Rainbow connection: Ombre in fashion

Recently I’ve seen a lot of “ombre” or gradient shading in clothing and accessories. This is a kind of tie dye trend, but upscale (ombre , en francais, means shaded). The mix of colors reminds me of a rainbow, hence the Kermit the Frog “Rainbow Connection” reference.

The first sight of this trend, for me, was by Prada. I love the patent shades of their Vernice Sfumata clutch. L.A.M.B. offers a rich green Manchester ombre tote. The wallet friendly Caprice tote is a fraternal twin of Gwen’s Manchester tote. Another side of the spectrum is Fendi’s pastel doctor bag….what a sherbet- like treat. And YSL‘s Raspail red and canvas tote reminds me of my favorite painter pants (from 5^th grade).

You’re feet can get into the action in these delightful shoes. St. Christian Louboutin (patron saint of gorgeous shoes) delights with blushing python pumps. Or try tapping your spring toes in Ferragamo’s bright and shiny coral Varina flat.

Sport your Sunday best in Marc Jacobs’ 2 toned Mary Janes or Prada’s Vernice flats. Both look like you’ve dipped your toes in a puddle of paint. YSL’s patent t-strap wedges look like your favorite graffiti artist’s latest work. Clothing, by far, has the most shaded options; all perfect for jump starting our spring wardrobes.

Flirty dresses are still on everyone’s catwalk.

DKNY offers a city favorite, grey and tan neutrals, updated for a night out. Narciso Rodriguez and Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti offer black tie paint splattered dresses; perfect to cover up those art studio trysts. Thakoon’s geometric cocktail dress has beautiful shades of ‘ready to dance at a wedding’.

Both Nina Ricci’s tie dye scarf blouse and Vince’s dip dyed shirred top would look great with a sleek pair of wide legged jeans.

IF pastel are your pleasure, then try on Behnaz Sarafpour’s silk tank dress in green verdant hues. Diane von Furstenburg’s Kawai dip dye shift is pure 80’s fun. Vince’s shirred shift dress in will have you seeing the world through rose colored glasses.Dressing is a day at the beach in Go Jane’s Breno tank (reminds me of the Venice beachfront).

Accessories are abundant in ombre, as well. Scarves are always an option for quick change and updates. Modernize your peepers with these sunglasses from Urban Outfitters. Or pop a new piece of jewelry on; La Mer has an ocean inspired watch and perennial favorite Alexis Bittar has a Lucite rose quartz ring that would look great around a Pina Colada.

The ombre trend offers you a solution to choosing a specific color. If you can’t decide, no problem, use all hues at once!