Looks That Kill: I Love Colors!

Teen angst can really suck the fun out of a girl's wardrobe: the glut of my adolescence was spent swathed almost entirely in black (just ask my beleaguered mother, who spent many a shopping trip trying to persuade me to try on something in a color -- any color! -- and is probably still thanking her lucky stars that I grew out of that phase).

Now I'm in my twenties (I'll be 23 in just under three weeks, in fact!), and quite a bit of time has surpassed since my Morrissey-approved years. I supposed I'm making up for lost time, as these days I find the most joy in wearing colors straight out of the Crayola box -- there's something so youthful, fresh, and fun about pairing seriously bright contrasting shades. I sometimes wonder what my 14-year-old self would think of the way I dress now...I'm quite sure I'd be disgusted with myself!

Here's today's outfit, which would be sure to send a younger Sara M. into conniptions:

Click for full-size.

Making up for lost time, indeed! I love the way this royal blue chiffon bubble dress looks under the '60s-inspired orange-and-white floral swing coat (this is what the dress looks like alone). I don't usually go for bubble shapes, but the length on this one is just right, and the color is irresistible. I was going for a look that was lively and bright but still polished, so I selected pared-down nude patent slingback pumps with a hidden platform (their leg-lengthening qualities should not be underestimated, especially with a hemline like this one!) and elegant silver statement jewelry.

Royal blue chiffon rosette bubble dress: $22.80.
Orange-and-white floral swingcoat: $13.99 on sale.
Nude patent slingback pumps: I think they were $24.80; they're about a year old.
Silver coil cuff bracelet: $3.80.
5.5" silver dagger earrings: $4.80.
(Everything I'm wearing today is from Forever 21 -- a little embarrassing, but how can a girl resist those prices?)

Details, details...