GET THE LOOK: HEAVY METAL

TREND ALERT: Gray is still going strong this Fall in rooms and on the runway. Leave the gray skies behind and venture to the darker side of the color palette to bring depth into your space. There is something unbelievably mysterious and sexy about heavy metal especially in interior spaces...but if you aren't married to a rockstar, clearly these rooms are the next best thing.

l-r: jonathan legate / betsy burnham

Achieve this look with dramatic contrasts of black, white, and gray. Next, embellish your look with pretty, shiny things. THINK SPARKLE. Silver, gold, diamonds, sequins, and nailheads all have reflective qualities that will take your style to the next level. Feeling daring? Add a bit of zebra print to the mix to satisfy that "wild hair."

1.| The VOLUSPA CANDLE IN BLACK FIGUE AND CHYPRE is both alluring and warm. The combination of currant and black figs is tamed by chypre, a soft floral perfume($27, candlesoffmain.com).

2.| The JENNY CHANDELIER, composed of abalone seashells is striking conversation piece in any room (price unknown, alicelanehome.com).

3.| Be the femme fatale of the fete in the CUTABOVE heels by Nine West ($79/ ninewest.com).

4.| Completely covered in sparkling sequins, the SASHA pillows always get the best seats in the house ($65, blisslivinghome.com).

5.| Former Project Runway contestant, Ivy Higa, has a Fall/Winter 2010 Collection of well cut basics that establish a foundation for any wardrobe (ivyh.net).

6.| Up in Smoke...THE HUNTLEY sofa in smoke is a modern winged sofa that is ultra swanky and surprisingly well priced! ($1,379, overstock.com)

7.| Take a chance and walk on the wild side with this STENCILED COWHIDE (price unknown, alicelanehome.com).

FASHION FRIDAY: FALL 2010 - AN AFFAIR WITH COLOR

Pardon me if today's Fashion Friday feature sounds more like a book of love letters. I have a weakness for Autumn, no other season is better. The turning of autumn leaves gives me comfort and reaffirms that change is good. The crisp Fall breeze is a relief from sweltering Summer and offers the best clothing no other season could. In your wardrobe and in your home these color combos are a guaranteed bet, the effect they have on you will be one you will never forget...

Orange spice and graphite, it's been a year since we've last connected. In Fall you are still first on my mind, the others are rejected.  Orange spice, your warm hue invigorates me and Graphite, you add instant sophistication when you appear. Chic, timeless, and dependable your style is so clear. Welcome back, I've missed you my dear.

fashion: elie tahari / interiors: tobi fairley

...with a side of dijon is what I said to the server, but it doesn't mean you play second fiddle. It's just that you bring such strength that I can only handle a little. Your potent hue gets me notices when I walk into the room.  The men all pause and the ladies do, too! At home you signify style even if I have none. You're so confident, when along side other colors, that you are an accent to every one. Oh, how I love a secure hue. Welcome back friend, I sure missed you.

fashion (1-r): versace, chris benz, versace / interiors: christina murphy

Cranberry and Caviar what can I say. You make him fall to his knees with your seductive sway. The passion you display is only for mature eyes to see, your deep reddish hue even makes me a little flirty. How dare you look so sexy especially on a high gloss wall? You give me a license to thrill when we are together each fall.

fashion: akris / interiors: christina murphy

I hope these love letters didn't leave a rosy tint on your face. Knowing you would read them, I left it in good taste. Which colors do you love in the Fall? You can have many lovers without feeling guilty at all. You're in good company so go ahead share with us. I promise we won't judge you on your color lusts...

SPECIAL GUEST: CHIC CHOCOLATE

Today's Fashion Friday post is brought to you by Sondra of Chic Chocolate. Creatively chic and soulfully styled, Chic Chocolate is a top fashion resource for fashionistas, stylistas, and urbanistas in Washington, DC and beyond. She graciously accepted my Room to Runway Challenge by presenting these amazing fashion and decor matchups using two of Fall 2010's hottest colors.

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photo credits:tranquiltownhouse.blogspot.com, style.com, neiman marcus

One way to have fun this fall is to indulge in feathers. You will find soft, wispy ostrich feathers on everything from headboards, skirts, shoes, and even lingerie. Accessorize your home with feathers by adding accent pillows dyed in scrumptious colors of chartreuse and fuchsia. Find these and more at Horchow.com or Calypso St. Barth.

 

photo credits: furniturestoreblog.com, style.com

Black and gold is a classic color combination that signifies tremendous wealth and opulence. Making brazen appearances on the runway and in our rooms, get a wild hair and try a golden fixture or a molten 24K dress.

photo credits: ehomee.com, style.com

According to a recent Pantone report, some of the hottest colors for Fall 2010 will be "Lipstick Red" and "Orchid Purple." Both colors were dominate on the runway of designer Carlos Miele Fall 2010 RTW Collection. Reds and purples signify deep passion. Not just relegated to clothing, be daring enough to try these emotionally charged colors in your home decor as accents in a neutral room.

photo credits:  house and garden, style.com

Recording artist, Prince, was the inspiration for Balmain's Fall 2010 RTW Collection. A regal color, purple and its various hues, look fantastic on just about any complexion and shockingly beautiful in your home.  Add a spark of purple, ultraviolet, aubergine, or eggplant to your home as seen in this festive table setting.

How will you incorporate these hot Fall colors in your home and/or wardrobe?