Feeling Gray (Again)

Gwyneth with a gray Alexander Wang "Emile" bag

I had lunch at Bergdorf Goodman with my good friend, the talented and superchic designer Elyn Kim.  Her Airess collection is a staple in my wardrobe -- I live in the soft silk tanks for day and night, love her ethereal blouses and always feel polished in her tailored separates. She also makes striking, unique jewelry.  She is a very fashionable working mom with amazing taste.  While browsing Bergdorf's, she showed me a purchase she was considering -- a gorgeous, gorgeous Celine envelope clutch/bag in pale gray with petal pink lining. I had crazy bag envy.  And it reenforced my current love of everything gray -- especially accessories.

Celine

Blake Lively with a Chanel bag

Tom Brandy and Gisele with a Miu Miu bag

I've been carrying a gray Chloe clutch a lot lately (thanks to my sister).  I love that it is not black -- it's more neutral, a tad more subtle and seems a bit cooler.  For my next big bag buy, I was thinking of going for a tote in  a pinky-nude shade but now I am back to considering gray....  and I am loving these Alexander Wang bags with the rose-gold hardware.

Alexander Wang Darcy hobo in Smoke

Alexander Wang Darcy Hobo in Sage

  

Shades of gray? Or pinky pale? Decisions, decisions...

Alexander Wang Darcy Hobo in Latte

Alexander Wang Emile Tote in Eggshell

Alexander Wang Emile Tote in Dove Grey

Which basic shade do you think has the most longevity and versatility?

Blue Wave

Sarah Jessica Parker

More on the recent wave of color... Caribbean blue also seems to be transitioning from the runways to the red carpet and the streets. SJP looks effortlessly chic. Love the flouncy, feminine skirt paired with a tailored jacket (and those crazy high Louboutins!).

Jessica Alba in Atelier Versace

Blakey Lively in Pucci

The glamour gowns are definitely red carpet worthy (and Blake Lively's choice of footwear is fab)... However, I admit that this is not a color I am usually drawn to.  It doesn't read sophisticated to me -- although, SJP's urban-polished look may change my mind. What do you think? Maybe it's better on blue-eyed blonds?

For spring and summer  (and pretty much all year), I wear a ton of navy. I've posted about it before -- it is one of my favorite wardrobe shades.  Is there something in between this eye-catching cornflower blue and a classic dark navy (royal?) that would be worth trying? Say, a patent Manolo or a Proenza PS1 bag?!

Christian Louboutin

Manolo Blahnik

Proenza Schouler

Orange Crush

Diane Kruger in Lanvin

It seems like black has taken a backseat to brights on the red carpet lately -- especially this spectrum of orange-y to poppy red shades. (I guess we can be grateful that the celebs can test out the new trends for us.) So far, I think spring's electric hues are looking good. I love the idea of going for such a bold shade at night -- sure to get you noticed! -- especially paired with an equally bold shoe in a different color.

Emma Stone in Lanvin

Blake Lively in Marchesa

Kate Bosworth in Calvin Klein

Orange is the ultimate summer shade -- it looks great with white jeans and shorts (staples), as well as khaki, denim and chambray (and a tan!). have a pair of T-strap Ferragamo sandals in apricot that I wore to death last summer so, I need to find replacements. I almost forgot about my tangerine-y leather Tods tote that I have not used in years. It's super sporty and will be perfect for casual around town days. I also just unearthed a pair of satin ballet flats in the shade that I bought a few years ago and have never worn...will start now (if the snow ever melts!).

 

Rachel Bilson in Burberry

 A fitted cardi in a bright shade would be cute and easy to wear... with just a simple tank or nothing underneath.  Gold jewelry is a superchic accompaniment to bright orange on sunny days -- so layer it on!

And of course an accessory would be the easiest way to get in on the trend without making too much of a statement. Love the Marni rope bracelet!

Tory Burch

Miu Miu

Marni