Style File: The Rainbow Connection

Well, it’s officially rainbow month, that time of the year when people bring out the bright, happy magical colors and patterns that could make any style-conscious beach babe feel like they’re riding a unicorn into the sunset. The essence of high fashion has always been to playfully strip and combine oddness until it becomes a statement so bold Obama would have to call the soldiers, and what better way to do that than to get a taste of the rainbow?

The colors of the rainbow aren’t new to those born in the last 600,000 years, but the passion and joy of the beloved colors have intensified over time, and have come to represent more than just a reasonable reflection of light. It has become a symbol of the self and others; for individual identity within a collection of differences. Over time, it has also become an internationally known symbol for an alternative lifestyle. This month, we are going to embrace our love for this iconic creation, and turn your summer style into a pot of gold. So, to start you off to a bright and beautiful Summer, I’m here to give you a few looks to save in your STYLE FILE.

THE SOFT, PLAYFUL KITTEN
The only time you really get a chance to see lace in an outfit is if you’re giving your lover a naughty little show, or your senile grandmother with the busted hearing aid came by to make you cookies. In a weird sense these two images have combined to add a sense of sophistication to your outfit while still turning heads. The one thing I love about lace clothing is that you can really play with bright, vibrant colors because of the neutral undertone that comes with the look. What you’ll see is a lot of is floral print gently tickled with lace lining which gives it a vintage feel, something you’d want to be seen wearing on your weekly brunch with the bestie at the classy little coffee joint you love to visit.

Because this is a soft look, you don’t want to do too much to throw off the balance with bright and funky accessories and makeup. A vibrant belt across the waist or hips will make the outfit pop, as well as a few bangles. You may want to keep your neck piece and earrings simple in that you don’t want to take away from the lace or the flowers. While most runways display neutral shoes as completion, I say you should take a risk and get funky. A bright colors kick it all off, and makes being a girly-girl seem a little more daring.

WORDLY TRAVELS
The Bohemian concept is taken to another level this year. Native patterns are bringing burst of inspiration to designers due to their geometrical placement, and use of dynamic hues. A lot of full length summer dresses are being pieced together with Indian or African influences which go great with a pair of high heel clogs (which are in season). If you’re a fan of ethnic jewelry, you should be skipping around your house right now because the bold, in-your-face neck pieces and earrings will bring your attire to life.

There’s also room to be a tourist. The one must-have item you can’t survive the summer without is a neutral toned one-piece. It leaves your possibilities for makeup and hair endless. If you’ve been thinking about pulling a Rhianna and going as loud as possible with your hair color, having a single colored assortment will make your hair brighter especially if you choose to go with the forecasted trending color, white. You have so much freedom to dabble with colorful makeup and different looks for your face, and any pair of heels you feel like wearing become a hit. Playing with the rainbow is so much fun with this look because it not only speaks loud, but it also speaks a different language.

A WORK OF ART
Have you ever seen a painting in a museum with an assortment of chaos placed together to make a vision so appealing to the eye? That’s kind of what this next look does for you. If you really want to make a statement, mix and match patterns: cheetah print leggings with a striped shirt, surfer-dude flowers with a graphic tee . Be sure to mix and match tastefully, though! Some patterns and colors just shouldn’t go together, and it’s one thing to come out looking like an authentic rock star; it’s another to look like your closet just swallowed you whole and spit you back out. That’s why the two pieces of equipment that will stamp you with the “bad-ass” label are the motorcycle jacket and a pair of combat boots. They make sure you have some kind of simplicity in the mix without taking the rebellion away from it.

The best part about this look is that makeup can be as extreme, but don’t take it too far. Darken the intensity with a smoky effect around the eyes, and keep your cheeks from looking like someone smacked you across the face twice. The possibilities are endless with this look in that it’s only a matter of sketching out your own personality.


The summer has a lot to offer as far as patterns and different looks, but it’s the use of bright colors that make the season so fun! Whether playing it innocent, exploring different cultural exports, or getting lost in concepts of the abstract, wearing your rainbow demonstrates how easy it is to bring so many different aspects of yourself together, a style as colorful as the sky.

**Photos provided by members on PhotoBucket.com