The word “blue” has gotten a bad rap in modern times, particularly in American culture. Blue Christmas, the Monday blues, singing the blues, heck, blue balls…I could go on until I’m blue in the face! In reality, blue is the most uplifting color of all. Just look to the sky on a bright, sunny day. It’s an instant mood-enhancer, just like crystal-clear blue water.
So it comes as no surprise that in ancient times, it was the color that represented purity and truth. The Greeks have always believed the shade wards off “the evil eye,” the god Krishna has blue skin, and Cleopatra was known to paint her eyes with shadow made from ground blue lapis lazuli stones. For the New Year, I’m going to take a cue from the most famous queen of all time, and pick up Charlotte Tilbury’s Nocturnal Cat Eyes to Hypnotise set, featuring Midnight Seduction eye shadow (especially perfect to compliment brown eyes) and Rock ‘n’ Kohl liner in Sapphire Sex (enough said).
While I love the color in all its incarnations, I’m currently obsessed with this particular shade of deep, sultry blue – not quite navy and not quite black. Jason Wu nailed it with his origami-structured python and leather clutch, and so did Tory Burch with her earthy, studded, and tasseled take. I’m also equally smitten with Marni’s chunky suede Mary Janes for busy days and Charlotte Olympia’s sultry, metallic-gold trimmed pumps for killer evenings. Here’s to having and keeping the blues!
Jason Wu Charlotte Origami Python & Leather Evening Clutch Bag (at Neiman Marcus for $2,472, from $4,395)
Chloé Georgia Mini Leather Crossbody Bag (at Neiman Marcus for $1,090)
Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Triple-Gusset Crossbody Bag (at Neiman Marcus for $2,350)
Altuzarra Ghianda Knot Small Saddle Bag (at Barneys New York for $2,195)
Fontana Milano 1915 Double Slip-Tab Messenger (at Barneys New York for $3,200)
Fendi Baguette Micro Leather-Trimmed Shearling Shoulder Bag (on NET-A-PORTER for $1,450)
Balenciaga Classic Traveller Suede Backpack (on MATCHESFASHION.com for $817, from $1,635)
Pramma N9 Calfskin Handbag (on Farfetch for $4,975)
Marc Jacobs ‘Mischief’ Tote (on Farfetch for $2,432)
Tory Burch Embellished Shoulder Bag (on Farfetch for $910)
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Slip-On Sneakers (on My Theresa for $680)
Roger Vivier Décolleté Privilege New Buckle Patent Leather Kitten-Heel Pumps (on My Theresa for $775)
Miu Miu Suede Peep-Toe Pumps (on My Theresa for $483, from $690)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Lou Calf Hair Ankle Boots (on My Theresa for $412, from $589)
Nicholas Kirkwood Maeva Suede Pumps (on My Theresa for $354, from $591)
Marni Suede Pumps (on My Theresa for $546, from $780)
Chloé Lace-Up Wedge Sandals (on My Theresa for $775)
Balenciaga Classic Strap Suede Platform Ballerinas (on My Theresa for $745)
Aquazzura Sexy Thing Cutout Suede Sandals (on NET-A-PORTER for $565)
Charlotte Olympia Navy Suede Christine Heels (on SSENSE for $745)