Me in Melange

"There is gentleness in the city, if only your eye can catch it." -- Bill Cunningham

NYC street fashion blooms along with nature. 

En Blanc

 

Oh, SO fresh! Nothing says clean, crisp, fresh and chic like white! Here are some inspirational looks that show off the beauty of fresh white on white. Just in time for Memorial Day (come on Summer!) we are having an En Blanc Sale! Check our special section and take 40% off all things white! C'est cool mes cheries! C'est tout en blanc! xoxo DR

 

  

Look of the Day

One of our absolutely favorite things this season is the soft-structured jacket. The casual-but-refined piece that looks tailored and feels sooo comfortable! The Prairie Underground Racing Jacket in creamy Oyster is just the ticket! Lovely, light linen is like a summer breeze, and the wonderful Prairie details like artful seaming and soft raw edges give this sophisticated little piece the perfect urban edge. 

Love this beautiful jacket over a simple, striped tank like this one from Tees by Tina! A little nautical stripe looks so fresh with the creamy jacket, and for the perfectly cool finale add some sleek and skinny jeans like these cool quilted ones from Henry and Belle! 

Almost any color could be combined with the look at this point, from a floral to a bright summer hue. We choose the gorgeous Siganka Shawl scarf in Aqua! A little bit of bling would be perfect too, from simple gold hoops to a shell necklace. Super Summer Style! 

Chic at Any Age

In honor of our new shipment of Eileen Fisher that will arrive TOMORROW, I wanted to post a link to this fantastic blog I just discovered called "Chic at Any Age". A great post on how relevant Eileen's cool clothes are to every woman, of any age, and we couldn't agree more! Modern, Classic, Sophisticated, Luxurious, these adjectives describe Eileen's clothes to a T, and they look amazing on everyone! We love the way these girls are rockin' their Eileen on the runway! Other posts on this fabulous blog tackle fashion issues "Double Denim, Do or Don't?" (we say definitely DO btw), or beauty topics might be discussed like alternatives to Botox, or how to apply special event make up, etc. Check it out and stay tuned for tomorrow's AMAZING EILEEN!!! xoxo DR

Mad for Margaret O'Leary!

Oh Madge, you make us so happy! This beautiful Techno Floral Tank is just the thing this summer and spring! We love the idea of this piece over some cropped black pants or leggings, with a sweet little flat, or a kitten heel for a totally mod look, a la Audrey Hepburn, or Megan from Mad Men. Add a little bling for a look that is Classic Cool! (with a modern twist!) 

Ensemble du Jour

 

 

Oh Spring. So full of fresh beginnings, new blooms, and the promise of long, lovely days. And while we're appreciating the glory let's not forget the renewal of our wardrobes, darlings! 

This light and lovely look is ALL about luxurious ease. We need to feel relaxed and free from all those heavy winter layers. We want to feel fresh and floating -- expanding like the flowers in the sunshine and absorbing its warmth! But we want to look amazing doing it of course.

This sweet Pintuck Blouse from Margaret O'Leary is perfection. So easy, so soft, and soooo sweet it will go with a zillion other things. A tunic length looks great with jeans, leggings, crops, or tucked into a skirt. Love! 

Layer it under anything, but we love a nearly-tonal look like with this perfect Short Sleeve Lily Cardigan, also from MOL. Another ultimately-versatile piece that goes as well with denim as it does with a dress. 

Speaking of denim, we loooooove these Super Stretch Straight Jeans from Henry and Belle. The perfect stretch denim that fits like a glove, but is so comfy and holds its shape all day long. Yet another versatile piece you will love with everything, all year.

Finally, add a pop of lush color with this stunning Hand Painted Silk Scarf from Anni Kuan. Swirls of the most beautiful greens and blues just feel like a summer sea and really pull the whole look together. 

Oh, Spring. We love you so. xoxoxo 

An Exquisite Eye

Here is a visual treat for all you fashion-lovers out there. A beautiful collection of couture work from one of London's top designers, Mathew Williamson. Get inspired! Express yourself! 

The Wanderer

 

Oh we are so crazy for the Siganka collection that just floated in on a spring breeze! Their beautiful, light, and 100% cool crinkle cotton just takes us away on a cloud! We are definitely going to work a few of these beauties into our wardrobe right now just to set the tone for the summery days ahead!

These are the easy, casual, feminine tops and tunics, scarves and dresses that we love to kick around in everywhere from our own home to a Paris vacation! So easy to pack, this cotton just balls up and unfolds perfectly. Ready to wear, or should I say 'prete-a-porter'? J'adore!  

Hello Hippie Feet

I was born in 1971.  This means (no quick math needed), I'm 43, AND this also means, I'm a child that lived thru the 70's... in Eugene, Oregon no less.   For those of you not in the know, Eugene historical has been a safe haven for every card carrying hippy that ever lived north of Berkley.  My parents included.  So I'm no stranger to the Birkenstock. No stranger at all.  It usually goes hand in hand with patchouli and a personal ban against coloring grey hairs and anything stronger than natural crystal deodorant.

Historically they have made me cringe.  Everything about them, the first of which was, my PARENTS wore them.  Then there was the sheer hideousness of them.  Wide, snow-shoe-esq-practical-orthopedic-ish...they are like Jimmy Choo's mortal enemy.

However, I almost loath to say it, they are growing on me, now I think they might just be "ugly cute" (vs. just ugly) and worthy of some more serious consideration.   The fact that you can get them in patent red, and baby pink makes it more fun.  Hippies don't wear baby pink, do they??   I've pointed out in the pic, two examples of the Birkie being used with perfectly cute outfits.  LOVE Velvet...LOVE Prairie.  They wouldn't lead us astray in modeling shoots would they??   So it's official, I haven't taken the plunge yet, but I'm awfully close, me and the Birkenstock might mend our long time disdain (one sided of course).  Never say never, note to self. :-).   

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Bring on the Spring!

Oh hooray, the air is freshening and the green shoots are showing their heads, we feel spring in the air, even though it's only January! And nature isn't the only lady getting ready to shine, we are seeing all kinds of colorful fashion bloom in fresh silhouettes and beautiful color! 

Who isn't inspired by color? And Spring is one of the best times to be inspired. I was inspired by all of these looks because of their lightness, their pop of color and style, and their beautiful, seasonal ease.

One of my favorite colors this spring is coral.  What a lovely hue! An elegant classic in its own right coral also looks great with classic neutrals like grey, navy and white. Navy is another spring crush, and though not a new crush, we are seeing some wonderful navy classics reinvented that really take our breath away! 

Mint is also a very popular color this year, as is taupe, grey, and yellow. All of these colors mix and match fairly well, and evoke a modern-but-vintage kind of feel. A post-modern Modern, I suppose! :) In any case they are sophisticated, but easy. Light, but with a strong statement. 

Don't forget the delicious luxury of spring fabric! Luxury linens, cool cottons, and sumptuous light knits in cashmere and merino feel all the better when they POP in spring color! We are so excited about the colorful spring sweaters and tunics we just got in from Prairie Underground, and can't wait to see what's next! Stay tuned for new arrivals, and bring on the Spring!

xoxoxo DR

 

Crazy for Velvet!

So excited, so excited! Brand new Velvet is on its way and it's a gorgeous shipment of fresh and flattering pieces that will take us right through spring. I personally cannot get enough of Velvet's amazing clothes, year after year. Their genius is to take everyday staple pieces and make them EXTRA COOL. Their attention to fabric and fit is legend around the globe, and their reinvention of must-have staples is always fresh and modern! There are so many good things in this collection, but I know for sure I'm taking home the lovely Alara dress! Check out the back! LOVE. It's just one of those easy, everyday, comfortable, adorable, versatile looks Velvet is famous for! Stay tuned for new Velvet arrivals on Wednesday and check out our new Spring Preview page to see what other lovely things are on their way!!! 

2015 Spring Trend Alert: Pants with Skirts (and Dresses)

Oooh la la, sooo loving a new trend I see in the 2015 Resort collections! The "pants with skirts" look, which is also shown as a "harem pant/skirt" style. A soft, chic silhouette that evokes an modern exotic vibe. The look comes in different versions, some are a legging and knee-length skirt which is extremely versatile and wearable, some come in a longer hem length and slightly more voluminous leg, and some are a have a full volume leg that is nipped in with a banded ankle. It is a comfortable look that is still polished and sophisticated, and almost universally flattering! Here are some of my personal favorites from this season's Chanel runway. Love the mix of prints and fabrics, florals and color. Ahhhhhh, spring is in the air. 

 

Favorite Things

This year I have a special crush on combo-gifts. I love the idea of giving someone a treasure that is sure to please, sure to fit, and has a little go-along gift with it, just to add extra fun and fashionable function to the gift as a whole. It is so fun to watch your loved one open a gift to find an extra add-on inside. The delighted noises they make will delight you too! 

The perfect combo-gift this year is accessories. A beautiful, voluminous scarf in a favorite color or print is certain to be a hit, and even more certain to fit, and can easily be combined with a matching bracelet or necklace. Layered looks are red-hot this season and pairing different layers of color, print, pattern and all kinds of sparkle is something you just can't get wrong. 

One of the best things about accessories as a choice of gift is that she can wear them immediately. No worries about fit or extra parts or batteries or making sure to get the right disc...it's all there, all the luxurious softness, stunning color and beautiful shine you could ask for. No uploading necessary.

The idea of two gifts-in-one is also versatile -- it appeals to every woman of every age. From teens to great grannies, from artists to stock brokers, from students to old family friends I don't know a woman who wouldn't love to recieve a beautiful, wearable collection of accessories. Certain to be a major holiday hit! 

New Rules: Combine Any Print or Pattern

We fashionistas live in a wonderful world. What other decade could have experienced the fashion freedom that we do today? No longer hampered by social convention (women wear pants!), seasonal limitations (faux fur in the summer! Lace in the winter!) or even age-designated limits (teens in vintage! Vintage ladies in mini skirts!) we lucky people of the 21st century have it all. We can mix and match from any decade any season, any fabric. And wonderfully...from any combination of patterns and prints! 

We love the pop of color and visual texture a great combination of print and pattern creates. Who knew how cool a garden of bright blossoms look right next to a crisp ladder of black and white stripes? How modern and edgy and even, dare we say...polished a printed suit looks with a totally contrasting blouse underneath? Wow! 

The stripe and floral combo seems like a go-to look for this trend. Universally flattering, the stripes on top look great on everyone and the floral skirt adds that easy, fun, whimsical edge that makes people smile. We love any chance to get creative with our looks, and combining different patterns and prints into one look is a perfect way to do it! If you don't want to go head to toe print and floral try a striped top with a voluminous floral scarf!

These looks are great for your year-round wardrobe. Florals aren't just for summer anymore! We love how colorful blooms bring fresh life into our holiday season. So mix and match to your heart's content! Some of this year's cashmere is such gorgeous color we can't wait to try it out with some fresh stripes and a floral scarf or two! xoxo DR

 

What We Love Nau!

Ok, I need to have a little rant about how INCREDIBLE the Nau clothing company is, and how much we loooove their clothes! Nau is an eco-friendly, philanthropic, small business out of Portland, Oregon. (Yay! Portland!) A small team of 20 people run the entire place, designing clothes that are tailor-made for beautiful, cool, comfort. No matter how cold it is, or how wet it gets, you're warm, dry, gorgeous, and supporting the planet! Their use of sustainably-sourced, organic fabrics and modern design has a high-function as well as a high-fashion factor that is so impressive and so beautiful!!!

And these people know what works.They do what we do. As the Nau team puts it, "We work hard. We play hard. We like to go outside. A lot of us ride bikes. We also ski, snowboard, climb, surf, run, make music, see music, take pictures, grow food, eat food, stay out late, have families, and have dogs who clack around and sleep at our feet." 

 And they like to look great and feel great doing it, no matter what the weather! Us Oregonians understand that difficult balance, and finding Nau made it all came together effortlessly, with the ultimate in comfort. Fashion that is designed to move! 

A quote from their website explains their simple, unpretentious aesthetic and focus on long-term use. "No logos. No fleeting hues. Just simple, clean, well-crafted silhouettes built to move with the elements, but still look sleek in the city."

Nau that's what I'm talkin' about! They also are a philanthropic company, donating 2% of every sale to humanitarian and environmental Partners for Change. They also provide free public transpo for their employees! 

So, we love Nau, and we are proud to have them be a part of Melange. Check out our new arrivals from this fabulous company and see what a difference it can make, and look fabulous darling, while you're doing it, xoxoxo DR

My Anni Kuan Retail Therapy, hormones and the BBC

Anyone who has talked to me in the last week knows about my mega moodiness, my extreme irritation and all around irrational state.  I've almost killed John (he can't even open his mouth without me wanting to punch him), the kids are scared of me, I have teenage-like acne, my hair is weird, and I swear I just noticed 10 new sun spots appear overnight.  I've got some issues.  All that bitching ignored, I was listening to BBC while sitting in my car waiting for the kids this afternoon, and there was a news story about this Scottish woman who had preclampsia with her pregnancy, got horribly sick, ultimately had a massive stroke and terrible damage (her baby survived), but she was paralzed from the head down...the ONLY way she could communicate was by little blinks (which was connected to a computer that interpreted the blinks as letters and sort of "spoke" for her.)  First off, I burst into tears at this incredibly inspiring story (the woman was graduating from college and her parents were doing the interview on how proud they were of her), second, it made me feel incredibly bad for letting my hormonal imbalance (and potentially impending menopause) make me into a crazy person, spreading my crazy out into the world.  I vow to do better and do a better job of keeing it all in perspective.  I'm heading to Whole Foods tomorrow for some herbal remedies and chocolate.

Equally important, will be my shopping therapy, which I'm happily indulging now that we are nearing the start of the Annik Kuan trunk show.  Anni is my girl crush...I want to BE her.  She's totally cool like a cucumber, yet warm and fuzzy, incredibly talented, gourmet cooks as a hobby, and did I mention she kicks ass at her job?  I've got some personal favs...I'm going to share one of my loves here.  If i buy myself this coat, I vow to not be bitchy at all for the next month EVEN in the middle of hot flashes and/or crazy hormones.  Pinky swear.

 

Signed, ME {lv}

 

Perfect Prairie

We just love our Prairie Underground. It's hard not to extol their many virtues on a daily basis because their clothes are so inspiring and SO comfortable!

Trust us, we in retail know about the need for beautiful, comfortable clothes. When I first started working at Melange 13 years ago (13 years ago!!!) I thought at first I would be uncomfortable in my cutest clothes by the end of the work day. I was from a hippie town, after all and not used to dressing up every day for work. But that notion was immediately expelled when I found that cute and comfort are not two mutually exclusive terms. They can work together easily! And Prairie Underground is the perfect example. 

The softest organic cotton in the most beautiful colors, season after season. in such flattering, unique silhouettes!!! Prairie keeps it timeless AND modern, AND cool. They make stand-out pieces that go together effortlessly. Effortless is how it feels to wear Praire Underground's amazing leggings, tunics and hoodies. Layering was never so easy, so cozy or so beautiful! LOVE our perfect Prairie!!! 

Prairie Underground Cadet Tank - Silver Twill

Pairie Underground Noueau Leggings - Black

 

Autumn in the City

Oh Eileen, you make our hearts sing! We needed a collection of creamy, cozy fall tops and tunics in your luxurious knits to swing us into fall! One of our favorite pieces is this fabulous Yak and Merino Crewneck! It has the cutest contrast sleeve AND sweet little zips at the front hem for a cool city style. We love this smooth top with some of the season's sexy skinny jeans, leggings, or leather (or faux) pants!

Here we're showing it with Henry and Belle's super-sleek moto jeans in onyx, but we also LOVE them with Eileen's coated denim leggings!

Add a bit of gold bling at the ear, or a great fall bag with a little gold hardware, and you've got a beautiful, sophisticated-city-girl-with-a-polished-edge kind of look!!! Love it! xoxoxo DR  

Layer Cake

My personal new favorite fall fashion sensation? Layering. The sensation of light, luxe layers that float against the skin and create a long, loose, and very lengthening line. (How's that for alittle alliteration?!)

But it's true! This season's new loose ankle pant, with or without pockets, a tapered leg, a little slouch in the hip, and topped off with a silky tonal tank and soft jacket, or vest, or cardigan is a powerful, ageless fashion statement. Strength is simplicity. The lines are clean, sleek, and oh-so-chic! We are totally coo coo for Eileen Fisher's new rayons and merinos, her light and luxurious tencel-cashmeres, and the universally-flattering silhouettes that are both exquisitely modern, and timeless. Ooooh la la, we love to layer!!!

 

The Hottest Grandmere in the World

Bonjours mes cheries! Here is a little Paris glamor to inspire you mid-week. We've been fascinated by the glamorous life and beautiful look of Carine for years, and now she is a global fashion super star! Being a 57 year-old grandma sure doesn't slow her down, if anything she gets better and better with age, as do we all! Sometimes I think we need to reach the age of at least 50 in order to really start to live La Vie en Rose. xoxoxo DR

La Vie Fabuleuse en Cannes!

 While we are wildly anticipating new arrivals from Eileen Fisher today, let's spend some time on the French Riviera, pourquoi pas? A little vicarious living never hurt anyone! Enjoy the Cannes film (and fashion) festival. Mais oui! A dream job. Ahhhhh, Cannes! 

Five Beautiful Days of Eileen Fisher

It's no secret; we are having a love affair with Eileen Fisher's clothes.This is a long-term affair, one that constantly delights us, season after season. There is just nobody like Eileen. Her choice of fabric, her fabulous fit, her sense of color and the versatility of her pieces, is beyond compare! When we go to our wardrobe we want to have things on hand that work together, that are appropriate, fit well, feel delicious on the skin, and that have a very cool, modern style. Eileen does all of that, and more! She inspires us every day with her business ethic and support of women worldwide. Here are 5 easy days of dressing with Eileen Fisher. No fuss, no muss, and always perfect. 

These are a few of our favorite things!

 

Oh Anni, you've done it again! Totally bowled us over with beauty!  Anni Kuan's trunkshow is filled to the rim with deliciously luxurious fabrics from French brocade to Italian satteen! Anni's fabulous modern style is clean and chic, and so comfortable we wear her clothes every day of the week! Check out the trunkshow and enjoy 20% off what we're certain will become your favorite things, too!

 

 

Looks to Love!

 

 Ahhhhh, Spring! The season of renewal and a fresh start! We're loving the clean and fresh spring looks arriving on our doorstep every day, they are like the new tulips and crocuses and daffodils appearing, opening their petals to the sun!

 Whether it's Isda's incredible collection full of linens and cottons to mix and match, or Anni Kuan's luxurious knits and new colors -- these pieces are the PERFECT way to kick out the winter blahs and get moving into the season! 

 

Anni Kuan's amazing Zig Zag Shell in white has such a lovely draped neckline and cool cap sleeve!!! Elizabeth Gillet's soft silk scarf in an ocean-breeze-aqua is the perfect pop of color, and looks perfect with Henry and Belle's sleek and sexy lightwash jean in comfy stretch denim!!! Such a beautiful look for any day, and leaves room to layer a beautiful jacket or cardigan, shrug or poncho....you name it! 

Next, we have this beautiful look from Eileen Fisher: 

 

Here we have Eilleen's super-soft Tufted Cotton top that has the sexiest split back! It's a gorgeous nubbly knit that is so flattering and modern and still so neutral it goes with everything! The split in the back is sexy,but demeure enough to be worn without a cami, or with if you prefer! Love it! 

Then we paired it with Eileen's Shivori Silk scarf in Dark Pearl. A lusttous accessory that dresses up this elegantly casual look. Finally, another pair of Henry and Belle's sexy jeans which we think make the perfect foundation for any outfit! Eileen Fisher makes gorgeous jeans too, so check here if you want to find your favorite pair! 

Inspirational Isda

 

 

japanese boro textile-inspired woven jacquard

poppy-colored embroidery on indigo

wildflowers

denim shirts

modern striped linen knits

heathered yarn for layering

pieced-pattern stripes

ladder knits

kimono-inspired sweaters

indigo, stone and white with poppy accent" 

The above is a list from Isda's website of some of the inspirations for their amazing 2014 Spring collection!!! Sounds good, doesn't it? Well we're in luck!!!

ISDA 2014 TRUNK SHOW STARTS TOMORROW!!! You won't believe the incredible pieces in this collection! Isda is legendary, and this show is one of the best we've ever seen. Pieces you'll look amazing in, and love forever! Check it out!!! :) Pssst: by the way, Isda & Co's Studio Blog here! 

Fashion Trends 2014 - and how to style them for the street

I liked this video by the Australian fashion blog Stealthespotlight -- it covers some of the biggest trends coming off the runway this year and onto the streets. I like her tips on accesories too!  

A Garden of Delights

"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature" -- Gerard de Nervalle 

I love that quote because it touches on the importance of all things. It intimates that no matter how small, each being, each action, and each thought have a profound connection to everything around it. I love this idea because it embues everything I do with possibility. I try to live my life by-the-second, enjoying everything I do, everything I say, and everything I wear! I walk through my day with the intention to enjoy it all, and to spread the sunshine whenever I can. This beautiufl cardigan from Margaret O'Leary embodies the way I feel -- sunny, fresh, optimistic, colorful. And it helps me keep my mood all day! Fashion really can boost the spirits and create an atmosphere of beauty and vitality, and this piece is a perfect example. 

Bring on the sunshine, we are ready to radiate!!! 

Simple Chic

There are days when we want to explode in a burst of brilliant color, and there are days when we are loving the look of simplicity. This season there are some great minimalist looks that are still feminine, classic, and so cool! 

Looks like the sheath dress, with its straigh-up-and-down or a-line silhouette, looks that are tonal: black on black, white on white, or a subtle rainbow of the same hue in different shades, think cream, ivory, champagne, with a drop of bronzed caramel. Yum.

Here is a small gallery of inspirational "simple chic" looks. From pretty dresses to plain jeans and a button down shirt these looks are easy, elegant, and just the right amount of edgy. Happy week to all of you! xoxo

We Love Our Organic Cotton!

We love this adorable video chock full of beautiful, eco-friendly fashion from our favorite designers like Prairie Underground, Raw Earth Wild Sky and Stewart + Brown. Although a vegan lifestyle isn't for everyone, we love the chance to promote sustainable, organic fashion, and guess what?! We are expecting a brand new Raw Earth Wild Sky collection to arrive this week, stay tuned!!!!

"Butterfly, butterfly I see you there, It's beautiful the way your wings caress the air..." -- Ashley Landry

The first sign of Spring? Margaret O'Leary has sent us this soft, sweet pullover covered in beautiful butterflies. The classic crew neck and short sleeve silhouette is perfect to dress up or down, and like the butterfly, flit from this look to that. Wear this pretty piece with a pleated skirt for a chic, vintage-inspired outfit, or pair it with the perfect slim ankle pant, try it under a jacket at work, or dress it way down on the weekend with some distressed boyfriend jeans, rolled of course, with an adorable oxford. So pretty, and a wonderful piece to help us prepare for the next season. 

Through 1/24 we're offering 20% any MOL order of $150 or more.

Happy spring to all!!! 

Hollywood Treat

Oh, Hollywood. You're like too much cake...delicious for the first few bites, then a little sickening by the end. The glam of the red carpet is a sweet treat this year, giving us many stunning looks as well as the usual "what were they thinking" moments we love to hate. My personal faves of the evening were Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lawrence, Lupita Nyong-o', Michelle Dockery, and Zoe Deschannel, The "you're out of your mind" looks of the evening went to Emma Thompson (what is UP with that skin tight gold turtleneck AND big hair?! And Julia Roberts.who seemed to have thrown on a strapless dress over her Gap button down shirt. So Crazy!) 

(and speaking of crazy, how about the way the photographers speak to the stars on the carpet? So rude! There ought to be a rule for paparazzi: no talking. )

Resort 2014. Oh Yes!

Ahhhhhhh. That is the sound of relief. Eileen Fisher has sent her 2014 Resort Collection just in time to clear the cobwebs from our mind, to sweep the last of the holiday clutter out the door, and RELAX! It's the perfect way to ring in a fresh new year in Eileen's fresh new collection! Even if we can't get away at the moment, we can certainly put ourselves in a vacation-state-of-mind!!!  

 

 

Shine on in the New Year!!!

 

Here at Melange we do love a little sparkle, and when better to shine like the crazy diamond we are than at New Year's? We believe it is the the perfect time to celebrate light, to reflect the sparkle of the ice and snow in our fashion, catch the glow of a candle or the rainbows of a disco ball, this is the right time to shine!!!

Here is a beautiful layered look we love that incorporates several current trends and creates an overall tapestry of lush beauty. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!   LET'S RING IN THE YEAR 2014 WITH PEACE, GRATITUDE, AND JOY!

Getting Around Town in Style!

We find ourselves literally dashing about this season, flying in and out of shop doors, one eye peeled for the perfect gift, the other eye on the lookout for the perfect parking spot. The last thing we want to think about through all this is how we look. So...to make it easy, this outfit is the perfect dashing-about-finishing-the-list-in-sassy-style look!!!

Raw Earth and Wild Sky knock us out with this charming soft tuxedo jacket. The perfect combination of casual and dressy. Wear it over a gorgeous, simple and feminine cowl neck tuni like this one. And of course a great pair of jeans like these from Citizens not only elevate the cool factor, they make the booty look pretty amazing, too! So give yourself a break this holiday, from sloppy style! Gather a few mix-and-match items like these and you'll have a whole week's worth of cool ready to go!!! 

 

The Original Fashion Blogger

Here is the trailer for an amazing film about a pioneering New York artist named Bill Cunningham. We HIGHLY recommend the full-length documentary "Bill Cunningham: New York" for a unique and moving look into the life of one of New York's finest fashion photographers.True to his vision, true to his own way of life, Bill Cunninham is an incredible inspiration to me. If you're ever lucky enough to have your pic snapped by him, count your sartorial blessings because as Anna W. puts it, if "he igonores you, it's DEATH!" 

Gettin' our Jingle On!

Oooh we're humming around here at Melange! The weather is turning frosty and packages are arriving filled with fabulous, festive treats! Like this to-die for Eileen Fisher Fine Merino top in gorgeous Lacquer-red! 

The asymmetrical hem is not only cool, it's super-flattering! This soft top is our new favorite to dress up a pair of jeans this season as we hang out with family and friends. Love this for a family dinner or just for running around town getting the shopping done! 

Add Eileen's lovely airy linen scarf for a cool, tonal lacquer look!. Any denim would look fabulous with this top, but we especially love Eileen's velveteen jeans to make the magic complete. xoxoxoxo

Two Fave Looks of the Week!

To kick off our Monday I just had to show you two ensembles that I am currently over-the-top-in-love-with for every day fall looks! First up: This incredible Harbor Hoodie Jacket from Vintageous. A soft blend of cotton and yak wool is the light, breathable, but warm and durable layer you need to ward off winter's chill. Layer the jacket over this creamy soft organic cotton tee in delicious milk from Raw Earth Wild Sky Then of course add some super-sexy jeans like these from the amazing Henry and Belle.to finish off the look! Add a great pair of fall boots and maybe a colorful accessory or two, and it's a perfect fall outfit, ready to go anywhere and do anything in style! 

 

Our second favorite every-day fall ensemble starts with this deliciously soft, cool top with a sweet edge, also from Vintageous. Add these gorgeous black cherry jeans to add a subtle fall color. We'd love to layer this look with a chic jacket like this beautiful shearling jacket from Isda, or Velvet's amazing Leona jacket.

We just can't get enough of fall's soft knits and sexy jackets! Layering textures and colors is what the season is all about. xoxo

Cashmere Warrior

Ok, so I'm a pacifist. A lover, not a fighter. But aren't we all fighters in some way, even the mildest and most well-mannered? Just being alive is a struggle at times, and I personally won't settle for just being alive, I want to live beautifully! And I swear, the perfect cashmere sweater can help! When I get dressed in the morning, I want to feel these three things: beautiful, comfortable, and safe. Safe from wardrobe malfunctions,safe from being cold, and basically just pulled-together, lookin' good, and feeling ready for anything commin' at me. This incredibly creamy, dreamy cashmere t-neck from Velvet is my new armour. The instant I slipped it over my head I felt its warm, cozy embrace, and the milky color is so pretty against the skin. This piece is a winter  wonderland, all in itself. In it I feel ready for anything. Add a pair of sexy jeans and some great fall boots, and....invincible. A warrior! Carpe Diem! ( in cashmere! )  xoxoxo DR 

"A Utopian Village: Where Everyone Has Cute Shoes" -- Carson Kressley

 

I just finished watching this very interesting movie about the beginnings of Fashion Week at Bryant Park. It has great footage of 1980's fashion stars, a very boyish Michael Kors, Izacc Mizrahi, Zak Posen, and a lot of young 1980's super models. A flash from the fashionable past! I love seeing where today's pop culture came from, and how different things were then. I love seeing some of the older New York women looking so artful and amazing and fearless. Inspiring!!! Love those fierce editors!!!

Enjoy.xoxo Diane

 

Holiday Magic is Here!!!

Oh Isda, you know us so well! You know out hearts will skip with joy upon beholding your gorgeous holiday looks, from sparkles to lace to faux fox fur, we're head over heels, and looking forward to the holidays with glee! And what's EXTRA FESTIVE is our trunkshow dscount, it's like christmas came early!!!! It's a happy day down here at the shop! Join us there or online and enjoy the holiday magic!!! xo  

She's Got It! A Fall Look to Love.

The delicious and delightful new arrivals coming to Melange from Eileen Fisher, Velvet, Michael Stars, not to mention the darling Margaret O'Leary and cozy PJ Salvage, are,quite simply perfect...TOGETHER!!! We are having so much fun mixing and matching these fabulous seperates in all kinds of ways! Sexy skinny jeans from Eileen are the perfect dark wash and comfortable fit, and paired with her Cozy Viscose top makes a chic foundation for Velvets INCREDIBLE faux leather moto jacket and Eileen's soft and sassy glovelettes!! We also love this jacket with Michael Star's striped tees and Velvet's gorgeous lace tank,

and.....you get the picture! 

 

A Taste of New York Fashion Week

I thought this short and sweet video was a great way to get a feel for the textural trends out there. Some subtle, others not so subtle, here are some sweet closeups of some seriously fabulous style elements cropping up all over the runways and on the streets. Enjoy!

 

The Anni Kuan Trunk Show Starts Tomorrow!

We're breaking into song around here because tomorrow is a day we've been waiting for -- the 2013 Anni Kuan trunk show!!! We can't wait to get our mitts on all of her incredible designs! This collection is FULL of go-to, must-have fall pieces in the most scrumptious fabrics and colors! It is the perfect occasion to add some wow pieces to your wardrobe that you will love for years to come. Shop the trunk show and get your gorgeous new Anni Kuan for less! Stay tuned, we're unpacking those beautiful boxes as we speak!  xoxoxo

Miss Mod

We're so in love with this incredibly cool dress from Margaret O'Leary! The MOL Plaid Dress IS urban cool. A super-soft 100% wool is smooth and in a bold, charcoal and black print that knocks our socks off! Black paneling down the sides and the sleeves is slimming, and the faux leather trim just takes it up another notch! Love this sexy dress with fall boots and coats. We think it's a must-have! 

 

So. Excited. New Prairie Is On Its Way!

We're holding our breath for the new Prairie Underground coming today!!! The Postman is going to feel extra loved today when he arrives with the boxes of new arrivals which we will dive on and open immediately! Then we promise we'll take pictures and share it all with you! We're looking forward to creamy cottons in sexy silhouettes, brilliant color and that FABULOUS Prairie style and comfort! Stay tuned!!!