FashionHap: May '16 -Summer Brights

Now that we've officially crossed into warm weather territory, it seems that many of the Divas have gotten on the same page regarding colors: it's time for BRIGHTS! :) There's just something that feels right about wearing gorgeous hues when the sun is shining.
First example: Barbie's dress from her recent Bella Magazine spread. The color of this limeade maxi is just mesmerizing - so vibrant! The cutout halter shape is super modern, while the flowy skirt is the stuff spring daydreams are made of! I'm not sold on the "shorts-underneath" styling for non-photoshoot-wear, but it works brilliantly in a magazine - the visual effect is modern and hot! For real life, though, I'd have a tailor add a matching full-length lining (yes, they can do that! ;)). The minimalist heels she's paired it with are crave-worthy. Ssly, strappy stilettos light up my life - especially when they're done in a yellow-chartreuse shade that matches a stunning dress. You'll often hear me advocate coordinating without matching, but there are a few times when matchiness (did I just create a word again? Heehee) is the right way to go. First, with a magnificent statement color like this, sometimes you don't want to distract from it at all. Second, the dress itself offers two textures: the main fabric and then the georgette overlay. That sheer overlay creates the same kind visual interest a second color would, by acting as a lighter variation of the main color. Between the statement and the visual depth of the fabrics, simple matching shoes are a spot-on choice.
Barbie's next look is a striking white dress, with an ultra-simple silhouette...until you get down to it's fab tasselled hem! It's super-pretty, a bit boho,  madly fun to flip around ...and it turns this plain-Jane dress into something special! In this case, Barbie completes it with almond-toned pointy-toe pumps.

Brie's radiant tangerine coord set is as scorching as the high noon sun. The intensity of the color is fabulous and it looks amazing with her skin and dark hair. (That being said, bright orange is also amazing on blondes, as we've seen Summer wear it with devastating effect in the past). I love how this set uses a maxi skirt, instead of the more expected mini. A second highlight is the crochet detailing. That gives this piece a soft, 70's-bohemian vibe, which Brie enhances with a fringed bag (how incredible is that piece?!) and a variety of beads - via a long necklace and pile of bracelets. Her melon lip shade ties the whole look together perfectly!
Nikki also went for flaming color; her choice was a neon rose, ruffled off-the-shoulder pantsuit with a wonderful vintage-come-modern vibe. Pink isn't a color we often see on Nikki and it's a jazz to see her experiment with it. This piece has a wonderful drape and flutter, due to the the fabric and the ruffle, which make it oh so chic! She accents it with a black choker, which grounds the pink and has the glamorous effect of highlighting her shoulders and collarbone even more than the off-shoulder silhouette alone would. It makes this look super-sexy, without showing quantities of skin. That is how classy-sexy is done, loves!
It feels like it's been forever since I've gotten to talk about a fab Summer outfit, but this one was a try-and-stop-me-from-yabbering-about-it look! I love everything about this dress: the soft fit-and-flare shape, the not-too-gray shade of dusty sky blue, the square neckline. It's all just right. I'm also a fan of the cool tones of silver paired with blue, so I'm majorly on board for her collar necklace, which adds a tiny touch of shine and spice to a very classic, sophisticated look. As with most classic styles, potential shoe pairings abound: black kitten-heel bowed pumps, silver ankle-strap flats...and I admit, I could be tempted by a pretty sandal in gray suede ;).  A strong, smoky eye is the focal point of her make-up, set above a pink sand lip, which complements the muted shade of her dress to perfection.