Seeing Red

I'm getting this vibe ... it's all around.  It's been filtering slowly in to the shops (it is only August after all).  It was mentioned in Grazia last week.   And when Marlene from Chocolate, Cookies & Candies  recently unveiled some new offerings from Isabel Marant, it was confirmed .....  that red was in the air.

Red is the colour of love, the colour of fortune and prosperity according to the Chinese or the colour of "harlots and whores" to those of a naughty disposition.  Red seems to have been out of the fashion radar for an indeterminable age but I think this year it's been drawn out of the hat by the fashion brigade.  So red is back.....

 .... but more specifically the red I've been seeing and really taking a shine to is a shade of ruby red bordering on bordeaux.  I quite like it.  I'm fickle like that.  Call it bordeaux, pinot noir,  berry red - all lovely.  Call it burgundy and and images of burgundy flocked wallpaper adorning the walls of the local Indian restaurant springs to mind.  Well it does, doesn't it?

I've spotted a few pieces on my shopping travels and have indulged myself with just one item so far in my nod to 'red' from the High Street for this Autumn.  I'm still unsure how 'red' as a colour works in my wardrobe so I have just tentatively dipped my toe in with this jumper from New Look.  

New Look Slub Jumper

New Look Slim Boyfriend Jeans

Office Namesake Boots

Another holey jumper for me to hang myself on when passing a door handle

When I walked through the store, it was the only thing I liked but at least it's a goodie (in my eyes at least).  This piece is quite an easy piece to work with our old favourite, a pair of boyfriend jeans.  Coupled with the Office boots.  Job done.  But credit where credit's due - I didn't realise my inspro had come from Kate B - I'm also only one year late - she wore this in 2011 :

Photo credit : http://itallbeganinparis.wordpress.com

Does this mean I need the bag too?

And for those days when I need to run fast after the boys on their scooters, a swap of the boots for a pair of Converse works great too!

Cons for hotfooting after small people.

They are also still very white.

It has a slight drop hem at the back which is always a bum pleaser for those with less than peachy assets and I like to think it has a small hint of the Marant jumpers with the slubby texture which is good for those who can't afford the real things (me). Interestingly, the contrast colour in this jumper is navy as opposed to black which would have seemed the obvious way to go but consequently it goes extremely well with blue denim.  

The second ruby red item I like and call me a slow coach, snail or fashion luddite but I've taken quite a shine to this particular pair of wedge trainers :

River Island Dark Red Wedge Hi Tops

I have tried innumerable pairs of wedge trainers over the last 6 months or so and they can be very much a hit and miss affair.  These are actually really nice in real life - definitely better than in the picture.  The price (£40) for those who who want to indulge this whim for a short period of time is good and they are much better made than a lot I've seen out there retailing for more.  The maroon shade is a little less harsh than black which is always good for me.  For some reason whenever I wear black footwear - I always feel like they're full stops on the end of my legs and "shorten" my legs (says she who has just invested in the black Topshop sandals).  This dark red pair are just that little bit easier on the eye for me personally with not too much going on.  I don't think I have much in my wardrobe which goes with them apart from the New Look jumper which is not a good enough reason to invest  .... but I am not of a sound mind and am a bit of a fashion slut. 

Other nice little pieces include :

Topshop Fabric & Chain Necklace

This would look nice over a grey marl sweatshirt to 'dress up" a weekend look.  Or over a black crew neck jumper with the below jacket and jeans for a days shopping.

Next Boucle Knit Jacket

Come on - this is very Marant inspired don't you think? A little bit naughty but a little bit nice because it's done in such a great colour.  Dress up, dress down - any way you please.

Sessun Gilea Gathered Waist Dress

And this is just a lovely Autumn dress with the bonus of nice length sleeves don't you think?  Worn with an oversized cardi, grey tights and brogues - great for the season ahead.  Or with black tights and black square toed courts for a pretty work look?  

All 3 items - quite versatile - to be worn as befits your lifestyle.

So - red done now on the fashion to do list.  Owls ticked off.  What's next?

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* 3 mentions of Kate Bosworth in the last month or so in my posts is wholly unintentional.