Color Crush: Red (Part II)

 It's pretty evident these days that my repetitive color crush comes in shades of blue (and it's made a demi-permanent appearance in my life), but I thought I'd take my red color crush one step further, too. The red sweater & pants here both came home with me during last year's Zara sale (side note—does anyone know when this year's starts?), when I was stuck in NYC two extra days and went into the city to buy ONE coat and left with $400+ of merch. Oops? I was shopping with my feelings that day, but hey—everything I picked up has been worn multiple times (like the pants here and the sweater here). These red separates have also become my go-to look for holiday parties this season. I dressed them up with silver pumps and some clear, sparkly bling for a dressier office party, then toned it down with flat black ankle boots and a simple pendant necklace for a casual gathering at a friend's.

Zara Sweater (similar, 30% off w/ code GIFTNOW) and Pants (similar)

Jessica Simpson Pumps || Badgley Mischka by Sequin Necklace

Photos: Joey DeBenedetto

Color Crush: Red

If you've been following me on Pinterest, you may have noticed I started keeping color-themed boards earlier this year (and if you're not following me yet, you can find me here!). A more recent addition has been for the color red, which I've always had a mixed-feelings relationship with, despite its reputation for working well on blondes. Not only can it be tough to pull off—hello, all eyes on me color!—I'm afraid of looking too holiday when I wear it since it calls to mind Christmas, or even the 4th of July if you bring in too much white or blue. Thankfully, it being the holidays, I've got the perfect excuse to wear it head-to-toe and test out our true relationship (check back later this week to see how I pulled it off!). It's definitely a bold, statement color, but in a sea of New York City black on black looks, it's nice to stand out every once in a while.

You can check out more of my color crushes here!

*all images via

Color Crush: Cobalt

If you've been a regular visitor for a while (thank you!), you're aware of my affinity for the color blue. If forced to guess, I would say 1/3 or so my closet is made up of shades of blue, from royal to cobalt to turquoise to mint to teal-and my nail polish collection, too. Naturally I was beyond excited to hear that Pantone had named dazzling blue their color of the year for 2014, particularly since my shopping addiction buying habits still seem to gravitate towards any and all shades. 

You may remember I added a flounced blue coat to my wardrobe last year, but this year I'm looking for clean, modern lines à la Tibi. I'd also love to get a pair (or two) of blue heels-bonus if they're metallic! Blue is one of the easiest colors to incorporate into both your wardrobe and your home-it's a relaxing, calm hue but brings more personality than a gray or black (yet blends seamlessly with both).   

Clockwise from top left: Nasty Gal Shoes || Tibi Twill Coat || West Elm Agate Bookend || BKR Water Bottle || DVF Austine Sweater || Dori Scengeri Icarus Earrings || Tess Giberson Leather Pencil Skirt || Zara Suede Pump || Clare Vivier Brocade Clutch || 7 For All Mankind Cigarette Jean || Elizabeth and James Blouse || Adrianna Papell Lace Dress || Noir Jewelry Necklace || Butter London polish in Scouse

Color Crush: Purple

It's been a bit since I've brought you a color crush, and the color purple seemed especially prudent this week due to its connotations with royalty and there being a royal baby and all (who, by the way, happens to be my 12th cousin or so a few times removed!). While my first color love seems to be rapidly turning into shades of turquoise & blue (evidenced here, here, here and here), purple pulls a close second. Not only does it look fantastic paired with rich shades of blue & green-peacock colors, anyone?-it makes a statement all on its own in everything from home decor to sartorial choices.

Yellow has long been a favorite of mine, clothing aside, simply because of its boldness. Purple is another one of those colors that you rarely see in rich, vibrant form, but I sincerely hope it makes a bit of a comeback because I wouldn't mind dressing in head to toe shades of purple (which I am convinced I can pull off without looking like a grape, since the blues went over quite well without making me look too much like a blueberry).

*all images via