Some great deals and steals for cooler weather

1. Club Monaco tie-back sweater (great to layer over collared shirts)

2. Loft Plaid Cuffed Pants 

3. Gap Loafers (Bought these-super comfy) use code on homepage

4. Madewell long sleeve tee use code for extra discount

5. Urban Outfitters Sweater Vest

I'm Back!!!! (or trying to be)

After a two year hiatus from this hobby of mine, I am attempting to get back into posting! Since my two kiddos are no longer infants, I figured now was as good as ever to start putting some online finds out there. Once again, I must use a disclaimer to announce that I am by no means a self-proclaimed fashionista. I simply enjoy shopping and finding things that I think would look nice for my friends (and myself) under $200. Here are five top fall finds!

1. DV over the knee suede boot at TJMaxx online

2. Gold Tassel Pendant from BaubleBar

3. AEO Hi-Rise Legging

4. JCrew Factory Leather Tee

5. Zara Jumpsuit

Target hits the spot

Sign on early tomorrow morning to get these deals! Great gifts from the Neiman Marcus/Target/Designer collection!  Click here to preview the items!


Target/Neiman

Holiday Parties

Some more options for the xmas party at work, friends gathering, or the actual festivity itself....

1.  Gold Skirt
2.  Flattering Dress
3.  Sequin Pants
4.  Conservative Skirt
5.  Sexy Dress
6.  Skirt

Gifts for Boyfriend, Husband, Brother or Brother-in-law

1. Cardigan
2. Club Monaco
3. Peacoat
4. Running Shoe
5. Brooks Brothers

Gifts for Mom, Mother-in-law, or Aunts

1. Brown Purse
2. Embellished Blazer
3. Scarf
4. Jo Malone Candle
5. KTM Jacket for the athletic type
6. Gloves
7. Sweater

Gifts for Sis, Sis in law, or Friend

The first of many posts on gifts for the holidays. Starting with the easier person to buy for..... your sister, sister-in-law, or friend.......

1. Club Monaco Metallic Sweater- I suggest the Eclipse Color
2. J Crew Factory Suede Envelope Purse
3. Pop Ring Focal Necklace
4. Nine West Shoe
5. Tote
6. Laura Mercier
7. Purse - my favorite

With all the colored jeans/pants out there, it may be hard to decide what to pair with them on top. So, I found some "neutral" options that work well with any colored pant. I suggest a ankle/distressed boot with colored pants to make the look more casual, or a colored heel matching your top to tie the look together.

1. Chunky Sweater for a casual look
2. Neutral White Blouse that can be dressed up or down
3. Blazer to wear a black or white tank underneath which showcases the colored pant
4. Denim matches every color and would look great with colored cords:)
5. Go Basic and throw a chunky necklace or scarf with the neutral base like this one

Stealz

Best buys at super discount prices....


1. Fedora - extra 50% taken at checkout
2. Khakis - would work with ankle boots or motorcycle boots nicely
3. Collar Necklace
4. T-Shirt basic black to dress up or down
5. Dress - looks short so use opaque tights and lower heel with this one, and a boyfriend blazer

For Her....

Narciso Rodriquez for DesigNation at Kohl's is filled with great pieces that are a steal. This man knows how to dress a celeb or two, and we now have the ability to buy his pieces.  Here are my top picks....

1. Crepe Tuxedo Pants
2. Tweed Jacket
3. Tunic 
4. Foil Open-Work Sweater
5. Sequin Jacket

Way up there

These are a must-have. I've had my American Apparel high waisted leggings for a few years now. They disguise a less than perfect stomach like no other pant out there. Plus, they are affordable and when worn with a baggy shirt, no one can tell how high they go up.

American Apparel high-waist legging

Sweat it out

Ok. My workout regimen has drastically changed since I've had kids. But, weirdly, I wear more workout gear than ever! I am not a true lululemon mom but I love a great comfy outfit that can double as a  "running errand/park" "look" as well as a "oh crap I should go for a run"  "look."

1. Nike Running Capri 
2. Nike Training Jacket
3. Champion Cami- Bra - Obsessed with this bra, bought in multiple colors
4. Champion Moto-Jacket
5. Lululemon Headband
5. Lululemon Astropant -Worth the price for the use you'll get out of them
6. Adidas Adifit Tank
7. NorthFace Hoodie

LIttle Tikes

A shout out to the fashionable kiddos around town:) Now, all my friends with kids dress them nicely, so I doubt this will appeal to them. However, I know there are always gifts to be bought, or more clothes to be purchased. Here are my favorite places to find clothes for the kids. Although, to be honest, my mom plays an integral role in my kids apparel collection.


1. H and M Especially for accessories like hats for boys. I also like their pants for a toddler because they are a tad more "skinny" and don't fall off the waist when you purchase a larger length.

2. Zara This is a great place for baby girls or older girls. I don't love their boy stuff, but the girl items are the cutest!

3. Nordstrom Rack- Warrants an in-store shopping experience to find things like North Face baby coats, or Burberry items at a discount for the little ones. I suggest a fancy suburb to find one that has a good selection.

4. Gap- Everyone knows this one, but I especially like their sweaters. They are high quality and survive the washing machine

5. TJ Maxx and Marshalls- Like Ralph Lauren for kids? These two places are a gold mine for designer clothes for kids at discount. Just prepare for a selection that is inconsistent.

6.  Zulily.com  Gilt.com and Babysteals.com are all great places for pop-up internet sales on kids clothes. I especially like Gilt for Trumpette Socks which wear so nicely.

7. Jcrew cuts- now has baby and honestly you can find items that aren't that pricey or ones on sale and the quality is great.

Tinsel Town

With the holiday parties approaching, I thought I'd plan in advance and find some cute options that are versatile (meaning you can wear post egg-nog season).....

1. Forever 21
2. Urban Outfitters

3. Macys
4. Club Monaco (is now online! yippee)
5. Zara
6. Asos
7. Ann Taylor

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