Archives for November 2015

I’m that girl who totally identified with Shelby’s pink-infused wedding obsession in Steel Magnolias. “Blush and bashful” makes complete sense to me. I have never met a pink that I didn’t like (“pink is my signature color” said in my best southern accent), but I am partial to what I refer to as “sweet southern pink” — meaning the color of ballet slippers or even paler. All of my daughter’s baby bloomers were monogrammed in this pink! I like the femininity and the neutral vibe of the color. While my wardrobe as a lawyer leans to the black and navy spectrum, this shade of neutral pink jumps in from time to time to remind me not to be so dark. Actually, my favorite suit out of law school was a pale pink pants ensemble that I’d kill to fit in today! I’ve never thought of pink as a weak “girl” color. To the contrary, pink is powerful (that’s why it was chosen to be the color of breast cancer awareness I suppose). You’ll find subtle pops of pink in my wardrobe from tees to handbags and everything in between.

When I spotted this Club Monaco dress not only did the color catch my eye, but the style and the unique cut of the sleeves gave me major dress obsessions. The understated half pleats on the 3/4 sleeves was such an unexpected touch. Of course the length is perfect for the office or power lunch, and this dress can be worn belted or changed into a shift dress sans the monochromatic sash. Some would shy away from wearing this blush toned dress in the fall and winter months, but why limit yourself? Designers from all over the globe are boasting various shades of pink in their collections for all seasons. Pink should never be relegated to the months surrounding Easter or for little girls in smocked dresses. Pink can be as authoritative and sophisticated as austere black if you want it to be. Because it is a neutral, pink can also compliment many looks from casual to glamorous.

From the court room to the boardroom, women are not afraid of color in the workplace. Pairing this dress with black pumps and classic jewelry makes this office appropriate and the idea that pink is only for little girls is so antiquated. My Presmer python clutch complimented the look without taking over. Without the belt, add a pair of booties  (gray would be a fun combo) and layer on bold accessories, and the look takes you to a fun date night. I love the versatility of this blush hued dress.

Y’all know I could not discuss pink as a fashion statement, being a child of the 80’s, without a shout out to Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh in one of John Hughes’s best films, Pretty in Pink! Oh what a movie and classic Brat Pack film. Andie, with her teen angst and clique-ridden world, single-handedly changed the way we looked at prom dresses (who didn’t want to tear off the sleeves of a frou frou thrift store formal and create a unique look for prom?). Even with Jon Cryer, James Spader, and Andrew McCarthy in the mix, that pink prom dress stole the show! Imagine OMD’s “If You Leave” and pretend you don’t want to wear that dress dancing with Blane! The show had so many lessons and teachable moments, and when Andie got the confidence to show her true strength, she wore pink.

One of the most iconic suits ever worn is the one Jacqueline Kennedy wore on the day Camelot was no more. The images of her in that car, in the hospital, on the plane, in that dress are forever seared into our minds. Faced with incomprehensible grief, she again, was the epitome of class and strength. When I think of our former first lady, I think of grace, I think of style and I mostly think of strength. So don’t hesitate to wear my favorite color any time of the year — be powerful, be bold, be you!

Dress: Club Monaco | Pumps: Christian Louboutin (less expensive options by French Connection and  Sam Edelman) | Clutch: Presmer (similar by Diane von Furstenberg and Gigi New York | Necklace: similar by Dannijo