Category: lookbook

How To Style: A Pop of Color

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Style Note: adding a pop of color is easy in two simple steps:
1. begin with a neutral palette and
2. stick to no more than 2 statement pieces.


blouse // denim // bracelet c/o {10% off coupon code: msouza10} // rings c/o // bag // shoes {sold out, but lusting over these}

Adding a pop of color to a look can add so much life to it! However, the question I get most as a stylist is how and when to add pops of color. 

Color naturally stands out, so plan to make a statement and add an eye-catching piece to really draw attention.

WHEN adding a pop…

1. consider fit: anything worn should fit well, but this is especially true when the piece ‘pops.’ Whether it’s a coat, blazer, pants, or tee, tailoring is key. If the piece that pops are shoes, be sure they too fit well, you can walk in them, and are flattering. And if it’s a bag that’s doing the popping, being sure it’s proportionate to your frame is ideal. A really large bag in a bright color on a super petite frame isn’t very flattering, and winds up just looking weird.
2. number of statement pieces: don’t go over board! My general rule is 2… you want to standout, but you don’t want to look too busy, like there’s too much going on.
The idea is to ‘POP’ the outfit or have your color be the standout, so there are definitely some outfits that work with an added pop better than others.

Below are some ideas about HOW to add that pop..

1. monochromatic looks: a look that is all one color or similar tones {like the one I’m wearing here} work great when adding a pop of color. All black is the easiest to add to as any color looks really great.
2. more than 2 neutral colors in an outfit: combining 2 neutrals such as black and tan or white and black. The trick then is finding the right color, like red or wine for fall/winter, to coordinate and bring your look together beautifully.
3. working with prints: depending on the print, I like to choose a color from within that print and the least used color.

Go forth and get popping!

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Macramé

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dress via // wrap sandals {save, splurge} // watch // similar sunnies

Right now my life is all about this dress.
Who doesn’t love a comfy, chic summer dress? Seriously, THEE comfiest.
Now, you may be thinking ‘Macramé?,’ ‘Isn’t that something my grandmother would be in to?’
Seriously, it may conjure thoughts of this:
or I swear my grandmother had something similar to this hanging on her wall.
But trust me, it’s taken on a more ‘modern chic’ vibe and looks much better on clothing ;), translating into perfect boho style!
Style Note: It’s been a season of 70’s revival. If you’re not into high-waisted, flared denim maybe something a little more romantic and flirty is your style? Achieve a sleek aesthetic with a macramé piece and make it your focal point. 

How-To Style a Jumpsuit

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jumpsuit // sweater c/o // fringe bag c/o // watch // necklaces {similar here and here} // shoes 
The doors to the StyleME session for this season are still open and I’m featuring a few more of the must-have’s from the list. Yay, for sneak peeks!
If you don’t have a jumpsuit, run out and grab one! You’ll thank me later ;). Seriously, there are so many ways to style it {see the style note below}.
I’ve done this one several ways, and you’ve probably seen at least one of them on IG. The best thing about this one is it can stand alone, be layered up, decked out in jewels, and belted!
I went simple for this look with another favorite piece for summer: the sweater cape. Yes, you can… and should have a great summer sweater. This one is fab! And forget the old myth about not mixing black and brown. Add a bit of boho with accessories like my fringe bag/clutch and gold necklaces.
Okay, I’m way too excited, but seriously these are two pieces you’ll wear over, and over, and over, and over again throughout seasons; not just summer.
Style Note: DO add a blazer for chic sophistication and a dressier look
dress it up with jewels
replace your LBD with a chic black jumpsuit
add a belt to a looser style to break up a solid and accentuate the waist
if you’re a risk taker, go all floral; it’s great for summer 
pair with a leather jacket in the evening for an edgier style
layer up with a shirt over and you’ve just taken your jumpsuit and made separates. Hello, two outfits in one!

Now go get ya some and style away!

Classic Neutrals for Minimal Chic-ness

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blazer {older; similar here} // tee // denim // similar heels // clutch via // sunnies // similar cuff

I seem to be gravitating to classic colors A LOT lately, and it was no surprise that when I needed to pull together an outfit for a recent graduation I went for a less is more look.

Sometimes dressing up can take on a bit of edginess with a sleek pair of dark denim, a blazer, and a tee. You’re still ‘classic’ in a sense, but in a relaxed, cool way, and I don’t feel like I’ve put on my grandmother’s pearls {which are definitely rad on occasion!} and donned a dress like every other girl attending a more formal affair ;P.

I did add a few pops of color to, well… pop off the neutral palette, but by only adding a small clutch in a solid color and earrings in another, the look maintained it’s minimal chic feel.

Congrats to all you grads! You’ve made it to the great big world.. knock ’em dead out there!

Style Note: For the perfect minimalist look choose crisp whites, go for a clean white and nude combo, or opt for classic black and white. Because it’s summer, I wanted to stand out with a bit of color to really make my neutral palette striking, but if opting to maintain the trueness of minimalism utilize the structure and cut of pieces as the focal point. Keep accessories understated and opt for similar shades for your bag and shoe choice.

Vested

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blouse via // vest via // denim // similar wedges // backpack

Happy hump day guys!

I’m excited to share my StyleME program is about to re-open it’s doors, and several of these pieces featured in today’s post you’ll find on the essentials shopping list {and I’m betting you’ve got most of ’em, or something you could easily work with, in your closet already}. 

I wore this look for a meeting with a client, to a lunch date, to the library, and a park play date with my bug. It was perfect for a chic casual style, but it can dress up with a few quick changes: which I include in styling tips when you are part of the StyleME program.
  You can find all the nitty gritty deets about StyleME here, but basically if you’re new around here, it’s a comprehensive month-long style program in which you receive a shopping list of essential pieces that work for the season at hand, but will carry over and fit into every season, a link to purchase if your closet is lacking or you don’t have a favorite store or boutique to buy from, a weekly style board with a checklist of the items needed for that week, style tips to putting the looks together, and notes explaining why the looks work for virtually everyone. And you can continue mixing and matching all the pieces from this season’s list {and other season’s if you’ve participated or would like to purchase as well} for the entire summer and beyond!
When I say ‘essentials,’ I mean items that are timeless, classic, work for all seasons {along with some trendy pieces for fashion fun} and can work for nearly every gal. It’s an opportunity to have your own personal stylist at an affordable price. Style only the looks you love, step out of your comfort zone and try something new, and/or get new inspo for pieces you’ve run out of style ideas for.
If you’re a StyleIT Insider and receive Haven Street’s email newsletter, you’ve received super secret information about this season’s StyleME session… Psst: it’s not too late to sign up as a StyleIt gal and get that secret info, but hurry because it only lasts until midnight the 30th and then it self destructs ;P.

Wear 3 Ways

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Hey loves! I’m always talkin’ about how you should find different ways to maximize pieces within your closet {and I’m guilty of wearing out favorite pieces}, so I thought I’d share some styling tips on just how you can stretch pieces.
I love this dress because it’s so comfy, and though you wouldn’t necessarily think of dressing up thermal {or cotton dresses for that matter}, you totally can!
Keeping it varying degrees of casual, I really only changed out the accessories, yet these looks work for a business casual setting, a relaxed date night/girls night out, and super sporty for running errands!
Sporty– dress down with a sneaker and a fashion backpack. Keep the look clean and fresh, but do make sure your sneakers are in good condition so you don’t look schleppy. 
Date night– with summer on the cusp, pair with a great wedge sandal. Add a few jewels to take it up a notch, still keeping it easy and laid back. 
military jacket {old, similar} //clutch via // similar wedges
Business casual- for my busy schedule, this is perfect for an on-the-go stylist. Pair with a fancy flat and add something of interest {great piece of jewelry, or in my case a fringe clutch and studded flats}.
flats via // denim jacket

Travel Style

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tank {old, similar} // pant via {similar} // jacket // slip-ons // backpack

Traveling as much as I do, I’ve come up with an almost no fuss style that keeps me feeling chic without sacrificing comfort.

I’m always amazed at the ‘style’ I see in airports and it’s so simple to be comfortable without looking like you just rolled out of bed!
Style Note: Here’s a few of my secrets for traveling in style.
1. A soft slack to keep it chic yet comfy.
2. Go for layers.
3. I always find flats are super easy for getting through security, or if packing light, opt for your heaviest shoes.
4. A chic backpack is superb for carry-on’s and roomy enough for your laptop.

As long as we’re talking travel, are you planning your summer trips?

I’d love to help you further with your summer travel style by offering you my tips and a vacation packing list, so to find out how to receive them be sure to get on the IT list! Sign up in the pop up window, on the side bar or by using the StyleIT tab up top. 
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Mother’s Day Style

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jacket // cropped tank // shorts old {similar here} // clutch via // gladiators

My girl was actually with her grammy the night before, so I slept in a little and woke up to a game of chess with the hubs and coffee. When Amélia did come home, they brought me tea and a card {she wrote her name in it entirely by herself!} Though she learned chess pieces and moves before being able to write her name, I’m proud to say she can write her name now all. by. herself. We spent the rest of the morning relaxing. Pure heaven.
Our afternoon was spent with my mom and mother-in-law bbq-ing. Since our weather has been crazy: hot to cold to hot again and back to cold, I chose these Anthro shorts and opted for a bleached denim jacket. Sunday was beautiful… not too hot, so I went with a chic casual style. A even got to swim a little!

Denim on Denim

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Hello, loves. It’s been a few hectic, but amazing weeks and I can’t wait to share a bit of exciting news with y’all. But for now, this is one of my favorite denim on denim looks and a fantastic summer outfit {and literally a tank I’ve been livin’ in!}  It’s perfect for my busy schedule: a day filled with everything from meetings and styling to a weekend of fun with my fam.
I love the twist, with a bleached out denim jacket and white denim cutoffs as a play on the typical denim on denim style {which we usually see in blue washes just shades apart}.
Style Note: Add a feminine flare and interest with details: an asymmetrical cut or a cutout tank is fab this season. You can still be modest without revealing too much with strategic cutouts. This tank, with it’s tangerine color is also perfect for summer and will look great on blondes with lighter skin tones or darker complexioned gals.

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The IT Color of Summer

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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.