara. Or you can do a smoky eye with a nude or sheer lip.

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Black Knit Dress Refined ($24.80, Forever21)

Red Nylon/Lycra MicroFiber Solid Color Tights ($12.50, www.welovecolors.com)

rsvp ‘Lauren’ Ruffled Mary Janes ($56.05, Zappos)

StealThisDress! Savings Factor: 5