Celine Pre Fall 2010: Not for the Color Shy

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)

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Yves Saint Laurent Zip-Top Easy Tote

Dayuuum. That’s all I have to say about the YSL Zip-Top Easy  Tote. No, seriously though, this may be the most fantastic bag I’ve ever seen.

That color! The website calls it red, but to me, it’s clearly pink. I realize that this color may limit the mass appeal of the bag. As someone who has phone, camera, laptop, iPod and wallet are all pink, I sometimes overlook this aspect. I think this is what makes this a gutsy, “I stand out” bag.

What else is perfect about the YSL Zip-Top Easy Tote? The size. 11″ x 16″ x 8″ means it will fit papers, a couple of folders, a little makeup bag and other stuff you need for the day. So that means you can take it to work! Isn’t that always the ultimate justification for a fashion purchase, whether you can use it for work or not?

I realize I may sound way too excited right now, but there must be something to pink bags if Sarah Jessica Parker wore one, right?

Technorati Tags: Bag, Bags, neiman marcus, Pink, Red, sarah jessica parker, tote, YSL, yves saint laurent

Red Nails + Black Rings

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Take Two for Jean Jackets

Word is that the jean jacket is making a comeback. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about this. When I think of  denim jackets, I picture middle aged men wearing them with ripped jeans and white sports sneakers, circa 1990. But recently, many celebs have been sporting them–Kim Kardashian and Jessica Simpson just to name a couple. Read more

Technorati Tags: denim jackets, Ecko, Guess, jessica simpson, leather motorcycle jacket, nordstrom, pocket denim, Red