Spring is just around the corner, and the flavorful colors this coming season are probably making your mouth water. For women who are confident enough to wear neon shades of yellow, tangerine, lime, and pink, head to toe are most likely basking in their options. But what about those who fear fashion that is attention-grabbing? Working bright shades and blog prints into your wardrobe doesn’t have to be a headache or impossible. Nope! Just breathe, count to 20, and let go of your self-doubt; because the fabulous aspect of fashion is diversity. Believe me, there are numerous ways that you can add color to your outfits without feeling self-conscious and silly.
Here are 10 Ways to Brighten Up Your Basics:
1. Shoes: Colored stilettos, peep-toe flat sandals, wedge heels, boots, platforms, and even flip-flop sandals add a special, surprise touch to your outfit. Whether worn with jeans or a vintage dress, shoes can do more than just make or break an outfit – they can complement the rest of your pieces.
2. Scarves: Some women are still trying to figure out the best way to wear a scarf. But what about the color or print to gravitate towards? Once you are aware of the best shades for your skin (remember how close this piece is to your face), have fun with this sophisticated trend.
3. Earrings: Whether you are all about studs, are hip to big hoops, or are always on the lookout for sexy, dangly chandeliers, adding color to your everyday outfits is simple with a chic pair of earrings.
4. Necklaces: Spring runway shows are showing that big is better when it comes to necklaces. Show your personality with a turquoise stone, a yellow taxi cab necklace from Betsey Johnson, or colored ribbons intertwined with chains!
5. Headbands: Whether you want to add some sass to your short bob or are seeking a way to hold back your curls without having to use a scrunchie, a bold red, pink, or polka dot headband can definitely add some fun to your fashion. (Bandanas rolled up like headbands are great too! That is my weekend staple.)
6. Skirts: The type of skirt you choose, of course, depends on your body shape and size. A bold red A-line cut style or a knee-length, prairie skirt with woven yellow and green designs will provide you with a feminine flair while making a statement that skirts can be anything but boring.
7. Dresses: Springtime is such a wonderful to experiment with styles and feel carefree! Silk, drapey dresses were a hot item on the runway for this coming season…but is that you? Visit your local retail shops to see the renditions that are available and affordable, and try on, try on, try on.
8. Blouses: So if a colored or print dress is a bit much for you, a bright-colored blouse may be a safer bet for you. A hot pink tee or a one-shoulder polyester-cotton blouse paired up with jeans or a black pant will still exert your confidence and show flair!
9. Belts: On top of a dress or creating more of a svelte shape to a boxy blouse; a belt in a gold, silver, turquoise, or even white will revitalize an all-black outfit. Contrasting bright colors (such as a purple belt and a red blouse) will also give your outfit some amazing flavor, with a little couture and lots of fun written all over it.
10. Handbags: I prefer my big, black Jessica Simpson bag for my everyday work purse, but I enjoy fancying up my nights out with a gold, pink, or banana-colored clutch. Just because a purse is a practical item for a woman to have; the color and print you choose should be one that makes you smile.
Photo credits: Kerry Washington – http://www.fabsugar.com, Eva Mendes – http://www.thebagforum.com, Rihanna – http://www.beautyandfashionnews.com, Veejay YaYa (purple bag) – http://www.bet.com, Heidi and Spencer (yellow shoes) – http://www.fashionbyme.wordpress.com
Tags: belts, blouses, dresses, Handbags, headbands, necklaces, scarves, shoes, Skirts
18 comments
Posted by: Shauna Armstrong on March 10, 2009 at 6:49 am
I must protest the use of Rhianna to promote anything. She has set a dangerous and deadly example for all the other beaten and abused women in this world by going back for more.
She has the resources to walk away. Many women do not.
Don’t anyone kid yourselves: He will hit her again.
Shame on you for supporting domestic violence.
Posted by: Artie Vanderpool on March 10, 2009 at 10:58 am
Shauna Armstrong:
The use of a picture of Rhianna to demonstrate, (not promote) the popularity of headbands in 2009 Spring Fashion, is clearly not “support” of domestic violence.
Your comment, though I’m sure from a place of honesty, is based on your feelings of a situation that has been exploited WITHOUT fact or truth.
Chic Galleria is a place where lifestyle, food, parenting, and fashion are featured to help bring people insight and information, and to my knowledge, has never condoned the behavior, representation, or actions of people who are victims of domestic violence, or their abusers.
Using your logic in this comment would be as illfitting to say that the picture of Eva Mendez (Coral Dress) should not be used because in her recent film, “The Women” she played someone who knowingly had an affair with a married man; or that the picture of Kerry Washington (yellow belt) should not be used because of her support of foreign cultures.
In short, we are all entitled to the opinions we have on all subjects, however that entitlement doesn’t extend into proclaiming shame to the contributor of an article that had absolutely nothing to do with the situation you referenced.
All the best,
Artie Vanderpool
Posted by: Laura Carson Miller on March 10, 2009 at 11:09 am
Shauna, While I obviously don’t know you, my reaction to your comment about Rhianna is: GIVE ME A BREAK. Elana wrote a wonderful, informative article about fashion and no one could argue that Rhianna is very fashionable. If you are concerned about a media outlet ‘supporting’ someone in the Rhianna/Chris Brown situation I suggest you call, email or write letters to Nickelodeon, who still has Chris Brown on their Kids Choice Awards ballot for best song. Certainly this violent abuser of females does not need to be held up to kids as any sort of icon. The entire Rhianna/Chris situation is very sad. But it is Chris who started it by physically abusing her. And I agree that she is making the wrong choice by getting back together with him if indeed that is the case. Hopefully she is going to wise up soon and leave him behind, but we cannot live other peoples lives for them. We can only live our own
Posted by: Christie Crowder on March 10, 2009 at 11:22 am
I must agree with Artie. This article in no way shows any kind of support for domestic violence nor is it promoting any of the persons in the pictures. It is all about the fashion. Nobody knows what went down between Chris Brown and Rihanna except Chris Brown and Rihanna. None of us have room to judge.
Posted by: Lee Brochstein on March 10, 2009 at 11:47 am
I have to say that is THE most ridiculous thing I have EVER heard! How can putting a picture of someone advocate domestic violence? First, until you have walked in her shoes, don’t judge. Second, she looks GREAT with that headband on! Third, it seems to me that at this time she would need support and by showing how beautiful she is, that is what it is giving her…support. I commend Chic Galleria for posting the picture!
Posted by: Elana on March 10, 2009 at 11:55 am
Shauna,
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to check out this article. I do not support domestic violence in any shape or form. The goal of my article is solely to show how color can be incorporated into a women’s outfit in a variety of ways. Yes, Rihanna has lots of issues to work out (I personally hope she leaves Chris very quickly, so it doesn’t get worse!), but I don’t think anyone can argue that her style is worth showing off. Whether she chooses her outfits and accessories on her own or with the help of a stylist, I enjoy evaluating how she does it.
There are many celebs who have been caught in crossfires, whether it has been reported or not. Pam Anderson has admitted that she and Tommy Lee have use fists on one another, but I will definitely discuss her famous interest in plastic surgery (I am also the editor of PlasticSurgery.com) when the time calls for it. This does not mean that I condone her behavior or choices.
I hope that you are not frustrated to the point that you don’t return to Chic Galleria for inside information about fashion, beauty, men’s fashion, parenting, wellness, and shopping. We do our best to cover it all, from various points of views and expertise.
When I searched for celeb images to support my article, the picture of Rihanna stood out and perfectly proved that my #5 headband tip is right on. Thanks again for reading…l
P.S. I personally welcome you to e-mail if you would like to further discuss this article: elana@talkingchic.com
Posted by: Elana on March 10, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Shauna, you can also see on my blog where I covered this issue right away, and instantly showed my sadness at the whole situation!
Just an FYI…
Posted by: Gabrielle Krake on March 10, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Although I agree that we should take a stand against D.V. and as a child who grew up in this environment, it’s a serious problem throughout the generations. But this article was about fashion and color and I love it! Thank you for taking the time to write it and I love to throw a little color in every outfit!
Posted by: Terry on March 10, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Uh, a bit hyper sensitive and misplaced aggression don’t you think. This article does not call out Rhianna, she is just one of many women photographed for their style.
IF it showed a pic of her with a black eye and a head band then you would have a legitimate issue. It does not. And you do not.
She IS still a style icon
SHE IS still famous
Were you beaten. This struck a nerve in you.
Great article Elana
Posted by: Patricia on March 10, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Shauna – As women, lets support each other through the good and bad times.
My mother was abused and she did go back to my father many times. You cannot judge until you have been in the woman’s shoes. I was very angry and wondered why she kept going back. I hated my Dad for years. However, all I could do was support her and always be there for her. If I backed out on her the first time I knew what was going on, she would be too embarrassed and have no one to turn to. She was able to leave because she had a very strong support group. I know it can be aggravating, but we have to support each other no matter what happens.
Elana – great article! I love the spring inspirations and colors! We definitely need it here in MI….been raining the past few days.
Posted by: Casey @ BwhoUR on March 10, 2009 at 4:33 pm
In no way do I think using the image of Rhianna to show color for the season is PROMOTING domestic violence! Absurd. Obviously, in this media-crazed world we find ourselves living in, we obviously recognize her as the girl who has been recently battered by her boyfriend. Chic Galleria never associated those things, you chose to on your own.
Lets look at Hillary Clinton for a moment, shall we? Here’s a woman who had to publicly deal with her husband’s infidelity while they occupied our White House! Were we as a country saying that infidelity was acceptable when we allowed her to run for President or now take her post as our Secretary of State? Of course not, it sounds preposterous, doesn’t it!! And it is, just like trying to say that Chic Galleria advocates domestic violence because they ran an image of Rhianna sporting a colorful headband.
One more thing: I feel more compelled to rally around Rhianna, more now than ever, rather than ostracize her for someone else’s actions!! And if she takes him back? Well, its her business- and until I’ve walked a thousand miles in her shoes, who am I to judge whether she’s wrong or not?
Now, that being said: I loved this article! Way to go!
Posted by: Libby on March 11, 2009 at 1:09 pm
The description as “victim” of domestic violence is totally accurate, & the comment about Rhianna – or anyone in her situation – needing support rather than criticism is right on. Empowerment is how women are able to leave such situations, so let’s do all we can for one another!
But about the color: I bought some yellow sandals at the end of last year & I can’t wait to break out of my “matching” mindset & wear them as a neutral!
Posted by: Elana on March 11, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Cool Libby! That’s the mindset to have when it comes to fashion
Posted by: Shauna Armstrong on March 12, 2009 at 8:01 am
I have been in Rhianna’s shoes.
With rights comes responsibilty. However you choose to rationalize it, Rhianna is a role model for younger women and girls, who has chosen a life of domestic violence thereby condoning men beating women. She has let down and shamed women everywhere with her choice. Exploiting her image to promote your ideas and products implies the same. She lets a man beat the hell out of her, goes back for more, but hey, that’s okay…look how pretty she is in that headband.
If that headband is covering bruises and lacerations would it still be so pretty?
This discussion is pointless…
Posted by: Lee Brochstein on March 12, 2009 at 9:42 am
I am shaking my head in disbelief! Shauna – I feel for you that you were in that situation, and good for you that you were brave enough to get out. Just because Rhianna is “famous” doesn’t mean that she is perfect. She has her issues, as do you and I. She is human, and no one but her knows her reasons for going back or what exactly happened or about the relationship she has.
This magazine is a place to escape. Look at the fabulous articles and wonderful editors that contribute. Look at the amazing woman that has put this together for everyone to enjoy. If you have an issue with the content, which is informative and fun, then that is certainly something to bring up, but your issue is not with the content, but the picture! This article is representative of spring and color, not of race or gender, and certainly not of abuse and neglect!
Read it, enjoy it and save the soapbox for an article that talks about the issues that you want to talk about!
Lee
Posted by: Elana on March 12, 2009 at 1:23 pm
I actually don’t think it’s a pointless discussion, Shauna. Everyone’s opinion here is valid, because everyone has a different perspective. You did take the time to respond, so I appreciate that you are involved in the discussion.
Posted by: Jen on March 12, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Love the tips! Many of which you have shared with me in the past and am slowly incorporating
So thanks for the tips again…..and how about everyone focus on the topic of the article and not on any one particular photo, just a thought 
Posted by: Shauna on March 13, 2009 at 9:47 am
Dear Lee:
You are absolutely right. This magazine is a place to escape and look at fabulous articles and ideas. But when I came across the photo of Rhianna in this article I found it deepy disburbing and offensive to all surviviors of abuse. Some here say, let’s all support each other.
For those of you “shaking your heads in disbelief” or asking me to ‘give you break” you fail to understand or support those of us who see this image and are instantly transported back to that fist, the baseball bat, the breaking glass, the rage…
Please remember there are millions of women who suffer abuse and worse and many more who have yet to come out of the “closet”.
Though the photograph was not meant to be offensive or to support domestic violence, as a survivor of horrendous abuse I cannot gloss over the fact that Rhianna now sets a horrendous example for our sisters and daughters. For survivors of domestic violence, it was just the wrong photo of the wrong person at the wrong time.