IN DETAIL BURN BABY BURN

Sunday Herald, The, Apr 6, 2008

WHEN it comes to the little black dress, you'd be hardpressed to . nd a woman in the UK who doesn't have one in her wardrobe. Its wayward, sexy li'l sister, the killer red number, is not so ubiquitous. Red dresses - like red shoes and lipstick - come with their own artful cartful of mad bad baggage (Paula Yates famously married Bob Geldof in deepest crimson). When all three appear simultaneously, a "woman dressing like a drag queen alert" is sparked.

Thankfully, this season's offerings don't resemble the high voltage type exempli. ed by Robin Givens in the movie Rage In Harlem. That dress was so figurehugging, it had to be sewn onto her body before she was wheeled on set Instead, be guided by the sharper, day-friendly school of red dressing, even if it's not the place you'd traditionally expect to find a scarlet woman flouting her wares. By pairing your strong signal red dresses and separates with utilitarian tan leather belts, bags and accessories, you can cleverly sidestep any of the pitfalls of impropriety and dangerous cultural connotations that the red dress elicits in more conservative circles. Or try experimenting with bold prints and the au courant ovoid shaped-silhouette of the Marni number on page 40.

You'll certainly still stop traf. c in these hot numbers, but you should also avoid the cliches of vampiness or campiness that usually accompany the little red dress on its infrequent outings. If you do possess a pair of glittery ruby slippers (and Sonia Rykiel did a beautiful pair about five years ago), put them out of harm's way . . . at the very back of the closet for the duration of this season at least.

A key accessory for setting off your new red dress is this tan leather bowling bag, GBP299, from Russell & Bromley (0141 248 6031/ 0131 225 7444 www.russellandbromley. co. uk), perfect for striking the right balance of dressed-down chic you want to emulate this summer, as are these brown acetate bangles, GBP129, and wooden bangle, GBP149, both Lanvin at House of Fraser, Glasgow (0141 204 3182).

Since Alber Elbaz took over the helm at the esteemed French house of Lanvin, everything from his clothing designs, through to shoes, fragrances and, in this case, the jewellery line, has been sprinkled with covetable fashion fairy dust. It's true that there are a million and one wood and acetate bangles out there (and most without such hefty price tags). But something about this pair, and the lovely pale blue boxes they come in, makes me want to go crazy and swipe my card at the till point. If you must indulge in a bit of red on red action then opt for these patent leather flower detail thong sandals, GBP285, by Prada at House of Fraser, Glasgow (0141 204 3182). At once decorative and modern, they are the perfect summer sandals.

So now you've played down your red dress, you can start adding back in an air of sensual seduction via your scent, with Opium's Eau d'Orient Limited Edition EDT, GBP40.50, 100ml. (01444 255 700). With the bold opening notes of mandarin and the gingery citrus Calabrian Chinotto nestling next to the heady . orals of Chinese Magnolia and fresh Jasmine, the languorous atmosphere of the orient is further evoked by the addition of spice, patchouli, musk, myrrh and vanilla. Nail colour-wise, opt for Nails Inc's Nail Polish, GBP9.50, shade Hans Place (www. nailsinc.com). In soft pastel orange, it's shaping up to be one of the colours for fingernails and sandal-friendly toes. Daylight hours demand lipsticks that are perky but not too painted and Paul & Joe's Lipstick, GBP14, in shade 56, Sakura Bonbon (www. hqhair.com) from their pretty Spring/Summer 08 Collection is a perfect transparent pink.