Spring Ready

tank c/o // denim {similar major save} // clutch // slip-ons // heels // sunnies

You guys! It’s been crazy hot in so. Cal and all I can think about is spring, so I’m gettin’ spring ready.

I posted this piece last week, and it seemed just the beginning of transitional pieces from drab winter to a bright season. 

I love this top because it’s so classy. It’s perfect for dressing down {with a slip-on} or dressing up with a heel, and you can add a cropped jacket easily. If you’ve been paying attention, I’ve been featuring a ton of cobalt lately ;). For me, it’s such a pick-me-up mood changer and it looks fab with a hint of another bright spring color.

May I recommend a tank with a unique neckline to take you through day and into evening? I literally wore this piece to wash dishes, do some laundry, run a few business errands, and host a dinner party in the evening. It’s perfect for the on-the-go lady!

Style Note: I’ve got 2 for you today!

1. You can dress down without feeling and lookin’ schleppy: the coolness of a sleeveless top transitions perfectly into warmer weather, and an interesting neckline is dressier than a plain cotton tank.
2. Do- pair bright complimentary colors with one another for spring! Don’t overdo and wind up looking like an Easter egg ;).http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44543842&width=7&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Featured Fashion

sweater // tee // denim // flats via {similar} // latique bag {similar}

Ok, so an outfit post is on the editorial calendar for today, but I’m tabling the usual…
because I’m giddy to share a feature that just came across my inbox!

As most of you know, I’ve been working with LeTote, styling pieces. I was recently interviewed, and I’m excited they chose to feature a few of my favorite looks…

Here’s a preview of my interview with LeTote:

Q: What’s the most exciting thing you have done while wearing LT? 

A: I recently attended my friends re-grand opening for his vintage shop in a few pieces from LT… and received a ton of compliments!

Q: Where do you get your style inspiration from? 

A: I choose pieces that I feel confident in, and most of my looks I put together based on what I envision in my mind. I do love Pinterest for inspiration, and then mix and match pieces to create looks. I love seeing other style bloggers and what trends they’re following. 

You can view more of the interview and looks here.

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

Plaid Sparkle

blouse c/o // skirt c/o // coat via cabi {similar} // similar heels // rings // bag

Last Saturday, I was thrilled to celebrate with John and his re-grand opening for his vintage clothing store, SHOP by John Michael Villa, and a party calls for sparkles!

I’m glad to team up with LeTote, again, and put this plaid sparkle skirt to work!

It’s Friday, so that means a little fun. Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend.

Style Note: A pencil skirt isn’t just for the office. The right texture/colors can take you from day to night or even be styled super casually. I dressed this look up with a bright cobalt blouse to really give the muted skirt tones a pop, but kept the look classic with black kitten heels. I didn’t want to be overly dressy, so I chose my new favorite Asos satchel to keep the style relaxed.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44501874&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Holiday Sparkle

long sleeve tee // sparkle skirt c/o // necklace c/o // similar belt // pumps {SALE!}

Amélia’s outfit: sweater dress {SALE!} // shoes // headband 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you’re enjoying this turkey day with your family and friends. For me, Thanksgiving certainly signals the kickoff to holiday season… I’m not one of those who decorates for Christmas before Thanksgiving, so it’s sort of my right of passage into saying it’s OK to start all things Christmas; the very next day, of course!

As most of you know, I’ve been working with LeTote, and this sparkle skirt was just another gem they sent me… So I started thinking this could be the perfect holiday outfit. It turned into family pictures for our Christmas card this year! Yay for us! It’s not already well into December and we’re not rushing around trying to get our card together… thanks to this skirt, a fashion post for the holidays, and my family. Go team!

Anyhow, I’m all about a little sparkle and what better time to shine than the holiday season?! 

Happy 4 day weekend, loves.

Style note: If you haven’t tried adding a sparkle piece {sweatshirt, cardi, tee} to your ensemble yet, the holidays are the perfect time to experiment. Go big with sequined pants or a skirt, try a shiny metallic print like this high waisted skirt, or start out small with a great sequined clutch. Either way, just have fun and let your sparkly personality shine!

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44449714&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Casual Edge

There’s still time to enter the LeTote Giveaway!

leather trimmed tank c/o // leather elbow patch cardi c/o // boyfriend jeans // crystal dot bracelet c/o // watch {love this & part of the nordstrom SALE!} // bag c/o // studded t-strap pumps {splurge, save} // sunnies {similar, major save}

This past weekend was filled with family… as are most of our weekends. But we celebrated the hubs’ little brother’s 18th birthday!

I always love an occasion I can play with a casual look and add edge and glam… Hello accents of leather! studs! bling! 

I think it’s safe to say that my go-to colors are blacks and grays, and neutrals. This particular time I chose my accessories and accents carefully. To add to the edginess of strategically placed leather {trim on the tank and elbow patches on the cardi}, I added studded pumps for a little drama. The crystal dot bracelet and gold watch popped. Because I like to break the rules a bit, I went with my spring purchase of a pastel bag. I love pastels in spring and believe they pop in winter, but against the darker colors of fall, it can be really eye-catching. It also softness up the dark palette and edginess just enough.

I hope you all are having a great week so far. If you need a little pick-me up, shopping always lifts my spirits and Nordies is having a great SALE!

Style note: off-set an edgy look {such as leather detailing or studs} with a delicate piece {pastel accessories, diamonds, lace}.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44420762&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Making Tracks + a GIVEAWAY

snake print top c/o // midi skirt c/o // necklace c/o // heels 

A few posts back, I mentioned my partnership with LeTote, so I’m once again, sharing a few more pieces!
This top and necklace were among the first tote I received. The top pairs great with a skinny jean or a high waisted pencil skirt to show off the solid contrast waistband, but I decided to play with the print and create an easy edgy-chic look for an unconventional and unexpected style.
Generally considered feminine, pairing this full skirt with snakeskin lends a bit of style mixing. This higher waisted full midi {also seen here} and the crystal necklace give the look of feminine and classic while the snakeskin feels more like a rock-n-roll vibe. To dabble with the snakeskin’s already edgy print and mix up the entire look, I paired it with this buckled stiletto.

Style note: the top is a bit of a crop top, so it pairs perfectly with high waisted pieces; I’m a size small and found it true to size {TTS}.

*Thanks to LeTote for sponsoring this post.
http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44410422&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Now, about that giveaway…
If you’ve been thinking about trying out LeTote, why not try them for FREE today {Hurry only 48 hours}?! LeTote is offering their 1st month free {see entire promo details below}… AND FOR 1 LUCKY READER of FASHIONABLY, MELISSA…? A 3 month subscription!

LeTote 1 month free subscription promo details:
Offer is valid for new users only.
The user can cancel anytime.
For the users’ free trial, all clothes must be returned within 30 days of joining.
The user will be charged when they receive their second box, unless they cancel before their second shipment.
After the free trial ends, the user will automatically be enrolled in our $49/mo plan, unless the subscription is canceled.

TRY IT OUT!

Enter to win a 3 month subscription:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall Neutrals

ellie top c/o // j brand jeans // bag // necklace c/o // booties {similar}

Well, this might be as close to fall as we’re getting for now… High of 74 meant pulling out clothes for ‘cooler’ weather. And this just might be my favorite outfit thus far!
Spent the weekend hanging with my family and then a pumpkin carving party! I love weekends… especially fall weekends that mean cool, breezy days and halloween fun!

But back to this outfit… I had the pleasure of working with LeTote to style several items, and this is just the first of a few collabs.

Have you heard of LeTote? Ladies, you know I love shopping and styling others, but when it comes to shopping for myself, I just don’t always have a lot of time. LeTote is so great when you need some items to fill the gaps in your closet, or are looking for something special, and if you absolutely fall in love with something, as a member, you can purchase items at a discount. The most fantastic thing about LeTote? Unlimited totes! That means you select as many items as you like, receive 5 pieces at a time {3 clothing items, 2 accessories} within 2 days of putting in your selection, and then can return them when you’re finished and receive another tote {and as many totes you can fit into the month} for just $49/month!
Check them out here for complete membership details.

*Thanks to LeTote for sponsoring this post

Linked up for Monday Mingle, Manic Monday with More Pieces of Me & On the Daily Express, Style Sessions, and Fashion Friday.