Different takes on Orange by different celebrities.  Sarah Jessica Parker (left) went head to toe with the trend but Rachel Bilson (right) is just “working it” with one trend statement.  How BOLD will you go?

Or you might have already seen me in them lately.  I am so obsessed with these sisters that I have been wearing my two stripe Orange T-shirt hoodie and stripe Coral boat neck T-shirt for half of my weeks and painting my nails in Coral so I can see this color when I’m not wearing these shirts. 

A rather interesting conversation happened the other day with my husband…

HUSBAND: “Didn’t you wear this [Coral] shirt the other day?  I thought you don’t wear the same clothing more than once a week.”

ME:  “No, I don’t but you’re thinking of my ORANGE shirt.  They are NOT the same.” 

These shirts are SO NOT the same.  Goodness, one is Coral and the other is Orange! 

You might not be able to tell the shade difference based on the pictures but in general, Coral has more of a red tone than orange. 

But, if your male significant other actually noticed, this is how you know you have overdone it.  Ladies, you know they don’t notice what you wear unless you’re in lingerie.

You see, Orange and Coral are such warm, uplifting colors.  They get you noticed (in my case, the Husband) and flatter all skin tones.  There is always one shade of Orange or Coral that will work for you. 

Not sure how to work Orange and Coral?  Check out these outfit ideas.  Look for the “Boldness” icons and quickly find out if they’re at your comfort level.

Not sure if you want to go all the way?  Stay corporate with a LBD (little black dress) but pop your outfit with colorful accessories.  Drape knit dress by Express; nail polish by Essie; handbag by kate spade

This is Casual Chic but working the trend.  It is so easy to wear on any given spring / summer day.  Denim shirt by Banana Republic;  chino shorts by J.Crew; flip flops by Tory Burch

Feeling fearless and bold?  You can own this color trend with a coral long sleeve wrap dress by Bailey 44 and color-block platform sandals by Nine West, then neutralize the overall look by layering a twill blazer by LOFT.

Are you loving Orange and Coral like me?  Aren’t you?

But since we’re all in a budget nowadays, how can you smartly update your wardrobe so you can still be part of the fun?  What should you spend the money on and where should you save?  Here are some suggestions next time you go shopping.

Boyfriend Jacket

You should certainly spend a little extra money to get a well-tailored jacket.  Why?  Because a boyfriend jacket can be very versatile and will be a good addition to your wardrobe.  You can wear it with skinny jeans or leggings along with ankle booties for a rock n’ roll look that is so hot this season.  Or you can wear it with a cocktail dress for your next dinner party to look polished.

Left:  Rachel Bilson is wearing a boyfriend jacket with a graphic printed dress.

Right:  Try a versatile black boyfriend jacket like this one – Ponte Knit Boyfriend Jacket, Studio 148, Nordstrom, $298

Sequins Pieces

Whether it’s a sequin dress, jacket, shoes, or accessories, I think you should save.  The main reason is that you will not be able to use them as much.  First it doesn’t make sense to wear sequins during the day unless the sequins are lightly scattered onto a sweater, for example.  And if you wear a sequin dress, you probably don’t want to wear it to every holiday party.  So, spending $400 on a sequin dress is totally not worth it.

Left: Taylor Swift looks super glamorous in asequin mini dress at the Z100’s Jingle Ball in New York.

Right:  You don’t need to splurge.  Get the budget-friendly version for your holiday party.  Square sequin dress, Forever 21, $29.80.

Motorcycle Jacket

Pick one that you like (black or brown) and feel good about spending the extra money.  I purchased a Coach leather motorcycle jacket back in 2007 for $400 (it was originally $1000) and I am still wearing that jacket every winter.  It has the perfect fit and goes with casual or fancier outfits.  Yes, I think it’s a little pricy but considering that I use it so much every season, it costs about a penny a day.

Left:  Rihanna is looking tough in a black motocycle leather jacket.

Right:  Pair this leather jacket with jeans or a dress and play with the style.  Leather biker jacket, William Rust, Shopbop.com, $480.

Fur

If you’re eco-friendly, faux fur is the way to go.  First, you’re saving innocent animals and second, many faux fur garments look and feel so real that you almost cannot tell the different.  Having that said, this is one fashion piece where you can save.  The fur vest is so hot right now that I got mine at Forever 21 for $28!  It’s a fun piece without the price tag.

This is not the same vest that I bought but it is very rocker chic!  I would recommend wearing a belt because the vest can make you look chunky.

Featured:  Faux fur studded vest, Forever 21, $39