just add red...

"when in doubt...wear red" ~ bill blass

one of my favorite quotes...there is something about the color red...stirs up passion...power...and even more alluring when there is just a touch of red...as in the pic below that came across my pinterest account...isn't this look fabulous??

red is the perfect color to enhance your quality classic pieces...and believe me...a little red goes a long long way...red lips can be so dramatic against a neutral palette...coco chanel comes to mind with her black suit...with layers of pearls around her neck...and her best shade of red lipstick...such an easy look to copy...will you try it?

if red lips are not your thing...how about some nice red heels or flats?  a beautiful red scarf...a red belt...even a gorgeous red blazer will hit the perfect amount of red against your neutrals...which is the great thing...it could be against your black...or camel...navy, grey or white...

so how will you add red to your wardrobe?

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a winning combination...

so many combinations that can be played out in your closet...whether it be mixing patterns...mixing colors...wearing solids...color blocking...one of the trends you will be seeing a lot of this fall season...is the combining of neutrals...

if you ask me...it is a pretty classy look...and the combination of camel & grey...has me completely swooning...

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let us neutralize...

many people need to let go of the head-to-toe-black mentality...one piece of black is stellar...four pieces of black is...well stale...the number one thing i do with every client is get them out of black and introduce them to the alternatives of other neutrals...such as charcoal grey and chocolate brown...

i think that black is a fantastic neutralizer...but from head to toe...it just...well...makes me think of a mourning period..especially if you're on your way past forty...buy shades of cream...sand...and stone and mix them in with your grey and slate...when you pepper black in as statement pieces...well...you look pretty well put together...if you love jewel tones...they will fuse smartly with these two color palettes...

what other combinations are out there? try a creamy sand and stone palette...while on the other end of the color wheel...there is the beautiful silvery slate greys...i find that drained color...a softer version of a vibrant hue...stays fresh looking...if you wear the drained sister palette of your favorite bright color...you will not tire of it as quickly and it will last longer in your wardrobe...

so come on...let's neutralize...

perfect palettes...

for those that have been reading my blog for a while...i'm sure it comes as no surprise that i am an avid lover of color...the brighter...the better...but...alas...i realize that there are those who are not that thrilled with color...are afraid of it...or just prefer not to wear it...

this post is for you...

give a jolt to your wardrobe with monochromatic outfits...some of the most ravishing looks i've seen on the runway...owe their "wow" factor to a simple whitewash...or other single color scheme...consider single-tone get-ups for their practicality...no heavy lifting on the matching front...and best of all...their magical ability to shroud bodily flaws...you'll look as sleek as an ionic column...

an abundance of like-colored garments also cuts down on the visual clutter in your closet...(i highly recommend arranging your closet by hues...) if you embrace the monochromatic look...remember that it is best executed in subtle...not scary...shades...white, black, grey...and other neutral hues work best...if you want to step out a bit more...try red and pink...great fashion neutrals...best to stay away from head-to-toe purple...unless you want to be mistaken for a certain preschool idol...just saying...

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all one ever needs is a little "leopard" neutral...

hello dear fabulous finds readers...i am back from a much needed vacation...my biggest decision was "what do i want to eat?" sigh...i read 3 books...lounged by the pool...dipped my toes in the ocean...and most importantly...just relaxed...

i am just getting back to the swing of things...so i thought i would leave you with this picture i took of a little baby waiting at the airport close to me...i'm sure you have no doubts that this made me smile...i asked the mom if i could take her picture...well...actually...a picture of her adorable socks...yes...they are socks...seriously...what more does anyone need to complete an outfit then a little burst of leopard...yes...my favorite neutral...

put together: neutral casual & chic...

there is something so relaxing about this outfit...neutrals from head to toe...so easy and comfortable...yet looking fabulously put together...

does this work for you?

blazer, pants & top - burberry london
scanned by moi from nordstrom catalog

my favorite neutral...

i know for some of you...this might be a stretch...but yes...i view leopard print as a neutral...it really does go with everything...and adds just the right amount of animalistic spice...

i saw a quote the other day by the fabulous jackie collins..."my weakness is wearing too much leopard print"...let me just say...joan darling...that is not a weakness...well...maybe if you decide to wear leopard head to toe...which i have seen on the street...sometimes...too much of a good thing...is...well...too much of a good thing...

i have to say though...i have come across two incredible pics recently that stopped me dead in my tracks...they were a fabulous combination of leopard prints...the first was from the sartorialist...click here to see this amazing outfit...it works...the outfit is spot on...excuse the pun...and the next was an interview done by fashionindie of the ever fabulous jane aldridge...scroll down and feast your eyes on her 5th outfit...that is truly knowing how to put an incredible outfit together...it doesn't hurt that she is just absolutely adorable...AND...she loves shoes! you can also follow her wonderful blog posts on sea of shoes...

when i look at my own closet of leopard print loves...it definately does not stop on one item...i have shoes with leopard print glory...i have blouses, a skirt, coats...and i wear them...year after year after year...is it any wonder why this is my favorite neutral? click here to see my favorite coat & blouse...in leopard print...of course...