Rainbow Sherbet

When the mercury hit 90 degrees yesterday, all I could think about was digging into an ice cold scoop of something.

And maybe it’s because I had visions of raspberry and mango sorbet floating through my head, but I suddenly felt inspired to dig into my closets in search of separates in coordinating shades of pink and orange.  More specifically, I envisioned a hot pink frilly top with some soft papaya colored shorts for a refreshing early-summer look (both below by J. Crew — $79 and $40, respectively):

Throw on some gold gladiators, a fistful of gold bangles, some shades, and you’re set.  Very Versace Spring 2008.

Or maybe this adorable Mini Market sheath dress is more your speed?  With its painterly stripes of strawberry and cantelope ($204, RevolveClothing), it’s almost good enough to eat:

(Sidenote: am I mistaken, or is that the model that befriended Whitney a few seasons ago on the reali-TV show “The City”?) Imagine piling on a big orange or pink beaded necklace and some white kitten-heel pumps (for work) or white Jack Rogers (for play).  I like this affordable mixed-bead necklace from Anthropologie ($28):

or this lovely KEPDesigns variation in watermelon-colored opal ($1200):

If you’re willing to take the look a step or two further, I’m smitten with the idea of this whimsical parfait-of-a-dress by See By Chloe ($295, Net-A-Porter):

You’d definitely need to moderate its girlish frivolity with some simple neutral or white wedges, a chic updo, and maybe a straw clutch with white accents.  So sweet!  If you’re sticking with separates, however, but aren’t sure about a bold top-bottom combo? Check out the lovely Eva Mendes in this pink-on-orange bold-yet-ladylike Dior dress for some style inspiration:

So fresh, so sophisticated, so feminine.  The entire dress just pops against her lovely complexion.  (Meanwhile, the enormous gold stone collar reminds me of something Jackie O would have worn in her later years.  I’m crazy about it!)  If you’re still unconvinced, consider pairing a bold pink or orange hued top with some solid white shorts.  This adorable cashmere sweater ($335, Seatonsurf) would look Hamptons-chic when casually thrown on with some beachy white shorts, bare feet, and enorma-shades (maybe even these mango-colored Matthew Williamson, $330, Boutique1):

If you’re ready to give the pink-on-orange look a try, why not throw on a neon orange scarf or a pair of K. Jacques to complete the outfit?  Maybe paint the nails a lovely bright orange shade — “Mini Shorts” (pictured below) or “Geranium” by Essie will do the trick!

Alternately, pair the white shorts and K. Jacques with either a white tank and a bold striped scarf, draped casually around the neck (Nordstrom, $78):

or just this bold print Tucker blouse ($199, PiperLime):

So cool and cheery — a little rainbow-colored “scoop” of summer.

For a night out with the girls, I’m loving the idea of a bright, fun little dress with contrasting hot pink or orange heels and minimalist gold jewelry (think a tiny gold Dogeared necklace and a pile of thin gold rings or bangles).  Below, we’ve got a fresh creamsicle orange asymmetrical number by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent ($350, Shopbop) followed by a breezey strawberry-pink Yumi Kim ($193, Yumi Kim):

Why not pair one of them with these awesome orange crush Louboutin patent wedges ($489, Bluefly)

Think how cute they’d be with this ruffled Postella dress ($172, PiperLime) and gold accessories?

Need some additional accessory inspiration?  I’m ga-ga over these Oscar de la Renta ikat-print wedges — now on sale for an ultra-low $158 at Foot Candy Shoes —

(My fashion-forward little sister scored them in a brilliant blue pattern from a sidewalk sale at Sassanova a few summers ago and people rave over them.)  Or maybe this peppy “jubilee stripe” bag from J. Crew in a pleasing strawberry-raspberry stripe (Zappos, $206)?

And if you’re willing to go all out and really sink your teeth into the look, a la the Blumarine Runway this Spring/Summer 2010 season —

How about this day-glo bright Shoshanna floral ($360, Neiman Marcus) or bold multi-flavor Nanette Lepore ($398, Revolve Clothing):

Yummy!

ADDENDUM: Check out my new “Magpie Deals” page, accessible through the “Ask TheFashionMagpie” page, for coupon codes!  I’ll be updating it regularly.  You’ll also notice that I’ve updated my “Fashion Icons” page to include the stunning Olivia Palermo!