Spunk it up with neon!

Have you admired a pair of purple jeans but chickened out at the last moment and bought the black one instead?

Well you probably are like many others who are a little bit scared of flaunting color.. You might think that by having vibrant colors, you might stand out a little too much, or might seem like an attention seeker, or it just does not suit you at all..

Well in any case, here are some tiny little things that can add some special 'zing' to a slightly dull wardrobe..

Wear/carry and of these with your black dress or you fav 'dark' outfit to make a cool summer statement!

vibrant bouquet

Shake up your look with a jolt of standout color and print -- another major must this season. This fringed floral Lindsay Phillips Sunrise Scarf ($25 at Lindsay Phillips) in flashy fluoro is one fast style solution (say that very slowly if you're in color shock). Plus, we love its generous proportions (16 inches wide and 72 inches long) that allow for so many creative styling options.

splashy hat

The season's must-have extra, as seen at Marc Jacobs: a statement '70s-inspired sun hat. Get into the groove (and take cover from those rays) in this floppy-brimmed San Diego Hat Company's Ribbon Crusher Hat with 7" Brim in Ocean ($54 at San Diego Hat Company) in a happy-go-lucky hue.

shocking sneaks

Amp up your off-duty uniform with these retro-cool sneaks. The so-off-it's-on palette conjures up visions of '70s kitsch. Leave it to Frye -- known for their timeless, star-trekked styles -- to get it just right. We love The Frye Company's Reed Runner in Orange ($128 at The Frye Company).

bright idea

Add instant edge to everything (from a little black dress to jeans) with this standout electric Botkier's Ava Crossbody Bag in Key Lime Lambskin ($395 at Botkier). We love the downtown hardware detailing -- studded tassel trim, an asymmetric zip and grommet-laced chain -- that channels spring's punk vibe.

day-glo/night-glo

Day-glo easily moves into evening with this pleated satin Mary Nichols Mini Jane Clutch ($175 at ShopMaryNichols.com). Pretty in shocking pink, with pink lining inside, the luxe bag comes with a delicate chain messenger strap for added versatility.

bold & beautiful

These elegant-yet-playful Joomi Lim Swarovski Crystal Earrings with neon thread details ($174 at Joomi Lim) offer a fun new take on tradition. The can't-go-wrong rhinestone drop style (that look like a favorite flea market find) literally gets a new twist with hand-wrapped neon thread accents.

color wheel

Neons aren't just for thrill-seekers. An easy way to get in on the trend (and add some zing to any neutral outfit). Simply slip on a bright bangle or two or three or four or more... The polished Blue Enamel Ridge Bangles ($18 at Bauble Bar) looks timeless, yet the color pop is so right now.

statement scent

This Bond No. 9 Madison Square Park Eau de Parfum ($170 and up at Bond No. 9) is one fully euphoria-inducing fragrance, and the arresting Schiaparelli-pink-and-neon-green bottle is just the beginning. That rose-blossom top is actually a removable bauble that can be worn as a bracelet or brooch. A vibrant scent of springtime florals and fresh greens, it includes notes of grape hyacinth, red leaf rose and red hunter tulip.

color's calling

Confession: We're obsessing over this chic Thale Blanc's Whitney Snakeskin La Pochette Cellphone Bag ($308 at Thale Blanc). Designed to fit both iPhones and Blackberries, the clever pouch has a sleek credit card pocket and key ring hook on the back. It gets better: the chain detaches on both ends, so you can wear it a multitude of ways and swap in other decorative chains (sold separately) to switch up the look

funky flip-flops

Sunny days ahead? Practically guaranteed when you step into these brilliant J.Crew Neon Leather Capri Sandal ($49.50 at J.Crew). A little dash of color with everything is the season's style mantra, so keep a pair or two of these by the door for a no-brainer fashion boost.

disco dazzle

She's like a rainbow... Here's a subtle way to hit both that '70s glam look and the neon trend in one dazzling piece. A virtual kaleidoscope of rhinestones, this Venessa Arizaga's Bolly Disco Necklace ($250 at Venessa Arizaga) is equally electrifying with an essential tee or a to-die-for dress.

sunnies case

Here's what's bright now... When you need to stash your sunnies out of sight, indulge them in an eye-popping case. In vibrant shagreen-print leather, this luxe Smythson Sunglasses Case in Citrus ($165 at Smythson) is almost too gorgeous to stash away in your bag. Disclaimer: We're not responsible if your sunglasses suddenly pale in comparison.

feel-good tote

Pack a punch by updating an everyday tote with a fresh burst of color. What's not to adore about this functional rubber Hunter Tote Bag ($195 at Hunter Boot) in fashion-forward lime? If you need further justification, let's just say that it doubles as a little pick-me-up on dreary days -- and every stylish girl needs to prep for April showers.

brighter times

What better way to brighten up every minute than with a vivacious neon diving watch? Made in Switzerland by new brand Skywatch, the quality unisex timekeeper has an Italian sailcloth strap lined in nubuck letter and is water-resistant to 100 meters. Plus, the 3 Hand Watch ($295 at Skywatch) comes with a free boost of adrenalin.

wallet wow

Shift the clutch from neutral into bright with this Lodis Audrey Continental Wallet ($84 at Zappos). How tres chic is this bigger and bolder take on the perennially fashionable French purse... reinvented as a wallet? Caution advised: May cause impulse shopping to help satisfy the urge to show it off.

Juicy Colored Bags For Spring

We're all for going the straight and narrow with timeless, classic bags. But after a long, cold, and very (Very!) gray winter, we're ready for the kind of color that really packs a punch. A bright colored bag might seem like an impractical buy, but we beg to differ: It's the perfect little shot of fun to wake up a clean and simple work outfit or a little black party dress. Whether you grab a sleek and skinny clutch or a beautifully sculpted bowling bag, spring's finest colorful handbags deliver the spectrum of hues—from grassy green to the ripest tangerine.



Above, from left: BCBGeneration Gigi Shoulder Bag, $68, available at BCBG; Rebecca Minkoff Collection Maria Bag, $650, available at Rebecca Minkoff; Marc by Marc Jacobs Raffia and Leather Clutch, $200, available at Net-A-Porter.



Above, from left: Kate Spade Shady Side Magazine Tote, $229.50, available at Kate Spade; Aldo Cyphert Faux Leather Bag, $45, available at Aldo.



Above, from left: Bally Bowling Bag, $2,695, available at Bally; ASOS Leather Saddle Bag, $53.79, available at ASOS; Dooney & Bourke Continental Clutch, $125, available at Zappos.






Above, from left: Tory Burch Robinson Shoulder Bag, $325, available at Tory Burch; Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Satchel, $1,595, available at Net-A-Porter.



Above, from left: Michael Michael Kors Kingsbury Tote, $398, available at Michael Kors; Cheap Monday Moon Bag, $55, available at Urban Outfitters; Kimchi Blue Saddle Cross-Body Bag, $38, available at Urban Outfitters.



Above, from left: Forever 21 Large Bubble Bag, $22.80, available at Forever 21; Steve Mono Small Chain Clutch, $210, available at Opening Ceremony. 






Above, from left: Topshop Red Handle Leather Bag, $135, available at Topshop; Banana Republic Market Tote, $98, available at Banana Republic.



Above, from left: Nine West Perfect Circle Bag, $39, available mid-April at Nine West; Kate Spade Lemond Drop Frame Clutch, $225, available at Kate Spade; Matt & Nat Vegan Leather Clutch, $85, available at Matt & Nat. 



Above, from left: Cole Haan Heritage Weave Riley Crossbody Bag, $268, available at Cole Haan; Burberry Nylon Shopping Bag, $250, available at Nordstrom.






WOW!!! GIMME GIMME GIMME!!!

6 Quirky Color Combos To Try Now

Let's face it: Sometimes the old everyday black and beige or gray and blue combos can be a whole lotta boring. With bold color-blocking continuing to be a strong trend for spring and summer, we decided to choose a few unorthodox color combos for spring that pushed the fashion envelope just enough. From Céline's gorgeous oxblood leather and cornflower blue to Marc Jacobs' sunny satiny pink and cool melon, these punchy pairings signal a new season of dress-up is here...finally!

Royal Blue and Crimson—It's time to make Independence Day, every day. Royal blue and crimson look best when worn in bright blocks of color. Try mixing them in a print, like this Thakoon dress, too.



Above, from left: Thakoon fall '11, image via Style.com; Mara Hoffman Red Picnic Dress, $250, available at Bonadrag; YSL Opal Lapis, $290, available at CultStatus; +J Tailored Blazer, $43.87, available at Uniqlo stores.




Burnt Orange and Khaki—We loved how these nubby burnt orange pants looked with a structured camel coat. Take this look into spring with a brushed silk dress and a lightweight trench.



Above, from left: Burberry fall '11, image via Style.com; AllDressedUp Silk Crepe Dress, $230.79, available at The Outnet;Betsey Johnson Women's Rectangle Sunglasses, $55, available at Endless; Cooperative Trench Coat, $49.95, available atUrban Outfitters.




Orange and Fuchsia —The trick to making this look work is to choose rich materials. A silk, glossy leather, or shantung keep the combo from making you look like you shop in the Juniors' department.



Above, from left: Marc Jacobs fall '11 ad; Madewell Silk Safari Shirt, $98, available at Madewell; Adam Tie-Front Skirt, $154.26, available at The Outnet; ModCloth Upwardly Mobile Satchel, $134.99, available at ModCloth.




Pink and Caribbean Green—If there's ever a time to mix your neons, it's now. Acid pinks and greens can be great friends, but remember to anchor it with black or another neutral.



Above, from left: Jil Sander fall '11, image via Style.com; Forever21 Cuffed Linen Shorts, $15.80, available at Forever21;Wildfox Leopard Sweater, $107, available at Boutique To You.




Red Orange and Yolk Yellow‐We love primary colors with a jewel-tone twist. This red orange and yolk yellow combo just begs for small accents of royal blue and forest green, like in this Bally ad.



Above, from left: Bally spring '11 ad; Dona Monroe Curved Hem Skirt, $270, available at Steven Alan; ArynK Daffodil Silk Top, $95, available at Nastygal; Zara Fashion City Bag, $149, available at Zara.




Oxblood and Cornflower—This pairing makes us weak at our knees! A deep, rich leather oxblood piece just begs for a lively cornflower blue.



Above, from left: Celine spring '11, image via Style.com; Topshop Berry Leather Shorts, $110, available at Topshop;Alexander Wang Rocco Brick Bag, $1,077, available at Montaigne Market; McQ Silk-Blend Tuxedo Shirt, $280, available atThe Outnet.