Some Favorite Basics


striped tee {h&m; similar} // paige skinnies // bag // belt // zara shoes {similar} // earrings {old, similar} // bracelets c/o {similar, similar}

Hey loves, last week was busy and Tuesday was a day brimming to the top with activity… some morning styling, afternoon errands, and a park date before dinner. So that means piecing together a look that’ll carry me through the day + a hairstyle that’s no fuss {but we’ll get to that later}.
My favorite outfits are a combination of basic pieces that are easy to pull together, easy to wear, and can be polished off with a few accessories or interest pieces… but you already knew that! 😉
Most of my basics are pieces that wear from season to season and outfit to outfit! They’re classic, play well with one of my favorite ways to dress: print mixing, and are staples in my wardrobe.
As for that hairstyle… I tried out a completely different look {see the tutorial here}… this is definitely not my typical hairstyle and a big step out of my box, but something different… and a bit fun. I’m a firm believer in stepping out of the box every once and a while, having a little fun, and giving new things a whirl.
What do ya say, try something completely different or stay within your comfort zone? 



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.

Printed Shorts for Unexpected Style

printed short // jun & ivy swiss dot blouse {similar} // zara heels {similar} // dolce vita sandals // chevron pendant necklace // cuff {similar here & here} 
This is the last of the NYC summer trip outfit posts. I’m seriously behind on posting them, but since it’s still hot I wanted to share some of my go-to summer shorts styles.
I love everything about these shorts: the cool, flowy fabric, the gorgeous jewel tones, and the pattern. The great thing about the right type of shorts is their versatility… I wore them during the day paired with a flat sandal for a fun outing to American Girl, but they transitioned perfectly for an evening to dinner with a striking colored heel.
I received so many compliments on this outfit. I think the freshness of a perfect summer printed short is unexpected for evening wear that it gives you unique style.
Tune in Monday for some tips via video on dressing up your shorts.

Printed Shorts for Unexpected Style

printed short // jun & ivy swiss dot blouse {similar} // zara heels {similar} // dolce vita sandals // chevron pendant necklace // cuff {similar here & here} 
This is the last of the NYC summer trip outfit posts. I’m seriously behind on posting them, but since it’s still hot I wanted to share some of my go-to summer shorts styles.
I love everything about these shorts: the cool, flowy fabric, the gorgeous jewel tones, and the pattern. The great thing about the right type of shorts is their versatility… I wore them during the day paired with a flat sandal for a fun outing to American Girl, but they transitioned perfectly for an evening to dinner with a striking colored heel.
I received so many compliments on this outfit. I think the freshness of a perfect summer printed short is unexpected for evening wear that it gives you unique style.
Tune in Monday for some tips via video on dressing up your shorts.

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44297283&size=Small&width=7&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Sunday Best




f21 dress {similar; see more ways to style this in my spring style video} // hammered cuff easy {splurge, save} // aldo clutch // zara heels // essie nails in tart deco

Clearly, today is Friday. Last week was so busy and it seems I did a ton of dressing for work and events, so excuse me for playing catch up with my posts.
I mentioned in my last few posts this amazing new shop I’ve fallen in love with, and hinted at some of the collabs coming up. Of course, I can’t wait to share those. For now, last Sunday, Shop hosted such a fun event requiring me to put on my Sunday best for a morning of brunching, mingling, and shopping… What a perfect Sunday!

http://widget.shopstyle.com/widget?pid=uid1601-13325449-37&faveList=44174849&size=Small&width=6&height=1&layouttype=0&border=0&footer=0

Sunday Best




f21 dress {similar; see more ways to style this in my spring style video} // hammered cuff easy {splurge, save} // aldo clutch // zara heels // essie nails in tart deco

Clearly, today is Friday. Last week was so busy and it seems I did a ton of dressing for work and events, so excuse me for playing catch up with my posts.
I mentioned in my last few posts this amazing new shop I’ve fallen in love with, and hinted at some of the collabs coming up. Of course, I can’t wait to share those. For now, last Sunday, Shop hosted such a fun event requiring me to put on my Sunday best for a morning of brunching, mingling, and shopping… What a perfect Sunday!

Mother’s Day

I hope all you amazing ladies had a wonderful weekend and were celebrated for taking on one of, if not thee toughest jobs ever!
Our weekend was filled with friends and family and lots of fun with my bug… the one who made me a momma.
I have to give a shout out to my mom… one of the strongest people I know. And of course every momma who gives of them self until it seems there is nothing left and yet still finds more, loving unconditionally, nurturing faithfully, sleeping less, and pushing on when the going gets tough… Here’s to all you fabulous women! I wish you all a fantastic Monday…

Mother’s Day

I hope all you amazing ladies had a wonderful weekend and were celebrated for taking on one of, if not thee toughest jobs ever!
Our weekend was filled with friends and family and lots of fun with my bug… the one who made me a momma.
I have to give a shout out to my mom… one of the strongest people I know. And of course every momma who gives of them self until it seems there is nothing left and yet still finds more, loving unconditionally, nurturing faithfully, sleeping less, and pushing on when the going gets tough… Here’s to all you fabulous women! I wish you all a fantastic Monday…
zara tank // siwy skinnies // steve madden flats // fossil watch // necklace from a Soho boutique {similar, love this} // origami owl necklace // j. crew bangles // asos rings

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

NY to LA

Tomorrow is the hubs birthday and Disneyland and we kicked off birthday week with a dinner last night, so here’s what I wore!
Also for those who follow my Instagram, you may know that last week I did a juice detox. After our return from NYC, I decided a little detox was in order. 
So… Wednesday morning I began detoxing! I know, it’s usually better or easier to kick start big changes on a Monday, but we got back from NYC that day and I had to restock my fridge Tuesday, so Wednesday it was!
By Friday, I was feeling like a million bucks! Excited for the weekend, and back on track with healthy eating I also decided I needed another change! Though I wasn’t aiming for going quite this dark, I’m now a very, very dark brunette… The color was supposed to be a dark brown which I’ve done myself forever, but I chose a different brand and well, let’s just say I’m embracing it for now.





madewell tee {not online, purchased in Soho shop; love this} // citizens of humanity skinnies // arrow necklace {found in a Soho boutique; love this} // scotch and soda clutch // zara ankle strap flats

NY to LA

Tomorrow is the hubs birthday and Disneyland and we kicked off birthday week with a dinner last night, so here’s what I wore!
Also for those who follow my Instagram, you may know that last week I did a juice detox. After our return from NYC, I decided a little detox was in order. 
So… Wednesday morning I began detoxing! I know, it’s usually better or easier to kick start big changes on a Monday, but we got back from NYC that day and I had to restock my fridge Tuesday, so Wednesday it was!
By Friday, I was feeling like a million bucks! Excited for the weekend, and back on track with healthy eating I also decided I needed another change! Though I wasn’t aiming for going quite this dark, I’m now a very, very dark brunette… The color was supposed to be a dark brown which I’ve done myself forever, but I chose a different brand and well, let’s just say I’m embracing it for now.





madewell tee {not online, purchased in Soho shop; love this} // citizens of humanity skinnies // arrow necklace {found in a Soho boutique; love this} // scotch and soda clutch // zara ankle strap flats