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.

What's Prettier than Pink?

When it comes to the ultimate girl color, what hits closer to home than pink? From childhood, we are taught that blue is for boys and pink is for girls. And while I agree that this is something most of us grow out of, pink will always be the color of a girls girl. And I love it! Purple has always been my favorite color to look at, but pink will always be my fave to wear. Preferably hot pink. Something about this particular color seems to work well with the undertones in my skin and I couldn’t be happier about it. But pink is one of those colors that has a hue to go with every complexion, from peaches and cream to the darkest of chocolate and everything in between. While baby pink gets old after about 7 years old, blush and magenta will work for years to come.

My boyfriend told me once that I like clothing with a classic cut in an obnoxious print or color. And while at the time I assumed he was right, it wasn’t until I saw this dress that I knew he was. He usually is. This dress by Tadashi is beautiful by itself, but with the addition of the one shoulder of rosettes is just stunning. And in hot pink no less! Listed as Tadashi Shoji One Shoulder Chiffon Sheath Dress with Rosettes at Nordstrom, this dress works for a night on the town, after five or an evening wedding. With the detail on the shoulder, it eliminates the need for a necklace and simple shoes will allow this dress to shine.

Much like these Zara brand Trousers with Cord, the statement is allowed to be made in a simple way, with color. There isn’t a print to distract you. Just eye-catching color. Bold color in a simple classic cut, is timeless but interesting. A linen pant is en vogue EVERY summer, but when done in hot pink it’s a little more fun. A little more purposeful. And it is still a statement. One that can still be paired with a basic tee and simple shoes and in one fell swoop you’ve managed to come out comfortable and stylish with no added effort. A new way to do the summer uniform. Try adding a splash of well placed color and see how much better you feel that day…I bet you’ll be glowing from compliments!

Beige doesnt have to be boring, does it?

Beige is a color that has gotten a bad rap as of late, often called boring, safe and invisible. I admit that I have called these things as well, but I come to the realization that beige can be fun, in your face and just as obnoxious as the brightest of brights. Beige, much like black or navy, is a color that is often used for staples and meant to be accented by other colors or prints. Part of its purpose is to be in the background.

The shade itself runs the gammut from oatmeal to nubuck to taupe, but at the end of the day its all beige and that's not a bad thing. Take these custom made Christian Louboutin's for instance. Created specifically for Christina Aguilera for the movie Burlesque, these beauties give her petite in 5'2'' frame a lift and they do it like no other. With a nod to his "Margot" design, these white and silver shoes do wonders for the beige category. They wouldn't know how to blend into the background if they tried, and I dare say, they wouldn't even bother attempting. These are meant to be seen, flaunted and coveted and according to many sites, they are. Some girls have even requested Ms. Aguilera to pass them on. While most of us would not be able to afford something akin to these, their $2495 is a bit cost prohibitive, it is still possible to get the feeling with something much more affordable. Now while these arent going to be the pair that every girl covets, they demonstrate how one can get something just as interesting on a much smaller budget. Created by Irregular Choice, these Can't Touch This pumps are no shrinking violet themselves and scream "look at me!" And at $129 from Akira, a pair that the rest of us could actually afford.

You can see in these two examples that beige does not have to be 'boring' but there is nothing wrong with being in the background either. They both have their place, its just a matter of what you need and want. As Adrienne said, "I can't walk around on my rent," and I more than agree but a girl can dream though, cant she?

Shall we Treasure our Turquoise?

Turquoise is a color and stone that has been revered by those in power for centuries. Archealologists have discovered it adorning Egyptian queens dating as far back as 5500 B.C. and hundreds of others since then. And still today, the stone is a symbol of life, wealth and good fortune, by many cultures around the world. The turquoise stone is found in both the blue and green family. The green caused by the presence of iron in the soils where it is formed and the blue caused by the presence of copper. While the blue may be more popular in clothes and accessories today, the green is most often found in jewelry, typically that of Native American or Aztec influence. This necklace for instance, by Raymond Beard, Navajo, called Antiqued Silver Bead & Carico Lake Turquoise Naja Necklace. He uses both the blue and green turquoise stones to embelish this gorgeous silver necklace.

Because Turquoise has been around for so long, the blue shade has made it into regular rotation on the fashion circuit and just last year, 2010, was Pantone's color of the year. Because of its vibrance it floats seamlessly back and forth from accents to staples and harmoniously works with most color palettes. Even when used as an accent in an already bright color scheme, Turquoise has the ability to ground the whole outfit so as not to become overdone or stylized. These Nine West Nicefit Pumps are a great way to inject some color and suprise to an otherwise understated outfit, letting the shoe truly steal the show.

Typically a color associated with summer, its inner warmth gives those wearing it a glow. So be a queen today, powerful and revered. Maybe not the status symbol of yesterday, but the color is still one to make others stop and take notice.

Did you know that nothing rhymes with Orange?

Orange is one of those colors that universally most people feel that they cant wear. But this is not true. While we may not all be able to get away with the orange of childhood, the spectrum that exists within orange is beautiful. From pale melons to infused burnt oranges, the options are endless. Orange is a happy color that lifts spirits and can be very comforting all the while energizing. When using orange, though, most relegate it to the background for accents, and while it works well here, it can also do wonders when allowed to take center stage. But because most shades of orange are only a shade away from garish, it does benefit one to take your time with choosing the color and placement of the color so as not to become lost in it.

I was perusing online and came across these darling studs by Betsey Johnson and I actually grinned at the computer screen. While Monica may find them scary, these are a pair of studs that can lighten the mood all the while remaining understated, simply because they are studs. A way to not take yourself too seriously. Part of this is accomplished by the color in and of itself. The shiny orange laquer is unexpected but simultaneously appreciated. Maybe not appropo for every situation, certainly not for an interview or black tie dinner, but every other in between.

For me, fashion and color is about expressing yourself, having fun and not taking yourself too seriously. Everything you wear should look polished and on purpose yet not severe. Knowing who you are and exhibiting that through dress should never be a problem...though I do draw the line at a flaxseed mumu.