A recent style article in the New York Times said it best: “There is something about chirping birds that makes us want to say goodbye to earth tones.” In case you’re one of the, umm, six women on earth who wants to cling to the depressing ochre, umber and sienna in your wardrobe even as the days turn balmy and optimistic, the cheerful accompanying photo should convince you otherwise:

Get happy! An array of summertime make-up and fragrance. Photo via the New York Times.

Asian women don’t look good wearing colors described as “moss,” “mushroom,” or “mousy” (that last one is not legit but you get my point). Color Me Beautiful taught me that back in the ’80s, duh. So instead, my autumn/winter inspiration board had been awash in jewel tones:

Fall/winter visuals featuring jewel tones and strong shapes.

Fast-forward several months and we’re now on the cusp of summer. The warmer weather and longer sunny days beg for soft pastels and some levity (yes, dear God, some much-needed levity):

A breath of fresh air: my light and airy “springboard.”

Top image: 37 y.o. carefree model Carolyn Murphy rockin’ Charlie by Matthew Zink shorts with white piping. Bottom image: model Raquel Zimmermann in a sublime silk printed dress by Rochas.

Models Karlie Kloss and Caroline Trentini in double-faced silk shift dresses with bejeweled necklines by Gucci. I just love the sweet (read: forgiving) silhouettes—you could actually eat dessert wearing these!

Items of note: the hot air balloon in the background of the J.Crew ad packs such visual punch…Living in DC, I like the cherry blossoms on the birthday card…Pantone Peony is pretty perfect.

Update on September 20, 2013: If you wanna see some really elaborate inspiration boards, check out these beauties on Design Sponge. Whatever gets your creative juices pumpin’.