Fashion Rules To Break: Neons For Fall

You know those universal fashion rules, like "Don't wear white after Labor Day" and "Shoes and bags should always match." I don't know who came up with them, but honestly, they're ridiculous. Being the non-conformist that I am, I do just the opposite, and encourage you to do so, too.

Neons were a summer staple, who says you need to retire your fluorescents in the fall and winter? 

Neons can act as accent pieces against Fall's darker, rich tones. Case in point, my outfit.

Outfit Details:

Striped Pocket Tank - Victoria's Secret

Pleated Maxi Skirt - c/o Urban 1972

New Bond Street Florence - Kate Spade New York

Peep Toe Suede Platform Pumps - Nine West

Necklace - Ideeli.com

Vintage 1950s Blue Rhinestone Bracelet - bought in Philly

Simple Statement Bangle - Forever 21

Grey Crystal Bangle - Givenchy Fashion Jewelry (Macys)

You probably looked at the neon first, then the rest of my outfit. And think of what that pop of color can do for your Fall looks. Sure, they're eye catchers, and a little out there, but there's no need to retire bright pieces just because it's colder out. If anything, play em up. Plus, think of how cool neon will look against the snow?!

My rule of thumb for incorporating neon into my Autumn wardrobe:

Use bright colors in small doses. 

While my Kate Spade New York New Bond Street Florence bag isn't very subtle, my use of brights is limited to just two elements of my look - my makeup and accessories. 

And if someone else tells you you can't wear neons in the Fall - tell em House Of Jeffers said you could.

Sorta makes me wanna do the hustle...

Violet Hill

What Jen's Wearing:

Giraffe Print Silk Top - INC International Concepts, available at Macys

Pink Gramercy Twill Shorts - New York & Company

Dany Platforms - Jessica Simpson Collection

Chain Link Necklace - Charming Charlie

Stackable Bangles - Forever 21

Emerald Cut Ring with Crystal Accents - c/o Sorrelli

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bombay Satchel - similar style here

The Italian in me does not handle the heat well. New Jersey was hit with a heat wave last week - at least three days in the upper 90s. While I'm all for summer weather, this is just cray. Anything that causes my bangs to look disheveled I'm not a fan of...  Mother Nature is on my bad side. 

Incorporating shorts into your wardrobe has been made a lot more fashionable and easier with prints and brights. No longer do us girls have to just wear denim shorts - shorts can be styled to the gilt now that we have more options.

I have to thank two things for helping me style shorts: Ridiculous platforms & bright prints. This outfit, which I wore over the weekend to dinner with my favorite British person (my husband), was my compromise to the heat. 

If I have to sweat, I figure I should wear something that distracts from my brow's perspiration - in this case, it was my Jessica Simpson Dany Platforms and neon shorts.

Jen - 1. Mother Nature - 0. 

Here Comes The Sun

What I'm Wearing:

Neon Roll-Sleeve Blouse - Old Navy (similar style here)

Neon 80s Abstract Mini Skirt - Forever 21

Black Studded Tote - Primark UK

Etienne Aigner Coral Vision Wedges - Marshalls

Oh neon... how I love thee. Let me count the shirts in my closet...

This year, I've really done my best to expand my wardrobe in terms of colors or prints I might not usually pick. My strategy is simple: keep an open mind, and perhaps try garments that I think might look strange on the hanger. Turns out the theory is proving to be successful. I've been using to find new wardrobe options and the results: sometimes things look better on YOU than on the hanger.

Accessories:

Rings - my own

Necklace - ?

Polished Brass Bangle - J. Crew

Gold Chain Bangle - Forever 21

Hammered Geometric Neon Pink Bracelet - Charming Charlie

Take neons for example. Obnoxious? Maybe, but they are great investment pieces. My shirt, from Old Navy, can be worn during multiple seasons due to the roll-tab sleeves, to work or for a night out... and can transition into my winter wardrobe during those blah weather moments.

This is not the last you'll see of these neon colors revived from the 80s. Now that I think of it - this is rather age appropriate being that I'm a child of the 80s.

Up Close in Philly with Van Gogh's Ear

Philadelphia is one of my favorite cities, and as close as I live to it, I don't visit as much I should. The arts, culture, history and overall atmosphere is something to experience. 

I'd heard about the Van Gogh Up Close exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so my best friend, who happens to be an art teacher, and I decided to make a trip of it. 

Outfit:

Purple Leopard Print Sweater - Forever 21

I Heart 21Vibrant Skinny Fuschia Jeans - Forever 21

Pampa Wedge Booties - Mia Shoes

Leather Satchel - Zara

Jessica Jacket - RachelRoy.com

Pyramid Stud Stretch Bracelet - Forever 21

Nameplate Bracelet - Erica Weiner

Rhinestone Thread Bracelet - Laila Rowe (similar style)

Chandelier Crystal Necklace - Forever 21

Photos weren't allowed in the exhibit, but to see his paintings up close - some of which you can step right up to and really let your eye dissect - is amazing. For such a tortured soul, he created beauty, definitely an irony of his life. Oh, and his ear wasn't on display... would have been cool though. Just saying.

Of all the periods of art, I'd say modernist, impressionism and pop-art are my personal period favorites. I'd seen photos of Edgar Degas' Little Dancer, but luckily, the statue was on display. I stumbled upon oil paintings by Leon Frederic (second image below), entitled "Four Seasons", which depicts children painted in themes of the four seasons. My photo doesn't do it justice, but the detailing is ridiculously beautiful.

One of four pictures in Leon Frederic's "Four Seasons".

Creep eye jewelry. 

After the exhibit, we grabbed lunch, soaking up Rittenhouse Square and the plethora of shops along Walnut Street, and later hit up some bars at the Piazza and along Market Street. I'd love to live there... in fact, I think I like it better than New York. New York is great, but Philly's speed is more my pace. Looks like I'll have to make more day trips...