Sunday, May. 01, 2005

The Brights of Spring

By Kate Betts

Designers are determined to look on the bright side this spring, with saturated colors turning up on everything from waterproof rubber ballet flats (the shoes of the season) to fitted jackets, sunglasses and even eye shadow. Aqua and cyclamen pink lead the pack, but color experts say any bold shade works in warmer months. Take advantage of these punchy hues while they last (Mother's Day gifts, perhaps?). Come fall, it's going to be back to all black. --By Kate Betts

RAIN OR SHINE

Forget about frumpy galoshes. Thanks to shoe designers Sigerson Morrison, even the messiest rainy days can be weathered in style with their chic rubber flats ($125) in a garden variety of colors

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE

The new snug jacket from BCBG by Max Azria is chic enough to wear to the office--adding a dash of color to any workaday suit--or cool enough to step out in on casual occasions over jeans and a camisole

FRAMED WITH COLOR

Last season's aluminum aviator sunglasses have given way to squared-off styles in striking colors like blue, white and yellow. Burberry designer Christopher Bailey was inspired by the colors in an English garden--a very mod one at that

MADE IN THE SHADE

When it comes to colorful cosmetics, the eyes have it this spring with makeup artists introducing a soft, powdery palette of colors like lilac, lemon and fuchsia. Estee Lauder's Extravagant Bright collection features limited-edition eye-shadow duos designed to look like a kaleidoscope ($30 each)