Did you ever read a “Series of Unfortunate Events” with your kids? It’s a multi-book collection about three orphans who survive one calamity after another. While the past 10 days for me haven’t been that dramatic, they have been pretty stressful. I took on probably one too many freelance writing projects, am rehabbing from a bout of Sciatica, threw out my iPhone adapter (Why, Apple?!?), and had to undergo a pretty invasive medical procedure (fingers crossed on  that one!). So…looking to rainbows, and wearing them, made me feel more hopeful, more confident, more happy.

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
And the dreams that you dream of, once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dream of, dreams really do come true…

Just for the record a rainbow is a meteorlogical phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of multi-colored circular light appearing in the sky. It’s also the worldwide symbol of gay pride. As the proud and loving mother of a gay son, I can attest that anything rainbow is more than a colorful symbol to me. It means love, understanding, acceptance, support, celebration.

Not to mention, a rainbow is a super colorful fashion statement however you make it. Here are some of my new faves…

I guess you could say this outfit started with this adorable rainbow striped sweater. Stripes are always right for Spring and Summer, but they’re even better this side of the rainbow. While I’m wearing this striped sweater with a skirt, I’ve also worn it with blue and white jeans. It’s a super lightweight cotton knit that you will feel cool and comfortable in day or night. Here, I paired it with this fun yet classic paperbag waist skirt that’s another versatile piece you can dress up or down.

For accessories, I went all-out rainbow-wise. Why not? My earrings do make a statement but they’re so light they don’t pull on these AARP-aged ear lobes. Yay! While my sandals are crafted in nude leather, they pop with colorful details. And their block heels make them eminently comfortable and walkable. And this straw tote? LOVE! It’s so colorful and roomy, I will be carrying it from the city to sandy beaches all summer long.

Just for fun, here’s a cute mini movie my “guest photog” created:

Sweater: (Nordstrom, sold out) but other colorful options here, here, here and here.

Skirt: (H & M, sold out) but similar here and here.

Earrings: (H & M, in store only) but love these and these.

Sandals: (Schutz, old) but how cute are these, these and these.

Bag: (Kayu, sold out) but like this and this.

Photos by MP Allegaert and Kristin Moore-Gantz