Pretty Picks: Neon Accents

The new way to wear neon? Inject your outfit with bold accessories. The trend is still popular, but the chic way to wear electric blue, hot pink, or fluorescent yellow for 2012 is in smaller doses. These amazing Reed Krakoff wedges are the perfect example. Everything below, however, won't break the bank.

J. Crew neon belt, $40
Pink Sunglasses, $9
ASOS clutch, $63
Neon piped cross body, $25
Baubble Bar earrings, $38
Topshop hot pink flats, $32
ModCloth lime green heels, $60
Ann Taylor thin belt, $30
Neon Nail Polish, $6

Zara Spring 2012

I'm obsessed with the new pieces at Zara. They have every spring trend all in one place. I love the pastel blazers, jeans, and dresses, and the cool, graphic florals on bottoms of all varieties. My favorites are this black and white skirt and these shorts. The prints remind me of Piazza Sempione or Prabal Gurung and are edgy but totally wearable. Other standouts are the neon top below, an awesome dress, and tangerine boyfriend jeans.

Zara Top

Pretty Picks: Tangerine

Just some great spring pieces in trendy shades of orange.

1. ModCloth Orange Jeans, $83

2. Orange Sunglasses, $4

3. Topshop Retro Bikini, $64

4. Topshop Coral Flats, $32

5. (similar) Patent Belt, $11

6. Essie - Orange It's Obvious, $5

7. ModCloth Orange Satchel, $170

8. Orange Scarf, $50

9. Philosophy Shower Gel, $16

10. ASOS pleated dress $32
p.s. did you guys know Essie has an Amazon store? Orange It's Obvious was sold out online at Nordstrom, so I searched Google and Amazon popped up. They sell discontinued colors so you can find your old favorites and their spring 2012 collection is half priced there!

Look-at-me Lips

I don't wear lipstick often but I've been drawn to it lately. It can be the finishing touch of an outfit and I love buying fun shades. Tangerine Tango is the color for 2012, and make-up is no exception. This MAC lipstick is a mix of coral and red with hints of orange. It sounds overwhelming, but it compliments many skin tones because of the colors.True red's a classic and really popular right now, but the added orange is an updated version that should definitely be tried. Model's red lips were dusted with bright orange eye shadow to make them really pop for Jason Wu's Spring 2012 show. This shade, Lady Danger, is more wearable and one easy step.

MAC Lipstick

Spring Ahead

It's still freezing here in Chicago, but I can't help looking forward to spring considering how a new season of clothes is in stores. Pantone named Tangerine Tango as the color of 2012. While orange may seem too bold for some, it is actually a color that pairs well and isn't overwhelming. The hue is energetic and fun but its warmth is inviting. It's fresh and sophisticated. This pretty top from ModCloth is the perfect combo with the equally intense shade of pink and a chevron print (the updated stripe). The tie-neck is chic and highlights the face while the bodice floats over hips without adding bulk. Pair with dark denim and gold sandals or go bold with a high waisted lilac skirt for a Nanette Lepore-esque look.

Chevron print blouse

Interesting Accent

Metallics were all over the spring runways. While it's easy to wear sequins and gold around the holidays, I can't see myself doning a silver skirt mid May. However, metal adorned shoes are much more approachable. Marc Jacobs, the sisters behind Rodarte, and Phillip Lim were stand-out designers for metallic boots, strappy heels, and pumps. The trend easily transitions from runway to street style with metallic accents, instead of all over shine. These ASOS flats have just enough edge, and even though I lusted after Alexander Wang's silver loafers from Fall 2011, I know these cute kicks are more practical and way more budget friendly.

Lula metallic accent flat

There's also a pastel version for anyone feeling adventurous who wants to knock out three trends in one: Color blocking, pastels, and metallic.