The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Neon Under $50 (Should I Even Go There?)




I've managed to resist the neon glare that's been going on in the fashion world for months now, but a few factors are beginning to wear me down: 1) Cupcakes & Cashmere makes neon nail polish look irresistible, 2) Target has an entire collection of neon rubber bracelets and plastic earrings that are a blast from my past and oddly tempting (couldn't find them online, but look for them in stores), and finally, 3) Real Style Real People's theory of fashion desensitization, which states the longer you're exposed to a fashion trend—no matter how heinous—the more likely you are to succumb to wearing it!

Slap me back into reality…or tell me you aren't starting to like a little touch of neon, too?

Comments
I love neon nail polish - haven't fallen for neon in any other area post 1989. Color Club is a brand of nail polish that has an amazing neon collection - online it's even cheaper than the Charlotte Russe polish. I think the collection is called Flower Power.
#1 brazenspider on 2009-07-28 12:42 (Reply)
I'm actually really loving neons this time around. With white and gray, and even black and white animal prints, they look sleeker and more grown-up than they do with tons of black ... or other neons.

I say go for it.
#2 Sal (Homepage) on 2009-07-28 12:56 (Reply)
I bought one neon item (a neon pink vneck tee) and have worn it similar to Kate Moss in this photo: http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl2/0/3987/09_2009/ef47618cbba03be1_mossie-in-hot-pink.jpg

I think if you pair a little bit of neon with black or other neutrals it can be a fun pop of color.
#3 J (Homepage) on 2009-07-28 13:51 (Reply)
Because of Cupcakes & Cashmere, I ran out and bought the Essie neon nail polish in Perky Purple.. She did a "How To" with neon colors and I immediately fell in love. But I think I'm only going as far as nail polish with the neon colors! : ]
#4 Vanessa on 2009-07-28 14:12 (Reply)
Sal: Good point, I need to think outside the box and make neon more modern and grown-up this time around.

J: I love that look on Kate, and she raaarely wears such bright colors. I think I'll have to do a "Dress by Number" post with that photo!

Vanessa: I swooned over that "How-to" as well, her tips make so much sense. I'll have to try the Essie and post a photo when I do :-)
#4.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-07-28 14:29 (Reply)
This is one of those fads that definitely depends on age, and user discretion is advised. :-) I wore neon as a pre-teen, therefore I won't be revisiting it much in my late 20's. However I do like the BodyCon dress, and the wayfarers!
#5 Jen on 2009-07-28 14:26 (Reply)
I got a pair of flat neon pink peeptoes. I was a bit hesistant when I was buying them, but when I incorporated them with neutral hues, they look fab and not to mention they add a pop of color :-)
#6 Nonie on 2009-07-28 15:33 (Reply)
slap slap slap

There, did that help? :-P
#7 Sandra on 2009-07-28 16:00 (Reply)
I'm with Jen on this one. If you've worn a trend once already in your lifetime, you're probably too oid to wear it again when it comes back! I will be avoiding neons.
#8 Jo from Canada on 2009-07-28 16:01 (Reply)
As a 21 year old, I LOVE the neon trend. Nothing like a bright neon accessory (or nails) to add a pop of color...
#9 Maggie on 2009-07-28 22:02 (Reply)
Ha ha ha- I am just seeing this. I have not succumbed again (yet)! I think it's fine and fun in small doses BB!
#10 Real Style Real People (Homepage) on 2009-07-29 06:18 (Reply)
I love neon pink ( and only pink) on nails and toes this summer. I would not normally wear neon clothes but Kate Moss looks amazing.. I would do that I think. :-)
#11 Nora on 2009-07-29 07:30 (Reply)
I looked at this and thought "no waaa..." until I saw the neon skinny jeans:) Maybe exceptions are to be made!
#12 reva (Homepage) on 2009-07-29 08:32 (Reply)
I did the neon thing when I was a tween-teen. Since I teach High School now and am 30 this can only go one of two ways.
1. My kids (students) will think I'll totally cool for following this trend or
2. I'll be lame.

I'm going with 2.
#13 Adina (Homepage) on 2009-07-29 10:28 (Reply)
I like the neon trend to a degree but I still aim to keep it sophisticated. I have a neon yellow tank that I pair with an ivory, knee-length pencil skirt, for example. I think your best bet is to keep the loudness to a minimum and pair it with neutrals.
#14 Mary Ann on 2009-07-29 14:37 (Reply)
Charlotte Russe has some very cool neon stuff, like you said! http://www.apparelncs.com/rd_p?p=186122&t=9518&a=4600-budgetbabe&gift=4600

I think the trick is to go with one or two bright neon pieces and keep the rest more subdued.
#15 diva86 on 2009-07-31 10:06 (Reply)
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