I liked blinding neon back in the early ’80s and wore it from time to time. But when neon resurfaced in 2009, I gave it a thumbs down. Now that it’s back with a vengeance for 2012, I love neon more than ever before. 

I boil my change of heart down to three things. First, we were so starved of bright colours for several retail seasons that I find myself eating them ALL up while the going is good. Second, this time round neon has been integrated into fashion in a more wearable way. As a trim, accessory, or accent with neutrals. Third, today’s neon is not all as blindingly bright as it was a couple of years ago. Some retailers are showing neon with a pastel twist. 

I don’t own ’80s style neon that’s so bright you need to wear shades. But I do wear extremely bright citron (citrus + neon) wardrobe items that will pass for “today’s neon”. Citron is one of my favourite colours and wearing it makes me feel extra happy and energized for the day. 

I particularly like the way neon has been used to colour block neutral shoes and clothing this season. Neon trims and accents look modern, summery and cheerful when paired with a subdued beige or blush. I also love the idea of a small neon clutch because it’s a lively little parcel of energy.

I am a yay vote. Today’s neon, especially citron, in just the right shade, doses and wardrobe items looks fresh, crisp and just a little mouth watering. I particularly love it mixed with neutrals, used as a trim, or worn as one statement piece like a blazer, bag, skirt or blouse. 

Do you like today’s neon? Will you wear it? Or do you wish it would go away.

It’s a season of colour and pattern. Time to pick a team! You are on Team Colour if you prefer wearing solid coloured (non-neutral) wardrobe items to patterned wardrobe items. You are on Team Pattern if you prefer wearing patterned wardrobe items rather than solid, non-neutral coloured items. Note: The patterns include neutrals but the solids are non-neutral. Furthermore, we are talking ALL wardrobe items: clothing, footwear and accessories. 

This is a hard one. I love wearing solid coloured wardrobe pieces, as well as patterned clothing, footwear and accessories. I like to mix up solids with patterns. I like to pattern mix. I  like to wear solid brights from head to toe, and I like to wear solid colours with solid neutrals. I can’t choose so I’m back on the bench like I was last week. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Colour or Team Pattern? Tell us why and no batting for both teams.

Polyester gets a bum rap in the style world and I often end up sticking up for the man made fibre. In 2007, I wrote a post on how polyester has its place and my perspective hasn’t changed since then. 

There’s a lot to like about items made of polyester blended with cotton, rayon, silk, wool and linen. It’s the polyester component that gives the garment drape, stability during the laundry cycle, and a more crease-resistant finish. It also brings down the price of the garment. Natural fibres do not possess these appealing attributes.  

I’ll take my polyester love a step further. I’m so impressed with the woven 100% polyester blouses that I bought at Zara this year. They are inexpensive, machine washable, drape like a dream, look pristine, do not require ironing and their crease resistance makes them perfect for traveling. I was also impressed with the woven 100% polyester blouses that the Loft stocked last year. My clients bought up a storm, and they laundered and lasted really well. Thanks to updated technology, the quality of woven polyester seems to have improved. And the more affordable price, especially when compared to silk, can’t be beat. 

Of course, 100% polyester can look nasty and flammable, especially in jersey knits. The fabrication does not breathe in the same way that natural fibres do despite its appealing attributes. This is what puts most people off polyester clothing to start off with. 

At the end of the day, as much as I love natural fibres, I ALSO bat for Team Polyester, especially when it’s blended with natural fibres. In the right fabric ratios and in the right items, polyester is fabulous. I’m grateful that the fibre exists!

Of course, a big question that I haven’t touched on is the ecological impact of this synthetic fabric. Michelle recently examined cotton’s impact on the environment, and she’s working on polyester for the next article in her series on eco-fashion. I’m looking forward to hearing what she learned.

Over to you. Do you wear 100% polyester clothing? Do you wear polyester blended clothing? Or is polyester a big no-no for your style?

Havaianas asked me to create some summer ensembles for their new line of flip flips, which I think are ideal for beach and pool settings. Practical, breezy, and just about as casual as it gets. Havaiana flip flops come in many colour and pattern variations, and I particularly like their Brazilian-inspired lace patterned style this season.

I don’t go to the beach as often as I used to, but I really enjoy helping my clients with their beachwear ensembles around this time of year. There are plenty of outfit options and it’s a question of picking and choosing the components that work best for you. 

One of my favourite beach wear outfit formulas, and one that has become popular with my clients too, is layering a kaftan over a swimsuit. It looks chic, a little retro, and is easy to pull on and off. It’s also suitably covered if you’re going to have lunch or drinks at a nearby restaurant at the beach. Choose one in a fabric that is machine washable and will dry quickly like a cotton, polyester, or blend of the two. Some like them short, whereas others prefer over the knee lengths.

Finish off the look with a sun hat, beach tote, sunglasses, flip flops and pretty toes. 

Once you’re at the beach and have taken off the kaftan, you can either stay in your swimsuit, or add a few fun layers if and when you need extra coverage. Board shorts, denim shorts or clamdiggers look cute over all swimwear. I love the look of a long tunic button front shirt, worn open or knotted in front, allowing your swimsuit to peek through. There’s also the elegant skirted sarong for bottom coverage. And lastly, a denim jacket worn open over a swimsuit looks fabulous. 

As with all the formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to substitute the items so that they are in line with YOUR style preferences. A relaxing beach holiday with ample shade and cold fruit sounds good just about now, don’t you think?