Me in Melange

Too Boring To Talk About

I have a lot of days where someone will ask me how my day was, or what I did (this happens with John all the time), and I honestly can’t imagine reciting the mundane crap I did because they can’t really want to know that stuff right?  I think that’s why I like writing so much, you can’t see the person’s eyes glaze over or the look of boredom when you explain that you did 4 loads of laundry, got gas, cleaned out the fridge, picked up a skirt for you kid and mulled over sizing for a solid 25 minutes, went to the pharmacy to try and investigate perimenopausal supplements (which made you want to shoot yourself), and picked up the house (because somehow if you don’t do that everything just progressively gets more out of order and chaos is only days away.) No one wants to hear all that really. Usually I’ll go to answer John’s question, literally opening my mouth slowly with a pregnant pause, then promptly close it and declare, "it’s too boring to talk about.

Today was that kind of day. Nothing terrible, just a lot of mundane stuff that needed to get done.  It can’t be avoided, but it’s also painfully boring stuff.  I wish I could say I found the cure for the coronavirus, wrote a novel, or invented a life changing app.  No, I just managed to finish laundry and that included rewashing the table cloth and getting out the spaghetti stains that didn’t get out the first time.  Ugh…even writing it is killing me with boredom.

I barely made it thru yoga class this morning because for some reason it was twice as hard as it was on Monday (same sequence, same teacher).  This time I had to back off several times for fear of passing out. Her messaging was all about determination (which was essentially the same message as Monday), but was totally appropriate because it actually took a crap-ton of determination to make it thru the class. 

Gia has a dance tonight, so her and her two friends are going, and this morning was all about the drama of what she could wear because “she had nothing”.  I think basically we all feel that way from middle school onward.  It's when the, 'what the hell am I going to wear' starts?  Nothing ever seems right. 

I’m putting my “chill” essential oil in my diffuser and I’m going to just relish in the fact that it’s Friday, and the work week is behind us.  I'm also gong to relish in the new Swahilli Coast beaded bracelets that came in today-- which are fantastic.  The last group sold so quickly, so we got a large restock of styles and a bunch of new styles in as well.  They are so pretty stacked up, the hardest part honestly is picking which ones are your favorite. Love these, they are so well made, sturdy feeling and totally unique!

Signed, ME {lv} 

Just. because you can....

This post will be short and sweet (lucky you).  My yoga inspiration today was when the teacher said, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."  For some reason that really resonated with me.  We don't have to do everything, just because we CAN do everything.  The other focus she had was on making sure that we asked ourselves during that hour on our mat, "what do YOU need?"  Which is an important reminder because if I'm not on the mat, it's pretty darn hard for me to remember to ask myself what I need.  Mostly because everyone else is clamoring for their needs so loudly I can't even hear myself think.  Note to self, ask me what I need.

I'm in love with the Satya tree of life prayer box....you can pop it open and put in a teeny tiny keepsake, or a tiny piece of paper with a word.  It's pretty awesome, and I love how rich the 24k gold plate looks!

See, I told you, short and sweet.  OH...lastly, I will note that based on the beauty deserted island entries, I'm going to try Vintner's Daughter Serum which I've heard is amazing and you all confirmed that yesterday!  Today's question (how long is your morning routine for real?) confuses me.  Does it mean morning routine when I want to look good, or just on a normal day?  Because on a normal day my routine includes a swipe of toner, moisturizer and 3 minute makeup while at stoplights on the morning drop offs.  However, if I wanted to look good every day, I think my routine could easily be a solid 30 minutes, more if I paid attention to anything below my neck.  So curious how much time the average person spends?  Side note, I did just read that the granddaughter of Estée Lauder (who is a theater actress of some kind) spends an hour in the morning getting ready, and she really looks like she spent an hour (i.e. she looks perfect.) Who has an hour though?  FYI, I read that on the Violet Grey blog which I'm a little hooked on.

Happy Thursday.

Signed, ME {lv}

November 6th: People Tree Coolness, Tea Time, & Season Spirit Unleashed

I’ll start with Tea time, because I’m typing this AS I’m finishing up a cup of tea during my own personal tea time.  It’s our random thing to love today, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it right now.  I could have found a better picture on the internet, a “touched up” perfect cup of tea  and something serene sitting next to it, but instead I’m using the unedited version of my real life tea cup, next to my real life laptop, as I am about to start work.  But first, I took a moment before diving in, to just sit and drink my earl grey (I’m having caffeine nice and late today because I have a ton to do tonight), and think about how much I love my tribe. 

I was listening to a pod cast on Dan Harris’s 10% happier today, and he was interviewing one of the women who founded Soul Cycle.  She was talking about how the classes were “tribal” and that’s why people taped into them so feverently--because it connected them with the sense of tribe that is instinctual, and the satisfaction of tribal connection goes back as far as we can see.   It was an interesting pod cast, and made me think of all the ways we’ve disconnected ourselves from our tribes, or from a sense of tribal connection with those around us. It’s all the little ways that come with an über modernized and transient society.  Things are automated, we are 100x too busy, we move a lot..etc., etc.  Everything is so quick we don’t have time to slow down, to talk to the people around us  in a meaningful way, but maybe even before that, we don’t have time to slow down ourselves, just solo, and reflect for a moment on what’s important, and who's important.

So, random stuff we love today is TEA.  Because tea time is a lovely moment, that can happen anytime, anywhere.  It can be soothing and relaxing, or give you a shot of energy (caffeine love), but sitting with a warm cup and taking a moment to yourself to think about your tribe, your priorities, and how you are going to allocate your energies….that’s pretty awesome.

I think about all this as I’m about to connect with the Melange tribe for our annual decorating party in prep for our anniversary event later this week.  I love these amazing and dynamic people, and taking a moment to remember that, even before we go at the craziness of the night’s events, is special to me.

Other things on the agenda….well, People Tree arrived, and they’ve got some great new jewelry  and the cutest sock sets known to man.  I love this company. 
They are the real deal in terms of caring about what they do, the people they connect with, and the world that we live in….and they make some fantastic designs.

Here are some pics of the seasonal spirit we unleashed tonight…It’s pretty fantastic, and I’m adoring our “delight in the little things” theme. Indeed, there are so many simple, little things to appreciate and love this season if we can slow down enough to do it.

Signed, ME {lv}

 

 

 

          

Spring Dreams and Stylish Accents

I am sick of puffer coats. I am also sick of water-resistant shoes. I need the weather to cooperate with my style goals, and give me a perfect outfit day - cool, but not cold, and dry!  Bring on the January sunshine please! 

Speaking of style goals, we're loving these beautiful new scarves from Banaris - just the thing to brighten up any look with spring color and natural beauty!!! An instant wardrobe-freshener!!!

They look perfect paired with these casually-cool and very colorful tops from Velvet, and of course styling them with Citizens legendary jeans and this adorable new bling from CAI jewelry is just plain adorable!!! And with Valentine's Day approaching....girrrrl.......!!!!

My personal, pro-active style plan this week is going to be: to assemble a few pre-styled outfits on hangers in the front of my closet so I can grab-and-go, with no muss, fuss, or clothes tantrums which are one of the B.O.M.E.s. (Banes Of My Existence). Why haven't I done this before?! 

Stay tuned for more new arrivals this week at Melange - new treasures and special pieces to make your spring wardrobe sing and your transitional wardrobe POP! xoxoxo 

 

Celebrate!

"Because there is always joy." My new mantra.

I was watching a movie called "Into the Whirlwind" where a character in the most dire of circumstances (and I mean dire, I'm talking The Purge in 1930's Russia) is asked by another suffering prisoner how he can bear his losses and pain, and he says simply "There is always joy." And, there it is. The switch of life. The ability to choose joy. It's right there, waiting to be chosen. No matter what the hardships, there still is always joy. 

So I choose to celebrate this season. I am creating joy, all around me, for everyone. I will greet every stranger with a light and friendly heart, I will speak only kind and thoughtful words, I will look for new opportunities with courage and as much grace as I can muster. This is enough. This is reason enough to celebrate, come join me will you? Let's raise a glass together - of wine, of cranberry juice, of Martinelli's sparkling apple juice, of cocoa - any glass at all - and let's CLINK, toast and drink to each other's health and happiness. xoxoxo 

Oh and hey while we're at this little virtual party, let's dress up, shall we? Here, let me refill your glass, push the virtual hors d'oeuvres a little closer and I'll show you some fun party ensembles, k? Allons-y!!! 

We are still dancing with joy over our new holiday arrivals from Velvet!!! It is definitely time to get this party started when GORGEOUS pieces like these show up on your doorstep!!!

How about this look to knock 'em dead this party season? We have the inspiring Velvet Roma Lurex Chiffon Sheer Blouse with shimmering silver accents! This top is everything. Like a midnight sky strewn with sparkling stars, this piece conjures up everything magical about the season. Twinkle and shine as you move through the room! We love the sweet neckline, sheer overlay and beautiful sleeves. An easy fit keeps this piece soft and romantic, and we love it paired with some seriously sexy jeans like these ultra skinnies from Citizens!!! Add a bit of starry-eyed bling like this beautiful bracelet from Charlie and Xander, or these diamond-cut earrings from Sosie, and of course wear your sassiest party shoes - for an incredibly festive, flirty look!!! 

Another alluring party look we can't get enough of is the incredible Lara Dress from Velvet - paired with something WOW. Like these amazing Peridot earrings from Sosie - that pop of sparkling green with the midnight of the dress is SO beautiful!!!! 

Now let's get cozy. Because after the parties comes coffee. And baked goods. And Christmas shopping. Well, if you're early birds like us. ;) And for that we need COMFORT, and of course CUTE. And not necessarily in that order!

First up - the amazing Alissa coat from Velvet!!!! When this piece came in the door we had to have it! So much style - the texture alone is edgy and modern, a faux-fur effect in beautiful navy AND olive?! The coat is reversible! Plus it has a hood! We can't wait to rock this cutie over some super-skinny jeans, a graphic tee and boots for a street-smart ensemble, or posh it up a bit with dark wash jeans and a heeled boot - add a bright scarf for another layer of color and style! Wear it open over a boldly-striped tee and light wash jeans, and slip on sneaks for an adorable, casual look! Whatever the weather this unique piece will keep you cozy, cute and ready for anything! 

Finally, at the end of the day - slip into something more adorbs with these perfect pj's from PJ Salvage. They have our number - actually they have everyone's number - with these beautiful kitty cat pj's!!! Love that navy blue! There are pj's for everyone, whether you're more of a dog person, or a pink elephant person, or a wine person or a bumble bee enthusiast - they've got you covered. These socks are particular must-haves, lol - and would make some hilarious stocking stuffers!

So yes - it's time to have fun. It's time to celebrate friendship and joy and the good things in life!!! CHEERS all, and happy Thursday to you!!! xoxoxo Diane 

 

 

 

Autumnal Awesomeness

Hooray, it's fall fashion time!!! We can't let the biggest fashion season of the year go by without several huzzahs and a bottle of bubbly popped open, now can we? And in light of today's eclipse (or in the lack thereof) - we really have a reason to celebrate!!! So huzzah, huzzah, clink clink and down the bubbly - and let's go shopping for fall's finest fashion!!! 

Ok, let's talk luxury. And by that I mean cashmere. Is there anything better for fall and the winter months ahead? These sweeeeeeet little cashmere shrugs from Tees by Tina are our new BFFF's - Best Friends For Fall! Light, breezy - they ward off any cool evening chill, and set the tone for fall's knits and wraps.  The perfect transitional piece!!! We are totally in looove with this sweet little ballet-pink cashmere dream! 

Pair that pink beauty with a simple white tee like this one from Eileen Fisher. This soft, organic slub cotton  classic will be an MVP in your year-round wardrobe. Wear it over some slender jeans like these from Citizens of Humanity for a dressed down-with-a-touch-of-luxury transitional look!

Just add a sweet oxford shoe or a low-heeled bootie for the perfect urban edge. Then, add a little touch of gold with these beautiful earrings from Sosie! Or any gold, rose gold, or copper accent - so hot for fall!

Change it up and go day to night with this lovely, wine-red top from Velvet. This is the beautiful blouse to take you from late-summer through the holidays! And looks great with all of fall's accessories, denim, and jackets! The kind of top to dress up or down and wear with pants, jeans or skirts, and any fall or holiday jacket! 

A little later in the season we need warmth, and layering is the name of the game. We love this beautifully soft, chunky sweater from Velvet - that military color is rich and sophisticated and looks great layered over a crisp, fresh collared shirt like this one. Add some seriously sexy jeans, your favorite bootie and voila - fall-fabulosity! 

While you're shopping for fall finery, check out our incredible ECLIPSE SALE going on - it will eclipse your wildest dreams at AN ADDITIONAL 40% OFF all sale items (code: eclipse)!!!

 xoxoxo Have a great week everyone! 

 Diane

 

 

Summer Breeze, Makes Me Feel Fine...

This sweet, breezy summer collection from Eileen Fisher is transporting us to sun-splashed boardwalks along pristine beaches. Bare feet, sexy sandals, sun-bronzed (or faux-bronzed) skin dressed in cool cottons and the softest linens, full of rich color and flattering silhouettes. We LOVE the easy elegance of Eileen Fisher's designs - each one is a style star, and they all seem to go together!!! Here are a couple of our favorite looks, for playing in, for travelling in, for living in. 

First up this sweeeeeet dress. Instant crush! Super-soft linen in a silvery PLAID - a chic, slimming sheath silhouette with the SEXIEST little v-back!!!! Short sleeves and sweet patch pockets in the front to hold your shades and your cell phone - we're hooked. Love this with a simple sandal and a little summer bling. 

Next up the amazing white boyfriend jeans - so smooth, so fresh in this beautiful white stretch denim - and they add the perfectly sexy slouch to ALL of your summer tops! Pair it with Eileen's aptly named "Blue Angel" top and add a fresh pop of summer print with this scarf - a sweet sandal and you're sunshine itself!  

We also adore the deliciously soft and light Handkerchief Linen Tunic, also in white. It's the season to lighten up ladies, and there's nothing like a fresh white summer dress to rock with any accessory! Add that scarf we just showed you, and a great summer bag, perhaps a little color at the wrists or ears, and those fab sandals we know you own, and step out to a day of super-summer-style!!!! We're inspired.  

And here's a little video from Eileen herself for more summer sartorial inspiration! Happy first of June!!!! xoxoxo Diane 

Emotional Baggage, Positive Notes and Bohemian Wrists

Monday. New start….and you know how I feel about new starts. Here’s what is on the agenda today. Positive notes. I left one for Lucia this morning that said “You’re cooler than a fist bump”. As you can see, a positive note has a wide spectrum of interpretation and can come in many forms. I think maybe it made her laugh, and that’s joyful.

I’m leaving for Mexico with Ava on Thursday, and I’m excited, but also nervous. I want the trip to include some of that “mother daughter” time you envision in your head and rarely actually pans out (when you have a 14 year old at least…I’ve heard it’s different when they get older). I don’t need a lot, just a little. I could ride high for months on a solid 2 hours of it, I'm not greedy. However, I’m trying to keep my expectation bar in the realm of reasonable.

I’m going to REALLY try to take this trip for what it is, without the baggage of expectation, prior disappointment, resentment etc. If you are wondering how all that can be heaped on a 14 year old, it’s not just about Ava, but we are going to visit my parents, so it includes all that family baggage (not all of it heavy, but some of it is). We haven’t seen them in 15 months, and that’s a long time. That’s one of the lessons I’ve only learned the hard way….sometimes, you just can’t change the way things are.  

It seems like growing up involves coming to terms with reality vs. what you think reality should be or what you believe it’s going to imminently grow into.   Extended family for most people is just a hotbed of issues. I think a lot of people spend years trying to make family relationships healthier, and set their expectations really high (or at least as high as they set other relationships in their life). I’m talking less about immediate nuclear families, more about the second circle of extended family …grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. I have come to the point where I’m just trying to keep from actively arguing or fighting with anyone, and I set my expectations low—well below my friend bar. Pleasant inter-change, superficial discussions on weather, and state flower trivia? Sign me up. Beats arguing about stuff that won’t change, and I think might be actively contributing to the permanent residence of my deepest wrinkles. The other universal truth? Everyone’s family is at least a little messed up (and lots can say "lots" messed up), and almost everyone tries to keep the degree by which they are messed hush-hush, on the down-low, or otherwise secret.

I’m trying to thoroughly enjoy my nuclear family right now because eventually all my kids will go off and start their own nuclear families, and I’ll be out there in the second circle. Oh god, that’s a crazy thought! By then my kids will all be in therapy working thru all the crap I’m doing wrong right now, and complaining to their friends and/or spouses about having to set their bar lower to deal with their family. Big sigh…such is the circle of life, right?  I am not sure if that bums me out, or makes me feel a bit liberated to know that I’m part of the same cycle that everyone, everywhere, is part of.  Everyone goes into it with the best intentions to do better; I guess that’s all you can hope for. Maybe that’s all I should focus on, just doing better today, right now. I’m going to go write some more positive sticky notes and leave them everywhere.

Here’s what I’m taking with me (Hard Tail Princess Hoodie in white), which I just bought from the store and might be one of my new favorite things. It’ll be hot in Mexico, but relatively cool at night. So I need some lighter coverage for evenings and early morning, and I think this will be perfect.   My parents moved to probably the most inconveniently located part of Mexico, a city called Merida, which is around the top of the Yucatan side. It’ll take a day of travel to get there. It’s faster to go to Paris….no joke. So we’ll travel Thursday, return Monday, which really only leaves three days. I’m going to attempt one carry on suitcase because we also have to zig-zag on different airlines….down to LA, then to Mexico City, then to Merida.   I’m bringing a carry on suitcase, and a huge purse full of Zen.

So here’s what I’ll say this morning, because clearly I’ve got a bit of trip anxiety and I’ve just unloaded a whole therapy session of issues in this post; my goal this week, besides spreading my little joy nuggets daily, is that I’m going to take this week as it comes, and try to let go of lots of needless expectations that might potentially damper the trip. I.E., I’m leaving my emotional baggage at the door. I’m just going to try and do some joy inspiring things and focus on the now, doing better, and nothing else.

I’m taking a handful of these new Satori Rue “eye-candy” bracelets, in healing and inspiring colors. Lucia has taken to wearing a ton of bracelets on her right hand, and I love the way it looks. It’s very bohemian, and youthful. I’m going to copy her.

Signed, ME {lv}

Glam, With an Edge

Oh man! Look what just came in the mail!!! The most beautiful, slinky, sexy, COOL necklace ever! The Eileen Fisher Beaded Necklace is my new favorite thing. Now I want it in the ash and gold, too! Such a great price point for so much style. The ribbon these sparkling metal beads are strung on is strong, but soft, the necklace feels amazingly comfortable - even sexy because of the slinky weight and coolness of the beads against your skin. I LOVE it. I am wearing it now with my holiday velvet, so pretty in the candlelight!!! And during the day I'm going to rock it with a white tee, jeans, boots and a sexy black faux leather moto jacket. PLUS, it looks great as a bracelet, too!!! Hello black sun dress this summer! A little sparkling bracelet to go with you. xoxoxo Come get your holiday sparkle on with us! These necklaces won't last! xoxoxo DR 

Polished, Pretty, Prairie!

We're so in love with this fabulous new collection from Prairie Underground! Sometimes unpacking the boxes is more exciting than Christmas around here! The beautiful City Caftan in luscious Beet is the perfect rich pop of color for summer and for fall! Love the idea of this piece with bare summer legs now and super-fine boots in the fall! The perfect foundation for any summer accessory or jewelry! Our favorite equation: summer color + organic cotton = summer cool! 

Surf's Up!

Just in time to adorn ourselves for summer a new Bronwen
collection arrives! There is just nothing like the laid-back luxury of Bronwen's silk ribbon wraps stacked up on your arm to remind you of summer's pleasures. Gorgeous color, twinkling charms, and summery skin go to together like water and sand. Like waves and wind. Makes us want to grab our surf boards and head down to the beach. Or, we could just bring the beach along with us and sport our Bronwen bracelets everywhere we go. A great way to hang ten! 

 

A Rainbow of Jade

Omg! The new Satori Rue collection is absolutely breathtaking!!! The ultimate in layering necklaces, these gorgeous pieces all have colorful jade stones in all hues of the rainbow. Pinks, purples, blues, aquas, greens, golds and sparkling silvers...oh my! We are running our fingers through the sparkling treasures like pirates! Beautiful gold and silver-plated beads and nuggets add just the right shimmer, and we love the slide closures and beautiful soft, colorful leather! An incredible line of the highest quality stones and craftsmanship. Now, how to choose just one?!!! 

Stocking Stuffers

I love filling the xmas stockings for my husband and daughter. I remember some pretty disappointing stockings in my past, so I'm breaking the cycle of bad-stockings and making the ones that I'm responsible for MOST EXCELLENT! I have always loved the idea of a multi-layered, surprising and delightful stocking -- not just one stuffed with nuts and socks and an orange at the toe. I mean, really? An orange? Maybe the pioneers would have thrown a party over an orange, but let's get real here. An orange is just a bummer.

So now I always put a CHOCOLATE ORANGE in the toe as a way of thumbing my nose at the old real oranges (no offense, oranges) that used to make my stocking so disappointingly heavy on xmas morning. Ha! (not very christmas-y, I admit, but what are you gonna' do.) 

Along with a chocolate orange I like to add inexpensive but special items like a rolled up pair of pj's, or a beautiful smooth tank (40% off today only!), or perhaps a really cute tee. Next layer perhaps add a piece of jewelry. Note: I always wrap jewelry when I put it in stockings, it makes the process slow down and be even more enjoyable with the unwrapping and anticipation, and jewelry is never disappointing to unwrap.

Next perhaps I'll add a skin care item, or some make-up, for the daughter of course, for the husband maybe a great bottle of xmas beer! That'll add a tantalizing lump in the stocking! Also for him I sometimes add a bottle of great hot sauce since he loves that as much as i love chocolate. I also like to include little gift cards in the stockings, just ten dollar ones for starbucks or the pizza place near Cora's school. 

Earbuds are another great item for both of them. And then of course xmas chocolate, hopefully not the generic crap but some good chocolate. When in doubt always round out a stocking with chocolate. Don't mess around with mints or nuts unless they specifically like those items. I can't tell you how sick mint makes me at the holidays, it was the ONLY candy my mother would put in my stocking, year after year. I would get sick on it and still do. :( 

I love to add a piece of original artwork to a stocking too! Even just a simple drawing or print you make yourself or perhaps your child makes. A simple family portait is fun, and it doesn't matter how unskilled an artist you are, even painting simple text on a tiny canvas (available in all art stores) will be a treasured keepsake, however clumsily rendered. And such a fun find in a stocking! Or you can make your artwork or photos into special ornaments which you can wrap and add to the stocking. 

So have fun topping off your lists and remember we can get it there by christmas! Free shipping and the most ADORABLE free gift wrap! Happy Holidays!!! xxoxo DR

 

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! 

Sweet Satori Rue!

OMG. The most beautiful, twinkling, sparkling, deliciously delightful new necklaces are here!!! Satori Rue uses the best stones, crystals and sterling silver trim we've ever seen. Not kidding! These long and lovely layering necklaces just sparkle like crazy and feel so wonderful, you can feel the quality when you wear them! They really are an ocean of beautiful colors, it is nearly impossible to choose just one. Luckily they are 15% off during our Satori Rue trunk show through Sunday! Find your favorite, and they make the perfect gift, too! 

The Wanderer Vest

We have fallen totally IN LOVE with Prairie Undergrounds’ gorgeous Wanderer Vest, and we’re gonna’ wander over to our closet to see what we will rock it with first! This incredibly soft, cool, organic cotton/hemp vest in the prettiest chambray blue is the perfect transitional piece to slip on during these late summer days, and wear right through fall! Love it with sexy denim like these jeans from Henry and Belle,sexy summer tanks, and beautiful fall tees! This artful design combined with the luxurious comfort Prairie is famous for PLUS the 20% off trunkshow price makes her a VERY cool chick!

 

Outfit of the Day!

We have a new love, and it's leonine! Velvet's incredibly sassy Lovie Top in sweet leopard has us imagining all kinds of ways to rock it! First up---with jeans, of course.

And so many kinds! We show it here with super-sexy Citizens of Humanity Riley Boy Bootcuts, but it would also look fab with cropped jeans, skinny jeans, boyfriend, trouser, or cuffed jeans!  

We'd also happily wear this right now with white shorts, or a sleek black knit pencil skirt. So cool! The perfect fall layer for sheer style and wearability! Pair it with all kinds of accessories, it looks great with gold, and we thought a pop of surprise jade would add a little more WOW! or REOW, as the case may be. :) 

Waving the Red, White, and Blue!

Oh yes, we are feeling the festive 4th of July anticipation! Nothing says summer quite like July, and we at Melange will never miss an opportunity to rock some Tumbleweed sparkle. Sparkle along with your sparklers! Stylishly!  http://www.melange4women.com/whatsnew.html

 

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to Jennie Lennartz Hawes, she is the lucky winner of a beautiful Hard Tail Textured Scoop Back Tank! And thank you to all who took the time to enter! Better luck this week!!!

 

 

Speaking of this week, our newest fashion freebie are these beautiful gold hoop earrings from Tumbleweed! Light, lovely and ultimately versatile, these beauties will add some elegant sparkle to any look, all year long!  

 

Enter to win simply by liking our Facebook page, sharing or commenting on our post! This week's winner will be announced next Friday, 1/25 in our Weekly Style Watch!  Stay tuned!  xoxo

Light, Luxurious, Layers.

In love, have to share! The new Michael Stars Sandwashed Silk Mix tops are knocking our socks off!!! This wonderful, washable fabric drapes perfectly in a tunic length and the wonderful contrasting back and front-front silk, back rayon, in gorgeous graphite looks great any way you style it!

Absolutely stunning with the Sandwashed Silk Mix Cardigan that is a basic black layer with an easy sophistication.

 

 

Pair these easy, luxurious layers with a rockin pair of jeans like these from Citizens, and some great shoes-go for patent leather black ballet flats, cute heeled oxfords, fab fall boots!

Add a little bling at the throat or ear, and the perfect bag, and you are ready for anything, comfortable,(and sexy as hell)!

Melange is on Tumblr!!!

Ooooh, it's already a fabulous day! We have started up our own little Tumblr blog, and you are invited to view it, experience it, and follow it!

On Tumblr we'll be regularly posting photos of fashion of course, both our own and that from the world at large, sharing inspirational stories, quotes, recipes and ideas, and continuing on in our search for the perfectly curated, fabulous lifestyle! 

Laissez les bons temps rouler! (cue champagne!)  xo DR

Melange Fall Lookbook

 

 

FASHION ALERT! The most SCRUMPTIOUS fall shipment from Eileen Fisher has just arrived, and we here at Melange are like kids in a candy store. No, we're more like fashion-lovers in a fabulous boutique! There are so many gorgeous new arrivals coming in every day from designers like Eileen Fisher, Anni Kuan, Om Girl, Seven for all Mankind, Hard Tail, and others that are easy to mix, match and immediately work into your fall wardrobe! Here are some of our favorite new looks, and ones we think you'll love too! Enjoy, and remember to WORK IT!

   


This elegant merino poncho in rich Spice is a dream to wear! So flattering with its assymetrical hem and light drape! Absolutely stunning over a simple, sleek ivory tee and with dark wash trouser jeans. A modern take on a cool, 70's vibe! Add a little gold hoop action and you are a casual-but-sophisticated beauty!

   

Eileen's perfect Merino Diagonal Jacquard Jacket is a piece to dress up or down. Wear it with the beautiful, comfortable matching skirt and simple heels to work, or dress it down with this super-soft cowl neck top from Texture, these gorgeous dark jeans from Citizens, and Eileen's deliciously light silk ombre wrap. Cool AND elegant!

 

We are IN LOVE with these wonderful rich jewel-tones this season! Eileen's amazing Jersey scoop neck top in Pomegranate looks perfect with the dimensional tonal greys of her luscious Mohair Ombre cardigan, and throw a little more pop into it with these beautiful striped gloves! Relaxed and elegant dark wash jeans make the whole thing totally cool!

All Hail Hard Tail!

 

A lovely new shipment of Hard Tail has hit the racks, and we couldn't be happier! Soft, supima cotton and modal blends in casual, comfortable, and colorful silhouettes from spring and summer! Love this long, fresh blue skirt!  Pair it with a sexy white tee, some beautiful sandals, and a twinkling silver necklace to feel like a walking vacation! 

 

 

 

Layered Perfection!

From soft, fresh tees in the palest shade of pink to luxurious reversible wrap coats in heather grey and black, we're loving the transitional fashion coming through our doors! We are still needing light, comfortable (and tres cute) layers for the warmer days, but a great wrap coat or cardigan is just the ticket for evenings and the cooler fall weather right around the corner!

Stewart + Brown has brought us these beautiful tunic-length short sleeve tees in lovely shades of pink and deep red and of course black, and Roam has created the most FABULOUS reversible wrap cardis and coats! Wrap yourself in soft layers this season, and add a little sparkle like these pretty leaf hoops from Tumbleweed! Fresh and easy, that's my motto! (signed, DR:)

 

jewelry love...

I have to give a little shout out to our {real-life} next door neighbors at New Tw!st!  Our friends Colleen, Jodi and Andrea took a little jaunt to Seattle and visited the studio of Jaime Joesph and her husband, Jeremy... I'm so envious!!  And you will be too, once you see these pics!  They didn't leave empty-handed so be sure to check out the new JJ arrivals their shop.   {I do think one of these rocks would look fabulous with my new Trina ensemble}  signed, me {CA}