Image from The Sartorialist
Judging from the 100+ people who "liked" this photo in Google Reader, I wasn't the only one smitten with this Sartorialist snapshot from several weeks ago. But my admiration was also tinged with a hint of a "Great minds think alike!" mentality; for the last month I've been injecting little touches of red here and there in my outfits too. A dash of crimson goes a long way in tying together an outfit, giving neutrals a much-needed bit of colour, or adding some sophistication to a look.
Timex Modern Grande watch ($75), Joe Fresh nail polish in 'Cherry' ($4), NARS velvet matte lip pencil in 'Cruella' ($30), Kate Spade 'Randi' rain boots, Liz Claiborne apple brooch, Spa Ritual nail polish in 'Kiss the Cook' ($16 at BeautyMark), Sephora Rouge Cream lipstick in 'Hot Tango' ($16), Forever 21 glossy skinny belt ($3.80)
Luckily for those of us on a budget, adding a touch of red to an outfit is affordable and achievable. Shoes with a scarlet flourish are a good start. You could also pin a sparkly brooch on a dark coat, swap your everyday watch for one with a red strap, or thread a skinny patent leather belt through your belt loops. Of course, for the most versatility, you can always opt for a red lipstick or nail polish.
The collage above encapsulates my favourite ways to add the colour into my everyday looks. What are yours? Would you try this look?
UPDATE [November 28,2011]: Well, that was a bust. After less than a year--a very blissful year--with my Kate Spade rain boots, I was less than happy to find that the rubber was cracking at the ankle. Talk about shoddy quality! The search is on for a replacement pair.
A touch of red IS such a great way to add interest to an outfit. Especially soemthing classic like all black or black and white. I usually do this with red lips or red polish. Still really need a great pair of red shoes. That pic from The Sartorialist is awesome!
ReplyDeleteLove that look! I have a pair of red JCrew flats that I just adore because I almost always wear black, so I can at least get a pop of color from my shoes-especially in winter where I'll pair black dresses with....black tights. You need something bright in your outfit!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could still wear them...they don't fit my orthotics so they've been collecting dust in my closet :( I'm waiting for an F&F sale at one of the big department stores in the US to splurge on a pair of Ferragamo varinas instead.
BTW I really love the Kate Spade boots you bought-just a nice amount of red accent on them :)
I like this! Red is one of my favorite colors, and I love the pop of color a red pair of shoes can give to any outfit. Of course, I still have to experiment with red lipstick... I have a near-unused tube of it in my makeup bag.
ReplyDeleteI think red is a pretty colour too but it can be such an attention grabber and I don't always like that. But lately I've fallen in love with the look of red nail polish so I think I'll start small and go with that first. :) Eventually maybe I'll be confident enough to rock red shoes, haha.
ReplyDeleteI always love adding a red element into my outfits, especially red lipstick. I think it makes such an elegant & bold statement! Great post Lisa :) And I'm STILL coveting those rain boots!
ReplyDeleteXo Chelle
discoveringelegance.com
I totally agree! Most recently I've been using red lipstick, but I also like wearing a bold red skirt or shoes. I like how you included your Kate Spade rainboots... I saw them on sale at Piperlime but they were all sold out in sizes :( What a great buy! Between those and your Badgley Mischka leopard purse, I am pretty darn envious of your shopping finds!
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a great week!
Jen
I never check the Sartorialist. I guess I'm missing out!
ReplyDeleteI love red, full on dresses as well as touches of red. Red lipstick is def. my favorite. But shoes are def. the best pop of red, I have a pair of winklepickers in red, that I'm obsessed with.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I would totally work an inspired outfit from this! I've got cute red shoes from Anthropologie, and a cloche hat to boot!
ReplyDeleteRed doesn't have to be in lipstick or in polish - I really like your red watch - perfect accent!