Lapis...my color of the month...

As you know I love talking about the colors of the moment, and this season I have not been disappointed with the beautiful bordeaux and other fall colors that I love.  But today's color crash course is for the beautiful color lapis.  Taking it's name from the popular gemstone, this luminous purplish blue is fall's standout shade.

Why I love it - It's an eye-catching alternative to black, with a similar slimming effect (and who doesn't want to look slimmer, right?).

How to wear it - Dramatic as a monochrome, lapis also works with patterns on feminine silhouettes, such as a full-skirted dress for autumn.  Color-phobes can start with a top or skirt in the brilliant hue rather than going head to toe.  Or start small with a lapis colored accessory like a pair of earrings, purse or shoes.

Plays well with - a light gray or stark white.  For a cool, less expected contrast, accessorize with reddish purple, blue-green, or warm orange.

What to wear with lapis - a rose gold and cream cuff will warm up the cool palette; black frames won't compete with the deep blue in the outfit; a structured bag in complementary persimmon adds polish; gray pumps are a soft neutral against the blueish hue.

Remember to adjust your makeup!  To let lapis be the "voice" of your look, tone down the rest of your cosmetics slightly. Choose a transparent glossy lipstick in a cool pink that doesn't fight with your outfit's intense shade.