Five, Six, Pick Up... (Fashion... in Living Color)

Cold, Goin' Mad...

I don't know about you, but I've got a case of the "Can't-wait-for-spring" blues. Yeah, Yeah, it's been a relatively mild winter, but everywhere I look, there are reminders of warmer weather. Stores are bringing in spring inventory, and all the fash-rags are telling us how to transition into the next season (the really high sedity ones are reporting on resort attire for those who can afford to escape to more temperate climes... uh huh I will one day when my pockets get right). The rest of us (especially those in windowless cubicles) have to do something to shake this S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder, duh) monkey off our back, though. I say we add a little brightness to our days with pops of color, whether it's a little accessory or an article of apparel. Here are five ideas I found that should help us all get a sunnier disposition.

Just a Touch ($)

A little goes a long way with punchy pigments, so if you're on the conservative side a belt or piece of jewelry may be enough for you. Added to neutral basics, they take you from hum-drum to hotness (and often without diving too far into your pockets). Try this "opposites attract" belt ($7.00) from Lulu's Fashion Lounge (or a bright skinny belt like this Gap one) with a khaki shirtdress, or pair Urban Outfitters' pink agate charm necklace ($38.00) with a white button-up and almost any bottom.
















For the Cool in Hue ($$)

For those who are a little more daring, a key accessory in a vivid shade should do the trick. Let Boutique 9's $135 "U and Me" pumps in dark pink patent perk up gray pants, or get carried away by a bright bag, like Steven by Steve Madden's $195 "Mosaic" in fuchsia.













All Bright with Me ($$$)

Some of us are just plain bold and enjoy standing out. If that's you, go for a simple shift in a stand-out shade, like this $460 indigo "Katen" sweater dress from Diane Von Furstenberg.



***P.S. - What song inspired today's title? Who was it by? Big props to the firs one with the right answer!

Five, Six, Pick Up...

Turkey Day Dressing...

It happens every year... you ponder what you'll wear for the big gathering. You want to look cute, yet fam-appropriate. You also need something that will either accommodate or camouflage your post-dinner bulge. Instead of trying to undo the top button on your jeans without anyone noticing, this Thanksgiving, try rockin' an empire-waist frock. Here are five i found that will compliment most body types and fit a range of spending limits:

Bougie on a Budget ($): Wear this $22.80 mock-neck sweater dress from Forever 21 with a cardigan to keep your arms warm.


A Little Wiggle Room ($$): The layering options are endless with this $59.50 pleated denim shift dress from the Gap, and this $44.99 Isaac Mizrahi for Target merino wool turtleneck is a complete look on its own.

















Extra Dough to Throw ($$$): Do it demure in this $240.00 purple knit jersey dress from T-Bags or go girly with the "Lipgloss" ruffled dot dress from Joie. From Net-a-Porter and Nordstrom, respectively.















P.S.
Each of these dresses goes great with any of this season's footwear trends. Just make sure you wear opaque tights. Oh, and if you've decided that you're not doing any shopping until after Thanksgiving, I'm sure you can pair one of your dresses from summer with tights and a cardigan too.

For tha Low Low (Gotta Love a Sale)

I Don't Wanna Grow Up...

Is it me, or do these shoes make you hum the Toys R Us theme? (C'mon sing along) Giraffe prints to round toes to school-girl bows, it's the cutest pair of flats there is... (OK, no more singing.) These adorable flats from the Gap, originally priced at an affordable $39.50 but on sale for $12.99, won't even take away from your milk (ahem, cocktail) money. Here's the catch, though, they only have size 6 left.