Peachy Keen!

This may disgust many of my dear readers, but my absolute favorite breakfast for several years of my childhood was a packet of Quaker instant oatmeal in the peaches & cream flavor. So artificial, so over-sweetened — and so delicious. I’ve since graduated (I actually don’t ever eat breakfast — not healthy, I know, but I’m just not hungry in the a.m.), but the peach-and-cream combo is as enticing then as it is now. Who wouldn’t love to wake up to a bouquet of delicate peach-and-ivory rununculas, for example?

(Photos by Lucy Snowe — see her shoppe on Etsy.com to purchase prints)

A soft, warm blush of peach color is flattering on virtually any complexion, and I’m totally inspired to sport the hue over the course of the next few weeks of blazing mid-summer heat. I’m particularly interested in this breezy Michael Kors caftan top (you know my obsession with the style) — snag your own on sale for $479.50 at TheOutnet:

I like the idea of pairing it with some crisp, twig-leg, ankle-cropped jeans in optic white — pick your favorite. My favorite pair is by Joe’s Jeans, of all lines, but I’m loathe to recommend a particular cut or brand because I’ve probably tested about 342 different pairs and grimaced at every single one of them until I tried on the Joe’s. White jeans can be immensely unflattering if they don’t fit just right.

I’d accessorize with one or two long gold necklaces — I love Carol Marie’s variations as they come in slightly different lengths and are perfect for layering ($125, Carol Marie):

And then this lovely coral-accented gold bangle by Kenneth Jay Lane ($160, Shopbop) and a simple pair of chunky, statement-making gold studs (love this versatile pair — on sale for $35, JennyBird):

I’d be reaching for this pair of gold DV by Dolce Vita sandals to boot ($55, Endless):

Other daywear options? I’m loving this little LemLem peach-palette smocked-top dress ($215, Barney’s):

I’d pair it with these precious Cynthia Vincent for Roxy t-straps ($79, Roxy) and a roomy straw tote (Kate Spade, on sale for $236, Zappos):

Because the look is already so vibrant and multi-dimensional, forgo a lot of jewelry (I know, I know — it goes against my grain as well) and round it out with some peppy little studs. Maybe this pair of quatrefoil/clover earrings will do the trick (Jardin, on sale for $70, Bluefly):

Alternately, consider pairing a simple crew neck tee in a fetching peach color (on sale for $19.60, J. Crew) with some crisp white shorts (the Milly pair below are no longer available, but you can find a similar version — also by Milly — for $195 at Bloomingdale’s):

You might consider throwing on your gold or white Jack Rogers to complete the look, but a pair of peppy flats adds an interesting dimension to a mid-summer look — refining the entire aesthetic a bit. I’d opt for either these slingbacks (an affordable $36, TopShop) or these elegantly printed ballet flats ($118, J. Crew):

I’d either layer some gold necklaces (like the Carol Maries above) and add a pair of happy studs (M. Flynn, $130, Max & Chloe) —

Or I’d throw on a statement-making bib necklace — perhaps this Roberta Chiarella piece ($128, Max & Chloe)?

I like the idea of a tone-on-tone necklace-to-shirt look. Finish with very tiny studs or pearls or…gasp…nothing! If you’re headed to the beach, you can remain peachy — J. Crew has the perfect polka dot bikini for you ($44 for bottoms, $29 for tops, J. Crew):

Throw on a white cover-up and you’re ready to go. Otherwise, wear a white bikini with this darling TopShop tunic/dress, which I’d like to use as a cover-up ($58, TopShop):

Ohsocute and Sienna Miller-esque when paired with some nondescript brown leather t-straps and some Wayfarers. Alternately, cover up with the immensely popular Jen’s Pirate’s Booty (yes, that’s the name of the brand) “poncho” — the ever-glam Alessandra Ambrosio has been spotted in it and you can snap up your own for $122 at Singer22:

For a different (more date-ready) look centered around a peach palette, consider mixing shades of coral, salmon, peach, and white for a perfect summer look. Start with this vibrantly-hued dress — like this DAY Birger et Mikkelsen knockout (on sale for $137, The Outnet) or the Amanda Uprichard “Joan” dress in salmon ($194, PiperLime):

Add this Wendy Mink quartz cluster bracelet ($170, Wendy Mink Jewelry), some simple gold studs, and a pair of dusty peach heels (the first — $150, Kurt Geiger; the second — $636, ShopSavannahs):

For a bit more festive look, you could also go in a slightly BRIGHTER direction, avoiding the dusty peaches and soft mixed quartz stones and instead pairing the dresses above with these cheerful little David Aubrey earrings ($58, Kitson):

The earrings would also look fantastic with this linen sweetheart neckline strapless number ($198, J.Crew):

Pair with some gold-accented wedges, like these Charles Davids (on sale for $124, Zappos):

and make sure you tuck this YSL peach-toned gloss ($30, Saks) into your little gold clutch ($155, Tory Burch)!

Or maybe you’re getting seriously dolled up — check out ever-sophisticated Audrey Hepburn in her peach-colored dream of an evening look for inspiration:

Then consider slipping into this ridiculous one-shouldered Halston Heritage number (SJP wore it in Sex and the City II — $325, Net-A-Porter):

Imagine wearing it with your hair up and these bank-breaking diamond and moonstone danglers (Divya, $3,000, Max & Chloe):

High end meets recessionista cool when you pair the above stunners with this lovely TopShop flower ring ($40, TopShop):

Then you’d just need some simple gold high-heeled sandals, a tiny gold clutch, and a peach-hued manicure (the color below: “Cool-Lots” by Essie — $8, ). To.die.for.

Get seriously into the color by primping for the night in a vintage-inspired, peach-colored teddy ($60, TopShop):

You may even want some glam mules — I’m in love with these peach-colored Giuseppe Zanottis (on sale for $349, Bluefly):

Don’t forget to powder yourself with this retro-cool puff ($54, BeautyHabit), dotting on a little of Benefit’s Georgia Peach blush (my mom’s favorite — $28, Benefit):

And while we’re in the mood for indulgence, make sure to pour yourself a bellini (champagne and peach puree — my lovely bridesmaids and I enjoyed them on the train up to NYC for my bachelorette party, and nothing could be more festive).

For work, why not wear your white suit (Miss Slick, you know you have it ready and waiting — wear it!) or a white, work-appropriate dress (the gorgeous little threaded-pattern version below is by Fendi, on sale for $425, MyTheresa) with a peaches-and-cream statement necklace (love this Hive & Honey design, $34, PiperLime) and a pair of dusty peach patent wedges (die over this pair by Pour La Victoire — on modest sale for $202 at Zappos):