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Black is the favored elegant “color” for most during this holiday season, and I can completely understand that, as this time of the year calls for the maven in us to come forth to host a party, open a bottle of champagne with finesse and of course, practice the art of socializing to painful perfection, which means laughing at jokes you commonly would not even oblige with a smirk. Yet, the drama queen in me yearns to stand out even though the dress code calls for the muted tones widely preferred at the late hour. A pop of unexpected brightness mixed in with neutrals remind us that even among the cycle of life coming and going, there’s vibrancy as ubiquitous as the decor we purposely put on our tree or eaves. There’s the aqua tints of the sky peeking past the low, lumpy rain clouds, the glint of the sun emanating silvery tones on the clouds’ edge, mango tints will soon burst forth after they dissipate, and the ruddy coloration in our cheeks when the glowing amber globe finally shows up to warm us from head to toe.

Starting from left–

• Prada, Deerskin Tote in Acquamarina, deerskin with ivory topstitching, buckled top handles, removable ID tag, $1,665, @ Bergdorf Goodman.
• Fendi, Fendi B. Fendi Large Chain Bag, matte leather with contrast topstitching, aged brass hardware, leather shoulder straps with aged brass link chains, flap closure with magnetic clasp, brown textile interior, 18.5″ (at base) 15″ (at top) x 12.75″ x 4.75″ (at base), 7″ strap drop, WAS $2,130, SALE $1,597 @ eLuxury.
• Prada, Vitello Daino Zip-Top Tote in Steel, top handles with rings; detachable shoulder strap, zip top, detachable ID tag with buckle detail, $1,650, @ Bergdorf Goodman.
• Marc Jacobs Collections, Patchwork Stam in Cherry Tart, grained leather with stitched patchwork pattern, polished golden brass hardware, rolled leather handles, removable brass link chain shoulder strap, front zipped pocket, gusseted frame with oversized kiss-lock closure, protective metal feet, 14″x 9″x 4.5″d, 5″ strap drop, 13″ shoulder strap drop, $1,550, eLuxury.

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