THE CITIZEN INDEX

Friday, May 4, 2012

Your Little Red Dress

 When in doubt, wear red. -Bill Blass

"Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power,
  determination as well as passion, desire, and love.

"Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a color found in many national flags.  

"Red brings text and images to the foreground. Use it as an accent color to stimulate people to make quick decisions; it is a perfect color for "BUY NOW" or "Click Here" buttons on internet banners and websites. In advertising, red is often used to evoke erotic feelings (red lips, red nails, "Lady in Red", etc)Red is widely used to indicate danger. This color is also commonly associated with energy...."
                                                                                
-Color Wheel Pro: Color Meaning In Action


I made this realization the other day when I was out walking: there is NO uncertainty in the color red. Red is not only the color of action, it is the color of immediate action- there is no hesitance in red, only an unquestioning move forward. The wearing red is pure confidence-
 

so maybe it's no coincidence that I love to wear the color red. How can one second-guess themselves when in a little red dress? If you are wearing this bright, bold color of certainty, there is no room for self-doubt. Red is the color of vitality + vivacity.

Need passion, desire courage, or a call to action? Friend, slip on your red dress. 

I think Bill Blass was onto something when he said: When in doubt, wear red. Because there seems no room for anything but belief in yourself when choosing this ebullient hue. Dance the dance of confidence; romance your self-esteem- your little red dress believes in you!

Tell me, what do you wear when you need a boost of confidence?






35 comments:

The Closet Shopper said...

Absolutely stunning.

Xoxo
Tracy

Hang T. Tran said...

Gorgeous!!!! Absolutely gorgeous in RED!!!
It's a lucky colour in Asia too
Have a beautiful weekend Bella
xxx
Hang

Please may I? said...

Looking absolutely stunning hun. I adore red.

X x

Anonymous said...

You look amazing in this red dress! And yes, it takes confidence to wear one...but it also brings out something inside you may not have quite known was there.

jaljen said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

I have always hated red on me. Partly because my father liked it and I therefore hated it on principle.

I just can't get over my hatred of red!

Penny-Rose said...

You look awesome in red. I have taken inspiration from many blogs I follow and started wearing bright colours. Recently I bought some shocking pink tights - as you say, there was "no room for self doubt". :-)

sylvia @ 40PlusStyle said...

very true. That's how I feel when I wear the colour. It gives more energy and happiness! Have you been doing the test to find out your type. Would be curious to see what your dominant type is! You look amazing in this dress by the way and so great with your red hair!

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

I LOVE this dress and you look amazing in it!!! Happy Friday, Bella!

Curtise said...

Wow, you look absolutely stunning in that frock. There is something particularly dramatic and attention-grabbing about red.
Does it take confidence to wear it, or lend some confidence to the wearer? It's reciprocal, I think! I love my red dresses. And I love Maria McKee, so thanks for that! xxxx

Unknown said...

It's been my absolute favourite colour my whole life... I wore it today - I'm wearing it now! Yay for red - you look absolutely GORGEOUS, Bella! Happy weekend! Sarah xxx

Anupriya DG said...

You are RED HOT, my girl!!! And there's no dearth of confidence in that crimson-hued self of yours!!!

Red or no red, YOU are always a sign of strength & confidence to me!! :)

Intrinsically Florrie said...

I need more red in my wardrobe! I used to absolutely love it as a child and now I wonder why I have so little!

It's definitely a fabulous colour on you and that dress is lovely! These photos are so vivacious and full of life.

Florrie x

Rosalind said...

Now that's what I call synchronicity, (I've just posted a red dress too). Wow. First it goes without saying - or rather, as everyone else has said - that you look gorgeously fabulous in red! And second, yes, red certainly does convey vitality and vivacity. And in the case of your red dress here, it also communicates vibrant personality.

Vix said...

You look amazing, that red dress is one of the most fabulous things I've ever seen you wear, you exude sexiness. I love it. xxx

Jenmarie said...

It's so true! Every woman looks good in red. It's such a romantic color and I feel like it really brings out a woman's features. You look so lovely!

Miss Simmonds Says said...

I love your red dress- I wear red shoes quite a lot but always want more red dresses, tops and skirts

Anonymous said...

I think there is a right shade of red for everyone. Even though it's not the BEST color on me, I do wear it a lot because I love it and it's effortless. It's almost like a neutral in my wardrobe. :)

Caitlin M. Peterson of the (ef)Face said...

Beautiful and bold!! Red is my favorite color of all time, and you look wonderful in it!
Fabulous look (as always).

xoxox
theefface.blogspot.com

mispapelicos said...

So brilliant, my dear friend.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

mispapelicos said...

So brilliant, my dear friend.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

GRIT AND GLAMOUR said...

You look SMOKIN' Bella! It took me nearly all my adult life to embrace red, for all the reasons you mentioned in your post. But I finally have! I think red nails and lips are like the equivalent of denim in the beauty department. That's where most of my red is...until I find the perfect elegant, dangerous red dress, that is.

xo

Lila said...

Love that color red. Perfect.

Brooke said...

Bella you are such a babe! And you are so right about the colour RED. It's certainly not for the shrinking violet type. I always feel more confident and powerful when I'm wearing red even if it's something small like red nails or red lips. There's just something commanding about it. My most memorable red moment was in my final year of high school. All the girls were picking out poofy pastel dresses to wear to prom and grad. I did the exact opposite and wore a skin tight red gown and couldn't have been more happier with that decision. My mom on the other hand is still getting over it! Happy Friday Bella! Lots of love to you! XO

Anonymous said...

Bella in Red...Gorgeous!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

The Style Crone said...

You've never looked more beautiful! Your new life must be agreeing with you, as you dress in red with your brilliant hair.

Krista said...

I feel my hottest in red and hot dam Bella you look wicked! Your smile in the last photo is happy, sexy and so sweet!

Stacey said...

I loooooove wearing red, although I don't actually own a lot of it. Red always packs a punch, and makes me feel more confident.

I love you in red too - that dress is gorgeous, and the tights are so vibrant!

Liesl said...

Red suits you oh so perfectly!!! :)

Kara Endres said...

Love that quote! I should wear red more often. You look gorgeous and fabulous as always, Bella! xx

SeƱora Allnut said...

i've no words to express how much enthusiastic I'm with your fabulousness and red haired prettiness!!!, and all that wonderful music, love that blues, love that ska song!!
oh, dear lady, your Red Dress cheer up my day!!!
besos

doradadama said...

You look like a hermosa fiery red pin up!
I love wearing red, most of my dresses are in the shade of red.
red cars are known to cause accidents because of the strong energy it emanates.
I'm sure a you caused a few accidentsin your gorgeous red vestido.
besios

Veshoevius said...

What a great dress! I need to wear red more - it is a very powerful colour.

FASHION TALES said...

It took me some time to love red, but as I grew older it grew on me or perhaps I grew on it. red is not for the shy that is certain. You look wonderful in this powerful hue, and so very happy in the smiling photo.

lasophia said...

I've always loved red, prob from my mom. I love how Indian brides wear red. They know whats up.

Anonymous said...

That dress is so vibrant, & you look great. I only own a pair of red shorts & thats it, but I'd love to own a red skirt or dress!