Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Color by Technicolor: Wearing Springs Neons

I don't know about anyone else but I'm all about color right now. Not just color but the brightest most saturated brights in existence. Weeks of bronchitis and all things drab have left me eager for the full Crayola box selection. Since it is spring - and the stores are full of the latest in almost florescent color - its the perfect time to explore all that is bright and punchy. Of course we know that color this vivid can be a bit tricky so we have a little guide to navigating the dos and donts of bright colors.


Bold Color at Jil Sander, Sonia Rykiel and Marc by Marc Jacobs


1. Keep It Simple: Neon colors pack a punch all by themselves so one can keep the patterns to a minimum. Too much pattern and color could wind up looking too loud - or worse yet too 80s if done wrong. There is a fine line between looking chic and looking like an extra from a Duran Duran video. If you absolutely must go you're going to go for a pattern make sure its balanced - the right mix of neutral and bold. You might even want to try one of the numerous Balenciaga inspired floral patterns that abound this season.

2. Adjusting the Levels: There is bright and then there is BRIGHT. Neon can be very harsh so its important to pick the right shades to flatter your skintone. In general the warmer toned brights are more universally flattering - instead of an acid yellow go for a sunnier shade. Its important to always consult a mirror before wearing bright colors because the undertones in your skin play such a role in which shades will work best.

3. Balance: Head to toe neon is best left for fashion editorials and raves. Balance out your brights with subtler colors. Neutrals are great for this but don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected color combinations. Look at how well the pale pink and bright orange combo works at Jil Sander - sometimes a pastel or muted color can work just as well as a neutral.

4. Be Fearless: Fashion magazines are filled with crap about how black is slimming and blah blah wear dark colors if you aren't size 0. Forget all that garbage. Its spring - no one wants to be dressed like they're on the way to a funeral. Color is an incredible way to stand out in a crowd - however if you do feel shy about wearing such bright colors try a bright handbag or shoes instead.


Yellow Belted Mac - Evans, Black Straight Leg Jeans - Old Navy, Green Suede Bag - Derek Lam (in stores only), Yellow & Beige Pumps - L.A.M.B., Oversized Sunglasses - Tom Ford, Andy Warhol Union Square Fragrance - Bond No. 9


Now I've put together a little outfit with a lot of color that I think shows off a wearable version of this trend. We've got a great little top from Evans, in the perfect lemon yellow shade paired with classic black jeans from Old Navy. I think this combo is just great for spring and very easy to wear. For added interest we've got an equally juicy combo of accessories - amazing colorblocked pumps from L.A.M.B. (their shoes are consistently offbeat quirky) and an apple green suede bag from Derek Lam. Notice that the top and shoes are yellow but the bag is green - you don't want to do all one color its good to have a bit of difference to mix things up. Top it all off with a pair of over the top Tom Ford sunglasses and a spritz of Bond No. 9's latest pop art fragrance and you're good to go.

Will you be wearing bright colors this spring or are you planning on skipping this trend? I've already started up on it to be honest and I don't plan on stopping until the weather cools down.

14 comments:

Britta said...

I want those shoes and sunglasses so badly.

Sonya said...

I've been wearing bright colours in general really, and wear 'em all through winter as well as spring. I have this awesome yellow and orange nightgown that I plan to wear as a dress over this other one. Trust me, it looks fab. I should take a photo.

[nomoremumus.com]

Harriet Olivia said...

Fabulous!

This past weekend I put away all my winter clothes (possibly invoking the torrential rain that's been happening since) and was thrilled to get my summer clothes from storage, including a bright turquoise shift, a juicy orange skirt, neon sandals, etc.

You're so right about the black: it has its place, but when the sun does occasionally shine, it has to be colour. Love the bag and shoes you chose.

You can have fun with make-up, too: a pop of bright liquid eyeliner (Barry M have a marvellous sort of insect green, and a plum), or deep orange or pink lipstick.

Jane said...

So the rain is all HARRIET'S fault!

I was going to make a comment about the Evans yellow mac until I scrolled down and saw you had included it in the outfit! Synchronicity.

Charlotte said...

I love looking at this coloured outfits but then I can't find the time to wear them. Once I got me a pair of yellow pants and never wore them except 2 or 3 times.

Nutstump said...

I love colours n_n

Jaime said...

I just found your gorgeous blog. I love it! Fabulous finds!

DowntownVenus said...

I was wondering about Charlotte's comment about not having the time to wear color, when I realized that it really does take a bit of talent to do color well - which means a bit of time IS required to have a think about pulling color together so that you don't look like egg&lettuce or a walking christmas tree!

I find that solid color blocking really appeals to me in an artisitic sense (such as that pink and navy image posted) however what works best for me IRL are those paint splotched fabrics (Chloe/Marni) and modern florals (Stella). You can use your bold color accessories and not end up looking like your nanna's chintz curtains!

I'm also loving that pastel sheer-over-neon look that is popping up in editorials lately. Delish!

DeePeeDee said...

Those shoes have my name all over them!

Urban Tongue said...

The jacket appeals to me strongly. I've already got three of the jackets in different colors. You could also try spring colored pants as well.

Kenny Surtani said...

Have you ever realized that when you buy readymade suits you get a choice of only a few colors & styles, also finding the perfect fit are quite difficult? Wouldn’t it be better to choose from over 2000 different British & Italian fabrics and get a tailor made suit at a similar price that you pay for readymade suits?

We are a company based in Hong Kong and have been providing custom made suits & shirts since 1997. With representatives in major cities around the globe we can arrange to show you the fabric samples and take your measurements, or you can also place your orders online with the help of our measuring guide. There are over 2000 fabrics to choose from along with all the latest styles.

All our suits and shirts are produced by highly skilled Shanghainese tailors in Hong Kong and delivered in about 4 weeks, express delivery can be made in 2 weeks at a minor extra cost. In case you are not able to find what you are looking for then please let us know your requirement may it be in words or by a photograph and we could arrange it for you.

We also have an outlet at the Hotel Intercontinental Budapest where you are most welcome to visit us. Though we are not located in streets like Savile Row (London), we have still been able to offer made to measure suits to many VIP’s from around the world.

Experience an easier way of shopping for bespoke suits & shirts at Euro Tailors

Kenny Surtani

vita.reed@gmail.com said...

Great picks. I've always worn brights as part of my mix, so this is one of the few occasions that trends dovetail with my personal style.
My brights tend to be pink, green, turquoise, coral, blue and orange. I mix them with denim, black, brown, beige and white. Yellow is tough for my complexion. I'm a fair-skinned AfAm.

eda said...

101煙火,煙火批發,煙火工廠,製造浪漫煙火小舖,煙火小舖,衣蝶,衣蝶,情趣用品,情趣商品,情趣,情趣,煙火批發,情趣禮品,成人用品,小泉彩,按摩棒,跳蛋,情趣內衣,情趣精品,情趣商品,情趣用品,情趣,情趣,真愛密碼,真愛密碼,貓裝,自慰器,自慰器,性感內褲,飛機杯,充氣娃娃,情趣內衣,角色扮演,丁字褲,性感丁字褲,跳蛋,跳蛋,AV,性感丁字褲,丁字褲,煙火,情趣用品,情趣用品

酒店上班請找艾葳 said...

艾葳酒店經紀提供專業的酒店經紀,酒店上班,酒店打工、兼職、酒店相關知識等酒店相關產業服務,想加入這行業的水水們請找專業又有保障的艾葳酒店經紀公司!
艾葳酒店經紀是合法的公司、我們是不會跟水水簽任何的合約 ( 請放心 ),我們是不會強押水水辛苦工作的薪水,我們絕對不會對任何人公開水水的資料、工作環境高雅時尚,無業績壓力,無脫秀無喝酒壓力,高層次會員制客源,工作輕鬆。
一般的酒店經紀只會在水水們第一次上班和領薪水時出現而已,對水水們的上班安全一點保障都沒有!艾葳酒店經紀公司的水水們上班時全程媽咪作陪,不需擔心!只提供最優質的酒店上班環境、上班條件給水水們。