Pretty Purple

It may not be the first pair of shoes or bag you reach for off the shelf, but you have to admit there is something pretty and elegant  (and maybe even sexy?) about purple ... 

3.1 Phillip Lim

Marc Jacobs

Lanvin

Miu Miu

Yves Saint Laurent

J.Crew

I actually buy a lot of purple -- dresses, tops, bags, shoes -- for my three-year-old daughter. It is her absolute favorite color. Perhaps it's time to start adding a little to my wardrobe?

Sarah Jessica Parker

Read all about bringing purple passion into your life on my post on the Well Appointed House blog.

Red Alert

Need a little inspiration to get your bright on?  Natalia Vodianova radiates in her little red jacket and matching Chanel bag.   

The stores are full of this poppy hue for spring... I stopped into Zara the other day and saw racks of pieces in this spirited shade. I love buying on-trend pieces there because it is not a big investment or a commitment.  Wear it just few times during the season and it is no big loss.  I'm thinking of going back to get a one of these dresses and the basic tank.

I bought this for my mini-mes (wish they had it in my size!):

A cute cotton short or skirt in this tomato red might be an simple/sweet way to wear it -- with just a white tank or tee. 

J.Crew

J.Crew

A slouchy tote or flats in red would no doubt end up being summer staples...I like the matte leather in this shade of red.

Marc Jacobs

J.Crew

I think a little poppy could go a long way, no?

First Lady of Fashion

Wow! Michelle Obama looks amazing in Alexander McQueen. Once again, the First Lady defies tradition by going for a non-American designer -- and for something bold and statement-making. The scarlet stunner was created by Sarah Burton, who took over at the label after Lee McQueen's death last year. It seems to be a variation of a gown from the line's recent resort collection. Red, of course, is a nod to China as the White House was hosting Hu Jintao, the "President" of China.

I love that she wears real fashion... major designers like McQueen, Alaia, Narcisco, Gaultier, Marc Jacobs; new fashion darlings like Thakoon and Jason Wu; and is not afraid to mix in some J.Crew and Gap!

It is so exciting that we are in a moment where strong female rolemodels embrace fashion. Michelle Obama runs in a pack of chic leaders' wives, including France's first lady, former model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who favors ladylike Dior. They don't mind showing up their husbands! (Although both Carla Bruni and Michelle Obama seem to wear flats or kitten heels most of the time, no doubt in an effort to not tower over their high-powered spouses).

British Prime Minister David Cameron's wife Samantha, the former creative director of Smythson of Bond Street and now an ambassador for the British Fashion Council, goes for a more casual look in Brit labels like TopShop, Paul Smith, Erdem and Osman Yousefzada.

And perhaps the chicest (and no doubt richest) of all is Queen Rania. She is certainly no stranger to high-end designer clothes!

Inspiring for the budding fashionistas out there...