Color: Polly's Look

This dress is one of my all time favorites.  The pattern creates this amazing optical illusion - giving me both a defined waist and boobs (something neither my gym routine, nor my genes have been able to pull off).  It also has these deep, slouchy pockets for those awkward social situations when you don't know what to do with your hands.  A dress, plastic surgery, and a safety net for social anxiety...and all for under $100!  That is a steal of a deal if I've ever heard of one.

 

Dress: BCBGeneration

Sandals:Sam Edelman

Anorak: J. Crew

Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Bag: BCBG

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: J.Crew, Kenneth Jay Lane and someone else who I'm sure is completely fabulous, but I can't remember

Color: Emily's Look - Bright Accessories!

Despite my apparent color-phobia, when the weather turns warm I always like to experiment with a few brightly hued pieces - it just feels right. Luckily, my neutral-esque wardrobe is the perfect backdrop for colorful accessories, and in particular my favorite accessory of all time, THE SCARF. Rarely do I leave home without one wrapped around my neck, stuffed into my bag, tied around my hair, etc. They can be an absolute lifesaver in the city, where constant temperature transitions from the hot, stickiness of the subway to the excessive air-conditioning of my office keep me wrapping and unwrapping all day long. This hot-pinky-orange scarf adds a nice splash of color paired with a black blazer, dark jeans, and a few subtly metallic accessories. Maybe I'm not afraid of color after all... ;)

Scarf: Gap

Blazer: Zara

Jeans: J Brand

Flats: Steve Madden

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

T-Shirt: J Crew

Necklace: H&M

Ring: Club Monaco

Earrings: Forever 21

Color: Shoes

Ohhh...shoes.  For most women, shoes are a love affair. The right pair of shoes can make an outfit, make those last five pounds miraculously disappear and add those last few inches of statuesque height that you weren't born with.  We get it.  Unfortunately for us, shoes are a slightly more complicated matter.  Both former athletes/dancers, our feet may look more Prince Charming (Evil Stepmother?) than Cinderella.  Add to that, the fact that P's feet are an impressive size 11 and E's are EEE width, and you've got your work cut out for you. 

That being said, just because we can't get away with some of these styles, doesn't mean we can't admire the women who do. 

Black Velvet Heart

 

Harper's Bazar - Asos

Check out the shoes!  Love the orange and tan leather combo (via Cupcakes & Cashmere)

 

Some serious heels (Zara)

 

The Man Repeller in all of her sartorial man repelling glory.  You go girl.

And of course, a few more of our favorites!

1. Converse neon pink sneakers, 35 GBPs

2. Chinese Laundry yellow flats, $40

3. Brian Atwood sandals, 630 EUR

4. Kate Spade patent leather shoes, $298

5. Marni ballerina shoes, $500

6. Miu Miu platform heels, $595

7. Kate Spade wedge heel sandal, $250

8. Nine West platform shoes, $100

9. ALDO flat sandals, $40

10. Marais USA mini wedges, $36

11. Marais USA bow flats, $96.

Color: Bags

If (like us) you are going to spend half a month's rent on your bag, you might as well be sure it gets noticed.  

Check out these head-turning bright bags for some colorful inspiration.

An assortment of colorful bags via Black Velvet Heart

A classic shape is made modern with a bright shade of orange (5 Inch and Up)

Taylor Tomasi-Hill, Harper's Bazar, Paris Fashion Week S/S'11, photo Mr. Newton

Taylor Tomasi-Hill rocking yet another gorgeous cobalt bag (via Rogues and Ruffles)

And more of our favorites available in stores now!

1. Kate Spade shoulder strap bag, $395

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs leather handbag, $465

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs nylon tote, $158

4. Emilio Pucci handbag, 975 EUR

5. Zara flap bag, $149

6. Marc by Marc Jacobs leather handbag, $458

7. Deux Lux wallet, $38

8. Comme Des Garcons Classic Leather large pouch, $133

9. Proenza Schouler shoulder strap bag, $1,595

10. Karen Millen leather bag, 250 GBP

11. Proenza Schouler bag, 950 EUR

12. Kate Spade bag, $212

13. Miu Miu leather handbag, 650 GBP

Color: Polly's Look - Red!

According to a website I found on Google, red is the warmest of colors and is associated with fiery heat, warmth and passion.  It has been shown that the color red can actually have a physical effect on people - stimulating a faster heartbeat and breath.  The website did not mention if these physical symptoms were strong enough to count as a trip to the gym, but here's to hoping!

Below are two of P's favorite red outfits - the first polished and professional, the second relaxed and casual. 

Top: Zara

Skirt: Tommy Hilfiger

Clutch: Kate Spade

Watch: Michael Kors

Top: Ann Taylor

Pants: J Brand

Sandals: Via Spiga

Color: Emily's Look

While E. tends to stick to neutrals (her closet is a sea of gray, white, taupe, black & navy), a few highly-pigmented pieces do make their way into her wardrobe every now and then.  Case in point, this "hot coral" cardigan she scored from the Gap for $.01 (no joke - there was some kind of labeling error but the very sweet cashier insisted that he had to charge what the register told him - ha!).

Cardigan: Gap. Tank tops: Club Monaco & American Apparel. Shorts: H&M. Sandals: Sam Edelman. Necklaces: Gorjana, By Boe, H&M, Forever21. Bracelets: Elma Blint, Gorjana. Watch: Michael Kors. Clutch: Alexis Hudson. Handbag: Foley & Corinna. 

Color: Inspiration - Part 1

Spring has finally sprung and this year color is having a major moment.

In honor of warmer weather (or as the case may be for NYC - slightly less cold weather) we have decided to pay tribute to our favorite spring time hues. 

Here are a  few inspiring examples of color at it's best.  We hope you enjoy.

 A sheer nude blouse, red leather pants and a strut to match.

Black Velvet Heart

Zara Spring/Summer '11 Lookbook

 

Amsterdamn Street Style via Elle.com

Harper's  Bazar, Paris Fashion Week S/S'11, photo Mr. Newton

Taylor Tomasi-Hill

Urban Outfitters

And finally, Prada's Spring/Summer 2011 campaign video: