POP

As you probably know by now, I am in l-o-v-e with incorporating pops of BRIGHT red into my daily wardrobe.  I like reds of the fire-engine, candy-apple, cherry-pie variety — bold, bright, and dramatic.  So you can imagine my glee when I discovered that my favorite fashion line, Chloe, featured little pops of red as the principal point of contrast in an otherwise monochromatic lookbook for Spring 2011’s runway show.

Images from Fashionologie

(Be still my heart.)  While I actually think the flats featured above are somewhat off-putting (they look like cropped versions of the diving booties I was forced to wear during an unpleasant jungle incident on my honeymoon — sorry, Lady MacGibbon), seeing one of my favorite fashion fixes come to life on the runway was thrilling!  The contrast of colors is oh-so-delicious and enticing.  Consider, for example, beginning with a taupe-colored knit mini (Juicy Couture, $200, Net-A-Porter) and a corresponding pair of suede Stuart Weitzmans ($298, Endless):

Break the look up a bit with a leopard scarf ($28, YesStyle) and a pop of red in the form of this luxe-looking (but affordable!) tote ($93, Deux Lux):

Or maybe you’re more into gray-scale neutrals?  I love the way that this flame red jacket ($69, Old Navy — and look how Milly-esque and chic it is at that price!) pops against this yummy gray sweater dress (Bruno Manetti, $430, MyTheresa):

Finish the look with a pair of textured python flats (Michael Kors, $98, Zappos) and this un.be.liev.a.ble retro-styled Anya Hindmarch tote (ugh, want.it.so.badly — $795, Scoop NYC):

If you’re wondering whether this little pop-o-red look really works — how adorable does this little chic pea look?

Image from Everything Fabulous

Adore the oversized gold watch, the tailored blazer, and of course that tomato-red leather clutch!  For a similarly casual-yet-pulled-together weekend look, I’m sort of obsessed with this boxy-fit Rebecca Taylor pullover in a right-on-point gray animal print ($260, Scoop NYC) with some skinnies, an oversized gray tote (I love the shape of this Louboutin tote, but realize that the price tag is a bit on the extravagant side…$1,649, MyTheresa), and some unexpected red suede flats (French Sole, $98, Jildor):

Alternately, how chic would you look layering this printed red scarf ($195, Virginia Johnson) with a dove-hued suede jacket (Alberta Ferretti, $310, TheOutnet) and skinnies?

Then simply add some textured pewter flats (these are also by Michael Kors — love either this pair or the bolder patterned python variation above — $185, Scoop NYC) and a cheery flame red tote (I’ve been coveting this all season — $475, Kate Spade):

For the edgier out there, I love the idea of these suede booties instead ($89.90, Zara) — I saw Olivia Palermo rocking a pair and pretty much swooned over them, although they are a bit intimidating at first glance (you can do it!):

For a slightly dressier occasion, this swirl-print silk dress (Iro, $350, Scoop NYC) would look to die with a pair of suede gray pumps (yep, they’re the same Stuart Weitzmans featured above — just in a different hue, and I want ’em both! — $328, Scoop NYC):

Perfect beneath this gorgeous red wool coat ($450, Steven Alan), and finished with a little fur stole ($50, TopShop) and this textured, stone-colored wallet clutch (don’t you love the chain detailing? — $49, Deux Lux):

I’m also loving the deeper slate grays this season — consider pairing this gorgeous Rebecca Taylor dress ($350, Rebecca Taylor) with a statement-making necklace (love the little hints of red — Sachin & Babi, $215, Edit) and some suede red platforms (I can’t.stop.featuring.these –Pour La Victoire, $262, ShoptheShoebox):

Layer the entire look beneath this on-trend cape jacket (Vanessa Bruno, $1,125, Net-A-Porter) and, for extra glamor, these ladylike red gloves ($202, Matches):

The cape above would also look gorgeous with some skinny jeans and, as we approach slushy winter weather, some cherry red wellies (Hunter, $125, WinkNYC) and fun knit mittens ($65, Kate Spade):

Not a wellies gal?  No worries — these patent leather Johnson & Murphy mocs ($138, Johnston & Murphy) will have you covered (literally…):

Another cooler clime investment I’m willing to make?  This wool duffel in festive red ($160, TopShop) — perfect, in my opinion, with a chunky sweater ($350, Barney’s) and some skinnies —

Finished off with some cozy Minnetonka mocs ($45, ShoptheShoeBox) and an oversized, ulititarian-chic tote (l.o.v.e. this line of bags — $440, FleaBags):

Or maybe you want to let the designers do the work for you — just imagine how chic you’d look tucking a taupey-rose crew-neck ($98, J. Crew) into this dip-dyed skirt (Valentino, $207, TheOutnet):

Pair with any of the greigy-taupe heels featured above and this picture-perfect, updated doctor’s bag ($495, Rebecca Minkoff) in lovely flame red:

Another option?  This military-inspired cargo dress (See by Chloe, $142, TheOutnet), paired with glossy red mid-heel pumps ($89, Zara):

Perfect for work alongside a pop-of-red scarf (love the leightweight, gauzey feel of this cherry red version — $29, Gap) and a coordinating taupey-mushroom colored tote (oh Prada…how I love your bags — $1,395, Barney’s):

Keep spare change or makeup compartmentalized in this peppy little tomato-colored kidskin pouch ($55, Lauren Merkin):

As the capstone for this post, consider the scene-stealing dress of Lanvin’s Spring 2011 collection — this dreamy red concoction floated right on down the runway amidst a sea of grays and neutrals:

To.die.