Somewhere Over the Rainbow

(or in it!) It’s multicolor mania, darlings!
Christian Lacroix Couture, courtesy style.com
Jonathan Saunders, via harpersbazaar.com
Hermés, via style.com
Jimmy Choo Celeste clutch; this and next at net-a-porter.com.
Fendi python Baguette
Angel Jackson clutch, at asos.com.
Fendi Zucca Boston bag, at eLuxury.com.
Marc by Marc Jacobs print locket pocket tote at shopbop.com.
Paul Smith swirl bag at my-wardrobe.com.
Forever 21 Flourish scarf
Harajuku Lovers watch, at eLuxury.com.
Havana Fedora at forever21.com.
Fendi Rainbow cork wedge, at eLuxury.com.
Irregular Choice Strawbalicious pump
Volatile Kendra sandal, at delias.com.
Rainbow wheel roller skates, at fredflare.com – CC neeeeeeds!
Malene Birger multicolored bead necklace at net-a-porter.com
Pop Culture bracelets, at lulus.com.
Spitfire flat top infinity sunglasses, at asos.com.
Missoni Galles reversible bikini; this and next at net-a-porter.com
McQ stripe top
ASOS printed waistband dress, at asos.com.
Alice + Olivia bell sleeve tunic, at shopbop.com.
Catherine Malandrino long striped chiffon gown; this and next at net-a-porter.com
Single crochet panel mini dress
AKRIS floral half-sleeve dress; this and next at bergdorfgoodman.com.
Last look: Milly silk rainbow print dress

Tell CC, darlings: have we found a pot of gold or what?

Skirting the Issue

BREEZY, COLORFUL A-LINE MINIS

As Couture Carrie delved into her research for this post, a realization hit: the skirt is nearly extinct! Whereas dresses and shoes number in the hundreds on all our fave shopping sites, most had only a handful of minis for summer. Let us bring back the skirt before it's too late! Donning a colorful a-line mini is the ideal way to stay cool on a steamy summer day, and these ones transition easily from day to night with a change of sandals and accessories!

Chloe's bridge line has some really cute offerings in this area. At upper left, See by Chloe graffiti silk twill skirt.

At right, See by Chloe patch pocket silk twill mini. Visit intermixonline.com.

A wonderful (and more affordable) way to wear those iconic retro prints we all adore: Emilio Pucci Cosmo print mini skirt (at left). Go to net-a-porter.com.

For the pattern-shy, there is this gorgeous [albeit, tiny] silk satin bow-tie border skirt by Alexis Mabille, for purchase at Jeffrey New York. The mustard-yellow will really flatter those tantalizingly tan gams, girls! Photo at right courtesy elle.com.

A practically fail-safe way to wear horizontal stripes? In small doses, as with this M Missoni tie-back skirt (at left), available in several colors at searle.com.

Even briefer and more flirty is this Sonia Rykiel pleated skirt in cotton candy brights. Couture Carrie particularly likes this one, as the knit material means it will still be wearable come fall with a bold pair of opaques. Photo at right via elle.com.

Though stores are practically overflowing with sale items this time of year, there are some options that are very wallet-friendly to begin with.

Forever 21 has a bunch of cute a-line and pleated skirts, such as the tropical floral (right) and abstract geometric print (above) minis shown here. Go to forever21.com.

Remember, lovelies: skirt rhymes with flirt, so slather on some self-tanner, cross your legs at the ankle when seated, and strut your stuff!

RIBBON CANDY COUTURE

Inspired by the classic confection, pictured at right via hammondcandies.com, this post is dedicated to ribbon candy stripes, which are sweetening the deal on everything from scarves to sofas!
We'll begin with accessories! Coach has branched out from basic leather goods to fanciful extras such as the striped cuff (top left) and tote (center) pictured in the collage above.

Couture Carrie is loving Fendi's leather and stone belt, pictured at left courtesy elle.com. It reminds me of the ones we used to wear in grade school with our Osh Kosh B'Gosh trousers, but with a decidedly more grown-up feel.

For you more adventurous
fashionistas, there is Missoni's classic weave fedora with striped brim and ribbon trim. Go to Net-a-Porter.com.

If your budget is scant, get the candy couture look with this rainbow lucite bangle from Forever 21.

Ideas for crafty types: If you have the DIY spirit, craft your own little clutch by affixing grosgrain ribbon to a cosmetics case you got as a freebie from Clinique! Or simply belt your favorite solid summer shift with a length of ribbon.

Now for frocks! The Narciso Rodriguez ribbon striped dress at left is currently half off at Net-a-Porter.com. Perfect for cocktails on the veranda!

If color isn't your thing, keep it simple and chic with this Mason black and white candy-stripe dress, made all the more delectable with a shoulder tie. Strap on some Dior gladiators and hit the club! Go to switchboutique.com.

Or tote a graphic Lulu Guinness handbag, like the bold black and white number pictured at the center right of this post's polyvore.

CC's favorite by far? Furniture for the fashionista! Behold, the most delicious couch ever - this candy-stripe sofa by Chair Couture. Good enough to eat!

Satisfy your sweet tooth without gaining an ounce - yum!