Here we are already, just a day before Valentine’s.
A day that has everyone seeing red-whether they like it or not. Many will partake of romance, roses & chocolates, while others will take issue with the overt commercialization of Cupid. I agree the bloat of mylar hearts, pink bears on a stick and tightly bound fluorescent flowers invading the local markets can be off-putting.
Valentine’s may also strike a sensitive chord in those who are sweetheart-less on the day and truth be told, that’s a lot of folks, as the plethora of on-line dating sites will attest. Being forced to assess our romantic status whether we want to or not…just what we need-more pressure!
As I’ve mentioned in the past, the day could be quite an emotionally scarring affair as far back as elementary school (in the old, less sensitive days before everyone received a token Valentine) It was usually the girls with double hook bras that received the most cards. Single hook, or worse, training bra girls received a small stack (oh dear-no pun intended) including a pity card from the teacher. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about.
Funny the things we remember. NOT.
But let’s kiss and make up. All is forgiven if not forgotten!
And let us get back to RED, shall we?
Whatever you make of it, it’s certainly THE Colour of the Moment.
There’s a chunk of it in my hair. You heard me.
and happens to be the colour of my new favourite cocktail, the Negroni 
The 11th annual “Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards” at Lincoln Centre in NY on Tuesday.
Most importantly, it’s the colour of the month to honour Heart Disease Awareness For Women.
Many of us still associate heart attacks with men, but heart disease is actually the #1 killer of women in this country.
Why not sport the colour red in whatever fashion or form you wish this month to help raise awareness?
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Segueing back to a little lighter fare…
Le rouge, le rouge is everywhere!
I too was in the hunt for a red gown for a dear friend’s big birthday bash this month. Ladies in red, gentlemen black tie.
I was slightly worried (panicked) as red, as I’ve also mentioned, is definitely NOT my colour.
There isn’t a time after the age of 30 I’ve applied true red lipstick where I haven’t thought of Bette Davis in “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane” and off it comes.
Plus it really interferes with my eating..
PaperFashion via Instagram
RED
I’m neither light enough or dark enough to wear it well. It brings out the red in my chest, the white in my face and the mouse in my hair.
Did I mention I wear earth tones well?
Eventually, after my usual pre-party angst-ing I found something.
It wasn’t this.
It wasn’t even close to this.
Dennis Basso photo via Paperfashion
The runways were absolutely throbbing with red for Fall 2014/15 this month.
Prabal Gurung Fall 2014/15
Zac Posen Fall 2014
Pink & red roses in the window of one of the most beautiful rose shops in the world in Paris
Karlie Kloss being fierce in red. Donna Karan Fall 2014
Sneaking back for another shot at night (The Hotel Costes Bar is next door!)
Prabal Gurung
Karlie again in Carolina Hererra Fall 2014
Ralph Lauren Fall 2014
modaoperandi Instagram
Even Andre Leon Talley was wearing a red dress this week.
No wonder there was a scarcity.
via Vanity Fair
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2014. Wow.
Elie Saab Fall 2014-15
And what a stunningly beautiful, magical birthday celebration it was.
In fact after this week there are two more things I’m adding to my list of
‘Things I’d Love to Do When I Grow Up’
1) Design male figure skater’s costumes
2) have a party planned by Colin Cowie.
Visualisation is the first step to realisation!
Wishing everyone a Very Happy Valentine’s Day!
(I mean, if you go in for that sort of thing…)
and remember…
Mwah, Mwah
~
Blasts from the past;
the last time I was Seeing Red
A Valentine post from 3 years ago today; Romance & Roses
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Relatively simple, yet lush?
I’ll let you in on a little secret-
A little bar in my dining room last year.
It’s all good…
I managed a one-armed table set at the barn.
Heritage Turkey
Fresh brussels sprouts from the farmer’s market with lardon, simmered in butter & chicken stock.
Delicious ham and fresh green bean casserole.
Flowers & football. Story of my life 
Maple pumpkin pie with chocolate crust (adapted from Bon Appetit magazine) with freshly whipped cream
and pecan perfection!
Keeping two eyes and one arm on the final broiling of the whipped sweet potatoes with fresh ginger, coconut cream & marshmallows was my job.
But never let it be said that I’m not a master re-cycler.
Truly, I knew It was almost here with the subtle shift of late afternoon light in my dining room. After living in this home for over 20 years we’re like old friends that finish each other’s sentences.
via 
Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013
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Photos via 
How divine is this copper & rust mixed with palest cream & blush?
photo Sarah Maingot
And Fall food is as comforting as all get out. Soup’s on? I’m there.
Grilled onions with thyme & cream. Recipe 
And I must admit, Fall certainly does invite one to hunker down and enjoy more cozy reading time…
