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After disposing beloved stuff (too much if you ask my now seemingly incapacitated closet), I’ve been finding myself inside store after store. I’d end up empty-handed with a slightly sullen look each time I’d go out, but I did leave with an observation: all the stores were extra colorful despite all reminders (i.e.sudden downpours) that summer has been cut short.

The lack of black was probably the reason I didn’t shop much. I’m obviously not the biggest color fan. Color seems to demand such a hard upkeep – like you somehow always have to be perky to match the energy your clothes are radiating. And though I actually already am overtly enthusiastic, color might demand an even more insane Alyssa – one that would require an absurd amount of coffee.

But I do love summer. So when my good friends from way back when, Aira and Chi, gifted me with some pieces from their new brand, Neon Island, with palm trees and tropical birds abound, I knew I had to forgo my blacks for a short while. I went the opposite way, in fact, by pairing their tank with bright red pants – a color feat I’m patting myself on the back for.

There’s just something about the idea of summer, even in the gloom, that makes me happy. I got a swimsuit in the mail today –  probably a nudge from the Universe to book that beach trip already. So okay, Universe. Whatever you say.

Tank, NEON ISLAND | Pants, BAYO | Heels, SUITEBLANCO | Sunglasses, FOREVER21