NEO-NEON

Though recent temperatures overcompensate for my constant affinity towards neon, electric colors are perfect for mid-summer ensembles. As I've expressed in earlier posts, I adore a neon pout in pinks, peaches, and peony, and the same goes for anything from shift dresses to sandals. I love the contrast of citrine & sand, but a coral or tangerine onesie packs an equally impressive punch. For those less neon-inclined, a swatch of color via a belt (see Celine, below) or crossbody can create quite an impact on an otherwise monochromatic look.

While the trend might seem more easily achieved in solid separates, I can't seem to turn a blind eye from the eccentric patterns and quirky graphics as seen on the Fendi and Prada S/S 11 RTW runways. I especially love the vibrant stripes and monkey motifs showcased by Prada, reminiscent of a recent trip to the Boca Raton Resort, and architect Addison Mizner's Monkeys, artfully depicted in a traditional Moroccan design aesthetic...

Neon hues in ethereal, sheer fabrics are great on dresses that are both summer barbecue and rooftop cocktail party appropriate. This was perhaps best perfected by Christopher Kane, not to mention neon-noteworthy sandals that are sexy, stylish and electrifying. Equally seductive  (to my own style radar, at least) are crossbodys and mini pouchettes in shocking shades slung over-the-shoulder.

I must admit, that when it comes to neon, I've had recent confirmation bias by way of New York Times Fashion's Street Style feature for this week, for which yours truly made the cut; I love the variations on the trend sported from New York to British Columbia, and London to Paris, and Paris, and Paris (what trend can't they perfect?)...




http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/07/18/fashion/streetstyle-neon-12.html 



Summer Staples

When it comes to keeping your style effortlessly cool in the summer heat, all you need to know is that there are a few key pieces that can ground different looks when accessorized with a different spin. Those staples (which I also wear in all seasons) include the breton sailor top (ode de chanel), slim white denim pants, and a chambray or denim button-down shirt.
                           
Swap white skinnies for a cool crimson pair (perfect this past weekend at the Cape) and invest in a rainbow of oxford shorts that can be paired with a neutral top or a contrasting hue to embrace the ubiquitous color-block trend (did Jil Sander miss a beat?). J.crew is undoubtedly my personal go-to store (above center) for pieces that put a modern spin on classics, not to mention the spectrum of colorful separates from chemises to shorts, and accessories alike (is anyone else lusting after the edie purse?).
                            
Whether you embrace the trends, or stick to what is time-tested and true, you can't go wrong either way by anchoring your look with essential summer accessories. Classic Ray-Ban aviators and a fabulous Panama hat (think Lauren Hutton) or fedora shield le visage from the sun's strong rays, while thin gold hoops and a chunky men's watch offset a beautiful (ahem, safe) golden glow. Right now I'm also loving a faux-turquoise necklace, comme the H&M gem that sold out in weeks...

Accessories wouldn't accessorize a look without handbags, and for summer, anything in straw, citron, or an all-season nylon (for unexpected sun showers) is the perfect companion to a warm-weather ensemble. Kate Spade has a plethora of colorful clutches and carryalls, and Longchamp is the long-standing champ for handbags no matter the season (I love my le pliage in beige). Finally, and to prove my commitment to an aforementioned seasonal obsession, a white bikini is a timeless, chic staple that is perfectly appropriate (by perfect, I mean Grace, of course) at both a posh resort pool or a low-key local beach.               

"I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer" 

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD