The IT Color of Summer









romper c/o // heeled sandal // bag // similar necklace
A’s deets: dress // sandals via {same style, linked similar styles below}

Happy hump day, m’dears!

Oh holy wind! Figures that when I try to capture shots for y’all, the wind blows like no body’s business, so never mind the hair. This was a fun shoot none-the-less and my lil kissy bug joined in.

So on to this outfit! Not only can I live in this super fab, super comfy romper, but it’s classic, easy to dress up or down, and is perfect for summer. Not to mention, the hubs loved it… which is always a plus ;).

So what’s this about black being summer’s IT color? You heard it right. We expect lots of bright, bold patterns and colors, that’s a given for spring/summer, and you’ll look fantastic, but stand out and wow in black! Black is classic… timeless, so it only goes to figure that it’s a perfect choice. For summer, however, try out strategic cutouts, asymmetrical shapes, feminine pleating, and lighter fabrics, for instance. And you don’t have to go head to toe black; I paired brown leather and it gave my look a laid back, easy going quality.

Hope your week is off on the right foot, loves!

Style Note: To keep your blacks looking summer-y, it’s all in the details: cutouts, feminine ruffles/lace, light fabrics. Pair with a bright handbag or shoes for a summer color pop.

I’d love to hear from you! Tag me on instagram @fashionablymelissa with #havenstreetstyle and show me how you’re wearing black this summer.

Festival Style

Hey all you festival goers! Here in Cali, it’s a music festivals are a sign spring has sprung. Beginning with Coachella {see my previous festival fashion board here} and moving on to Stage Coach this weekend, you’ve what you wear is a big deal.
It’s not too late to wow the crowd if you’re heading to the final day tomorrow…
Style Note: black and white is a huge trend for spring, so keep it clean and classic. Mix browns/tans to keep it fresh and slip on those cowboy boots for perfect style. You can also stay a bit boho with a great tiered skirt or go long with a super pattern. And nothing says festival like fringe!
Happy weekend, loves! 

Redefining

Go from fluff
to
 sleek and chic
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed I lopped off my long locks for a chic-er bob.
It was kind of a wild hair; I decided I needed a fresh look. It’s only hair and I’ll probably consider growing it back, but I’m having fun with this shorter ‘do… for now. 
Staying away from the dreaded ‘mom bob’ stereotype {I am a mom after all}, it was super important for me to find ways to keep it looking chic and current.
In my last post, I sleeked it up and went for a straight, structured style, so I decided to do a little tutorial about redefining the ‘mom bob’ and rockin’ a glam bob!
I naturally have some body, so a sleeker look takes some flat ironing and a bit of gel, but it’s super easy and quick!

Black and White and Art All Over




coat // vest // blouse // vegan leather leggings // similar clutch // necklaces {here & similar here} // similar heels

Well hello there! It’s been a while due to my crazy schedule, but I’m back… and with a new ‘do! 

In case you missed it, my focus has been more styling projects, leaving less time for the blog. BUT I’m still trying to post relevant style here, so please bear with me!
On that note, I’m offering all my styling secrets, debunking style myths, offering tips, and much more through my online ‘IT’ newsletter. It’s completely FREE! So sign up —->
 if you love fashion and get all things style right in your inbox.
You can also check out my fashion app for free, easy fashion advice at your fingertips!
Alright, back to this look… If you follow on IG, you know I spent some time in New York where we got all gussied up and spent some time in the art museums.
I loved this outfit because it incorporates a few of my favorite things: classic black and white, and chic, current style.

Style Note: whenever traveling, black and white layers are my secret for chilly to warm weather without overpacking. Incorporate leather for a chic, current style.

Outfitted







dress // blazer {older, similar here & here} // necklace // earrings // clutch // heels

Hey there, again! So I’m bringing you my outfit I styled to present in at Simply Stylist Pitch Fest last Saturday.
If you follow along on IG, you got a sneak peek of what I wore to pitch my Coachella Style to celeb stylist, Anita Patrickson + a room full of incredible women and successful people in the fashion industry.
This is one of those outfits I believe is proof you can have HIGH style with a low price tag. I’m all about style for REAL WOMEN with REAL BUDGETS and of course some splurge factor when ya can, but it doesn’t always have to come with an enormous price tag.
Style Note: 70s inspiration is huge this spring, but without seeming like you’ve never left the decade, opt for touches to keep the look modern.

I hope y’all have an awesome weekend… I’m so excited, because my bug is 4 TODAY!! I can’t believe where the time has gone… but we’re celebrating her like crazy.

What do y’all have planned for your weekend? 
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Coachella Style with Celeb Stylist, Anita Patrickson

mood board
You guys, I was thrilled when I entered my Coachella mood board for consideration to pitch for celebrity stylist Anita Patrickson at Simply Stylist LA Pitch Fest, and was chosen! 
She dresses the super cute Julianne Hough and Rachel Bilson, among others, so it was a huge honor to showcase my styling.
I wanted a relaxed tone, so my inspo for the aesthetic was a mix of bohemian and sort of ‘flower child’ image. My goal was to put together a killer look that that exemplified a free spirit attitude and ‘cool as hell’ vibe. This is the girl you want to hang with and dance away the weekend.
Without following a seemingly typical bohemian ‘uniform,’ so to speak, seen as THE festival fashion, it was important to step away {but not too much; hence the inspo ;)} by combining texture. That’s where the edginess of fringe and beading mixed with softer fabrics came to play.
And rather than the usual spring/summer florals, I swapped them for paisley prints and/or rich, bright hues and lace.
The romper or matching shorts set is perfect with it’s floaty quality. Think flowy silhouettes and feminine features with rougher textures of braided leather and fringe, and cool vibes of feathers and beads.
Style Note: As I explained to Anita and a room full of fabulous women at Simply Stylist LA, if I were going to play up the softer, feminine side, I’d top the look with a floral crown over a loose braid or soft waves. If going with a cooler, edgier vibe, I’d opt for a simple braided headband or feathers in the hair as seen above.
Anyone going to Coachella? 
I’d love to see the style you create from any of my inspo… tag me on IG @fashionablymelissa #havenstcoachellastyle