Couture & Cream

After two summers of the industry's obsession with the chic simplicity of wearing pristine "Oh God-please-don't-let-your-kid-touch-me!" white, I am happy to see another round of moody cream-colored pieces filtering onto store racks.

The color oracles at Pantone have spoken, and white as we've come to know and love/fear it is moving over to make way for a new generation of the timeless neutral. For Fall '08 and spring '09, off-white returns as the new black. In their fall collections, labels like Max Mara and Chloé are showing delectably creamy items with varied undertones that combine well with the seasons heavier hues of greenish-blacks, muted browns, ochres, and purples.

Because of their versatility, a great way to start upping your off-white and cream collection is by way of accessories. I snagged a great Miu Miu tote during the current Barney's sale (if you haven't been been... GO NOW!). For my footsies, I bought the Delman "Cruise" ballet flats, in a soft quilted leather with gold-tone stud work. So yummy. Both pieces are appropriate now, and will work just as well with my fall wardrobe.


I enjoy the standard pure white, but it was beginning to make me a little paranoid and compulsive (ex: no chocolate or make-up, carrying moist towelettes with me everywhere, standing instead of sitting). With this seasons creams, I feel like I can relax... at least a tad. Finally, I can fully enjoy hugs from my 4 year old God-daughter without thinking about my dry cleaning bill. Life is good.