Winter Style-Injection: Sheers & Neons

So, a couple of my favorite trends right now are sheers and neutrals paired with neon colors. They're especially my favs as we enter phase two of winter (as I look out my window at 8+ inches of snow with more forecasted to be on the way). I love the snuggle-factor of a nice wool sweater for sure, don't get me wrong... but, it gets redundant (as does the cold). These two trends offer both an ultra-feminine factor, and a playful one as well. I've categorized my hand-picked selections by color: blue, yellow, pink/coral, and then finally honorable mention neutrals.

Without further adieu...

THE BLUES:

Pictured, from left to right:

• Francesca's Collections Checking In Scarf in Blue, $18
• JCrew Contrast Stripe Tee in Yacht Blue Navy, $39.50
• Express Shawl Collar One Button Jacket in Celestial Blue, $79.90
• Top Shop Animal Border Vest in Multi, $60
• Francesca's Collections Banana Flat (by Restricted) in Turquoise, $38
• Top Shop Canvas Blue Flash Holdall Bag, $72
• Top Shop Zip Back Vest in Pale Blue, $56
• Francesca's Collections Apple of My Eye top in Blue, $38 *Own it, love it, recommend it!

THE YELLOWS:

Pictured, from left to right:

• Express Zelda Jean Legging in Bright Yellow (or Spiced Guava), $79.90 (*BOGO
• The Gap Striped Woven Tee in Pink or Yellow Stripe, $49.95
• The Gap Neon Border Scarf in Green Thumb, $29.95
• Modcloth Des Colores Top in Lemon, $42.99
• H&M Sleeveless Satin Blouse in Yellow, $29.95
• Hunter(ess) Original Gloss Tall Boot in Yellow, $125
• Anthropologie Painted V-neck in Neutral Motif, $58
• New York & Co. Wide Patent Leather Stretch Belt in Medium Yellow, $26.95
• Aldo Shoes Mease High Heels in Peach Yellow, $80

THE PINKS/CORALS:

Pictured, from left to right:

• Top Shop Oversize Zip-side Tee in Fuchsia, $60
• JCrew (Petite) Schoolboy Blazer in Poppy, $99 (*Sale)
• Express Keyhole Halter Dress in Coral, $79.90
• Express Zelda Jean Legging in Spiced Guava, $79.90 (*BOGO)
• Modcloth Count On V top, $59.99 *Particularly awesome if your name begins with "M", if not– just as awesome paired with a navy blazer!
• Modcloth Strike A Prose Heel, $49.99
• Madewell Stripecast Cardigan in Scorch Orange, $68.00
• The Gap Multi-print Square Scarf in Parisian Plum, $29.95 *For the person who is equally as obsessed with ikat as they are polka dots, aka me.
• Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Lace Bandeau in Orange, $14.00 (*Same bandeau pictured in Rose at bottom right corner)
• The Gap Striped Woven Tee in Pink, $49.95
• LOFT Coral Trim Berkeley Ballet Flats in Coral Rose, $44.50
• Madewell Striped Ex-Boyfriend Sweater in Spiced Marmalade, $34.99 (*Sale)
• Hunter(ess) Original Gloss Tall Boot in Fuchsia, $125
• Madewell (blanknyc) Skinny Jeans in Vivid Poppy, $88
• Urban Outfitters COPE Striped Slit-back top in Blush, $59.00

And of course, the honorable mention NEUTRALS:

Pictured, from left to right:

• Totes Clear Bubble Umbrella, $19.20
• JCrew Pixie Pant in Black, $88
• Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue V-inset Crinkle Blouse in Peach, $59.00
• Banana Republic Dot Lace Tee in White, $49.50

Cubicle Cozy

While online window-shopping for today's outfit du jour last evening, Ryan said, "What outfit would you wear knowing the last days of nice weather are coming to a close?" My immediate thought was something flouncy, airy, light– yet, Fall. Waking up this morning to a grey, ultra windy, rainy 45º day I thought, "Eew. Grab a sweater."– thus, I added in a cardi. Today's look is inspired by the colors found in Essie's Fall nail polish collection (specifically school of hard rocks, cocktail bling and brooch the subject). I love the muted, etherial neutrals because they're not traditionally the tones I think of when I think 'Autumn'. Keeping the etherial theme, my styling inspo for this look is Emerson of EmersonMade-- casual curls that won't get hurt if blown around a bit outside.

The Breakdown:

Top: Anthropologie Serissa Tulle Blouse in Green, $118

Top: Zara V-Neck Cardigan in Ecru/Vigor, $49.90

Necklace: Etsy seller 'Magic Metal' Quartz Crystal Necklace, $24.50

Pants: Express Wide Leg Editor Pant in Cool Earth, $89.90

Belt: Express Adjustable Toggle-Hook Skinny Belt in Ivory, $29.90

Shoes: ALDO Moos Heel in Natural Print, $34.99 (*Clearance)

Total Cost of this Outfit: $347.19

On the edge of $350 is steep, yet not totally out of the park considering tailored pants and an imported top are a part of this ensamble. However, I have a few suggestions:

How to Save on this Look:

• So, the green imported top from Anthro is rather steep. I have a couple of substitutions:
• UO Kimchi Blue Handkerchief Top, $59
• UO Staring At Stars Eylet Blouse, $49.99 (*Sale) -- less sheer lace, and more of a  boho vibe with this one.
• And while the necklace isn't all that pricey, and I think is a pretty unique buy– you could easily swap-in something silver (or gold) of your own.
• You could opt for a black trouser vs. the earthy brown/grey pant shown. And, if swapping out your pants you could swap-in your own black belt as well.
• And finally, I love a patterned pump but it's not a necessary staple for one's show closet. Any neutral or nude pump would be appropriate.

If opting for a less-expensive lace top, like the links above and thereby going in the direction of cream/beige– consider pairing with a cardi or blazer with a more poppy color vs. ecru.