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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

plum perfect in 2008


the color purple

Doesn't it look delicious? Almost as enticing as Eve's apple... I've been a bit of a rebel lately myself, evading my blogging responsibilities and instead opting for pedicures on the Georgia coast. Who wouldn't choose a good sugar-scrub by the ocean over hours at the computer? My pampering wasn't entirely in vain, as my polish color inspired me to write about one of the latest fall trends... the color purple.

oscar de la renta fall rtw 2008

michael kors fall rtw 2008

matthew williamson fall rtw 2008
style.com

Plums, eggplants, grapes, and violets turned up all over the fall 2008 runways from Paris to New York... which is good news for all. Rich shades of purple tend to be very forgiving and universal -- that is, they are easily complemented by most neutrals and they do not favor a particular complexion -- making them ideal for blondes and brunettes alike in Oscar de la Renta's fall ready-to-wear collection, which featured shades of royal purple, plum, and deep fushia intermixed with light browns, dark greys, and wine-colored suede boots. American designer Michael Kors opted for feminine shades of violet paired with soft camel-colored sweaters, furs, and accessories and elegant nude pumps. The look exudes soft sophistication and the models looked as cuddly as cashmere teddy bears... but beware! violets and light purples can wash-out certain complexions, particularly in the paler months. Last but not least, quirky British designer Matthew Williamson brought a touch of Indian flair, mixing rich fushias from Mumbai with modern tartans from Edinburgh.

black cherry chutney
louvre me or louvre me not
parlez-vous opi?

And, of course, the trend extends far beyond the realm of slick catwalks accessible only to global fashionistas. Nail polish is an excellent way to find your perfect purple (or to be fashion forward without a huge investment). OPI has added several stellar shades for the fall: Black Cherry Chutney is deliciously a dark black-red that evokes the vivid landscape of the East... Louvre me or louvre me not is a bold purple that screams royal glamour (and would look divine paired with black)... while the smoky-violet Parlez-vous opi? has a sensuous 'come hither' quality that compliments just about any style...

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better...



rebecca taylor ruffle sleeve top, $225 net-a-porter
rab labs agate picture frame, $45 vivre
diamond pattern dome paperweight, iomoi
kim seybert "wood bead" placemat, $60 vivre
chanel purple cross bracelet, bag borrow or steal
catherine malandrino deep v-neck sweater dress, net-a-porter
kim seybert "jewel cuff" napkin ring, $115 vivre
lauren merkin sequin "classic clutch," $228 searle nyc
betsey johnson "wells" pump, nordstrom
thomas paul "goldfinch" silk twill pillow, thomas paul
marc by marc jacobs "geo gems" print skirt, $187 net-a-porter

1 comment:

jkw said...

Dear Shades of Grey,
I absolutely love your blog and your topic on purple has reminded ME to rent something plum this Fall. Thanks for the shout out for Bag Borrow or Steal.
All the best and keep writing!
Jodi Watson
Chief Marketing Officer
www.BagBorrowOrSteal.com