I recently wrote about the current trend of gray accessories but this color trend isn’t confined to the world of fashion and can be a sophistocated addition to your home.
In the living room, gray is a beautiful neutral that can be combined with many colors, for a fresh spring look. And by using gray in the palette, even the guy in my life is comfortable contributing to the design of his favorite rooms. (As long as I can still have a girlie room somewhere in the house).
(more…)
(2 comments so far)
·
Bookmark this post
I think seeing my favorite documentary “Grey Gardens” might have inspired my new obsession for gray accessories. Since, as Edie would say ” I think this is the best costume for the day”.
“Little Edie” Beale, my “gray” fashion icon
While writing this post, my pal Julie gave me the most beautiful gray and black leopard print scarf and glove set - a very happy coincidence!
Although I am dressing vibrantly this winter, I look forward to toting fabulous gray bags and shoes.
Designers have incorporated every shade of gray in their collections, this season. But since my budget does not allow for designer bags and shoes, my primary focus is on budget accessories.
I believe that as trends ‘come and go’ , you can certainly save your money for classic pieces , by spending less on the accouterments. Of course the YSL flannel tote, Balenciaga’s leather tote, Marc Jacobs multi pocket hob0, and Prada’s duffle like satchel are examples of soon - to -be classics. But each will lighten your wallet by $1300- $2400 .
I am truly impressed with Todd Oldham’s late winter collection for Old Navy. I will absolutely buy the gray bolwer bag (canvas with suede trim) and tote for my spring outings. And I must have his suede wedge mary janes in “urban dwelling grey”. Any of these will cost you under $30 - my kind of splurge. I’m going to say a little prayer - “please let them be as cute in person, as they are on the website”. Amen.
Target and Banana Republic have some great grey patent leather styles. This CL by Laundry PVC bag , with great D-ring handles, is under $20 at Target.com and BR wide patent belt is $68. Michael Kors has a pair of patent spectator heels that are perfect for a night out.
I regularly cruise the Anthropologie website , in search of new items and great sale prices. This week I fell in love with a pair of shoes and sheer white tights. The sling backs are called “Smoke and Fire” (grey with coral accents) that list for $340 .The Hue tights are by Tracy Reese ; for $28 these are a more realistic purchase.
But falling in love doesn’t have to be realistic…so I can still dream of these shoes…and a romance with Daniel Craig , while we’re at it !
Speigel groups “hot” trends together in their catalog, which I find quite helpful in my search for something new. This season they have sumptuous suede totes and boots - all for under $90 each. I think the booties and belted bag look very 60s and mod - definitely a classic look.
**Buyers beware…I do not encourage you to pair the suede tote with a mauve lace dress. Yuk!**
If you’re not into the girlie patent leather or polka dots, then you should like these more masculine styles. Newport News catalog (also the home town of many color mavens) offers the cutest gray flannel cap. Armani Exchange has a tailored utilitarian gray canvas bag…perfect for roaming the streets of any city.
I conider make up another accessory essential. I’ve seen gray eyeshadow as the newest addition to YSL Touche Eclat Eyeshadow pens. Magazines are filled with sophisticated models , all with blunt bobs, wearing these delightful shades on their lids.
OPI has a new shade of pale matte gray polish named “Birthday Babe”. This is a welcome addition to salon choices….it’s nice to have a gray shade that isn’t glittery.
It seems that the only thing gray NOT in fashion this season …is gray hair. Guess I need to visit my hairdresser soon.
(6 comments so far)
·
Bookmark this post
I was enjoying a pleasant moment this morning at one of my favorite coffee haunts when the violation occurred. In walks this otherwise attractive, well-dressed, older gentleman…with shoe polish black hair.
What was he thinking!?! He must be one of the men that has a difficult time believing that women find gray hair sexy.
I mean, what other reason could there be for him to have reached for the Grecian Formula to try to restore his once dark (but not that dark) hair color?
All he has to do is look around to see that women can’t seem to get enough of men gone gray. Look at CNN’s latest “It” boy Anderson Cooper, actor extraordinaire George Clooney, or even “American Idol” hopeful Taylor Hicks.
If that isn’t enough to convince a guy to stay with the gray, then at least he should have a good hair colorist work their magic on his mane so I can get back to enjoying my latte.
(No comments yet)
·
Bookmark this post
In looking at the direction for gray this year, the word that keeps coming to mind is “sfumato.” This is an Italian term derived from “fumo,” meaning “smoke.”
Sfumato is a term I have heard often in the last year because it is a word used to describe the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
The short definition of sfumato is the translucent layering of color to create the perceptions of volume and depth; the colors are blended so subtly that you cannot perceive the transition or the individual colors.
In describing many of the grays that I am seeing, it is difficult to truly say if the color would be considered gray or brown or green or some other hue. The colors have depth and are rich, smoky, and sexy.
These are the types of color that are complex and can hold your interest. You can’t immediately put a label on them.
See what is being said about gray in all of its variations:
“Gray, in all its sexy, smoky permutations, is a major tone for fall jeans.” -InStyle magazine “Top Denim Trends”
“Gray is the new neutral for 2006 and will be warming up, so much so, that it will be hard to tell the gray from the brown.” -Mannington
“The British designer Matthew Williamson…handled color well at a moment when fashion is becoming more somber. His palette of grays,mauves and pinks was gentle and efffective.” -Suzy Menkes for the International Herald Tribune
“First made glamorous in the ’40’s by Katherine Hepburn and her signature menswear-inspired look, Grey-Flannel turns up on fall’s most versatile pieces.” -Elle.com
“Gray- the color of the season is sophisticated and versatile for both daytime and evening.” -Harper’s Bazaar magazine (Aug 2006)
Photo from Calvin Klein.
(No comments yet)
·
Bookmark this post
5th Dec. '05
•
Category: Messages & Meanings
•
Tags: black, blue, brown, color-meaning, color-psychology, color-symbolism, gray, green, orange, pink, purple, red, white, yellow
Authored by Kate Smith
Our reaction to color is almost instantaneous and has a profound impact on the choices we make everyday.
Below is a quick look at general responses to colors based on research, historical significance of color, and word association studies. Different cultures react to colors differently, and this brief overview focuses on the responses of people in the Western Hemisphere.
Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.
Curious to delve deeper into the world of color? See the full article on our website.
(No comments yet)
·
Bookmark this post
