Last week I wrote a post for Simply Designing about a fun summer paint party with my little ladies. I basically put the girls in (old) bathing suits, threw down a sheet, put out a bunch of paint supplies and let them go crazy. I made sure to stress that it was a “party” so that they wouldn’t think this little fun fest was going to turn into an every day thing. And let me tell you, they had a blast.

I have slowly but surely developed a strong attraction to the color yellow. Just a few years ago I would’ve told you I hated it. I’ve always been drawn to more watery hues, but yellow has nudged its way into my heart.

The problem? It’s not a color that I can wear. I’ve talked about it more than once, but yellow makes me look like I’m on my deathbed. It completely washes me out and leaves me looking seriously ill. Not a cute look.

But I’ve recently discovered a way around that dilemma: accessories. In small doses, yellow and my skin tone play nice. That’s why when Favery, a fun new designer jewelry community that hosts weekly sales on curated collections, offered to send me a couple of bracelets to style, I knew I had to go for the yellow!

It’s that time of year again. After months of hibernation and face stuffing (because of all of the winter holidays and because no one will notice the five extra pounds of chub under all of those layers) it’s time to think about bathing suits. Yikes.

I already had one bathing suit try-on fest. My ego is still more than a little bruised and battered from it, but I need to get back on the (stupid) horse. I always try to avoid the whole bathing suit process, telling myself I just want to lose five more pounds before I look for some. But then I inevitably wait too long and there are slim pickings left and I’m miserable.

So, this year, I’m going to be prepared. I want to get a few tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched into seemingly endless combinations. I’m thinking bright colors with a few classic patterns (stripes and polka dots for life!).

It’s starting to look like spring is planning to peek out from behind the snow here in New York this week. With sunny, near fifty degree days in the forecast, we’re all breathing a tiny sigh of relief and crossing fingers that warmer temperatures are on the way.

To build off that little glimmer of hope, I went on an Etsy hunt for pretty, colorful spring pieces. Here’s what I found:

I’m a big fan of simple steps that make a big impact. Whether it’s throwing on some accessories so that you don’t look like you were getting dressed with a child hanging from your torso or using coconut milk to make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway, I’m all for it.

And I have to tell you, there are not many things that are simpler than slapping on some lip color. I absolutely love the idea of changing up your color to fit whatever mood you might be in that day (as long as they work with your skin tone, of course).

So I went on a little treasure hunt and picked out five different shades that will tell your friends what kind of mood you’re in before you say a word.