Casually Outfitted

similar tee // denim // tennies // handbag via // rings // large ring

I can’t believe it’s Monday. Is it me or did this weekend fly by in a blink? Not to mention it’s March already and spring is on the horizon!

Speaking of that… the doors to the spring Style Me session are now open! Go here for more info and get registered before the doors close.

For today’s look, I’m keeping casually outfitted and spring ready by styling neutrals {yes, leopard is a neutral} with a pop of perfect blush pink. 

Style Note: From blush to brights, when paired with a neutral palette, pink is such an attention grabber. You can be bold in even the softest shade of pink with such classic color palettes as blacks and camels.

What’s your go-to color for spring? 


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Boyfriend Blues

tee // denim wearing size 26 {sized up to give me a more relaxed fit} // slip-ons // watch // similar belt // similar clutch

I’ve been lovin’ me some shades of blue lately, from this bright cobalt to deep navy stripes paired with marsala, and I wouldn’t exactly call it the winter blues.

I hate to admit this, when my east coast friends are experiencing horribly, often daily life-upseting snowstorms, but it’s been in the high 70s {almost 80!} here…so I’m starting to think about transitional pieces once again.

I love this cobalt blue because it’s such a mood-enhancing color… I don’t know, I just always feel fabulous in it! 

What’s your go-to color for a little pick-me-up?

Style Note: Leopard is a neutral in my opinion ;), so it goes great with so much. In this case, I added not one but two pieces of leo. The key is to keep from being so matchy-matchy + add interest by selecting slightly different patterns and shades.http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44529233&width=7&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

The Color of the Year

sweater c/o // tee c/o // denim // watch // flats via {similar} // latique bag  {similar}

Hello there, m’darlings! I hope you’re having a great start to your week. I’ve got a quick post today on the color of the year: Marsala + lots of info…

My week is beginning busy as usual, but I was able to find some down time this past weekend. And I’ve got to know, am I the only one who missed the Super Bowl festivities?

The hubs couldn’t believe I’d rather clean my house! But after a few exhausting weeks of having my house in shambles due to a flooring project, and working hard to get the new studio complete, it was pretty cathartic to clean.
Oh yes, the new studio? As most of you’ve seen, the blog has changed a bit… no biggie! It’s still the same place with more focus on my styling services, and I’m hoping even better for the coming years. I won’t bore you with the details… if you’re interested, you can check out the ABOUT page for more deets on the changes, but there are big things coming. And don’t forget to bookmark the new page so you don’t miss out on anything. I won’t be here everyday with all the changes happening, but I am on Instagram @fashionablymelissa daily, so come join the soiree!
You can bank on a few days that will be regulars and you can view the editorial calendar in the side bar —>.
Oh, I almost forgot… you can sign up to become a Haven Street Insider by poppin’ your email into the box on the side bar as well —> and receive exclusive style tips, videos, and be the first to know about styling offers sent right to your email. I’d love to work with everyone of you, but it’s just not possible. However, I still have spots available for e-styling and one.on.one personal shopping, so email me to reserve your spot.

Style Note: Marsala is 2015’s color of the year. There are so many great ways to wear it, and it’s a great choice if you’re not a true red fan. I paired this Marsala sweater with navy stripes and a lil leo. The color combination really pops! Find yourself a little marsala for your Valentine’s day soirees and dare to be different!http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44527507&width=7&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

When the Days are Cold

sweatshirt {ON SALE!} // denim {ON SALE!} // chuck taylors // scarf c/o {ON SALE!} // watch

When you find pieces you just love, what do you do? Wear. Them. Out!!

We don’t get many ‘cold’ days in the inland of sunny so. Cal {of course as I say that, we’ve had a few chilly days}, but when we do, I grab my most cozy pieces and wear them on repeat. 

I’ve preached before about mixing and matching great pieces to extend your closet, and I definitely practice what I preach! Yes, I do shop A LOT and wear things once… maybe twice, but I also hold on to fabulous pieces when I find them and create new looks by interchanging them with different pieces in my wardrobe. And when I need quick, perfect style for running errands or chauffeuring my 3 and 1/2 year old to activities? They’re great go-to’s. 

You’ve seen both the leo sweatshirt {here and here} and double-sided scarf {here and here} a few times… promise this is it ;P. 

Style Note: Casual chic… or looking put together without being overdone just means following a few easy steps:

1. begin with basics- a great pair of skinny jeans {or boyfriends or even leggings} and a fitted tee or sweater

2. grab a strategic add-on- top off basics with layers {scarf, vest, blazer}

3. choose your shoes wisely- a well chosen pair of shoes completes the statement. What’s your statement? Relaxed? Go for sneakers messily laced or a slip on. Opting for polished? Grab a heel or ankle bootie

This is definitely easy and polished for the mom on the go.

How do you do casual chic?

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Leopard on Leopard

pullover // h&m tee {can’t find online; similar} // diy distressed {similar} // slip on’s {every price point here, here, & here} // nail color

First off, is everyone cutting the ankles off their jeans? Oh how I love distressed denim! I was distressin’ my own jeans long ago when people were throwing their ‘hole-y’ jeans out… and I’m loving the whole cutoff ankle look {have you seen the free people distressed ankle skinny in black? I’M IN LOVE! And in need of other colors!}, so I decided to DIY an older pair of denim.

Secondly, you guys know I’m a huge fan of print-mixing, but some days you just have to double up the print! Can’t go wrong with leopard on leopard.

Hope you are all having a fabulous week. We’re in the midst of a huge rainstorm here {though I love it and we really need it, it’s creating a bit of havoc for some}, so stay safe if you’re in areas with lots of weather and have a fabulous, fashionable weekend!

Style Note: The key to mixing the same print is to be careful of being too matchy-matchy. Though the print is very similar here, the shades are different creating some contrast. Aim for either a larger print mixed with smaller {think large polka dots mixed with smaller dots, pin stripes paired with larger stripes}, or if pairing very similar sized print, opt for a difference in shades or even colors.

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Linked up with Fashion Friday.

Sweater Weather

cowl neck sweater {similar} // leather coat  // denim // bag // flats c/o {love these} // lippy in living legend // nails in lincoln park after dark

The weather has been absolutely wonderful lately {except for a few days of gusty winds, but I’m not complaining ;)}, and I’m taking full advantage. I’m finding myself falling into my usual black and grey color palette, but sometimes simplicity is just what I need.

Style Note: There’s something inherently sexy about simple, and sometimes less is more. Don’t be afraid to stick with what you know and love, and let your confidence be your statement. 

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A Hint of Camo

graphic tee {similar, love this} // blazer  {similar} // siwy skinnies {SALE!} // camo flats c/o // clutch {similar} // necklace splurge {save}

I don’t know if you think ‘girly’ when you think of camo, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way for girl’s night out last Friday.

You all know I’m a huge fan of print mixing {one of thee easiest ways to add interest to an outfit} and I love me some camo. When I came across these flats, I knew I had to have them. And how perfectly they pair with a leo print clutch and a simple graphic tee.

Just a basic girl, here! I do love getting girly on occasion, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes when it’s dinner and shopping, I just need some simple pieces. And who says you can’t go glam with simplicity?!

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Linked up with Trend Spin.

Serious Print Mixing

Whether it’s getting girly, edging up a dress, or kicking back in tennies, I love mixing it up. In this case, I did some serious print mixing by taking a laid back approach. Distressed denim is my go-to lately and you all know I’m head over heels for stripes. And to make an outfit interesting, it’s fun to add something that’s a little off when I can… in this case, I threw in the houndstooth scarf along with my stripes and leo. 

loft striped tee // siwy skinnies // mindy maes market leopard flats {SALE!} // J. Crew scarf // bag {similar, love this} // angl clothing cuff {not online; similar} // tai love bracelet // braided bracelet {similar} // stila lip gloss in aria

Serious Print Mixing

Whether it’s getting girly, edging up a dress, or kicking back in tennies, I love mixing it up. In this case, I did some serious print mixing by taking a laid back approach. Distressed denim is my go-to lately and you all know I’m head over heels for stripes. And to make an outfit interesting, it’s fun to add something that’s a little off when I can… in this case, I threw in the houndstooth scarf along with my stripes and leo. 

loft striped tee // siwy skinnies // mindy maes market leopard flats {SALE!} // J. Crew scarf // bag {similar, love this} // angl clothing cuff {not online; similar} // tai love bracelet // braided bracelet {similar} // stila lip gloss in aria

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Mini Vacation…

After Amélia battled a 24 hour flu thing early last week and then myself in the middle of the week, I’m playing catch up with my posts. 

Prior to being sick, the hubs surprised me with an overnight mini vacation to The Mission Inn in Riverside. This place is ah-mazing. One of its main features is Kelly’s spa… at least for me and the hubs! We spent the night Saturday night after sampling what’s going to be my new favorite tapas spot and then indulged in couples massages the next morning. I kept it dressy casual for dinner…

tunic: H&M {similar}

liquid leggings: Tillys

scarf: Target {similar}

clutch: similar

cuff: Angl Clothing {not online}

shoes: Steve Madden {similar}

Linked up with What I Wore Wednesday.