George Gershwin and I have a lot in common… We’re both big into songs about summertime, though mine usually have a little more of a dance beat. We also really like to wear neon in the summer sun. I can’t confirm this statement, exactly, but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a photo of him rocking hot pink shades, and that’s good enough for me.

Some Benjamin Moore Brights: Mango Punch, Mexicali Turquoise, Florida Pink, and Limelight

That said, I’m happy to announce the next round of VP+C color favorites: brights. Inspired by a few Benjamin Moore hot hues, above, here’s a sneak peek at my summer wardrobe essentials:

Bad hair day? Feeling puffy? Put on a pair of these. BAM: instantly hot.

Lisa: Tape My Word For It

Last year, we had the pleasure of helping designer extraordinaire Christopher Coleman give a Weston, Connecticut  house an incredible, vibrant color makeover. Though I tend to stick to more muted tones in my own home, I cannot stop thinking about one simple update, which I’m probably going to need to replicate.

In the 5-year-old son’s room, Coleman added visual interest to pretty gray walls with bold stripes of multicolored masking tape.  I am obsessed with the funky, fun effect and am pretty sure even the least crafty among us could create something awesome.

I’ve been scouring the web for the sticky stuff, and have found some treasures. Want to try this out with me? Here are a few of my favorites:

Happy Tape has an amazing assortment of solids, prints and patters, and they’ve got fun curated multi-packs for those of us who have trouble choosing.

For primary brights, Blick has good basics (Perhaps Deb could do a Bay-inspired wall with these beauties?)

And of course, Etsy and Amazon are virtual treasure troves. Try searching “Japanese Masking Tape” or “Washi Tape”. Cute Tape has a spectacular assortment- I’m thinking of this one for my kitchen:

And in the “don’t try this at home” category, artist Rebecca Ward is doing out-of-this-world tape installs of her own (via one of my favorite blogs, Oh Joy!)…

Meghan’s Got the Catch of the Day

I’m really not one to fish for compliments, but I think I’ve reeled in a fintastic find—Kevin McHugh’s Swarovski Sailfish sculpture.

Inspired by his upbringing, when big game fishing was a way of life and sailfish decorated the walls of his childhood home, the New York City-based artist has cast his talents to include putting a glittering twist on his family tradition. Here, in a fiberglass rendition encrusted with more than 10,000 sparkling bright orange and hyacinth Swarovski crystals, McHugh reinterprets the trophy fish as brilliantly executed wall art. At only $8,000 it’s a real catch, don’t you think?

Margaux is Traffic Chic

I love street style–often literally. On a recent walk around the trendy cobblestones of Soho, I spotted some eye-catching brights:

Neon yellow against navy blue...so "in" right now!

Hello, Yellow!

Heidi has a passion for Passion Fruit

My favorite color of summer is the deep pink of my all-time favorite Starbucks drink: the passion fruit lemonade.

Every year, I wait for the first sunny, 70 degree day of spring to run for the closest Starbucks and grab my favorite in a Venti. I first discovered the vibrant drink during college when I noticed every student roaming the Boston Common on a bright, sunny day was sipping on the magenta liquid.

When I had extra time between classes it became a ritual to bolt for the nearest Starbucks to get my treat and then find a soft patch of grass on the Common. Even now when I’m walking on a crowded sidewalk in NYC, if I’m drinking a passion fruit lemonade…when I close my eyes for just a second and can almost hear the familiar tones of a Boston accent.

Julianne’s Joie De Vivre

My immediate thought when I saw this month’s bright and cheery Benjamin Moore colors was a recent trip to Laduree, a Parisian bakery on the Upper East Side. Known for their mouth-watering macaroons, Laduree is always packed with tourists and New Yorkers alike. My personal favorite flavors are caramel with salted butter and orange blossom. Paired with a cappuccino and a newspaper, these delectable goodies complete a perfect Sunday afternoon.

Michelle is “In Style”

They say love is in the details–and I couldn’t think more of the expression when it comes to accessorizing. I always keep my eye out for what’s trending in handbags, heels, and jewelry…so imagine my surprise when Margaux gave our team these bright, fun bangles:

…that just so happened to match “what’s hot,” as reported by In Style:

Uh-huh...that's right!