The Birdy wants to give everyone a hearty shot of Vitamin C, as in COLOR, lest we fall victim to the Seasonal Affective Disorder that is Winter. Seriously, the gray rainy days are a serious downer, harshing my mellow and the like, so the Bird is offering up a Mood of color and brights to warm your winter nights. But color can be a tricky customer, not everyone loves wearing it head-to-toe and even if you do wear a bright red dress, it's likely covered beneath a gray, heavy winter coat, so no one gets to enjoy it unless you're in the comfort of a well-heated room. Oh, the conundrum! What's the solution, Magpie??

Easy-peasy -- here are colorful solutions that are universal to everyone, the magic answer being accessories! It works for those who want to show a bright hue, even if they're covered in woolly winter warmth, or if you're just feeling timid about showing off that bright personality of yours. All these items are meant to go with whatever you have, worn over or designed to peek out from whatever outerwear you may be wearing. Because color, like a good, cheery mood, deserves to be shared! Let others enjoy a bright spot of orange or a bold dash of magenta. There are little details on all these items that keep them from being color-for-the-sake-of-color; smart little flourishes like interesting seam work, a little bow, or the fact that hey, you're wearing a freakin' cape! How cool is that?!

The Jauntily Technicolor collection includes: {1} Mikumi Scarf from Anthropologie, {2} Transatlantic Bag from Anthropologie, {3} Portolano teal nappa leather bow detail gloves from Bluefly, {4} Rena Lange button cape in fuschia from Neiman Marcus, {5} Ribbed Tights in Decadent Red from J. Crew, {6} Karlie Colorblock small shoulder bag in Bright Fuschia from Banana Republic, {7} Martina suede wedges in Bright Persimmon from J. Crew, {8} Juicy Couture felt riding cap in Pom Pom Red from Piperlime 

Jaunty Fine Print: images from retail shops listed above

The blustery days of fall are upon us, but this Bird doesn't believe bright hues are meant only for summer - keep a bright Mood in rotation year round. But always in mindful doses! Remember getting that brand-new box of crayons when you were a wee little one? You dove right in, grabbing the brightest colors and using them down to a waxy nub. You didn’t color within the lines, you made Mark Rothko pages of pure hue. It wasn’t until later when you realized a solid block of bright color can lose its impact. Sometimes just a small hint of turquoise or a splash of yellow will speak volumes.

Much like the indulgence of candy, little bites are just right. A chunky ring that looks like a glossy gumball, a shocking swipe of pink peeking out from a pedicure, a statement clutch or handbag made even more prominent against an elegantly neutral outfit. A wise choice of accessories can reflect both smart style as well as an easy way to introduce bold colors to those a little timid to make the commitment with a wardrobe item.

All these items that caught the style Magpie’s eye are beautiful pieces meant to perform a solo act, plus they are small enough hints of color that can be taken into the chill of fall and winter, when a little bit of brightness will be a welcome sign.

{1} A.R. Trapp troubadour sunglasses in taupe from J. Crew, {2} Caribbean Colors Ultra Fine Point Permanent Market Collection from Sharpie, {3} Full-Blooded Raspberry watch from Swatch, {4} Orange floral cotton-silk scarf from Pucci on Bluefly, {5} Turquoise Rachel Leigh Bow Bracelet from Nordstrom, {6} Pink Balancing Act Ring from Anthropologie, {7} Book of the Month Clutch from Kate Spade, {8} Digital Diva Collection by OPI from Sephora, 9} Pistachio Suede Licorice Pump from Kate Spade on Piperlime, {10} Tasha Mixed Knot Head Wrap on from Nordstrom, {11} Totally Turnlock Percy Crossbody Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs on Piperlime

Jaunty Fine Print: photo collage by Denise Sakaki, image credits listed above

 

Trade in those pressed office whites for some dressed-up brights. 9-to-5 drone, begone! This Bird doesn't believe in keeping ruffles, color and other fancy plumage for after dark or special occasions -- a careful selection of textures, a pop of shine, and a swirl of colors can make a Monday seem less than dreary. Inspired by outfits from J. Crew's catalog, and New York & Company's Editor's Picks, the Magpie flew about her own closet to put together an outfit of different pieces, both old and new. Set about making a jaunty set of armor before waging war in the urban jungle.