Must Love: Bold Colors

Ah, Spring is here (well, actually more like Summer here in the Southeast) and what does that mean for our wardrobes?  COLOR!!! 



This list demonstrates specific colors that go well together



 

Bold, vibrant colors were all over the Spring/Summer runway shows thanks to Gucci's signature color-block looks and Marc Jacob's love of orange, including all the red-headed models!

Gucci teaches us how to Color Block
Below: March Jacobs love bright bold colors

Say goodbye to drab blacks, grays, forest greens and dark burgundy and hello to the new must-have bold colors: marigold, orange, electric blue, and my personal favorite, coral (to name a few).

Christopher Kane does the lace trend in bold yellow



Michael Kors



Bold colors have been extra hot in makeup (namely lips and cheeks)
As well as on your nails! (left)

 

Coral as seen on Lanvin runway

I will be wearing coral all season long...here's one way I wear bold coral:

JJ Authentic coral dress - FC ($12)
Soho Lab tan wedges - FC ($10)
Vintage brown belt - thrifted ($2)
Vintage gold/peach necklace -FC ($6)
Fossil coral rose earrings - FC ($4)

The beauty of all these bold "it" colors for this season is that there are so many varying shades you can pick which one is right for you!  Refer to the list in the 2nd picture for some popular shades and don't forget- a good 'ole color wheel can be your best friend!

Have you been wearing bold colors this season already?  Which is your favorite?  Share your thoughts and/or pictures in the comments!

Nautical Stripes

 The military trend has been in existence for a couple years now:

 Above: Runway military

Left: Gisele; Right: Ralph Lauren

This trend really lends itself to the Fall and Winter seasons with saturated colors like dark browns, tans, and olive, in addition to the vast use of military-inspired jackets and outerwear.  So, how can we transition this trend to Spring?  The Navy!

Dior, Marc Jacobs, and Betsey Johnson nautical

The "Nautical Look" is perfect for Spring!  I've been loving stripes already this season!

(To know what I'm wearing check out my 70s Stripes post)



This look is perfect for Spring weather and is super easy to re-create affordably!

Just follow the Formula = Stripe top + Denim bottoms + Gold accessories:

Shorts by Forever 21
Bracelets by Forever 21

These picks are all from Forever 21, Old Navy, and Dillard's and cost $58 or (usually much much) less!  Click on any item to go directly to the website.

The formula is really open-ended because you can take this look so many ways:

-Wide leg jeans are perfect for Spring while shorts suit you better for Summer in denim or white as another great option! 

-Navy and white is the most "nautical" combination and a boat neck takes it above and beyond! 

-Remember to keep it ladylike with gold jewelry such as chain-link necklaces or an armful of bangles!

I hope everyone has a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!!!  Remember to thank, or better yet, hug a veteran!

White Out

The white trend is really rising in popularity thanks to the overall Spring/Summer trend of minimalism.  Monochromatic looks really make a statement and what better color for Spring than crisp, clean white?

White was all over the runway for SS 2011

Look to classics such as Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger for inspiration

In addition to runway and designer inspiration, I saw monochromatic neutrals and all-white ensembles in go-to stores such as Gap, J. Crew, and Banana Republic!

Photos taken by Michal, Camber's Mom
(Previous photo credits go to Chandler, my sister!)



White Forever 21 Skinny jeans - $10 (FC)
White J Crew tee - $7 (FC)
White Loft short sleeve cardigan - gift, Mom
Brown vintage Dooney & Bourke - $40 (FC)
Brown vintage brown belt - $2 (thrifted)
Brown vintage sandals - $8 (FC)

Many of my friends have expressed that an all-white outfit is quite daunting.  My advice would be:

 

-Anchor the look down with neutrals - Brown looks great with white and is a natural choice for the Spring season.  Black is another great and easy option!

 

-Utilize statement pieces - Monochromatic looks really lend themselves to making a statement with accessories.  I chose this funky multicolor beaded necklace but the options are endless: big, colorful earrings; a fun scarf; or a really crazy belt would all look great!

 

-Bleach is your friend - If you are nervous that you will get stains somewhere on your outfit, remember, the beauty of "white" is that it can be bleached!

-Start simple - If white seems too much, try the monochromatic look in a color that you feel really confident in (tans and browns, black, or any color of the rainbow).  And remember to play with texture!

Does an all-white ensemble sound like something you would try?  Let me know what you think or post your own look in the comments!