“When in doubt, wear red,” said designer Bill Blass. Fashion’s love affair with the color deepened with Christian Louboutin’s trademark red-soled shoes and now is reflected in everything from swimsuits to baby clothes. At home, red is the No. 1 color in kitchen ranges. The color that denotes passion and power is also popping up in painted furniture, pillows, rugs and more. At Queens Wreath Jewels, rubies radiate a hip new glamour that renders 20th-century ball jewelry obsolete. And other Sarasota shops are embracing the trend, with products in hundreds of shades of bold and beautiful red.

Out of Africa Red takes the spotlight in stunning African-crafted décor ranging from a cube ottoman of ostrich skin ($1,090) to pillows of faux suede and ostrich feathers ($210). Touch de L’Afrique, 464 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands (941) 328-8943.

Red Carpet Lips They call it the “statement mouth,” and you get it with Hollywood-red lipstick like Jane Iredale’s Lip Fixation ($35), a combo lip stain and gloss shown in cherry “Passion.” The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota (941) 309-2090.

Retro Glamour The Halston collection at The Met is swinging with modern disco flair, and this pleated mini dress channels the ’70s with subtly printed poppies, tie shoulders and A-line silhouette ($395). The Met Fashion House, Day Spa & Salon, 35 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands (941) 388-1772.

Oh, Baby! An adorable bikini (way cuter than Mom’s) from Biscotti, where designer Bernadette Reiss makes fashion waves for little fashionistas from the U.S. to Europe and Japan (from $50). Little Bo-Tique, 367A St. Armands Circle (941) 388-1737.

Coffee Caliente Bodum adds more heat to its sizzling coffee press pots with color as rich as your favorite beans. Get the eight-cup Brazil French Press ($24.95) and 15-ounce travel press for purists on the go ($19.95). Sur La Table, 22 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota (941) 365-0380.

Dancin’ Shoes Disco DJ-turned shoe-designer Giuseppe Zanotti creates couture that graces runway shows for Balmain, Christopher Kane, Thakoon and more. We spied his stunning red patent mule with satin tie ($525) at Addison Craig, 28 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands (941) 388-3400.

Wrap it Up The “it” bag this season is red, patent leather and neatly tied with a huge stylized bow. From Valentino’s coveted new collection, this double-handled carryall comes with removable shoulder strap ($1,295). Saks Fifth Avenue, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (941) 364-5300.