Yesterday was one of those "at the mercy of my hormones" kind of days. So I tried to brighten my mood by going extreme with bright color (but also wearing something that would hide the fact I felt like a bloated pufferfish (ugh! I will be so glad when I am done with menopause!)

So I went with a bold top to bottom (right down to the boots) column of color made up of bright neon coral. It was way too much on its' own but I layered one of my favorite sweater coats over it (warm and snuggly and perfect for bad hormone days). It has a nice fit and flare cut, so it's still figure flattering but I still feel like it hides the extreme bloat I always feel on these days (I know, I know, no one sees it and it's just me. But still, there's nothing worse than feeling like you look gross!) I kept the sweater coat closed, since open, I felt like that much bright color in a single column was still too visually overwhelming.

The same neon coral color of the foundation colors I used are part of the tribal pattern accents on the gray sweater coat. So I thought it helped tone things down while also tying them together.

Bad hormone day also came with a bad hair day yesterday (when it rains, it pours, right?). So I added a newsboy hat in a shade of purple that happens to match the purple accents in the tribal pattern on the sweater jacket (hard to tell it's purple in most of the photos).

Walked out the door feeling presentable and hoping the incredibly bright, cheerful colors would help me feel more cheerful. For the most part, it worked. So there's that.

What do you think? Have any of you tried applying the column of color technique to a super bright color (and maybe adding a topper to tone it down) or do you always stick to more neutrals (black, gray, etc.) when doing it?

Purple newsboy hat: Nine West (via DSW)
Loose fit bright coral t-shirt: Gap
Cashmere and cotton cropped sweater: Vince via ebay (not really visible, worn for a warmth layer)
Neon coral skinny jeans: J Brand in Tangerine (via ebay)
Gray sweater coat with coral, orange, purple and cream tribal pattern: Free People (via ebay)
Coral leather ankle boots: Frye Reina (via Zappos)
Bag: Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal pouchette crossbody (via consignment)
Ring: Sterling, gold and carnelian spinner ring (gift from BF)
Earrings: sterling and garnet (gift from a friend)
Snake Bracelet: Stingray skin and sterling with mother of pearl eyes and inset coral on the head by designer Lou Guerin (via ebay). His early sterling work is amazing and he often combines his "creatures" with exotic skins such as this. I also have two of his belts, a dragon and a snake -- and in addition to the unusual designs, the detail and craftsmanship of his early work is really exceptional.