Pre/Post/ or just Preggo

To my post-baby and currently preggo friends.... this is for you. To my friends without kids that just want to hide tummy problems (I mean, who doesn't?) this post also applies to you as well. There are a lot of options that can hide tummy bulge, or fit a growing belly, that are not "maternity." I think I bought one "maternity" labeled item during both my pregnancies because there are more options than ever to help disguise the stomach.


1. Nordstrom- Vince Tunic
2. BCBG Sarrah Tunic
3. Cashmere Sweater- H and M
4. Anthropologie
5. Target Sweater Dress- Worn as a shirt/sweater with tight leggings
6. Zara
7. Racer back tank to layer with

High Life

Definitely a shout out needed to the high-waisted skinny jean that helps the waist look slim and trim and are completely affordable. I would be lost without these jeans as they act as built in spanx and are so comfortable. The cropped version is great to tuck into boots and transition into warmer weather..... keep in mind these jeans stretch with wear, so buy a size down to squeeze into and they will stretch nicely to comfort after a wear or two. Also, the black pair does fade with washing, so wash inside out with cold water.

BDG Urban Outfitters hi-rise jeans

Wrap it up

Forgive any posts that are repeated from years past, but certain things never seem to go out of style. Today I actually discussed scarves with a Doctor for 30 minutes (probably not something my manager would be keen on) and how they can really add to a blah outfit. A punch of color can help us dreary dressers (black/grey/brown) look a tad less dismal.


1. JCREW
2. Francescas
3. BCBG
4. American Apparel
5. Cusp

Fall Back

WOW! It has been almost a year since my last post! Obviously becoming a mom again to baby #2 has led to a true lapse in blogging! And, to be completely truthful, my eye for fashion has taken a backseat to a growing and deflating belly and keeping my kids looking decent the last two years. However, since my passion for finding cute clothing items has not decreased, I am vowing to consistently update "Melis on Life." Even if no one cares what I think or what I think is cute (I find it easier to choose items vs. dress myself nicely), it's fun for me! So....... here we go:) Fall is in full swing and temps are dropping, therefore these are some staples I think should be purchased and can be easily accessorized with pieces you probably already possess.

 1.  Fall coat
 2. Skinny Pants
 3. Distressed Boots
 4. Chunky Sweater
 5. Layering top for under anything or by itself

Wednesday Wear

Thought I would add some fun finds for the colder weather headed our way....plus some online shopping is fun when your are stuck indoors!

1. Red Shorts I thought these would be perfect with black opaque tights and a black loose sweater for a holiday party....pair with slouchy black boots and some bling and you are set.

2. Flat boots So cute and comfy to wear with patterned socks and skinny jeans, a motorcycle jacket and big scarf.

3. Oversized T-shirt An easy addition to faux leather leggings or tight jeans. Make sure to pair with something really fitted on the bottom.

4. Skinny sparkle belt Such an easy add to an "all-black" outfit or to a black dress for a punch.

5. Grey Coat Such a versatile coat that will look slimming on any figure

GAP

Emma alerted me to the big GAP sale so I went online and found some favorite deals....

1. High-rise jeans

2. Bomber Jacket

3. Cardigan

4. Sweater/Jacket

5. Trendy Pants

NYC hit list

Shopping with my friends Bracken and Shaedyn this weekend in NYC was a blast....except for the fact that I didn't buy the things I had set out to find. I had prepared a list ahead of time of things that I really wanted to purchase. Here is the original list and where I can now find these things online:)

1. Pleather Leggings These I actually did see in NYC and purchased here in Chicago after trying them on for size

2. Lace-up Wedge boots

3. Statement Necklace

4. Red Dress

Zara fabulous dresser.....

Zara online shopping has launched!!!!! I am so excited despite having a flagship here in Chicago....here are my top picks to snag!


1. Double-breasted coat

2. Blazer with shiny lapel

3. Dress with flared skirt

4. Skinny Trousers

5. Blouse with pocket

6. Crochet Top

7. low-wedge

Super Savings.....

Ok... There are some amazing end of summer deals out there that are important to scoop up!

1. Frye Sneaker

2. Pencil Pant- Surprisingly good fit

3. Infinity Scarf- a great fall to winter accessory

4. Cocktail Dress- Tried this on in store and is super cute on

5. Nude Platform Pumps

6. Grazer jeans I literally own four pairs of these jeans and get the shorter cut in order to easily tuck into tall boots for fall/winter and then wear with pumps and sandals for spring/summer. I would go one size down b/c they stretch big time upon use

Wish List

Sorry again for the huge gaps in posts......but wanted to put out a quick update on what to pick up for fall.... here are a few ideas.

1. High-waisted skinny cord

2. Military Jacket (sweater)


3. Suede Wedge

4. Motorcycle Boot

5. Skinny Riding Pants

6. Kimono Maxi Dress

7. Nude Blazer

8. Skinny Belt

9. Suede Clog

10. Tunic

Summer Must Haves

1. Maxi Dress: This summer the maxi dress can be worn with flat strappy sandals and a bunch of chunky jewelry as a casual day option or street fest at night.

2. Bathing Suit: An easy, figure flattering bikini that is a fun pattern and fits most body types.

3. Formal Dress: For all of you that have weddings or charity events this summer....

4. The Wedge Sandal: A summer staple that goes with all dressy outfits.

5. Summer tote: For beach/Pool or running errands it helps to have a colorful and easy tote to throw stuff in.

Clear Cover

After a lovely party at Benefit today hosted by Jen Warren, I learned some great products exist to help cover under eye-circles and blemishes that I had yet to try out. I left the store feeling like I had the appearance of a few more hours of sleep and wanted to pass along the treats....


1. Erase Paste in Medium

2. Mix Erase Paste with Ooh la Lift with is housed in this concealer kit

3. Dallas Blush/Bronzer/Highlighting Powder

4. Life on the A list Gloss

Hey that Sun is Bright

Wishful Spring thinking has led me to contemplate buying new sunglasses for the upcoming sunny (again, wishful thinking) weather. Here are some styles that are looking bright for the season! All under $150......
1. Marc by Marc Jacobs

2. BCBG

3. DVF

4. Michael Kors

5. Ray Ban

Spring Awakening

Since I now realize that I will be doing far less posts than before due to lack of free time with the little guy, I am going to try to get some mega-posts out there. Despite the freezing temperatures, now is the time to start shopping for spring fashion. I always prefer starting with a few staples and fun accessories and mixing in with what I already have in my wardrobe. Here goes.....

Jeans/pants:
I have posted about these a few times but they are so great to carry you into spring b/c the length goes great with flats or platforms and they almost work like leggings under longer flowy tunic style shirts
BDG Jeans
Skinny Cargo Khackis

Shorts:
Jean shorts are still in this year and are particularly cute with bright cardigans/mens shirts and skinny belts as if they are full length pants
J Crew Denim Shorts

Jackets:
Military style is still in:
Gap
Or a white trench
AE Outfitters
Another staple piece that will last for years:
Topshop
BCBG

Tops:
Nautical is in this spring and this would look great with skinny jeans
White House Black Market
Easy Flowy Tunic Top
Another Nautical Selection
Racerback Tank
This shirt does require a tan.... and a not for daytime Urban Outfitters
Fun Floral Cardigan

Dresses:
Nude hues are in and I know that you are probably thinking that you need a dark tan to pull it off.....not true. Just throw on some darker shoes and a great bright or darker jacket or cardigan and it will look fantastic.
BCBG generation
Belted Floral Dress Pair this with tall suede slouchy boots, a belt and blazer and you will look hip and stylish
Flattering Dress for both day/night

Bags, Shoes, and accessories:
Perfect spring going out and about bag:
BCBG
Skinny belt
Headband
Perfect Shoe

On the Go

I've been asked for a couple ideas of things to wear while running errands, etc. that are stylish yet practical. Here are a few ideas that allow for the work-out gear to stay in the drawer while out and about....

1. Military-style pants This style of pant is casual, yet trendy. Paired with tall boots, flats, or even rain boots.... they look great. On top, you can throw on a plaid button-up, a cute hoodie, or a long-sleeved tee with a scarf.

2. Sweater Dress A sweater dress is functional and comfortable. Throw it over opaque tights and riding boots and you are easily dressed for a day of running around and looking stylish.

3. Black Denim Legging With the comfort of leggings, this pair of pants gives the illusion of a dark pair of skinny jeans. I'd pair with a longer cardigan or loose top that covers the waistband as to preserve the illusion of real jeans.

4. Striped cardi-jacket- I have this already and wear it with jeans and boots. It is super soft and easy to throw over a t-shirt.

Mens Play

To help with the shopping choices for the man in your life, here are some coat options... all under $200





1. Casual Coat

2. Sporty

3. A little Dressier

4. For the Rain

5. Pea Coat

6. Overcoat for fancier dress

Watchful Eye

Some watch ideas for the gents in your life and gifts that are needed...... all under $200 (Jeremy was very useful in this segment due to his love of watches)

1. Swiss Army

2. Timex and buy a few bands to interchange

3. Michael Kors

4. Lucien Piccard

5. Nixon

under $100 and counting

Have someone that you can spend a little more on? Well here are some great finds under $100

1. Laptop Case

2. Ruffled Heel

3. Blazer

4. Ring

5. Dress

Tis the Season

To keep the holiday gift ideas coming I upped the price cap from $20 to $50 dollars....

1. Necklace

2. Ruffle Top

3. Leather pumps

4. T-shirt

5. Cosmetics Case

Let's get this party started

A first post of many on holiday gift ideas..... This one will include $20 items that could serve as grab-bag ideas or gifts for your girls holiday dinner....Happy shopping season!








1. Essie Polish

2. Stila Lip Gloss

3. Floral Slippers

4. Charm Necklace

5. Mittens