Purple is not Just a Colour - It is a STYLE...

Colour is a personal issue. The colours we wear sends subconscious messages out to the people we meet, it affects our mood or personality. I have relied on purple especially in this current weather to lift my spirits and add colour to my very black winter wardrobe....

Purple is a universal colour and flatters every skin tone. There is a shade of purple for everyone. The purple family includes - lilac, lavender, violet and indigo.



Purple is formed through the combination of two primary colours -red and blue.The intensity of the colour depends on how much blue or red is added. Blue being a cool colour and red a warm colour... the combination puts purple in the middle. Purple, thus has a short wavelength, in other words- it's easy on the eye - and doesn't give that 'in your face look'. This has made the colour purple a staple colour to be worn on any occasion. It easily combines with warm or cool colours to achieve your desired look.

According to the colour wheel, colours located opposite each other are complementary colours and give the best contrast when worn together to achieve that -stand out from the crowd look; while colours closest to each other on the colour wheel are analogous and have a monochromatic effect - thus a more subtle image.

As per the colour wheel below, the complementary colour for purple is yellow..while its analogous colours are other shades of purple, red based purples or blue based purples.



The colour wheel is an effective tool for artist and designers alike. It also serves as a styling guide while adding different colours to an outfit. Below are two items - shoe by Christian Louboutin and Blouse by Mark Jacobs - creating a unique blend of yellow and purple in different hues. They are not hard on the eye but are eyecatching pieces in a classic and creative way .



Purple is known to symbolised royalty and spirituality.. tracing back to the Roman times where purple could only be worn by members of the Royal family. It is till this day seen as a symbol for status..as seen worn by The Queen, First Lady- Michelle Obama, Penny Lancaster to the Ascot (British racecourse closely associated with the royal family) and Helen Mirren the screen queen.





Stephanie Norris in her book 'secrets of colour healing' linked purple with the planet Jupiter ..known as the planet of expansion and good fortune. Purple worn to some is the giver of good fortune. Purple for others is the colour for meditation - while some believe those who wear purple are seen as creative, deep, wise and inspiring individuals.

Back to Fashion __ Purple is always on the catwalk every year ....Anna Sui and Christian Dior are among others who have showcased their collections in purple - as seen on the runway at the New York fashion week.



Purple has proven to be a hit on the red carpet, worn by the most fashionable..it's suave, sexy and strong.



Purple is the new black. It can be worn as a base colour as worn by Lauren Hill- in her ultimate vintage classic. Purple can be worn with any colour due to its short wavelength attributes, can be worn as an accesory to add colour or show off your creative side while staying classy.




Finally I have some purple items on my shopping list for your perusal....

Wanting to add a classic colour to your work wardobe to show off your creative side?
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1.Ben Sherman £42.90 2.Very.co.k £13.50 3. Wallis £15 4. Debenhams £17.50

For those looking to step out in style - these assymetric and halter neck tops will not only flatter your shoulders, it will ooze the glamour of the rich purple - stamping its own style for that impact look.



1.FCUK Was £110 now £33 2. Net -a-Porter was £185 now £111


It need not be dramatic, it just needs to be purple to be stylish..Have you got the place? I've got the dress!


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1.Fcuk was £130 now £104 2.very.co.uk £45 3.planet was £149 now £49 4.Fcuk was £130 now £35

For a casual day out with mates or family, team with colourful accesories such as a burnt yellow shoulder bag or scarves .. or if this seasons velvety trend is your fancy add the purple dress No 2. to your shopping list. Cropped cardi can be worn on a different colour for a more adventurous subtle look also to flatter your waist or flatter yourself in the rich purple long cardi.


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1.Ben Sherman £38.50 2.DorothyPerkins £20 2.Dorothy Perkins was £25 now £10 4.Coast was £55 now £29 5.Dorothy Perkins £20

Tiered and layered are so 2010! Cinch in your waist to that party or date with this skirt. Team with black tanks for a casual conservative look or stand out with orange blouse and nude toned platforms for that unforgettable look.

Jane Norman was £30 now £15

The best way to show personality especially in professions where there are restrictions in colours worn - is through accesorising. Who says a law student who must wear black and white cannot carry a Purple hand bag.
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1. Mulberry £695 2. Jane Shilton £59 3. House of fraser £3.50
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1.Carvela was £140 now £69 2.New Look was £20.00 now £10 3.Carvela was £110 now £49

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1.KG was £80 now £40 2.Love label was £25 now £17.50 3. Carvela was £120 now £69


I asked my nine year old niece - what purple meant to her in fashion terms. She said 'it makes one beautiful, it hides flaws and helps one get what they want'. She thought for a bit then summed it up saying ..'Purple is not just a colour -It is a style'...oh well that blew me away....

While you're thinking of a colour for a special event in your life such as wedding colours, special dates, client meetings..remember purple is positivity. Regardless how simple - it will speak volumes - Thanks for reading and remember .... Shop it the FAB way only !!