I’m so into neon right now. And I’m also into white — white blazers over little dresses, crisp white shorts with flowy blouses, white bikinis with colorful accent pieces. Put the two together, and welcome yourself to Miami.
Let’s begin with the ubiquitous, multi-purpose white blazer. I’m thrilled to announce that Shopbop has restocked its inventory of Madewell’s Cotton Garcon blazer — it’s surprisingly affordable, pleasantly fitted (I’m petite and mine fits snugly), and pitch-perfect for the season ($135, Shopbop):
(If you need any further proof of its coolness factor, just know that Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted in one. Done and done.) I like the idea of throwing it on over a bright minidress like this Karina Grimaldi ($181, Shopbop):
The back is just plain hot:
I’d accent with a jet black patent clutch — something like this Ted Baker kiss-lock version would be just right ($85, Nordstrom):
You could also pair the blazer with some white shorts and a blousey top and heels for a Kourtney Kardashian-in-Miami look. Consider, for example, this punchy printed halter ($88, French Connection), a pair of tailored white shorts (try J. Crew for a pair similar to the $495 Michael Kors pair below — on sale for $29; Milly also has a more expensive, nautical-inspired version available for $195 at Bergdorf Goodman), and some nearly-neon (or full-on neon, if you dare) pumps.
The bold pumps above (so similar to Christian Louboutin’s “hyper prive” style) are by Schutz ($190, Cusp). I can’t decide if I’d feel self-conscious sporting the heavy platform during the day — sure, you could get away with it in Miami, but — where else? Tone it down a bit without sacrificing the “neon cool” by pairing the look above with some t-straps. K. Jacques would be perfect for the occasion (on sale for only $51 at Chickdowntown!)
Several of you have articulated concern about the ankle strap situation with these kinds of shoes. I hear ya. Stick with flip-flops if the t-straps are going to drive you crazy (this clementine-colored pair — also by K. Jacques — is available on sale for $93 at MyTheresa):
Before we digress too far afield from Ms. Kourtney K (I am oddly fascinated by her, and I’m not typically a celebrity-follower), take a quick look at her master-of-Miami wardrobe — she’s got her finger on the pulse in terms of how to look cool in the flashy fashion capital of the world:
Love the graphic wrap skirt above — its by Factory by Erik Hart. It appears to be sold out online, but the dress version is still up for purchase at a reasonable $127 (Revolve Clothing). Kourtney tends to pair her Miami brights with gold accents and accessories — get the look with some oversized gold-trim shades (these are by Dior — $385, Bloomingdale’s) and a heavy gold watch (the one below by Michael Kors, $244, Zappos):
You gotta bring the bling in South Beach. This black-faced Pedre would also be a cool choice — I snapped it up on super sale a season or two ago by piling on some coupon codes at Revolve Clothing, and you can find it on sale too ($74, Amazon):
I wear it irregularly — I deploy it only when I need to find just the right balance of masculinity/femininity — but it always draws compliments.
If you’re more in the market for Miami beachwear, have I got some finds for you! (And no, you don’t need to bare it all to fit into the scene!) First — a lime green / electric yellow Thayer brand bikini ($165, Shopbop). How chic?
If the thought of neon yellow against your skin makes your hair crawl (let’s face it, some colors are better left to the naturally-tanned), I’m equally as amped about this hot pink Melissa Odabash (only $66 at The Outnet!):
Pair either suit with a breezy white caftan — you know I’m a fan of Calypso’s styles, but this 3.1 Philip Lim has weaseled its way onto my label lust list ($250, Net-A-Porter):
Adore the shell detailing along the waist. It’d look equally as perfect atop a brightly patterned bikini, like the Emilio Pucci print ($570, Net-A-Porter) below:
Like the idea of the peppy print but can’t bear the idea of coughing up close to $600 for swimwear? This recessionista-chic Roxy bikini is appropriately loud and yet far from cheap-looking ($40 for the top, $42 for the bottom — Roxy):
Throw on some glossy black enormashades (the ones below are by Oliver Peoples), a big-brimmed black hat ($44, Zappos), and tuck all your beach necessities in your neon-accented See by Chloe tote ($195, Shopbop):
If you’d prefer to cover up a bit as you lay out, consider the ever-chic pareo.
Spring for this luxe Pucci version in one of their classic, eye-catching prints ($540, Net-A-Porter):
But an inexpensive version in a sheer black will probably be far more versatile ($27, Nordstrom) — not to mention more wallet-friendly:
For after-hours fun, there are some to-die-for BRIGHT cocktail dresses that would totally bring the heat.
To begin with — an airy Isabella Oliver number (on sale for $204, Isabella Oliver Boutique):
Pair it with some gold statement earrings (maybe these Janna Connors — $58, Max and Chloe) and a big gold cocktail ring (this glitzy yet organic-looking Dara Ettinger piece is uber-cool, $200, Max and Chloe) and you’ll turn heads all night long:
Other club-ready (or yacht-hopping ready) options? I adore this neon melon-colored Anlo “Felicity” dress ($264, Madison L.A.) I tried on a similar style at Urban Chic the other week and loveloveloved it. So flattering with the elasticized, nipped-in waist:
To Miamify it, add some jet black accessories. I love these Amrita Singh danglers (on sale for 50% off — $50 — at Couture Candy) and this House of Harlow cocktail ring (Nicole Richie’s line!) has been all over the place ($50, Cusp — and you can also get the style in an earring stud):
While on the subject of HOH, these glam glasses are totally on point for a Miami getaway ($125, Kitson):
If you’d like to venture into some eye-catching Miami prints, check out this Alice & Trixie kaleidoscopic print dress ($260, Heery’s):
It’s a heat wave in dress form. Pair with these awesome $93 Miss KG pumps (available at ASOS):
(The gold accent on the heel stem is just perfect for the South Beach vibe.) You could go matchy-matchy and add a little neon pink clutch as well ($98, French Connection):
Or just pair with a hard-case gold clutch. The same accessory guidelines go for these I’m-ready-for-a-good-time asymmetrical dresses — the first by Trina Turk (on sale for $196, Heery’s) and the second by Yoana Baraschi ($370, Sunday Brunch Dress Shop):
You could also go for a slightly more dramatic head-to-toe look with this killer printed maxi dress by Envi (on sale for $112, Heery’s):
I bought a similar Envi maxi from the Bethesda boutique Ginger, had it hemmed, and have had it saved for my birthday (coming up in June!) for a couple of months. My hairstylist advised me to wear my hair in a flat-ironed, slicked-back ponytail for the night — maybe even adding extensions. Whew! Bold, and I like it. Which may also explain why I’m head over heels for this statement-making Tibi “Sao Paolo” dress ($288 via pre-order, Revolve Clothing):
Love love LOVE. Amp up your Miami-ready style with a couple of additional add-ons, like the back-in-style Carreras I’ve been going on and on about over the past few weeks:
The neon yellow pair above are $130 and are available at Nordstrom, but I picked up a pair of hot pink ones a few weeks ago and can’t get enough of them. (I’ve also seen them in bright purple — equally as cool.) If they look a little too 80s-dated for you, these classic Ray Ban aviators accented in white would also be ideal ($139, Shopbop):
Meanwhile, these “Serrious” Steve Maddens (on sale for $59, Steve Madden) come in a range of day-glo colors (though the white variation might be a kicky-cool option to pair with your neon-featuring wardrobe):
I envision pairing them with a hot pink drapey skirt, like this Kimberly Taylor ($196, Singer22):
The skirt also comes in purple and yellow, but if it’s the pink you’re after, take a look at this similar dress version by Amanda Uprichard ($193, Revolve Clothing):
You’ll turn up the heat instantly!
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