Orange Crush

I’ve mentioned my obsession with flame-red-orange lately, and yesterday just confirmed my hunch that this color is just IT right now.  It’s bright like a neon but even more au courant than the day-glo-a-go-go style.  I had just splurged on these Anya Hindmarch shoes (can’t find them anywhere online — I bought them in person at my favorite boutique, Sassanova — so please excuse the poor picture quality):

And, though I’d paired them rather modestly (boringly?) with a straight-forward, high-waisted black pencil skirt (the one below is by J. Crew, $118) and a clementine-orange ruffle henley from J. Crew (on sale for $24.99, J.Crew) — I was stopped not once, not twice, but THREE different times on the street.

Most of the complements were not only directed toward my fab shoes — but to the color orange.  One lady-of-leisure at the nail salon exclaimed: “Orange!  What a great idea!”  Eureka — we’re on to something!  Below are my top picks for the BRIGHT orange trend of the moment.  I favor oranges on the bolder end of the spectrum, something verging into the reds, like this elegantly-draped Lela Rose skirt (on sale for $192, TheOutnet):

Glossy, jet-black accents are always an option, but I’m a fan of pairing it with grays and whites (not that I’ve been influenced by my sick Anya shoes or anything…) — I’m envisioning a white camisole beneath a trim charcoal cardi, paired with these patent Miu Mius ($495, Net-A-Porter):

Michael Kors has a more affordable, higher-heeled version on the market — equally enticing ($98, Lord and Taylor) — and they go delightfully well with the currently-on-my-dream-list (just beneath the Chloe Marcie bag) Caroline Mini by Tory Burch ($350, ToryBurch):

But back to my ORANGE crush.  How perfectly summery is this belted Milly number (on sale for $257, Revolve Clothing)?

This Gypsy05 mini gets the same look for less ($155, Gypsy05):

Both are reezy-chic at its best, especially with some t-straps or gladiators for an afternoon lunch.  I’ve mentioned in the past my affinity for these Madewell ankle-straps ($88, Madewell):

You’d look oh-so-chic when pairing them with the J. Crew Brompton bag ($298, J. Crew):

Very Rachel Bilson.  Alternately, dress it up with some neutral or white pumps (these Louboutin “Titi” pumps are…OMG — dying yet? — $725, Net-A-Porter) and these awesome enorma-studs (by the one and only Bounkit, $335):

They’d look just as lovely worn to work with this punchy Tucker blouse ($275, Farfetch) and a trim white pencil skirt (D&G, on sale for $80, Farfetch):

The above outfit would also look great with these Kendra Scott earrings ($70, Max and Chloe) — love how the deep raspberry color offsets the vibrancy of the orange:

If you want just a touch of orange deliciousness, how about swapping out your trusty old black or brown tote for a happy orange hued version (on sale for $44, Lori’s Shoes):

Or maybe this slightly offbeat zebra-print shopper is more your speed ($175, Kate Spade)?

Though I tend to be fairly practical with my arm candy (i.e. handbags) — usually opting for black or Louis Vuitton so that I don’t need to transfer my items on a daily basis — sometimes it’s just plain fun to center an outfit around an outlandishly bold bag.  Imagine wearing the above tote with an I-mean-business greige dress (the inverted pleats add interest — on mega sale for $319, Barney’s) and some staid, low-heeled Jackie O-esque pumps (on sale for $71, Endless):

And if you want to get really matchy-matchy (Momma Magpie is smiling approvingly), try these colorblocked orange-on-greige peeptoes ($67, Endless):

Another fashion-forward work option?  This to-die-for Halston shirtdress ($698, TheOutnet) — it is money.  I’m particularly drawn to it because it captures that 70s glam aesthetic I blogged about a few days back (Halston pretty much invented the look):

It’d look great with any of the shoe options above, though I think it could also look interesting (and could also POP a bit more) with some blush-colored pumps, like these steeply-discounted Zanottis ($280, Farfetch):

If you’re a bold gal, ready to take on the FLAME color, how darn cute is this Marni lace-up-back mini dress (on sale for $398, Marni):

The black grosgrain tie in the back pretty much requires you to throw on these glossy black Louboutins — a classic ($595, Net-A-Porter):

I like the idea of finishing the look with these elegant pearl-and-ribbon earrings by Lanvin ($920, Net-A-Porter) and Lanvin’s “Happy” MM bag ($1,760, Barney’s):

I like how the hallmark Lanvin bows “tie in” (pun intended) with the dress’s lace-up ribbon back — but a black patent clutch will do just fine as well.  Another fashion-forward and fun option: this tangerine-hued romper ($49, Roxy):

(If you dare.)  I like the idea of toning it down a bit with the Cyprus sandals by Madewell featured above.  Other fun daywear options?  This precious and oh-my-God-affordable floral top ($24.90, Heritage1981) and See by Chloe mango-colored shorts ($70, TheOutnet):

How cute when worn with the “Titi” Louboutins referenced above for a glammed up lunch outfit or just some classic white Jack Rogers?

Or maybe this uber-bright Vivienne Westwood blouse is more your style ($276, TheOutnet), worn with your favorite white skinnies and some fire engine red-accented wedges (Kate Spade, $129, Endless):

Or, for comfort purposes, these tribal detailed Marc Jacobs mocs (I love the moc style — $166, Farfetch):

Other little orange goodies to tuck away for a rainy day?  (Orange just makes you feel happy.  Period.)  I like a bold, sporty, just-for-fun watch — this Michael Kors version caught my eye ($195, ShopBop), but so did this jelly-banded TKO watch (also comes in a delightful neon pink — $125, TKOWatches):

It reminds me of these pep-me-up jelly Tory Burch flats (on sale for $57, FootCandyShoes):

For beachwear, how about this “wild thing” Melissa Odabash bikini ($82, TheOutnet):

Alternately, this solid “flame” colored two-piece caught my eye ($40 for top, $38 for bottom, Zappos):

Ideal with an easy-on white cover-up ($250, La Garconne) and these neon K. Jacques flip flops ($96, My Theresa):

I just gotta conclude with the cheesiest of all cheeseball statements: ORANGE you inspired by today’s post?!