How to Stand out in a Crowd

Construction workers are starting the trend this summer, but luckily I am not talking about orange vests. Neon is taking center stage as a wardrobe must-have.  Add a little punch of brightness to an everyday outfit, but make sure not to bring the 80's back.  Pair your brights with something neutral, so I would suggest not overloading and only wearing one neon item at a time to avoid hurting the eyes.  If you have fair skin I would stick to the fluorescent pinks, but every color looks great with a summer tan!  Wear neon this summer if you want to be seen and not forgotten.

American Apparel Jersey T-Shirt- $28

J.Crew Neon Cotton Bling-Button Cardigan- $62 

J.Crew Chino Short- $29.99

Rachel Roy Strapless Pleated Dress-$99

Victorias Secret Sliding Halter Top Bikini-$15 and Bottom - $14.50

Kate Spade Tote- $195

In a Cinch!

While a belt’s main purpose used to be to hold one’s trousers up, over the past few years they have become more of an accessory rather than a necessity, sported over dresses to accentuate curves. Less fitted, billowy frocks are all the craze today and a cinch in the middle flaunts a more feminine shape, creating an instant hourglass effect. Depending on preference and fit of the dress, a belt can be placed just below the bust, at the natural waist, or slung low around the hips. Thick belts create the most dramatic, waist-narrowing looks, while thin belts are a lovely compliment to a simple, feminine dress. Whether it be thick or thin, consider your body’s proportions - a thick belt may overwhelm a petite frame, while a thin belt could add weight to a fuller figure. If you decide on an elaborate belt, let it take center stage and keep all other accessories to a minimum.

Elise M. Belt Available in Black or Brown at Hadley Emerson - $42

BP. Braided Leather Stretch Belt-$18

Elise M. Belt Available at Hadley Emerson- $62

J. Crew Distressed Leather Belt - $48

BDG Stretch Metal Closure Belt- $24

Cut It Out

You may have noticed that dresses with open and sheer cutouts are making an appearance in affordable retail after Herve Leger and Narcisco Rodriguez paved the runway.  I hope you are brave enough to sport this look because this trend is likely to stick around through the fall and winter. To achieve an edgy but still classy look, stick to the more tasteful cutouts with subtle detail. 

Eight Sixty 'Body Con' Cutout Knit Dress- $78

BB Dakota Kelesea Knit Open Back Dress- $68

Antik Batik Quilted Cutout Dress - $510

Aqua Black Bow Dress - $88

Black Halo Kylie Sheath Dress - $375

Coming Soon To Hadley Emerson

Cold Shoulder?

Embellished tops are all the rage this Summer.  We are still seeing lots of tees with chain detail and attached bib necklaces.  My favorite ornamentations are military shoulder details paired with plain or striped tees.  Some even have a little shoulder pad to add shape. Don't be scared away by the addition, as our Mothers taught us in the 80s you can always cut them out if you don't like them.  Be prepared to see shoulder pads out in full force this Fall.  The tops below look great with jeans or a pair of solid shorts, even tucked into a high waisted skirt. 

Anthropologie Stripes & Light Tee - $78

Victoria's Secret Long Sleeve Slub Tee - $39.50 (solid colors) or $49.50 (stripes)

Forever 21 Beaded Epaulet Striped Top - $22.80

Remain Embellished Shoulder Top - $48

Torn Jeweled Tee - $111

Karlie Stripe Military Shoulder Tee available at Hadley Emerson - $68