I ♥ NEONS

If my previous 'Neon Nation' post and regular neon nail instagram photos didn't already give it away -- it's safe to say that I love neons. I will admit that I have always held neon hues in a special place in my heart, and this spring and summer have given me a reason to overindulge! Whether you like solid neon nails, the fourth finger contrast look, neon tips, neons + nudes or neon nail art : the options are truly unlimited! With neons trending in all areas of fashion and beauty, I am sure you are not oblivious to this theme. However, I felt it was necessary to share with you my personal favorite neon nail shades for Summer 2012. Luckily for me, and you, just about every major beauty company is spewing out neon lacquers this season. This means that hunting for that perfect shade won't be hard at all. I put together this color wheel of my Top 12 Picks from brands across the board. I've only chosen shades from American Apparel, Sally Hansen, OPI, Sephora, Essie and Deborah Lippmann -- but that doesn't mean you can't also find shades from other brands as well. If you have any other favorites you'd like to recommend please let me know in the comments below. I would love nothing more than to add a few more bottles to my collection!

Clockwise from Top: American Apparel//Neon Green, American Apparel//Neon Yellow, Deborah Lippmann//Yellow Brick Road, Essie//Bazooka, American Apparel//Neon Orange, American Apparel//Neon Red, Essie//Camera, Essie//Lights, Sally Hansen//Twisted Pink, Sephora OPI//It's My Pink, Deborah Lippmann//Between the Sheets, OPI//No Room for the Blues

Neon Nation

This spring is one of the most colorful we have had in a while. With bright color trends, full of neons and other bold hues, there are a lot of great colors to work with. The leader in all things color, Pantone has their own Spring 2012 Color Report with shades such as: Tangerine Tango, Solar Power, Cockatoo and Cabaret just to name a few. And while these are some of the major colors we are seeing in stores everywhere this season, I think the most important trend is neons. And this look is especially brilliant when paired with neutrals, nudes or black and white. But you can also try wearing neons from head to toe for a all-out BOLD twist. Whether it's flourescent yellow, vivacious purple, fruity citron, neon pink, electric blue, kelly green, royal blue or construction cone orange, these show-stopping colors are making a huge impact on our springtime wardrobes.

I did a few little collages below to highlight some of my favorite neon finds that are in stores right now. [Just click on the corresponding number below to be taken to the item's website!] Whether it's a nail color, statement necklace, sandals, accessories, shirts, pants, skirts or dresses -- be sure to incorporate these fun-loving neons into your spring wardrobe. Not only will you be right on trend, you will also bring some bright pops of color into your day. {Also >> If you want some more neon inspiration, you can always visit my Pinterest page for more images! I've been posting a lot of neons lately!}

 

ONE TWO THREE : all three are from j. crew

FOUR : ciccio from madewell FIVE : minoux skyline necklace SIX : nails from new york magazine

SEVEN : jessica simpson sandals EIGHT : ann taylor blouse NINE : cambridge satchel company

Shades of Gray

I just bought a whole new spectrum of gray nail polishes this week, as this color trend is all over the place this fall and winter. I did have a couple grays already, but I was surprised at how many different kinds I could find at the store! (Not to mention I even found a metallic gray shatter available too). Gray is clearly the new black this season, and the best part is that there are so many different shades of gray to choose from. I'd suggest to keep it simple and not get too shimmery. Try the darker slate colors, the grays with a hint of blue or even the lighter silvery tones. No matter what you choose, your alternately neutral nails will be sure to make a splash and help you to stand out from the deep purple, maroon and black hues that are 'oh so popular' this time of year.

Above (left to right): Essie-Cocktail Bling, OPI-Skull & Glossbones, OPI-Silver Shatter, OPI-Suzi Takes the Wheel, Essie-Power Clutch