Purple Passion

Add a splash of purple to your Fall wardrobe with this top by Olian.

2008 has been a year for purple and it doesn’t slow down with Fall fashion.  The color has long signified royalty and nobility.  As a child, my sister worshipped Donnie Osmond and his purple socks and she has long favored the intoxicating color.  The opposites of hot red and cool blue come together to create this striking color so it is no wonder that Pantone, the world renown authority on color, has declared Blue Iris, a combination of the calming aspects of blue and the mystical qualities of purple, the 2008 Color of the Year.  And fashion designers have jumped on this, ensuring that shades of purple blanketed the runways from Resort to Spring and Fall collections.

Lucky you, maternity designers haven’t missed their cue either!  Core pieces to add to your collection:  a fashionable wrap by Olian that goes from day to night in a rich shade of deep purple will add a splash of color to your closet and extends beyond the baby bump period into a wardrobe staple; a draped halter top in deep eggplant purple that slips easily under a jacket and then goes solo for a date night before and after the little bambino arrives; a dolman sleeve ribbed knit top from Ripe maternity in a great shade of grape that will mix well with denim, chocolate, black, charcoal and winter white! 

For those of you wanting more of a jolt, consider a gorgeous lavender and green floral print top from Olian that features velvet trim detail or a show-stopping column pleat dress from Notice that swirls with shades of plum and lavender and is offset with striking black details. 

Just can’t push yourself to “do” purple? It was the Donnie Osmond sock memory, wasn’t it?  Add a splash of color with a quilted handbag or clutch in lavender or plum.  Each works well with monochromatic outfitting, adding a playful note to your tailored look.  No matter your style, purple adds a touch of elegance, romance or edginess and the wide-range of shades offer something for everyone.