7 ways to add color to your summer wardrobe...

when we think of summer...we think of sun...fun...and color...but many still have a hard time figuring out how to incorporate color into their summer wardrobe...now for those that for whatever reason...don't like color...no problem...i have several clients who prefer to stay in their neutrals...and that is ok...

but for those wanting to have a little bit of a colorful impact on their wardrobe this season...here are some simple solutions for you...and the great thing...is you can just add one of these items...and have instant color success...

1.  how about adding a vibrant colorful handbag for this season...this one below is the one i got myself...but in a neon pink...the tangerine was my second choice...and believe me...it goes with almost everything i wear...i literally have been using it for months...and get lots of compliments on it...which color to pick?  whichever one speaks to you...the pink was screaming my name...so i went for it...

michael kors "jet set" tote
nordstrom

2  a big trend that has been staying strong for quite some time...is the colored jeans...or in this case...a nice cool cropped pant...and yes...i have a similar pair...and i love them...wear them often...with so much...i've paired them with a black & white graphic summer coat...a simple tee...a floral blouse...on and on....add a blazer - wear it to the office...

nordstrom.com

3.  same as above - but in a skirt...depending on what you are looking for...as far as casual or business...the colored skirt can be incorporated in either setting...this one is a casual cotton skirt...perfect for running around town...going to the movies with friends...or meeting up with the gal pals for drinks...add a fun white tee...cute espadrilles and you are set...

banana republic
styling fabulous consignment boutique

4.  add a little color to your shoes...there are such fun loafers out now...flats...in vibrant colors...or pastels...such an easy way to add color when wearing a skirt or your jeans...

cole haan
styling fabulous consignment boutique

but of course...don't just think of your flats...how about a fun color in a pair of pumps...a yellow?  blue?  how fun to wear with your jeans...can't go wrong with a fun colorful pair of espadrilles...or for something a little dressier...lovely mint green slingbacks...for those that want a little color...not to bright...

paolo
styling fabulous consignment boutique

5.  adding a fun flirty top when going out for the evening...yes...skip the black for an evening...believe me...people gravitate towards color...you will be surprised...all you need?  a fun pair of white jeans or skirt and you are set for a summer evening...

max studio
styling fabulous consignment boutique

6.  add a colorful cardigan...for those cool summer nites...or depending on where you live...here in san francisco bay area...summer nites can get pretty cool...so a fun leather jacket in a great summer color...how chic is this?

lucien piccard
styling fabulous consignment boutique

7.  and last...but certainly not least...a simple add of a colorful scarf...add that to your neutrals...your blacks...or your all whites...and you are fabulously set for a wardrobe with a splash of color...

now i realize that all my examples are showing solids...but don't stop there...there are amazing colorful prints out there...that would do wonders in adding color to your summer wardrobe as well...

which of these would you try?

cole haan + nike air...

to me...this has got to be one of THE best collaborations...ever!  and while these shoes have been in existence for quite some time...i am still amazed when i bring them up...and people haven't heard...just the other day...i was wearing one of my pairs...for many many hours...and some of the women remarked "how can you stand in those all day"...and i said..."because of nike air..."  all i got were blank stares...so i am now sharing with all of you...some may already know...but for those that don't...

you need to know!  the collaboration started when cole haan shoes were made with the comfort of nike shoes...cole haan has every heel height...with this hidden nike air technology...pure genius...

so next time you are shopping for some "high-heeled" shoes...check out all the wonderful styles that cole haan offers...and then look for the "nike air"...i have several pairs in different heights...and i tell you...i feel like i am walking on pillows...so so comfortable...the nike air padding is concealed inside the platform portion of the shoe under the ball of the foot and in the heels...and while i show a pic of a cute summer sandal...it doesn't stop there...you can find cole haan nike air in dressy shoes too...

have you tried cole haan with nike air technology?

cole haan 'paley' wedge sandal
nordstrom

men's corner: a gentleman's boot...

fall is all about boots...at least for us women...but men...this is an accessory that should be added to your shoe collection as well...and currently...there are some fabulous styles to choose from...like the one below by cole haan...or click here to see all the styles available with cole haan...

they can jazz up any pair of jeans or corduroy pants...or wear them with a suit...and your suit isn't as stuffy...adding a nice contemporary feel to your look...

air harrison laced boot
cole haan

men's corner: oxblood for men...

yesterday...i posted about the big color for fall..."oxblood"...and of course i showed different ways of incorporating it into your wardrobe...this is a great color for fall...and men...you can ease into it as well...here are some lovely examples...

cole haan 'air morris' casual wingtip
nordstrom

and if you are not a wingtip type of guy...how about trading out wearing regular jeans or khaki's for some gorgeous "colored" cords...such as these...

vintage cord in slim-straight fit
j crew

  add a bit of oxblood in the way of a nice textured belt...

allen edmonds 'manistee" brogue leather belt
nordstrom

  a gorgeous tie...would spice up your worn once or twice shirts...

burberry london woven silk tie
nordstrom

what a great color for a sweater...pick your poison...cashmere...wool...

elbow-patch crewneck sweater
banana republic

and of course...don't forget the socks...oxblood seen in paisley...polka dot and stripes!

men's corner: the perfect boot...

you've heard me say...over and over that a pair of shoes can make or break an outfit...and men...that applies to your outfits as well...how many times have you seen a great outfit...only to end it at the feet with...oh...a pair of tennis shoes...pah-leeze! why even bother?

there are some great options for men...i have been on a mad search for one of my clients...a nice fall/winter addition to his casual wardrobe...when i saw this boot...i was smitten...but of course...i would not be wearing them...would my client be? so i sent a pic over to him...i was leaning towards the olive green or grey pair...both would be perfect for his wardrobe...

he chose the grey...with red shoelaces...we even added some nice striped socks...with accents of red...to show his fun side...

then...as an added bonus...i realized these have nike air technology in them...i know how much i love nike air in my cole haan high heels...but i'm thinking no one would say no to a bit more comfort...right?

so men...a boot may be just the way to go to add a little style to your casual wardrobe...guaranted to make you look that much more put together...


cole haan air colton layered chukka

you had me at hello...green with envy...

the magazines are full of colors...bright bold colors...makes me smile...how can it not? and my wish list? my wish list that forever is growing...just got an additional item added...

feast your eyes on this beauty...how appropriate with st. patty's day being tomorrow...it was one of those "you had me at hello" moments the minute i laid eyes on her...yes please...

scanned by moi
cole haan
vogue march 2011 issue

men's corner: start at the bottom...

you will often hear me say..."shoes can make or break an outfit"...and men...well...this applies to you as well...you may have the most superb suit on...but no matter how nice...if it is accompanied with a pair of bad shoes...it just won't matter...honestly...it doesn't even have to be a suit...any outfit...with a pair of bad shoes...just won't do...

now i know the easiest to gravitate to is a black pair of shoes...but let's go wild...and start with brown...there are so many beautiful shades in shoes to try...cognac or cigar...with these colors...you are able to see a lot more of the details of the shoe...and...they go great with black, navy or grey...brown is a nuetral...so don't think of it as a color...it is natural...and nuetrals go with everything...

and when polishing those beautiful brown shoes? always use a neutral polish...you just want the protection and to bring the luster back...you don't want the polish to add any color...think of it like moisturizing your skin...

when traveling...bag those babies...dress shoes usually come with felt shoe bags...these are great when traveling as they prevent your shoes from dirtying everything in your suitcase...but...do put the shoes in separate bags so they don't scuff each other...

if you are looking for space when traveling...stuff those shoes with your socks, your underwear...whatever works...

and above all...give your shoes a rest...one nice pair of shoes isn't enough...the leather needs a break from the heat and moisture of your feet...keep two or three in rotation and they'll all last a lot longer...

cole haan "air jefferson moc" oxford
nordstrom

men's corner: sneakers with style...

today, sneakers are a staple in most men's wardrobes...and your choice speaks volumes...so it's important that you choose wisely...

first of all...let's acknowledge we're not talking here about the shoes you wear to the gym or for your daily run/walk, but rather...sneakers that you can wear out to dinner with your dark jeans and collared shirts, or even with wool trousers and crewneck sweaters...

it's important that you find a pair that fit you properly...and then buy a couple of pairs, so you can give each pair a proper rest between wearings...

these cole haans are available through bullock & jones...who have quite a number of good-looking dress sneakers, by the way...almost every department store now carries dress sneakers...so there's no reason for you to wear your athletic shoes except for athletic purposes... =)