color me gladd

i don't wear color. let me restate. i don't wear color very often. so when i do, people go mental. they pay me compliments left and right. yet, for the most part, i stick to black, gray, brown, very neutral beiges and taupes. and that's what i like. i wonder if i get more compliments when i wear color because it genuinely looks better on me? i think a lot of people are like me, and stick to "safe" colors...or for me, i think it's because i can mix n match and wear my key pieces so many different ways. color can be a challenge. you don't want to overdo it for fear of looking like a court jester. so what i like about holiday dressing is all the jewel tones. the purples, deep green, burgundy, even reds (which i'll never wear b/c i instantly look like i have rosacea) are perfect for the season. i like seeing jewel toned dresses worn with black opaque tights and great shoes.

the key to pulling off these satiny colored dresses is keeping everything else simple. wearing a solid color dress and then matching your accessories to it makes me cringe. the dress is the standout piece. don't feel like you have to have the same color chandelier earrings or big cocktail ring. you can do a dramatic piece of jewelry, and if you feel the need to add more color, choose another jewel tone to play off of it. like with this blue dress, wear a big ring like this one:

there are great holiday tops in jewel tones too. i love the silky nature of this emerald green button down.
great way to add color to your wardrobe, worn tastefully with the moto leggings. it's all about balance. i've been saying it for years. edgy rockery pants paired with sexy, demure silk top. done and done. example #2--ruffly feminine jewel toned top, mixed with sliced up jeans. perfection. some might think they're not "trendy" or "young" enough to wear this look. but honestly, it's easier to pull off than one thinks. if you're not a ripped up denim or if you're not a moto detailed fan, just wear your favorite skinny jeans. if it's a dressier occassion, stick to perfectly fitted black pants and your favorite heels. it's really a no brainer here.

when i do wear color, i have to say, my mood is slightly lifted. it's something different for me, and i know what colors work. i can wear purple like there's no tomorrow. greens work...surprisingly yellow is good on me. but put a red, pink or orange hue anywhere near me, and my skin suddenly turns shades of red. i look like i just had a chemical peel. seriously. or wicked wind burn. it's gross. so, try out the color spectrum and find what works on your skin tone and go from there.

if you're still hesitant to rotate your blacks and grays with a color, take baby steps. introduce some colored jewelry into your wardrobe.
either one of these statement necklaces will do wonders to your all-black ensemble. adding a pop of color really makes an impact.

you'd be surprised at how this subtly colored serpant bracelet will stand out against a black dress. just give it a shot. playing with color definitely brightens up any dull winter day. and just your luck, stop into fred for these great savings, and score some jewel toned pieces:

now thru december 18th: all dresses are $25 off, tops $15 off

sweaters, coats n denim are all buy one get one half off!

with sales like that, how can you not afford to scoop up some new garb? or get some gifts for your friends and family? hope to see you at fred soon. happy holiday shopping!