How To Style: A Pop of Color

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!

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = ‘//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js’; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += ‘?cb=’ + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === ‘object’){ if(doc.readyState === ‘complete’){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, ‘script’, ‘shopsensewidget-script’); //shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225654c42b61d1dd6556c7a8b2%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid2529-25378273-21%22%2C%22size%22%3A110%2C%22columns%22%3A4%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%7D

Spring Wish List

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Hey loves! I’m head over heels in love with blush tones for spring and I absolutely think it pairs gorgeously with tans/camels.

I couldn’t help myself with the Chloé bag even if it’s not in the realm of my reality {a girl can dream, and dream big, I say!}

Happy hump day! I hope you’re making it through the week with fun plans for ‘love’ day this weekend.

Style Note: Soft neutrals are feminine and perfect for spring. By adding a satchel, your look is relaxed, and a structured coat is not only good form {think refined}, but also great for function in these still cool days. 

…and a few more lust-worthy pieces

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid2529-25378273-21&faveList=44536695&width=4&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Ps… in the spirit of spring I’ll be bringing back my seasonal style series. You can follow the tab STYLE ME SESSIONS tab in the nav bar above or click here to find out more.

2014 Outfit Recap: Year in Review

There were so many outfits of 2014!

What’s your fave?

Fall Faux Fur

faux fur vest // tee // skinnies {SALE} // booties c/o {similar} // necklace {similar SAVE, love this}

You guys! I’m super excited about our MUCH cooler weather…

Back in town and with the hubs off for the holiday, we enjoyed a family outing with a fun lunch and a visit with the hubs’ nana. Last minute, my mother-in-law asked to have A for the night, so we even got a date night out of the holiday! I have to take a moment to thank our amazing veterans {and those still serving}. Though I personally believe we can do a lot more for our vets, and a simple thank you isn’t always enough, it is with my greatest appreciation that I thank you for your service and sacrifice.
I’ve been waiting to break out some faux fur, and the weather is finally cooperating! In the high 60s it’s not quite too cool, so I opted for a light weight tee and kept the look casual chic with a pair of my favorite booties.

Style note: the greatest thing about faux fur is it’s ability to dress up or down. To liven up the look, but still stay a bit casual with distressed denim, pair a dressier blouse or even plaid button up. Take the look up another notch by adding a heel.
http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44430967&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Linked up with What I Wore Wednesday,  Style Sessions, More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express for Monday Mingle, and Fashion Friday.

Thanksgiving in Style

outfit 1: jacket // blanket scarf // chambray button up {SALE!} // skinnies {SALE!} // booties
outfit 2: tassel necklace // button down {SALE!} // vest // tall boots // plaid skater skirt {similar longer version here}
outfit 3: statement necklace // fur vest {SALE!} // buffalo check button up // skirt // heel {SALE!}

I’ve been e-styling clients lately for Thanksgiving and fall family photo shoots, and am thinking about my own holiday attire, so I thought it would be fun to share a few outfit ideas that would be great for your Thanksgiving day style…

If you participated in the fall e-style program you should have some of these items on hand!

Style note: Play with fall colors {burgundy, deep blues, greens, reds…} and dress up with a full skirt and a little bling in your accessories, or dress down with super style by adding a trendy blanket scarf, faux fur, or statement necklace to comfy jeans. Keep comfort in mind by opting for a kitten heel, flat, or cozy boot.

Also, if you’re looking for the LeTote Giveaway winner, congratulations to Chrissie W! I will be contacting you soon with further details to claim your 3 month free subscription. Thank you to everyone who followed and participated.


Linked up with Style Elixir for Friday’s Fab Favorites.

Fairies Wear…

…bad a** Chuck Taylors… and Hello Kitty skirts with tutus!

hello kitty dress {similar} // wings // chucks // mona michelle tutu {under her dress}

I’m not really sure she was going for a fairy look when she dressed herself in her favorite Hello Kitty dress, added a tutu underneath, and kicked on her Chucks, but as we headed out to the park she told me she needed her wings. Whatever! This girl’s got style!

It’s always a blast with my little love. Her imagination is incredible, and I may be a little biased, but she’s smart, beautiful, and funny. I love spending my days with her, and she is such a little fashionista. She’s definitely got her own sense of style, and really… how can I argue?

I wasn’t able to find the tutu she wore under her dress like a petticoat, but I searched and found one on ebay for a killer steal.

And I know they say fairies wear boots, but I’m taking a lesson from this girl and dancing to the beat of my own drum… or dressing to the beat of my heart!

Hope your week is footloose and fancy free…

12 Hour Style

lace top c/o charming charlies {similar} // paige denim // bag c/o justfab {splurge, save} // zara ankle strap flats {DEEPLY discounted in black, extremely similar in cream here}

Every day for me is different, and I love that variety and flexibility. When it comes to style though, it has to be just as flexible; whether I’m styling on set, running a style session with a client, working at home, or doting on my toddler. I don’t usually have to get out the door until 9am, but my day doesn’t end until about 9pm either. 

My style has to be functional and because I’m always representing my brand {me!; Fashionably, Melissa}, I feel like I need to be put together whenever I leave the house. But, like I said, functional often means running a toddler to dance or swim or play dates, maybe a lunch date, an afternoon styling sesh, possibly a dinner date, and even a dentist appointment… sometimes all in the same day!

When I choose my fashion, I always make sure it’s versatile. I know I’ve preached about finding pieces that you can imagine 2/3 different ways, and that’s so important to me! Pieces have to go from casual for my personal, mom style to dressy, fashion-forward work appropriate. This outfit is just that.

Wednesday Wish List

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

It’s that time again… Wednesday Wish List. How does the time fly?

Anyhow, I’ve been doing some e-styling, so it inspired me to style up an outfit for today’s wish list.
I can’t tell you all how much I’m dreaming of cooler temps, and I thought I’d put together a fancy playful look. How great would this floor-length skirt look with this eiffel tower print blouse tied in front for a more relaxed feel? And that necklace? I think it gives it a bit of Audrey Hepburn chic! And if you can’t afford Valentino’s, these pumps are a great steal.
Any pieces you’ve been admiring lately?

Wedding Style

my outfit deets:

ralph lauren dress via nordstrom {similar} // floral heels c/o reflections {similar} // earrings {splurge, save} // cuff c/o angl {splurge, save}

Amélia’s outfit deets: {she’ll be on the blog Tuesday!}

jessica ann dress {similar} // sandals {similar}

Well, it’s been real. 

A little over a month ago my grandmother {on my mom’s side} passed away, and exactly 1 month later my mom’s brother passed. 

This past weekend we attended our dear friends wedding, a beautiful ceremony for two people we love dearly. 

So I feel like I’ve been living in this roller coaster of emotions… happy, sad.

I chose a brightly colored dress for the wedding for a couple of reasons… 1) it’s still so ridiculously hot in California. I couldn’t even escape it up north, so summer colors for the win! and 2) I don’t usually do this color, so it was such a welcomed change. 

Friday’s service for my uncle really had me thinking. I’d just seen him at my grandmother’s service and later that afternoon shared a lovely meal with him. Then, gone. I was thinking back and the last thing I remember was squeezing him tightly and telling him I loved him. I am so glad because sometimes I know we all get busy, hectic schedules, kids, family, lives… and I know I take for granted the next time will come around…

Please hug those you love every chance you get. 

Excuse me if I’m feeling like the ratio of happy to sad is a bit out of balance. Life is really put into perspective sometimes… I cherish all the memories these days. 

Hope your weekend has been full! xoxo

Style Video: Dressing Shorts for an Evening Out

Friday, I shared a look from NYC that I took from day to evening. I think shorts often get overlooked when dressing up for an evening, but with a few simple tips, you can create a fresh, unexpected style. And it’s definitely great for dressing up on warm summer nights!

Linked up with On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me for Manic Monday and Monday Mingle.