Fear not, Summerlings, it's not Labor Day yet! This Bird has never got with the program over that old fashion of rule of "no wearing white after Labor Day." And no one else follows this either, it's just a common turn-of-phrase nowadays. But it got me thinking about why white is so lovely for summer, and how touches of gold can make a look ladylike, crisp, and dancing along the edge of preppy-sweet. 

This Birdy is having a beach party in her bird-brain and you're all invited. Can you not tell how totally in Vacation Mode my mind is right now?! And I have no fabulous sandy beach-filled vacation plans in my future, so just call it a Mood of Summer Aquamarine Blues. Of all the summery colors, the liquid-blue, almost minty hue of Aqua makes me long for clear blue ocean waters.

Is it a rule that pink is only the realm of princesses? The Magpie would like to clear up this misconception, because you can totally rock a light, dusky rose and not feel like you're a headliner in the Easter Parade. A light rose hue isn't just for Sunday School dresses and minding your manners -- Rose can Rock.

That old black magic has me in its spell, that old black magic that you weave so well... I'm loving the spin I'm in that a simple black blazer can do for a silky girlish dress. So simple and smart, this Inspired look carries the wearer from day to night. And what's wrong with a bit of sparkle and bubblegum pop when the dark, fitted blazer reminds people that this Bird means business? Feathers were aflutter over the daring glitter of Derek Lam's 2009 ready to wear fall ensemble, and equally wooed by the structure and color of The Limited's look of the week.