5 Accessories You Need Right Now

Looking for the LeTote Giveaway? Click here!
Today’s post is a style board of the 5 accessories you need right now! 
1. The wide-brimmed hat is this fall’s must-have accessory to top of your outfits. I’m loving the wool floppy hat, but even a fedora or panama hat should be considered.
2. Add a little glam with a kitten heel. And leopard is always on point.
3. A scarf is the perfect layering piece, and adds intrigue to even the most basic wardrobe palette. But a blanket scarf is a hot and functional trend, and will transition you right into winter.
4. I love a chic, cool-girl bootie in the fall. This particular bootie fits the bill, but is also functional. Don’t ruin those cute booties in the rain, this one has loads of style and is perfect for those wet days.
5. A bold lip color {here & here} seems saved for the hotter days, but add a little wow factor to those darker color wardrobe palettes with a striking lip; countering the structure of heavier fall fabrics. Go ahead, be a rule breaker! 
Don’t forget to enter to win a 3 month FREE subscription to LeTote! A great way to add pieces to your closet temporarily…

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Wednesday Wish List: Globe-Trotting Style

Our summer vacations in the Souza household always begin a bit late since the 4th of July is a busy season, and though we’re not trotting the globe, we do have a few travel locations on the agenda and a farewell-to-summer camping trip just after memorial day.
BUT if you are packing for a final exotic vacay yachting, cruising, exploring new beaches, or relaxing poolside, I’ve scouted my favorites for summer vacation style and put together some of my cravings.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

…a few more…

Wednesday Wish List: Globe-Trotting Style

Our summer vacations in the Souza household always begin a bit late since the 4th of July is a busy season, and though we’re not trotting the globe, we do have a few travel locations on the agenda and a farewell-to-summer camping trip just after memorial day.
BUT if you are packing for a final exotic vacay yachting, cruising, exploring new beaches, or relaxing poolside, I’ve scouted my favorites for summer vacation style and put together some of my cravings.

Sunglasses for Every Face Shape: Men & Women

Sunglasses are such a key accessory to my summer wardrobe especially, but any hint of sun and I’m reaching for a pair. Since we’re smack dab in the middle of summer, and I’m even thinking about fall, it seemed appropriate to do a mini style session about this much overlooked accessory that is such a perfect transition piece to any season. As with all clothing and accessories, choosing a great frame to compliment you is important.
Men and women can both utilize these tips to keep stylish, but also protected, and put their best face forward. 
And, since this is the last week of Nordstrom’s sale, I’m including a style board of some of my favs!
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 

Sunglasses for Every Face Shape: Men & Women

Sunglasses are such a key accessory to my summer wardrobe especially, but any hint of sun and I’m reaching for a pair. Since we’re smack dab in the middle of summer, and I’m even thinking about fall, it seemed appropriate to do a mini style session about this much overlooked accessory that is such a perfect transition piece to any season. As with all clothing and accessories, choosing a great frame to compliment you is important.
Men and women can both utilize these tips to keep stylish, but also protected, and put their best face forward. 
And, since this is the last week of Nordstrom’s sale, I’m including a style board of some of my favs!
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 

New York Winter Wonderland

Well, it’s been a whirlwind. Going from 70 degrees and even 80’s some days in California to frigid temps in New York City, you could often hear Amélia singing ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ as we strolled the streets of New York! She and I took the city by storm, though. We weren’t letting a little freezing temperature scare us away. I’ve always said I was born for this weather… and honestly, I don’t care hot or cold, I LOVE New York so there’s nothing that will hold me back from making an amazing time.
she was dying to make snow angels, but I had to talk her out of it because she wasn’t quite dressed for it.
a beautiful night walk back to home base after dinner one evening.
this view! we have the most amazing views from our windows.
warm layers! got to have fun in heavy coats, gloves, and fur-lined boots that would be over-the-top for southern California right now, and of course layered up on the arm candy. with all the layers, accessories were the highlight of my outfits!
getting ready for our date to Cinderella.
yep, a princess on top of the world!
we had the entire park to ourselves one afternoon.
watching a skater on the rink, and we even met another friend the same age who let A push her doll stroller around a bit!
Three more fun-filled days await…
Wherever you are, enjoy the memories you’re making!

New York Winter Wonderland

Well, it’s been a whirlwind. Going from 70 degrees and even 80’s some days in California to frigid temps in New York City, you could often hear Amélia singing ‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’ as we strolled the streets of New York! She and I took the city by storm, though. We weren’t letting a little freezing temperature scare us away. I’ve always said I was born for this weather… and honestly, I don’t care hot or cold, I LOVE New York so there’s nothing that will hold me back from making an amazing time.
she was dying to make snow angels, but I had to talk her out of it because she wasn’t quite dressed for it.
a beautiful night walk back to home base after dinner one evening.
this view! we have the most amazing views from our windows.
warm layers! got to have fun in heavy coats, gloves, and fur-lined boots that would be over-the-top for southern California right now, and of course layered up on the arm candy. with all the layers, accessories were the highlight of my outfits!
getting ready for our date to Cinderella.
yep, a princess on top of the world!
we had the entire park to ourselves one afternoon.
watching a skater on the rink, and we even met another friend the same age who let A push her doll stroller around a bit!
Three more fun-filled days await…
Wherever you are, enjoy the memories you’re making!

Gray Skies…

Hey there! I’m sure you’ve noticed the new look around here. Yep, I change my blog almost as much as I change my clothes! I’ve been a bit under the weather and I finally got a day to myself, so I got a little spring clean-y on the blog. Since I’m a huge nerd, playing around and changing things up is so much fun! I decided to go a little more streamline… I’m even toying with leaving blogger and heading to wordpress… *gasp* Only time will tell.

Anyway, not feeling well was certainly cause for wearing the comfiest clothes I could find… and live in! I love a great legging, tee and drapey cardi, so this has been my go-to ‘uniform’ lately. Of course, nothing cheers me up like a fabulous new accessory! 😉 You guys know I’m crazy about the pieces at Kitsy Lane and have been curating selections for personal styling. I’m head over heels for this necklace and have been finding ways to incorporate in my every day style. Oh, and if you hurry over, you can get 3 of your favorites for $45! Use MIXMATCH45 at checkout.

tee: Asos
cardi: old {similar items below}
leggings: Target {similar, love these}
necklace: Kitsy Lane: Cheyenne
bootie: c/o Zooshoo

 photo 0c52b0c9-17b1-4a69-a27d-33b93ea0bc9f_zps519e16bf.jpg

Gray Skies…

Hey there! I’m sure you’ve noticed the new look around here. Yep, I change my blog almost as much as I change my clothes! I’ve been a bit under the weather and I finally got a day to myself, so I got a little spring clean-y on the blog. Since I’m a huge nerd, playing around and changing things up is so much fun! I decided to go a little more streamline… I’m even toying with leaving blogger and heading to wordpress… *gasp* Only time will tell.

Anyway, not feeling well was certainly cause for wearing the comfiest clothes I could find… and live in! I love a great legging, tee and drapey cardi, so this has been my go-to ‘uniform’ lately. Of course, nothing cheers me up like a fabulous new accessory! 😉 You guys know I’m crazy about the pieces at Kitsy Lane and have been curating selections for personal styling. I’m head over heels for this necklace and have been finding ways to incorporate in my every day style. Oh, and if you hurry over, you can get 3 of your favorites for $45! Use MIXMATCH45 at checkout.

tee: Asos
cardi: old {similar items below}
leggings: Target {similar, love these}
necklace: Kitsy Lane: Cheyenne
bootie: c/o Zooshoo

 photo 0c52b0c9-17b1-4a69-a27d-33b93ea0bc9f_zps519e16bf.jpg

Kitsy Lane & Giveaway

I’ve just joined forces with the online accessories boutique, Kitsy Lane. I love the on-trend styles and up-and-coming designers offered, and find their pieces are perfect for turning any outfit into a statement!

What’s it all about? A shopping mecca of on-trend pieces you can shop. Don’t worry, though, you’ll never feel lost in a sea of glitter and sparkle because with one easy click, you’ll find my curated pieces {Melissa’s Picks}, and can even ask me style questions by using the ‘contact Melissa’ button at the bottom of my page. My styling advice is free of charge, though I do earn a commission on anything sold through my shop, but at no additional cost to you. And… I know, it gets even better!… every Wednesday, I choose special pieces that are discounted through the week. And, and I’m even authorized to give out coupons on occasion, so you can save even more!

So… now for the giveaway! I’m offering one lucky reader the chance to win a $20 shop credit toward your first purchase of $45 or more. For easy entries use the giveaway form below. Hurry, giveaway open TODAY only!

 photo 0c52b0c9-17b1-4a69-a27d-33b93ea0bc9f_zps519e16bf.jpg