Neon yellow footwear and accents are appearing with gusto.  It’s not just about oxfords like Christian Louboutin’s Havana or Jil Sander’s neon sole style; loafers are taking over the neon world as well.  Matt Bernson’s Gitanes are pretty spectacular, especially since there is no detailing; the neon coloring is powerful enough.

If feminine flats are more your thing, Belle by Sigerson Morrison’s Andromeda punch out flats are fairly spectacular. As for Rebecca Minkoff’s Uma woven flats, they are a little more boho, but the weaving style is snappy enough to stay away from any hippie fail.

A green is one of the more likeable selection within the ranges of pastel, and looks splendid amongst the ranges of greys from all transitional wardrobes.  Phillip Lim’s acid wash slim fit jeans have caught my eye, for their ankle zip detailing and bright yellow zipper button.

The more traditional dressers will enjoy a slice of color in their American Vintage tee, Romwe’s oversized work shirt, or perhaps a big budget Versus crepe dress.  The star of the group, for color, design and price is definitely H&M’s supersummer sheer dress; I can’t imagine not turning others green while wearing that piece.

Floral denim is still as strong as last summer, and the variance of designs is only getting more detailed. Color palettes have also become carefully selected, and blended neutral tones have eclipsed hard black and whites. Working from Citizens of Humanity’s china cup blue and Current/Elliott’s rosy Haystack, we can get to know what it means to be floral SS12 denim.

While I typically recommend staying with solid tops when one has a heavily patterned bottom, there was something about J Crew’s stripe tee that cried out for usage.  Since the mint shade is so light, the pattern on pattern works, especially as the mint is picked up in the print of the Haystack.  Match that busy pair with a very basic boot as Acne’s Pistol, and you’re set.

When it came to the dark shade of the Citizens pair, I chose the neutral Angel Wings top to offset the aggression of the denim and the Steve Madden Tarnney‘s spikes.  No matter what you’re wanting to pair floral denim with, it’s all about balance.  Even if you choose two busy main ticket items, be sure to incorporate a few solids into the mix to mellow your look.

Now that I have your attention, I’ll give you the details.  ClearlyContacts.ca is offering new customers a first pair of eyeglasses (including prescription lenses) for free.  That’s right.  Zero bucks, nada dinero, you get the picture (or you will, after you snap up a pair of these babies).

The only thing you’re responsible for is shipping.  That means express for $15 for express delivery (in about two to three days within Canada), and you’ll be seeing clearly, for much less.

The specs also come with a cleaning package, including cleaning liquid and a litle shammy for wipe-offs.  I own the top two pairs to the right (7015 and 7004), and planning to snap the 7014s soon.

I’ve only shown the in house label Derek Cardigan, but they sell everything including authentic Ray-Ban Wayfarers (those are a little more; about $159 for sunglasses and $168 for the optical frames).

Oh, they also sell Lanvin sunglasses for 99 bucks. You’re welcome.

Leather jackets have always been a literal second skin for me.  After losing my most favorite piece was stolen in Cape Town and learning a hard lesson in not being drunk and stupid, I’ve been on the hunt for an epic replacement.  While most leather catching my eye was above the $1,000 mark, I’m convinced that you don’t have to spend that much to locate something great.  Case and point below, where these four awesome bike jackets appear, all being under $500 US.

AllSaints and Topshop have minimalism covered with their Herero and Boutique cuts, though I’m drawn to more elaborate designs.  Religion’s belted biker happens to be on sale, while Tigha’s Blair with sleeve and collar detailing is my definite favorite.

Denim shorts are a hot weather mainstay, and an explosion of embroidered, [often] native inspired looks has experienced an explosion in popularity.  Depending on the particular style you’re shopping for, you may steer towards the more DIY appearing Free People Guipil or Thu Thu pieces.

Topshop’s high waisted Moto and Sandro’s royal blue Tribal Pearl are more well manicured within the casual realm, while Miss Selfridge’s Tribal high waisted pair are keen to be dressed up or down.  (Masscob’s all over embroidered pair are an exception to the denim base rule, but if you don’t tell anyone, I won’t)

Platform sneakers may have had their heydays in the mid nineties during the Spice Girls phenom, though they’re back with more steam than one could have thought possible.  As someone who owned three platform sneaker pairs just like the Jil Sander Navy (and had to beg her mom for every single pair), this is brutally nostalgic.

The design world seems to have typically adopted a Chuck Taylor look to their platforms, from the sporty take of the Smoothie to more gothic side of iiJin’s studded and embossed designs.  If you’re into more of a basic canvas, Asos’ art deco offers a snappy pattern, while Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony gives us the bare design – solid black, or white.

Soft striped denim is on to be one of summer 2012′s hottest trends, beginning with Balmain’s pirate sequin skinnies of FW11, and took on a fully spring look thanks to Current/Elliott’s The Stiletto denim, in coral and sand dollar.  Building on the base of these jeans, we have two soft, cheeky looks perfect for those experimenting with their looks in 2012.

Starting with the left, we’ve got a coral shade of The Stiletto, and topped with Clu’s subtley lovely polka dot tee.  To continue with the pattern explosion, layer up with Jane Norman’s leopard print scarf.  Pick up a pair of Topshop’s Mel brogues, this particular style featuring a blast of coral to connect the kicks to your legs.  For a bit of eccentricity, find a hat like Brixton’s pork pie, which clashes just the right amount with it’s pink fabric band.

When we go with the sand dollar Stiletto, the result is a blend of flavors.  With a boxy mint blouse from Monki and with spiked sneakers by Rodney P. Hunt, the look is undoubtedly urban.  Toss in Burberry Prorsum’s woven riding cap, and you have an incredibly unique look for the summer season.

The return of day-glo has arrived with full force.  Not since the mid 2000′s have we seen this much neon, making the entrance of spring and summer visually aggressive.  While most will not opt for a full body neon blast, consider all of the below options as seperates and work them into your looks from there.

Topshop’s bleached peach moto jacket (which also comes in yellow) is the favorite for style and color, while and Miss Selfridge’s pepto pink is a more traditional style, which also happens to echo the look of Christopher Kane’s stretch denim jacket.  For those more into neon bottoms, Topshop has cropped denim, an electric green look from True Religion, and [my favorite] Current/Elliott’s leopard airbrush pair.

As much as I’ve resisted the anything-but-droll movement of holiday style postings, it’s been a fruitless attempt – I’ve been pretending one can still be a baker without actually baking.  Regardless, I’ve stumbled upon a collection of six black dresses featuring some rather delightful embellishments.  These are largely more expensive pieces, as sequin and beading usually goes terribly wrong when cheaping out occurs on respective manufacturing and purchasing ends.

These are grand pieces, very elegant in their different ways.  I was pleasantly surprised at the golden bustier design of the Lucy in Disguise Chaplin dress, which is British singer Lily Allen’s [surprisingly lovely] pet project.  Rare Opulence’s high collared A-line plays by a similar shape, which is very forgiving for those with small busts [and/or] thighs that need hiding.

For art fans, Marchesa’s Dupioni dress will likely strike a particular chord; these lines almost look like cosmic streets in a dark sky.  Alternatively, Biba’s flame sequin gives us a very grounded, earthly feel.  For the last pieces, we’ve saved the most opulent for last – McQueen’s silk mini with transparent cape and the obligatory Balmain mention.  After all, it’s great to have something, some vision of impossibly expensive dress to work for, right?

Looking back at Unif’s new release of their oxblood Hellraiser loafer, I am forced to turn tail back to one of my favorite happy colors for fall 2011.  I’ve found another release of another favorite; Topshop’s leather trim boyfriend coat, from mustard into this rich red.

For those continuing to love leather, J Brand’s leggings can be worn as a leather trouser, or legging under a skirt such as the Topshop Fit tunic.  Alternatively, try the Topshop boucle short peeking from a short tunic for a cheeky look. We cannot always be ostentatious, so for times to blend pieces find the Stella McCartney long knit gloves and the Laura top.

I’m on the extreme silver holiday dress bender; I’ve just acquired myself a Theory Felda dress (shown below, also avail from Net-A-Porter for a hair cheaper than at Shopbop) for my Christmas party season, and now I’m going crazy for subtle shimmer silvers.  Trash the huge, sparse sequins; that just looks trashy and as if you’ve been shopping at a strip mall – it’s all about the goods below.

The only way you’re going to do sequins well this holiday season is if they’re high quality and look seamless, like Farah Kahn’s embellished sleeveless piece.  For something affordable and simply elegant, Dorothy Perkins’ silver embellished t-shirt dress is as close as you’re going to get to the Theory Felda‘s material without spending five bills.

For the more traditionalist women, Topshop’s high neck jacquard piece has a lovely surprise with its open back, as is Miss Selfridge’s embellished Yoke dress.  For the ladies who hate taking chances, Reiss’ Tanya is simple, elegant and something that that new royal would wear, but I’m not naming names.

Ever since models at Dolce & Gabbana FW11 stormed the runway, stars have been the mainstay of the quirky pattern world.  Always encouraged by pattern weirdness, I’ve found quite a few pieces that have piqued my interest, namely Scotch & Soda’s cardi.  Along the same knit lines, Sea’s star jumper and Rika’s merino wool scarf.

Stars are also domineering the accessory world, namely Love’s star pattern clutch and Coast’s star clutch make your look stand out [does Coasts's piece not remind you of the stars from Super Mario world?!].  If you’re not in it for the boldest of statements, earrings or a ring may be just the ticket – scope Tallulah’s glitter, Peacocks’ Super Star and Falling Star charm ring.

If you’re really into making a statement, Maggie and Me’s sequin bodycon style could be a smash holiday party hit.  If not, Topshop’s Elle slippers or Dolce & Gabbana’s patent brogues are perfect for accenting an event or daytime look.

I’ve been going through the motions, mired within some serious blog writer’s blog defunct, and I won’t lie – it’s been fairly hideous and non productive.  Thus the blogging returns with a particularly delicious collection of velvet trappings.  These are not your average plain Jane velvets; we’ve tossed aside the droll figure skater dresses and replaced them with elastic waist mini shorts and deliciously printed velvet maxi skirts.

If velvet footwear is more your thing, Topshop’s pompom slippers, House of Harlow’s throwback Bailey boots and Penelope Chilvers’ red Cubana boots are just the thing for fall creeping.  For those with a streak of vampiric dandyism, Unconditional’s jacket is a beautiful piece, while Topshop’s Cross tunic and Marc Jacobs’ velvet top are perfect for day to day professional dressing.

Bodysuits are the key for mix and matching, creating amazing holiday looks and generally one upping te females around you, and I’m convinced that bodysuits are key for holiday and New Years’ dressing successes.

My plans for New Years includes grabbing that velvet Topshop harness piece with a wide A-line skirt cut up in an asymmetrical style with the edges all raw and fraying.  Creative dresses are getting so expensive, and why spend a flash of cash on one piece, when you can mix and match to create multiple pieces?! Seriously.

Other highly loved mentionables include the Topshop Caged, We Are Handsome’s The Knight, The Lake And Stars’ Fingerprint, VPL’s Harness and Wolfrod’s Wild Lace.

Unagaro may have gotten dotty last season, but the real polka prime time is fall.  This is advantageous as The Outnet has a handful of quite lovely Ungaro pieces that have been marked down 80%.  Aside from the basis that the regular price for pieces from this house is beyond outrageous, think instead of yourself getting a $2,300 dress for $460.

Three favorite pieces are the chiffon and wool bodycon, printed silk wrap and [my personal favorite] the asymmetrical A-line.   I feel like these polka dots are the anti dalmatian effort; these are definitely a refined pattern to contrast more carefree animalia.

Capes always make me feel like I’m a kid in dress up clothes again, running around the city or riding your bike feeling invincible.  While these are a higher level of personal costuming, they still deliver the same result (for me, at least!)

Fall 2011′s capes are interesting; they seem to be either armless takes on military styles as YSL’s button up, Burberry Brit’s leather trimmed, Ralph Lauren’s Healtherly and Gryphon’s Sherlock are a small group of excellent examples.  Others, like DKNY’s two tone wool and Zero+MariaCornejo’s leather and shearling are just as if your favorite blazer or jacket had lost its arms!

The trench is a classic, flattering for all, so what could be better than that?! Think a design copy of the traditional trench, only made with wool – warm, weather hardy and delightfully heavy fabric for fending off the chills.

My favorite is Topshop’s long multistitch trench, a steal at $240 and a wonderful caramel color.  After all, it’s the panels and the lines on the body the design creates that makes this piece a winner, not just the length and price.  Burberry’s military style is perfect if you’re in budgetary Nirvana (ie. spendy), though Scotch & Soda’s olive style conveys a similar, more stripped down military feel.

J. Crew’s Townhouse is a decidedly more throwback seventies style with its camel coloring.  Last of all is Thakoon Addition’s utility trench, the most masculine of the group with its near collarless design and contrast pockets.  While the Burberry is divine,  I can’t get over the Topshop – as a tall girl, this is the obvious choice.

Pearls are traditional, feminine accessory, but let’s toss all of that out the window.  Enter pealrs as an accent and not the main style; you’ll have some with animal influence as pearl strands with gold chicken feet or  bee earrings by Delfina Delettrez, to pearls accenting a traditionally utilitarian piece such as a bag by Valentino.

Pieces that are less left field and more to a traditional design include a rosary style San Benito Magdalena necklace, multi strand Erickson Beamon cuff and Ugo Cacciatore’s Pearl Foliage cocktail ring.

Dalmatian print is the biggest print of the FW11 runway season, and for good reason.  Dalmatian print is the print of eccentrics, and not only due to it’s Disney parallels – those  with an eccentric streak will love this unconventional pattern.

I really love the taupe base dalmatian prints; light neutrals are a much easier color base to mix and match with, and whites show any discoloration.  Pieces along this style line are Topshop Unique’s trench, Open Ceremony x Doc Martens’ Darcie, along with the leather and print laptop bag and duffle bag.

For the more traditional black and white motif, Sonia Rykiel’s skirt and button up top.  Topshop’s Manney loafers are very affordable at $60, while Dolce & Gabbana’s classic pumps are perfect for the day to day eccentric luxist.  Top off with Eddie Borgo’s bracelet for a new way to wear spikes, and you’re good to go.