So here’s the deal.

I love Yellow.

Neon yellow is great and pastel yellow is just peachy, I won’t lie to you, there isn’t a shade under the yellow sun (pun intended) that I would shun away. But put me around a marigold yellow and I’m instantly happy. And pulling out and handing over my credit card before the sales person can say “mellow yellow.”

And here is why I love it so: marigold yellows or yellows with olive undertones are a great fashion staple because they can be used as a more fun neutral in your ‘drobe. Throw on this shade of yellow and it still allows you room to play with so many other fun fashion trends. And there is nothing to not love about that! A yellow shoe with a printed top, marigold sunglasses with a leopard skirt, a printed shirt with big flared pants, a yellow dress with a 70’s inspired scarf or big bold bangles- the options remain endless.

Not to mention, this shade of yellow is simply perfection as a seasonal transition color. It’s still bright enough to be worn with white pants or wedges and screams “Heyyy there Summer, I’m not through with you just yet!” but come frost bite season, you can easily wear this shade with darker chunky knits, tights or boots.

Here are a few of my favorite (budget) finds in this simply stunning and sunny shade!

Top Row: Striped top-$16.94- Old Navy, Printed Dress- $22.90- Forever21, Cigarette Pants- $80- Topshop.com, purse- $90- Topshop.com
Bottom Row: Suede shoes-$39- Urban Outfitters, Tank- $17.99- Gap, Sunglasses-$10- Urban Outfitters, Gingham top-$24.94- Old Navy

I’ve gushed about Leighton Meester  before, but what can I say, I have my faves (I even paid to see Monte Carlo the weekend it came out…and legitimately enjoyed every cheesetastic second of it).  I fell totally head over heels for the outfit Leighton recently wore on the set of Gossip Girl. It is ridiculously frilly, bold and boasts not a single layer in sight. I don’t know about you, but when it’s 94847383 degrees outside, that’s exactly what I want from my summer couture.

Embellished Tank Top / Floral Skirt / Bag / Heels

Of course yellow is a staple summer color. It’s just as vibrant as white, but doesn’t seem to attract as much dirt (seriously, my life turns into a comedic tragedy of klutzy errors almost every time I wear it). The ruffles on this tank top are very much on trend and are an instant burst of shameless femininity. The floral skirt adds a classic pattern into the mix, and the yellow in the skirt complements the yellow tank top.

As for accessories, Leighton’s outfit incorporates peach, which is so perfect for the season. It’s neutral, but still punchy, and the good thing is, you don’t have to worry about perfectly matching the shades. A dark peach purse looks totally acceptable with lighter peachy orange heels. This is a refreshing outfit that has very versatile separates that you could wear to work or the bar or to brunch. Functionality is always hot.

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SJP looked stunning and vibrant in this bright yellow gown, a color that is often difficult to pull off.  But with the weather warming up, why shouldn’t everyone embrace the color of summer? It brightens up your look and echoes the color of sunlight.  It’s the perfect pop of color to add personality whether you’re soaking up rays on the beach or stuck at a desk in your cubicle.

Sure, not everyone can work (or afford) a dress like SJP, but you don’t have to go yellow from head to toe to get its beautiful effect. If you’re feeling a little uneasy there are many yellow shoes and accessories to help you incorporate the color into your wardrobe. Yellow nail polish is another easy and cheap way to add a splash of color to your look. From bikinis to tanks to statement necklaces, there are so many ways to bring a little yellow into your life and wardrobe this summer. So take a hint from America’s biggest fashion icon and slip into some yellow.

[Click on the images below to get the shopping info.]

[We all live busy lives: we go to school or work (or sometimes both), we try to keep our lives in order and, on top of everything else, we try to maintain a social life.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you’re running here, there and everywhere, and in the process of it all, still trying to look cute.  On a weekly basis, I will be posting a guide for an outfit that looks super cute and casual during the day, but you can easily rock out at night with a few accessory additions and/or a change of shoes.  And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help ease the stress of life a little bit because, hey, when we look good, we feel good, right?]

It’s easy to bring out your wild side this season with the offerings of ikat and other tribal prints available in darling dresses, skirts and tops.  And a bonus is that with the right style, this print can easily look fabulous no matter what time of day you’re rockin’ it.

I love that summer means you can show of those gams in super cute dresses, and I am lovin’ this one from Forever 21. What makes me even happier?  The under $25 price tag.

For Day:
The dress is cute enough on it’s own not to need too much accessorizing, especially for daytime. Throw on a cute pair of black sandals and you’re set.

For Night:
All you need to dress this up is to throw on some accessories and hit the town.  If you really wanna doll it up, you can always pair it with some black strappy heels or black wedges, but cute sandals are perfectly acceptable for going out this time o’ year.  (And – bonus – if you keep those suckers on there’s no need to carry a giant purse with you toting around shoes, etc. Hey, sometimes our shoulders need a break.)

Since the dress has a lot going on as it is, it’s OK to keep the accessories pretty basic. In this case: basic black. They will bump up the glam for evening without making you look like you went on accessories overload.

If you want to give the look a little more oomph, you can also wear jewelry in a fun and funky color like yellow,  purple or teal. It’ll really pop without being too over the top. (Thought I’d throw down some rhymes while I’m helping your style…)

[We all live busy lives: we go to school or work (or sometimes both), we try to keep our lives in order and, on top of everything else, we try to maintain a social life.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you’re running here, there and everywhere, and in the process of it all, still trying to look cute.  On a weekly basis, I will be posting a guide for an outfit that looks super cute and casual during the day, but you can easily rock out at night with a few accessory additions and/or a change of shoes.  And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help ease the stress of life a little bit because, hey, when we look good, we feel good, right?]

This weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season and that means cool ice cream treats, hot days, hotter boys and less clothing.  I figured that in honor of Memorial Day, I’d do a Day-to-Night Style that can easily be worn from a picnic in the park to a night bar-hopping with your buds, all with a few key extras you can store in your beach tote.

Because why should you sacrifice quality daylight hours to go home and do a complete wardrobe change? The summer only lasts so long and we gotta make sure we get the most out of it.

For Day:
Denim shorts are always cute (OK, maybe not always, but they are now, so embrace them!). I love the wash and cuff on these. They are light, summery, and can go easily from daytime style to night time chic.

A flowy tank in a bright color (like a fun sunshine yellow) tops off the look nicely, while also bringing out that gorgeous tan you are definitely going to get.

A pair of flat white sandals are the perfect, versatile summer shoe. Comfy as a flip flop, but so. much. cuter.

Wear some silver hoops with a twist and you’re good to go. (PS: Please not that these earrings are from the most amazing web find ever: 2dollarjewelry.com. Yes, everything on there really only costs $2!)

For Night:
As the day wraps up and it’s time to go into party mode, there’s no need to fret; just change your shoes and your jewelry, add a wrap cardigan and you’ll be sittin’ (or dancing) pretty. Really pretty.

Swap those summer flats for a pair of white hot wedges. You still have the casual, summer vibe going, but the added height will make your legs look oh-so-hot in those shorts.

Add a little oomph with a few accessories. My recommendation: turquoise jewelry. The pop of color perfectly compliments yellow & white and really adds a bold statement.

The nights can still get a bit chilly, so don’t forget your cardigan. And don’t worry about lookin’ sloppy; a loose cardigan over a blousey top looks incredibly chic and will draw everyone’s attention to those long legs of yours.

With an outfit this hot, you won’t need the sun; you’ll be puttin’ off enough heat yourself. Have fun!

I don’t know about you, but after what seemed to be the most grueling. winter. ever. I am excited and eager to dust off my spring wardrobe… and add some new pieces to it. As is always the case with the new season, we have some new trends (along with a few piggy-back trends of season’s past) to spice up our wardrobes.

Here are some of Spring 2009’s hottest trends:

Back to Basics: Black & White

It’s not nearly as versatile as the LBD (little black dress) and won’t be replacing it anytime soon, but the white dress is huge for spring. Contrary to the simplicity of the LBD, the white dress is all about glamour, so look for ruffles, maxi-lengths and sheer fabrics (another uber-trend this season). It’s time to bring out your inner goddess!

Along with the white dress, we’re seeing great dresses, tops and skirts that flaunt graphic black on white prints. This look makes a bold and fresh statement and is a great way to stand out in a sea of LBD.

A Suit-able Choice: Pantsuits and Short-suits (AKA jumpers/rompers)

We’ve seen the short-suits for the last couple of seasons, and they’re big again this year, but we are also seeing the pantsuit make a comeback. Don’t worry; it’s got a lot more style. If you are brave enough to rock this trend,  be sure to go for a drapey look and not a super tight number. If done right, this style can be incredibly chic. If done wrong, however, it can be incredibly Jazzercise.

Color Me Bad: Color, Color, Color!!!

As is always the case, color is extremely popular this season. Bright colors like neon oranges and bright blues were prominent on the runways, but the two main color staples for this season are hot pink/magenta and yellow. You can brighten up any outfit with pops of these colors and they’re wonderfully versatile hues that can be matched with pretty much every skin tone.

If you’re not wanting something quite so in-your-face, muted brights like mint-green, coral and pastels are also a great way to add some zing. Another color trend we’re seeing pop up this season are flashes of neon; shoes or the lining on a coat are great ways to play up this 90′s trend without busting out the Hypercolor shirts and biker shorts.

Detail-Oriented: From Ruffles to Leopard Print and Everything In Between

This season puts a lot of emphasis on details, especially the epitome of feminine detailing: ruffles and bows. Look for them at the shoulder and on the hip. You’ll also see leopard print (picking up where giraffe print left off last year); sequins and glitter; big, bold prints (floral, graphic and even tribal inspired); and lace. Finding pieces with fun & interesting details are sure to make you stand out.

Take a Chill Pill: Relaxed Fit Pants

This cut is similar to the boyfriend jeans style that emerged in the fall; it is loose and easy at the hips, then tapers delicately above the ankle. This looks to be spring’s most popular silhouette and it also wins for this season’s most comfortable trend, as you can give your thighs a break from those super skinny jeans.

The Royal Treatment: Cleopatra-Inspired Looks

Asymmetrical tops and dresses, harem pants (one of this season’s most unexpected looks) and jeweled necklines all pay homage to the queen herself. If you’re going for the asymmetrical look, long, flowy dresses are a newer take on this trend. If you’re brave enough to try out the harem pants, be sure to pair these with belts, chunky heels and drapey tops to get the right look. You are going for modern, not MC Hammer.

There are other trends you’ll spot this season such as boho/hippie chic and excessive accessories, but these 6 are bound to be the biggest ones out there. Find your favorites and make ‘em your own; you’ll not only be basking in the warmer weather, but you’ll look lovely doin’ it, too.

You’ve got to understand that this is no ethereal crush. My love for dear ol’ Chris dates waaaay back to the ancient times of the late 1990s, when the music video for Yellow was all over MTV. I was a gangly, frizzy-haired sixth-grader, and he was a poetic, articulate, blue-eyed Brit. Deep in my heart, I knew that the stars were shining for me, as he proclaimed, and there was nothing more I wanted than to soothe his aching heart by lying him down right there on that beach and effing him into submission. Yes, I was a very precocious sixth-grader.

Shortly thereafter, Chris and Coldplay rocketed to superstardom. Over the past nine years, the band has released four studio albums, in conjunction with breathtaking music video release after breathtaking music video release (hello? The Scientist?).  All over the world, people were falling in love with Chris. Men, women, parents, grandparents, teachers–it was Coldplay mania!

I was okay with the world adoring Chris (we had that special “Yellow” connection, after all. Sara + Chris, 2gether 4ever.) – even after that infamous “You know how I know you’re gay?” comment from The 40-Year-Old-Virgin – but I had my heart broken in 2003, when Chris married uber-babe actress Gwyneth Paltrow. I’ve since recovered from my heartache, realizing that just because he’s married doesn’t make Chris any less of a hottie. While he and I may not be riding off into the sunset alone, I’ve begun to realize a couple of reasons why he is the most effable rock star in the world–ones that have nothing to do with how good he looks in a t-shirt.

For one thing, Chris has been lauded for his work with Oxfam International, a network of organizations seeking to end poverty and injustice. He has been widely photographed with the network’s “Make Trade Fair” logo on his hand. He was in Shaun of the Dead and has collaborated with Kanye West and Jay-Z. This week in particular has been a banner week for Mr. Martin – an interview on 60 Minutes and awards at the Grammys…and if I had my way, a nice Valentine’s Day eff. Mmm.

Keep your hands off of him, Paltrow. He’s mine.

[In early adulthood there is an activity that plays a large role in most of our lives; nights out on the town. And with those nights out always comes the question: “What am I gonna wear?!?”

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

Many of you are getting ready to graduate and start your “grown-up” jobs, or are doing your spring semester internships, which means that business/biz casual style is on the style menu. But then, what do you do for those after-work drinkies, or a weekday evening date? There are ways to look work-appropriate, while still being fashionable enough for a night on the town. Here’s an idea for a fun and easy day-to-evening (or work to workin’ it) ensemble.

Going with a cute cardigan, especially in a fun animal print is completely appropriate for the office, but adds a little “rowr” to your outfit.

This particular cardigan is from New York & Company, which has really cute officewear for very reasonable prices. Bonus: right now if you buy one item, you get 50% off another one on select styles. Target also has a couple cute animal print cardigans (I’m personally a fan of this one in zebra print) that are perfect for this look.

A great way to add some extra oomph is to go with a brightly colored shirt, such a teal, blue or yellow. If you go with the NY&Co cardigan with the yellow accents, I would recommend going with a contrasting color, like a bright blue. (You don’t want to look too matchy matchy for the office or the the evening affair.) And if you really want some sex appeal later in the evening, you can always take off the cardigan.

A nice pair of flared trousers are a must in any working girl’s closet. They are comfortable, chic and versatile enough to be worn to work or rocked out on the town. And if you get them in the right fit, they make your booty look good.

Add a little pop to the outfit with a fun pair of brightly colored shoes. I am loving both of these yellow pairs from Tarjay; they’re both on clearance and the low heels will make them more comfy for an all day (and possibly night) affair.

When it comes to jewelry, subtlety is key. No need for large (and loud) bangles in a quiet office environment. Classic pearls are a great option, or you can up the fabulous factor and go for black pearls. Best news I’ve heard all week? They are available at Target!

With all of these little pieces in place, you’re all ready to kick some butt at the office and break some hearts at the bar. Good luck out there, ladies.

All you have to do is click on the goods and - boom - you can buy the entire ensemble. Yes, we know; there is a spot for her in heaven.]

Yellow, if you remember correctly, I said was THE color to have this season (along with purples, grey, prints, bright colors and leather jackets). But in any case, these yellow dresses are a great piece to take you to class (with flat boots, a leather jacket and a large tote) or to the bar (pumps, clutch, great black belt).

Not to mention, it stands out a lot more than the black tops and dresses that every other girl on campus is wearing. And besides – there is just something so happy about yellow that you almost forget that it’s 30 degrees, you are walking in snow and you can’t feel your fingers. Just look down at your yellow dress and remember: the fabulous color of your dress is also the color of beer and that, my friends, will keep you warmer and happier than anything else.

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: They Call Me (Not So) Mellow Yellow

Yellow Dress Options

The sweater dress:

The T-Shirt Dress:

(On sale for $34.99- just swap out that brown belt for a black one and black shoes to keep it with this look.)

The Dressy-Dress

Tracy Reese On sale for $148!

Big Black Belt:

To cinch in that waist. Lord knows we’ve had too many seasons of that maternity crap.

Black Pumps

Steve Madden on sale! Holllla.