Color Me Happy!

So again, I have to start with an apology.  It's been weeks since I've updated! Things have just been so crazy. If it helps matters, I do have a good excuse. I've been basking in the summer fashion with all the bright, popping colors! This is my favorite time of year!

Give me sundresses, wedges, and sunkissed skin over a bulky sweater and jeans any day! I mean, the statistics on depression in the northern, frigid states is proof enough summer, and summer fashion, is just better. Everyone looks and feels better with a little Vitamin D coarsing through their body.  Not to mention the multitude of sins a tan can hide;-)

The biggest aspect for this season is COLOR! Forget your comfort-zone black or drab gray. Get acquainted with your aquas, oranges, pinks, yellow, and every other happy color under the rainbow.  Don't be afraid to branch out of your norm, this includes the colors you usually wear.  I've been guilty of looking at a shirt or dress and going "eh, that color sucks on me" but then I hear my mom's voice in my head saying "oh Kimberly, you don't know until you try it on" and to this day, those words still ring true 8 times out of 10.  I'm old enough now to pretty much call it on the hanger, but there are still times I'm pleasantly surprised in the dressing room. So, take the plunge and lug that questionable color into the fitting room. It just might be the ray of sunshine you need to spring you into the summer season.

Another thing I love about summer is options! The cold weather pretty much limits you to pants and long sleeves, at least for me.  The wind blows more than 5 mph and I've got goosebumps! But summer brings a multitude of styles, cuts, colors, and accessories that span a large spectrum of tastes.  I'm not a huge fan of shorts. I don't know if there is some Shorts Committee of America that meets every year in an effort to piss me off but it's like they took a vote and agree on two lengths: 1) Hoochie Up Your Butt and 2) Back In Junior High Walking Shorts. I know that's a little dramatic but it really is hard for me to find a pair that fits my waist and doesn't make my legs look squatty.  This is why I always turn to sundresses:-)  They can be casual enough to supplement for shorts or you can throw on a wedge or jeweled sandal and head out for a nice evening.  Express has a great sale going on right now that offers 30% off all sundresses.  I got some good finds the other day and can't wait to rock 'em on a patio or summer party! I took a quick gander online and wanted to share a few Sugar Faves. 

Paired with pumps for the office or some fashion-forward flops for happy hour, this dress is versatile and will flatter most body types. Maggy London, $128.00

If you prefer a more edgier feel, try this purple/violet, rolled sleeve frock. Throw on some gladiator sandals and switch out the belt to fit  your fancy and you've got a rockin' look. Bonus feature: pockets!  Gianni Bini, $118

Warning: The following photos are not Kim Kardashian.  This is just a girl who looks exactly like her.  Believe me.  I researched it b/c, as my previous posts have stated, the fact that her ass pops up everywhere (literally) makes me want to rip someone else's hair out.  I mean, I won't let Kim K. make me destroy my own locks.  I digress...

This next pick is modern yet sophisticated.  Make sure you have a little color to your skin though.  This color combo can work against you and wash you out if you don't have the right skin tone.  Collective Concepts, $79.00

Too boring for you? No problem. I love a brave girl who isn't afraid of a fun pattern! I LOVE this ruffled neckline, shirt dress.  The colors just enduce happiness and the tie belt will add definition for a great waistline. Throw on a gold sandal with a mojito in hand and you, my friend, have style and taste! Mac and Jac, $69.00

Now that we're on the pattern train, this locomotive isn't slowing down.  I'm partial to this next one b/c it has a tasteful butterfly print, and I love butterflies (tasteful being the operative word!).  Cute for any pool party or wedding shower, because as we know, that season is upon us already! Eight Sixty, $85.00

Don't want to say goodbye to the fall seson but can't wear your favorite sweater?? Here is an asymmetrical dress that offers a fall leaf print.  You can embrace your love of fall without passing out in the Houston heat! The changing of fall colors has never looked so chic! Hazel, $77.40.

Into the nautical look? This next option is so quirky and cute I can't even stand it! Bonus: you get a feel for the water without the sea sickness! Top Shop, $70.00

For those of you who are just now entering the pattern world, take baby steps.  Polka dots are always a good option for beginners.  Just make sure the polka dots aren't too clowny.  Keep them understated for a more slimming, sleek look.  Pair this with some red pumps or sandals for a throw back to the pinup days! Eigh Sixty, $75.00.

Then we have the rompers. I made the mistake of buying one last year.  I saw myself in a friend's online photo album, immediately put the laptop down, made a B line for my closet, ripped it from the hanger, and tosses it in the trash. This story was not embellished or dramatized. It was just that bad.  We all make bad judgment calls every once in a while.  However, I love a good romper on the right body style.  They tend to look best on girls with a straighter figure.  They aren't really ideal if you sport a plump rear and thicker thighs  Although, if you are on the curvier side, try to look for a more tailored, structured romper.  I found this option at Dillards.  It's BCBGeneration and would be a good option for the curvier ladies. 

The flimsier material can just add emphasis on your hips and butt in an unflattering way.  Again, try them on.  If you don't feel 100% satisfied, put it back on the rack and keep looking.  

If the department stores are too pricey or intimidating for you, don't forget about TJ Maxx and Marshall's!! My sister found some adorable sundresses that will get a lot of mileage this summer.  I also had a great shopping trip with my cousin who gives Katherine Heigel a run for her money in 27 Dresses.  She has been in so many weddings there should be an award given to her for all her plane tickets purchased, shower gifts carefully picked, and bachelorette parties attended! She was, again, on the search for dresses for upcoming wedding festivities.  Not to mention she has recently lost weight and looks FABULOUS! She found two dresses that were under $50 and looked just as good, if not better, than what any high-priced boutique could offer.  I might add, one of the dresses I suggested she turned down at first because it looked pretty drab on the hanger.  So we moved along but something told her to grab the dress to give it a shot.  Low and behold, it flattered her shape and the color looked spectacular! Needless to say, it found a home in her closet that day.  The other dress was a no brainer.  We both agreed it was reminiscent of Julia Robert's brown and white polka dot dress from Pretty Woman, which initially grabbed our attention.  The cut was perfect and the pattern fit her personality to a tee: bubbly, happy, and carefree! So don't think you are too good for Marshall's or TJ Maxx.  It can be hit or miss but give it a shot.  It can turn out to be one successful stop!

Target also has some great bargain buys.  The only downside is everyone else in town knows this tidbit.  However, you can always personalize it with a belt, jewelry, jacket, etc.  Resale shops, like Buffalo Exchange, have also started beefing up their summer collection.  I recently found a sundress that is regularly $198 for $32! As Charlie Sheen so famously says: "Winner!" 

For the record, I haven't banned shorts from my repetoire.  I know I've gone on and on about dresses but I do love shorts, especially tailored, cuffed ones.  I think they are crisp and casual all at the same time.  I just don't like how people think because they button, they should buy them.  The muffin top can rear it's ugly head with shorts and people also need to be honest about how their legs look as well.  If you have a sturdy thigh, short shorts aren't the best option. If you hate shorts, and I know some people that will avoid them at all costs, the straight leg, rolled crop pant is a great option.  You can wear them with wedges for a dressier look or pair them with converse or flops for a more laid back feel.  They are just as comfortable as shorts but offer the coverage for your legs that some ladies prefer.  Ann Taylor Loft is a good place to look for these types of bottoms. 

Whether it's shorts, crops, or a sundress, I hope I've convinced you to take a dip into the color pond this summer.  It's just another way to express your personal flair and cheer up your wardrobe.  If you want to keep it solid and simple, don't forget to use those accessories and stems to pump up the pizzaz.  Look beyond the hanger and visualize the entire, finished look.  Summer is a time to show some skin and be flirty and fun so take advantage of it and dance down the rainbow of colors! 

Love and shoes,
Kim