Shi-NEON Happy People

OBSESSION OF THE MOMENT: Knock-Out NEON

Obsession of the moment is my take on some of my favorite style trends "in vogue" featuring an item or two I love that demonstrates the current craze..

One of my favorite things about style is the way a piece of clothing can demonstrate everything from one's mood at the moment to the profundity of your personality.  I quite honestly see fashion as an art form and I appreciate the way people use it to express themselves, even if (and in fact especially if) that expression is different from my own taste.  I think fashion should be fun and that means never being afraid to try something new! In general, I will do my best to keep my particular point of view out of the picture so that my blurbs can reach all different shapes, sizes and styles so that from minis to minaudieres, capelets to clutches, and furs to fascinators I've got your fashion finds covered.

In this particular discussion, however, I'm going to talk a little bit about a trend that expresses an emotion I personally like to convey in order to demonstrate to you what I mean.  A trend of which I am sure all or most of you are aware is the influx of neon that our stores have seen this spring.  Now maybe its because being a baby of the 80s I was born with a homing beacon for obnoxiously bright clothing.  Or perhaps its because I like unique, prominent pieces, and neon, which clearly stands out, is also, funnily enough, a relatively rare element on earth.  Not actually being a science buff myself, I'm guessing my love for neon is more about what it says about the no-holds-barred wearer.  It takes confidence to wear colors that bright because in a room full of people, it's a sure-fired way to draw attention to your outfit.  When you wear a beautifully bright neon, it not only says that you like that much attention, it says you can handle it, and there's nothing more inspiring than seeing other powerfully self-assured women rock their own mini-runways.  That kind of security also inspires happiness which makes you look positive when you're wearing the color, and I sure do love to surround myself with other like-minded "Shiny Happy People."  (Not to mention what it does to make that tan of yours glow even brighter.)

One of my favorite ways to wear a trend (and this applies to almost any trend) is to wear it on your feet.  There are very few things sexier than a shocking pop of color at the end of your legs.  While I personally prefer to wear a neon pump (and those of you who know me will not be so surprised at the following statement) with a shorter hem (either a mini skirt or perhaps some summer-appropriate white shorts), they can also rock at the end of a cool pair of skinny jeans.

I am a huge fan of B by Brian Atwood's line this spring which does an excellent job of using the trends of the season.  (It's also slightly less expensive than Brian Atwood's regular line, nicley keeping with the theme of the blog.)  I found these on Shopbop.com on sale a little while back and have tried to wear them almost every day since...

They are the B by Brian Atwood Fontanne Pump in Turquoise suede and snake printed leather.  I fell in love with the bright blue, but these were also available in purple.  While not a true "Neon" they are about as close as suede and snake print shoes can get and I am positively in love with them. Another style which goes so far as to combine two trends by this same designer is the neon color block Fontanne pump in pink suede.

They combine the always-popular color-blocking trend with the very now neon brights of the season.  These are actually available for $175 (down quite a bit from their original $350) on Jildorshoes.com (a website I have personally not used) or $183.75 from Saks Fifth Avenue (http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446447257).  This style shoe is only for the truly daring, though.  While my less-than-modelesque-and-closer-to-midget-size height has had me walking in skyscraper styles for as long as I can remember, some may find the high arches uncomfortable.  (Personally, I'm fairly certain my arches have grown so accustomed to wearing heels I can hardly wear flats anymore).

If you prefer to wear your brights at the ends of your arms rather than your legs, these Brian Atwood clutches are to die for.  Unfortunately, I have yet to find these on sale.  Brian Atwood just released this new bag line (having previously spent time dominating the high-end shoe realm) and I have to say I think these designs make as big a statement as the designer's shoes do.

These are a steal we'll have to play the waiting game and be on the hunt for!  The envelope clutch is also on point this season and I love the way Brian Atwood has played with the style.

If you're bold enough to make neon your main motif rather than just an ambitious additive, try this AMAZING Jay Godfrey Puzo dress.  Available now for $237 down from $385 at Neiman Marcus: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Jay-Godfrey-Puzo-Strapless-Chiffon-Dress-Evening/prod144360108/.  The sweetheart style is always a favorite of mine and the slightly ruched ruffle trim at the top creates a delicately sexy detail.  It comes in bright orange and the fuchsia shown below.

If you're looking to land somewhere in between the daring dress and the exciting accessory, why not try a simpler dress with neon accents?  The bebe Addiction dress below is from last season, but the item is still available on sale on sites like eBay.com, and is a good example of an easy way to wear the trend!

These are some of my favorite neon pieces of the season but I could go on forever. Soon to follow are my favorite tips to get these pieces and others just like them for a price that fits your budget!