#25 Electric Prep

Allow me to make this metaphor: I think some colors are like new albums by your favorite artist. Sometimes at first, you aren't exactly loving it-- in fact, maybe you're not into at all. But, you decide to be patient and with each new listen, you find yourself understanding the intricacies and nuances of their new sound. Over time, as you listen and listen again, you slowly come to love their work.

That's exactly how I feel about acid/electric yellows and greens-- strong dislike at first, but over time, I'm coming to love the unusual acid tones that are currently very on trend. They come with a challenge because they aren't exactly flattering on all skin tones and hair colors, but I'm really into the way neon contrasts with my red hair. I think neons look especially gorgeous on women with beautiful dark cocoa skin-- something about how the colors come together is so breathtaking. Clearly, I am quite the opposite of beautiful dark cocoa; I'm more say... white chocolate.

 

 

SHIRT Acid Yellow Silk Button Up, Ann Taylor | SWEATER Honeydew Light Wool Sweater, Ann Taylor | JEANS Dark Skinnies, Eloquii | SHOES Men's Leather Sperrys, Vintage | BRACELET Ribbon Crystal Bracelet, The Limited

I know neon and neutral is not news but I love the contrast of the shirt with my brown Sperrys (which I got for $10 at a vintage store!). I also love the preppy look spiced up with neons-- I think it all plays really well off of my green glasses, too. Finally, I can't say it enough: I heart Ann Taylor. It's true. I used to think that it was a store that would age me, but they actually have some very trendy stuff in beautiful colors, which helps me be more stylish for work and still look youthful and fashionable. It doesn't hurt that they have 40% off sales all the time, too! I think there's one going on now, coupon code: April40. 

My favorite neon color right now will still be blue-- I have a similar shirt that is blue that I can't wait to show you (also from my love Ann Taylor). What about you? What's your favorite neon color this season?

#8 "Little" Bumblebee

As you may or may not know, I'm a teacher. It's one of the most important things in my life (yes, even more important than fashion!) and part of the reason I'm visiting NYC is to improve my craft. Yesterday, I visited an amazing school in NYC to observe what they do during summer school. This school is such an incredible place and the teachers are so invaluable for what they do. It reminds me how lucky I am to be a teacher and have the opportunity to watch other great teachers! As I promised a day or two ago, today I'm posting something in yellow for the Everybody Everywear challenge, but my outfit has a bit of a professional spin.

Hot and cranky!

One of my favorite simple necklaces.

A close up of my stretched ears. I know some find it gross, but I love them! These are beautiful cubic zirconia tunnels that look like real diamonds. The pic doesn't do them justice.

A close up of the daisy pattern.

TOP Black Draping Body Suit, Urban Outfitters | SKIRT Yellow Daisy Lace Pencil Skirt, Talbots | PUMPS Black Patent Leather Peep Toe Pumps, Nine West | NECKLACE Beaded and Jeweled Necklace, J Crew

I'm not too happy with the way the photos turned out because the lighting in our apartment is pretty atrocious. However, it was almost 100 degrees today in NYC and after a two-hour commute to and from Harlem, I couldn't bear to be outside any longer!

I definitely want to take a second to hype one of my favorite professional labels, Talbots. For a long time, I used to think this was kind of an old lady store and not for stylish 20-somethings. However, for those of us who are in professional (non-fashion) careers, it's a great store to shop at if you want to look stylish at work and if you appreciate classic but colorful pieces. They have a "regular" line that goes up to a size 18-20 and they have a "woman" line for plus-sized ladies that goes up to 24. They also have a petites line and a line for plus-sized petites. I really appreciate how they called their plus-size line "woman."

I'm a bit obsessed with pencil skirts and they often carry these in a huge variety of styles, colors, and patterns. Obviously, my yellow daisy print one is from Talbots and I just bought a beautiful bright green one and a deep purple one for the fall! My other favorite thing about them is that they regularly have pretty good sales and it's easy to find coupon codes online. In fact, they're having a end of season sale right now. And I know what you're thinking... I WISH they paid me to say all that! Just wanted to rep one of my favorite professional clothing lines for women of all sizes. How about you? What's your favorite place to shop for work/interview clothing?

#7 And They Were All Yellow

I heard about this site called "Everybody Everywear" that creates challenges for fashionable people to participate in. They give a new style or piece that you have to wear for that month. I love it! I'll definitely be participating from now on. It's such a fun way to encourage people to try new things with their fashion. You can even submit your photos and get some PR for your blog on their website! And of course, get inspired by how others worked their challenge.

This July, the challenge is to wear yellow in your outfits. I love yellow! It's such a cheerful color and is perfect for summer. I think the most challenging part of wearing yellow is finding one that flatters your skin tone. I'm really, really pale, so sometimes yellow can make me look washed out or sickly. Nonetheless, yellow is still one of my favorite colors to rock. Here are some yellow pieces I've found floating around on that crazy world wide web that I'm really feeling for this month.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Floral Dress, Dorothy Perkins | Necklace, ASOS | Skirt, Dorothy Perkins | Resin Bangle, J Crew | Ikat Dress, J Crew | Shirred Tank Dress, ASOS | Color Block Sweater, Forever 21 | Stone Necklace, ASOS | Asian Inspired Purse, ASOS | Daisy Chain Necklace, Forever 21 | Portfolio Purse, ASOS | Yellow Chino Shorts 3", J Crew | Patterned Dress, Diane Von Furstenberg | Ochre Belted Tunic, Dorothy Perkins | Yellow Lipstick, Lime Crime | Midi Heel Orly Pumps, Sam Edelman | Aztec Dress, Forever 21 | Chiffon One Shoulder Dress, Dorothy Perkins | Yellow Oxfords, ASOS | Patterned Kimono Dress, Forever 21 | Lace Sleeveless Dress, Dorothy Perkins | Mid Heel Loafers, ASOS

Whew! That was a mouthful. That yellow lipstick from Lime Crime is FIERCE! I also love the one-shouldered dress. It's such a beautiful yellow-orange and the chiffon is so delicate. Hopefully I will have a yellow outfit of me tomorrow featuring a really special piece in my suitcase. How about you? Are you wearing yellow this July?