Light my fire...

Aidan Mattox Sequin Sheath

My friends will tell you that I have been waiting for some red to catch my eye...and finally that has happened! I has been wondering how long it would take before this eye catching color would turn up in a summer that has relegated it to the shadows. This summer appears to be all about the happy brights of the color wheel and the more saturated hues are waiting for their grand entrance this fall I believe, to which Crocheting the Reef agrees.

Reds of all shades are going to get you noticed, but the question is how. After the age of 10 or so, the primary shade we often seen on playgrounds and in day cares is one of the past and we enter into those shades that emphasize our ever growing maturity. Even in flux, while we are desperately trying to carve our own niche in the world there is a shade that complements our age and more specifically the moment. Take this Aidan Mattox Sequin Sheath Dress. The color is more of a burgundy, which would normally imply that the wearer is older, but the style, and the sequins no less, let you know that this woman, while young, is secure and not afraid to be noticed. She isn't flashy, but she is definitely going to catch your eye.



Alexander McQueen Sculpted Wedge

Because there are so many shades of red, it is easy to get lost in narrowing down what direction suits you best. Can you pull off the deepest of burgundies or is that going to make you look sallow. Will a shade that blurs the line between hot pink and red make you stand out in a good way. Even though InStyle says that America's Most Wanted Nail Polish in Washington, DC is OPI's Big Apple Red, is it a good idea for you to go traipsing about such a stand out color? And sometimes, no matter the shade, the package that the color comes in, makes all the difference. Most women that enjoy clothes, have or want a pair of red shoes. And when it comes to shoes, because they are a little more removed from your eye line, most women can get away with most shades. Take these Alexander McQueen Peep Toe Sculpted Wedge Pumps. The shade is definitely knocking on the door of primary, but who would dare criticize? They are gorge. Definitely a shoe that will draw attention. Not everyone is going to be comfortable in a shoe this high or this edgy, but that's the point. This shoe isn't for everyone and most can appreciate it, even if they wouldn't walk a mile in them.

Shades of Grey...or gray?

Cara Accessories Pave Crystal Knot Ring

From heather to gunmetal, grey, or gray, is a color that most often falls into the neutral category, but definitely has a life of its own. It encompasses silvers and slates, from the lightest baby approved to the darkest almost black varieties and looks good doing it. Often the 3rd color in athletic color schemes, the one no one talks about...and the color of our favorite earrings. Greys often lend a background to a statement piece, but when done well, they can be a statement all their own. In the era of statement jewelry, real or costume, grey, especially gunmetal, is one that is versatile and works with most anything, even gold, when done properly. Take this Cara Accessories Pave Crystal Knot Ring, the aesthetics of it allows it to speak it's statement loud and clear, but the color of it allow it to work in tandem with any shade of the rainbow. And what a lovely rainbow it is...It participates in the conversation that your outfit starts and is a subtle exclamation point people will find themselves drawn to...and probably a little jealous of. A bit fun, a little bit frivolous, but definitely necessary.

Valentino 'Lace - Large Nuage' Hobo

But grey doesn't have to be limited to jewelry...any accessory works in grey, shoes and bags alike. I was torn with which of these examples to use today, so I decided to use both. This bag is just GORGE. My life is incomplete without it, not really, but you understand. Valentino got it perfect with this 'Lace - Large Nuage' Hobo. The size of it is perfect. Being one to operate in extremes, I like by bags either massive or minuscule, and this is perfection. I can get everything I need in there with room to spare, including a change of clothes, I'm sure. I'm the single girl with the 'mom bag.' Ask me for anything on any given day at any given time, I can rummage around until I find exactly what it is you are looking for, band aids, lotion, 4 different kinds of chap stick, Advil, and probably even enough snacks for everyone at the party. Its just what I do.

Bronx 'Heat of the Nite' Flat

And anyone that knows me, knows that I have a REALLY hard resisting a fab pair of shoes. Some have even called me obsessed. Not that I can blame them.  Nothing has the ability to make everything better like a great pair of shoes can. When it comes to shoes, I am the consummate girl. Forget chocolate...want to fix it...get me a gift card to Nordstrom's shoe department. I'll be your best friend for life...or at least until I get the shoes home. And these Bronx 'Heat of the Nite' Flats will do just that. The shade of grey that they chose here, manage to remain in the background, but still make a statement in the way that only grey can. The style is classic. What's more classic than a pair of oxfords? But the fact they are grey, makes them just a touch unusual and thus, interesting. And we could all use a little interesting in our lives, cant we? 

You are my Sunshine, my only sunshine...

Yellow is a color that most people associate as bright and happy…a lot like sunshine. I recently wore all yellow to work, and almost 100% of the staff called me sunshine all day. Yellow is the feeling of gentle sun on your skin on a nice summer afternoon; the smell of honeysuckle in a spring breeze… Yellow is one of those colors that almost always evokes warmth and happiness. It is the perfect color for the infamous ‘smiley face.’ Most commonly associated with spring and summer, it is a color that finds it place on sundresses and straw bags.

Take this print matte jersey dress by Maggie London. Even though paired with a graphic black print, the joyful feeling of it still shines through. Sold at Nordstrom for $118 this dress can go to a summer concert, the mall, a day party or even a cocktail party with ease. Some might say it’s a bit overdressed for a walk in the park, but they also haven’t met me. A sundress and some flat sandals are a staple in summer for me. But everyone isn’t as infatuated with color as I am and might want to take a more subtle approach. This is where a statement bag will do the work for you. This Longchamp Darshan Abstract Tote is the perfect way to incorporate a shot of color without it being overwhelming or being too bright for someone with more muted tastes.

Yellow is a color that will stand out no matter where tries to hide and thus will not work for a shrinking violet. You will be seen and you will be noticed. The question is...what will you be noticed for? It comes in many shades and the wrong one can make one's skin seem sallow. Universally, bright yellow will compliment most people as happy shades look better that milky ones. Do yourself a favor and inject some happy into your life with a bright and sunny yellow. You'll be glad you did.