Fashion Feature

Very Vino

by Amanda Bedgood

Wine-soaked hues infuse bags, boots, lips and dresses this fall.

There are few colors that speak more clearly of the season than the sumptuous tones of wine.

Wine-soaked hues infuse bags, boots, lips and dresses this fall.

Photos by Robin May
Fashion Coordinator Robin Hebert
Models Ross Higginbotham, Ashley Duran, Chelsea Martin and Timmy Hendrix
Makeup Britta LeBlanc

There are few colors that speak more clearly of the season than the sumptuous tones of wine. That indescribable marriage of ruby red and dark burgundy reminds us of cooling weather that brings turning leaves (in places where leaves turn such colors about now) and with it tall boots, luxe leather jackets and cozy sweaters.

We pulled together the best in wine-inspired pieces and gathered at POUR in River Ranch where we toasted to a season of fabulous fashion and the pleasure of a good glass of red wine. Wine, we learned from sommelier Ben Leger, like color, has seasons. Leger, the wine director and general manager of POUR and Village Café says while there truly are no rules in the world of wine, the choice for fall is red.

"I'm an advocate of drinking appropriate wine for the season," he says. His two choices for red wine this fall are red Burgundy Pinot Noir from France and Beaujolais. And if you're still worried about pairing those reds with a fish or chicken dish, Leger says it's time to throw those ideas out the window: "Acidity really is the key to balance."

Look to the sauce of a dish for inspiration - think pairing Pinot Noir with a chicken dish in a mushroom sauce.

"Acidity balances richness," Leger says, which means a good glass of Burgundy is much like a bold wine-colored necklace. Perfect when properly paired.

In dressing and in sipping wine, it's all about balance.

Ashley in a sheer black top over zipper detailed animal print leggings
with layered necklaces from Hemline.
Ross in a stripe-trimmed shirt and easy jeans from Maven Menswear

Ashley in a cozy asymmetrical sweater and fall's must have printed denim.
Timmy in a casual pullover and plaid shirt. Both from Brother's on the Boulevard

Ross in a casual vest and funky new take on the tie over a
wool five-pocket pant. From F. Camalo

Chelsea in a flirty dress from Artesia that would go easily from day to night.
Ashley in a wine-colored romper with daring back cut out from Bevo's.

Timmy in a funky printed shirt and sumptuous leather blazer from
Moseley and Hollard. Chelsea in a bold geometric necklace of wine
with a chic black and white dress from Vanessa V. Boutique.

A cabernet colored iPad case by Tory Burch from kiki
is perfect for surfing the net while sipping wine.

WHERE TO BUY

Artesia
2513 Johnston St., 337.232.8441

Bevo's of Lafayette
715 Bertrand Drive, 337.234.5699

Brother's on the Boulevard
101 Arnould Boulevard, 337.984.7749

F. Camalo
458 Heymann Blvd. in the Oil Center, 337.233.4984

Hemline
1910 Kaliste Saloom Road, MainStreet at River Ranch, 337.406.1119

Maven Menswear
116 Rue Promenade, 337.504.4662

Moseley & Hollard
1200 Camellia Blvd. in River Ranch, 337.993.3077

Vanessa V.
5520-E Johnston St., 337.504.4467

kiki
1910 Kaliste Saloom Road, Main Street at River Ranch, 337.406.0904