Coral Coat – Helen's Life & Style

Photos: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kate Middleton & Milan street style; Courtesy of instyle.com, zimbio.com, vogue.fr.

As you can see from the title, I’m obsessed with blush pink right now. It’s so sweet, fresh and feminine. There are so many different but equally intriguing shades you can choose from: the pale shade on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is sultry yet graceful; the dusty rose color spotted in Milan is nostalgic and demure; the peachy pink on Kate Middleton is buoyant and elegant.

When it comes to styling: black and navy toughen up the sweet blush pink, give it an urban chic vibe whereas soft, light neutrals add fresh and delicate touches to it.

As always, accessories make the outfit: A pair of snake-skin strap sandals elevates a sexy blush top; Lace-up booties and studded jewelry edge up a soft rosy sweater; Nude pumps and light brown clutch ground a cheerful peach dress.

Top: Funktional (it’s the one on Rosie Huntington, on sale now; similar here)
Jeans: Mother (also the one on Rosie Huntington; $16 here)
Shoes: B Brian Atwood (on sale now!)
Bangle: Jules Smith

Top: Oak
Skirt: Dorothy Perkins ($21!)
Shoes: Schutz (similar here, nude color here)
Bracelet: Cara (designer version here)

Dress: T by Alexander Wang (similar $28 here)
Bag: L.K. Bennett (yes, it’s the one Kate carrying)
Shoes: L.K.Bennett (also the same pair on Kate; $70 here!)

Photo: Hanneli Mustaparta at Paris fashion week; Courtesy of vogue.com, hanneli.com.

Cheerful coral and sunny yellow are two of my favorite colors for spring. Perhaps because they are associated with my childhood memory: that beautiful common bombax flower and Jasminum nudiflorum blooming in my backyard every early spring.

These two colors go great with this year’s hottest palette: black and white. Especially for romantic coral, the high-contrast black and white color combination toughens up girly, romantic coral, giving it a modern, chic vibe. The juxtaposition is bold and attractive, just like what Hanneli Mustaparta’s latest look (above).

Inspired by this combination, I paired four outfits for different activities in the new season: A bright coral coat and ankle trap booties are great for early spring, this timeless striped bag makes the coral even more eye-catching; A draped coral dress, paired with a nice structured handbag and elegant heels (like this pair), can take you from desk to dinner; A high-waisted coral gown is a perfect choice for wedding, and for an intricate, graceful dress like that, nothing is better than a sleek clutch; A coral sundress is great for warm weather getaway, and the simple silhouette creates the perfect canvas for this romantic tote.