Summer Lusting

schutz sandal // blush macrame top // steve madden gladiator // black denim cutoffs // green macrame flare dress // culotte jumpsuit // free people gauze flare dress // free people wrap sandal // black macrame dress // joie lace up sandal

With all this heat, it’s hard for me to fight the desire to just throw any ‘ol thing on.

These pieces are the definition of style AND comfort… who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too!

Not to mention, black and white is always classic, so you’ll be able to pull these pieces out and utilize from season to season with some creative styling. The pops of blush, olive and red are fun and can rev up any wardrobe and look great on virtually anyone!

Style Note: Strategic cutouts are hawt for summer, but it you’re opting for some coverage without it all hanging out, macramé isn’t just for your grandmother. It’s as sexy as lace, but dresses down easily.

10 Best Undergarments for Tricky Summer Wear

Summer is synonymous with skin, skin, and more skin! But what do you wear underneath those sexy cutouts, plunging necklines, tees, sheer fabrics and backless styles?

I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve had that are frustrated when it comes to choosing that trendy jumpsuit with the plunging neckline or the wrap dress with barely-there boob coverage, and how quickly they shy away until I share my undergarment secrets.

I’ve compiled my list of the top 10 best undergarments and I’m sharing with you how to keep covered and supported without having to forego those fashion-forward styles. {I have a few more up my sleeve, and will be sending them out with more details and tips in the next newsletter FYI, so you may want to sign up quickly ;)}

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

First up is the seamless panty. It’s a serious game-changer. It works under every style and comes in thong, boy-short, or brief styles. You’ll definitely want to snag several in neutrals, and a great nude is important for those more sheer fabrics.

Shaping underwear is a must for just the right amount of extra smoothing. Opt for one with compression technology, but not overly fitted. You want smooth, not bulge. 

 Ok, ladies… tap shorts, anyone? If you’re wearing mini dresses or flared styles, go getchya some! What exactly are tap shorts, you ask? They’re a type of lingerie, often called a dance short, sometimes with side-slits and they’re essential for keeping you’re nether regions covered.

A nude t-shirt bra is the basic tee of a bras! You’ll live in them, so buy at least 3 to rotate through to extend their life. 

A J-Hook bra is a bra with a handy-dandy little hook on the back that converts your bra to racerback in a snap… erm, a hook! 

As long as we’re talking convertibles… these bras go from crisscross back, one-shoulder, halter, and strapless. It’s the all-in-one you should have on hand.

Self-adhesive? Push-up? Perfect for strapless and backless summer styles? Yes, please! Need I say more? You can find them in styles like the Nubra that stick to just the front and are perfect for cutout styles, low arm cuts, and backless styles. Try a U-Plunge for plunging necklines. Even try an adhesive lift fashion form like this.

You know you’ve been eying those plunging necklines of the cutest jumpsuits or wrap dresses. Fear not about what to wear under them. Try a plunge bodysuit like this! Just as the plunging backless styles, you can snag a great plunging style that isn’t adhesive if your piece is only low cut in the front.

Wearing a ton of white? Especially for those white or sheer fabrics, opt for a cami slip like this. It’s a life saver.

The half slip, the shorter the better, is great for both midis and maxis… And go nude for versatile styles.

For more of my favorite undergarments, tips to fitting, purchasing and wearing, sign up as a Style IT Insider. The next newsletter will be covering this topic in more detail.

Style Note: hand wash your undergarments and hang dry to extend the life of them!

//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22columns%22%3A6%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22showBrand%22%3Afalse%2C%22showRetailer%22%3Afalse%2C%22showInfo%22%3Afalse%2C%22showPrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22showSalePrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22size%22%3A100%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid2529-25378273-21%22%2C%22productIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22type%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Type%20of%20Widget%22%2C%22list%22%3A45001640%2C%22model%22%3A%22userlist%22%7D%7D

Belated Birthday

chambray via {similar here & here} // printed shorts {last summer, current here} // clutch // necklace  // similar cuff // rings here & here // gladiators {splurge; save}

Oh hey, loves! You know that bloggin’ thing I used to do? Yeah, it’s been a while, but thanks for sticking around!

It’s been a mad house over here. Super scatterbrained, I can’t even remember if I mentioned I’ve taken on a job working a few days with a celeb stylist: pulls, fittings, and returns for celebrity clients; all that jazz, and of course I’m still stylin’ at Haven Street, so that leaves little time for the blog. 

I recently had a birthday, yay me! I don’t know how I feel about it… getting older is a weird thing ;). Anyhow, it was a chill weekend. I didn’t want anything over the top, so I spent a pool day with the fam and then a casual dinner at one of my favorite spots.

So on to this outfit, shall we? Chambray is all the rage and goes perfect with a pair of summer printed shorts and a gladiator or lace up sandal {a few of my summer must-have’s on the StyleME program this season ;)}.

Style Note: Naturally, chambray has this cool feel all it’s own. Play up gorgeous gams with a lightweight cotton printed short or skirt. Balance the look with a relaxed solid top {bleached denim is hawt right now, so try out chambray for relaxed cool}. Add a gladiator or lace up for a little edge and pull the look together. This look is perfect for a low-key date night, casual dinner or even brunch. Add a bright or neon {like my clutch} for a little summer-y bold chic-ness!

It’s Friday! Any fun plans, guys?

!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%22columns%22%3A6%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22showBrand%22%3Afalse%2C%22showRetailer%22%3Afalse%2C%22showInfo%22%3Afalse%2C%22showPrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22showSalePrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22size%22%3A100%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid2529-25378273-21%22%2C%22productIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22type%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Type%20of%20Widget%22%2C%22list%22%3A44900521%2C%22model%22%3A%22userlist%22%7D%7D

The IT Color of Summer

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.

//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22columns%22%3A7%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22showBrand%22%3Afalse%2C%22showRetailer%22%3Afalse%2C%22showInfo%22%3Afalse%2C%22showPrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22showSalePrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22size%22%3A100%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid2529-25378273-21%22%2C%22productIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22type%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Type%20of%20Widget%22%2C%22list%22%3A44642183%2C%22model%22%3A%22userlist%22%7D%7D

Swimsuits to Flatter

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 : top, bottom // 7

Oh hey, is it summer yet?

At least for us so. Cal people, it’s been 80-something here. I’m sorry if you’re still experiencing poor weather, our extreme high temps in March is both a blessing and a curse. 

But since it has been so hot, I’m gearing up for an even hotter summer and starting to think new swimsuits!

As I stumble across diet posts and chat with clients and friends about getting summer body ready, I’ve been putting a list together of flattering suits for everyone. I think it’s awesome to be health conscious, exercise, and eat well, but I’m not about fads for dropping weight quick, and I’m going to get all preachy for a minute so bear with me… my styling mantra is all about loving our own bodies. It’s something I’m passionate about when working with clients and teaching them how to dress uniquely and effortlessly. So, though we should all strive to be our best version {and living a healthy lifestyle is all part of that}, it is possible to fake it till you make it with just the right suit, and without drastic weight loss measures.

I put together this style board of swimsuit choices I’m loving for summer. If you want to get more deets about which to choose for specific body types, sign up FREE as a Haven Street Insider and receive those tips direct to your email ;)! Of course, if you’re looking for just the right wardrobe for YOUR body, we can work one.on.one as well.

Style Note: styles range from stomach minimizing ruched pieces to thigh slimming styles & maximum coverage. Flatter your figure by knowing your body shape, and also think about buying separates and mixing and matching for your perfect fit.

//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22columns%22%3A4%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22showBrand%22%3Afalse%2C%22showRetailer%22%3Afalse%2C%22showInfo%22%3Afalse%2C%22showPrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22showSalePrice%22%3Afalse%2C%22size%22%3A100%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid2529-25378273-21%22%2C%22productIds%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22type%22%3A%7B%22name%22%3A%22Type%20of%20Widget%22%2C%22list%22%3A44595562%2C%22model%22%3A%22userlist%22%7D%7D

Pre-Fall Lineup

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

It’s no secret I’ve been dreaming of fall! And for me, the return of the pumpkin spice latte officially signals the season! {Had my first of many last night after a great sushi dinner with the fam.} However, in so Cal, it seems like the warmer weather lasts well into what other states around the country consider fall. Often we have spurts of cooler weather, but by the next day, temperatures can heat back up. So I put together my pre-fall looks that will work through the rest of the warmer summer days and warm spells all while drinking your pumpkin spice latte and pretending the leaves are changing! And these looks will transition easily into cooler fall temps once they arrive.
If you’re on a budget, don’t love shopping, want to invest in quality pieces
and make your dollars stretch on trends, I’ll be sharing with you my 3 secrets to building a wardrobe palette that will transition through the seasons later this week. I’ll be posting a few tips in a style video to my youtube channel, so stay tuned for that!
Happy Hump Day!

Pre-Fall Lineup

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

It’s no secret I’ve been dreaming of fall! And for me, the return of the pumpkin spice latte officially signals the season! {Had my first of many last night after a great sushi dinner with the fam.} However, in so Cal, it seems like the warmer weather lasts well into what other states around the country consider fall. Often we have spurts of cooler weather, but by the next day, temperatures can heat back up. So I put together my pre-fall looks that will work through the rest of the warmer summer days and warm spells all while drinking your pumpkin spice latte and pretending the leaves are changing! And these looks will transition easily into cooler fall temps once they arrive.
If you’re on a budget, don’t love shopping, want to invest in quality pieces
and make your dollars stretch on trends, I’ll be sharing with you my 3 secrets to building a wardrobe palette that will transition through the seasons later this week. I’ll be posting a few tips in a style video to my youtube channel, so stay tuned for that!
Happy Hump Day!

Weekend Style

french connection tee // kimono {similar; last seen here} // asos cutoffs {similar} // aldo clutch // lollipop wedges // michael kors watch // bracelets {angl leaf cuff similar here & kitsylane similar here} // lips in mac’s please me

Since Thursday, we spent our time moving A from her nursery to her new big girl room. Ah, I can’t believe she is nearly 3 1/2. It seems like yesterday we were preparing her nursery! Anywho, we painted all weekend, sanded my grandmother’s antique furniture and painted some more {room pictures coming soon!}. And then decided while we had the paint, we’d decorate a new office space. After all our work, most everything is done. There are a few more touches to add to A’s room, and now it’s just a matter of sorting through an accumulation of toys and stuffed animals to make a donation pile. 

Sunday, we scrubbed the paint off of ourselves and cleaned up to celebrate my brother-in-law’s birthday. My weekend style has been cutoffs and tees, so no change there… and honestly, this is one of my favorite summer looks! Why mess with comfort?!

Now it’s back to the grind this Monday, but before I can get to my regular cleaning, there’s this little thing of putting my house back in order. 

Have a great week!

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44330076&size=Small&width=5&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

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

Weekend Style

french connection tee // kimono {similar; last seen here} // asos cutoffs {similar} // aldo clutch // lollipop wedges // michael kors watch // bracelets {angl leaf cuff similar here & kitsylane similar here} // lips in mac’s please me

Since Thursday, we spent our time moving A from her nursery to her new big girl room. Ah, I can’t believe she is nearly 3 1/2. It seems like yesterday we were preparing her nursery! Anywho, we painted all weekend, sanded my grandmother’s antique furniture and painted some more {room pictures coming soon!}. And then decided while we had the paint, we’d decorate a new office space. After all our work, most everything is done. There are a few more touches to add to A’s room, and now it’s just a matter of sorting through an accumulation of toys and stuffed animals to make a donation pile. 

Sunday, we scrubbed the paint off of ourselves and cleaned up to celebrate my brother-in-law’s birthday. My weekend style has been cutoffs and tees, so no change there… and honestly, this is one of my favorite summer looks! Why mess with comfort?!

Now it’s back to the grind this Monday, but before I can get to my regular cleaning, there’s this little thing of putting my house back in order. 

Have a great week!

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

Summer to Fall Mix Up

american eagle jacket {very old; similar splurge, save} // graphic pullover via Nordstrom {similar} // boyfriends // heels via target {similar} // watch // bangles // rings // belt // essie polish in bikini so teeny // lips in fusion pink

Hey guys, it’s a late post, and I know I haven’t posted much lately, but thank you for sticking with me. It’s been a bit busy ’round here. Thank you for all the kind emails about my grandmother. I took some much needed time to spend with my mom and my family, and am in the process of creating Amélia’s big girl room. We even missed a vacation we were supposed to take to northern California. As much as we were looking forward to it, I’m glad I spent the time with my mom. We ended up at the lake house in Havasu and I’ll post some fun photos from our time spent there later this week.

Today, I’m dreaming of fall! After hot, hot weather in Havasu, a 16 hour power outage, and some last ditch summer tanning efforts and soaking up the sun, I’m so ready for cooler weather. The one day we experienced some drop in temps, I pretended fall was on the horizon and mixed up some summer pieces with fall attire. I’m itching to break out the sweaters and live in all my jeans, like these boyfriends! And this jacket is one of my closet staples I’m excited to pair with more fall outfits. 

Hope y’all have had a great week, happy Friday! 

Saturday’s are for hair tutorials, so head on over to my youtube channel tomorrow for some hair inspo. And be sure to subscribe as not all videos will be posted to the blog.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44328548&size=Small&width=5&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Linked up with Friday’s Fab Favorites & Fashion Friday.