Me in Melange

Trina Turk Kiera Bag Giveaway!

Happy Monday morning to you!  We're are dying with excitement for the coming week... not only do we have a wonderful trunkshow to look forward to on Thursday, featuring TONS of beautiful Stewart + Brown {seriously they are sending us such cute stuff!!}  and gorgeous jewels from one of our favorites, Cara Quinby... but we're also giving away a Trina Turk bag!  what?!  how do I sign up for that fabulousness?  well friends, all you have to do is click over to facebook and give us a 'like' and then leave a comment below and answer the question "what is your most favorite item in your closet for this Fall?"  All comments must be made by 5pm on Sunday...  and then we will announce one lucky winner Monday morning!  signed, me {CA}

sale on sale...

 

it's on ladies!  and some of my favorite pieces are still up for grabs, for example...

1. the AG ballad if you're a skinny minnie (they're a 25) you are in luck. these are fantastic jeans, super soft and a great fit with a slim bootleg.

2.  this Isda Luxe Swing Top, I wish I had gotten this at the trunkshow... it's such an easy breezy top in a really lovely color that does wonders for the complexion.

3.  the Margaret O'Leary Pineapple Cardi, such a beautiful and unique sweater!  I almost didn't want to talk you into it, because quite frankly I'd like it for me!!

4.  a perfect summer dress... the Velvet Elerie, a bold pop of royal blue.  You can dress it up or down, and you're bound to wear it a ton!

happy shopping friends!  signed, me {CA}

 

my 5 dollar manicure...

I'm not one to keep nailpolish on my fingers...  I stink at applying it and have no time to go and get them done.  so I usually just keep my nails short, tidy and 'naked'.  But, after seeing this post about these sally hansen nail strips, well I had to try it out for myself....

the kit was a little less than $5 at my target and they were almost sold out of all the colors... I chose 'raise a glass' which is light glittery champagne.  you apply the strips like stickers and they're so super easy!  it's my new favorite accessory.  have a happy weekend everyone!  signed, me {CA}

sneak peek . Roam Fall 2011...

yes I know we're just getting spring jumpstarted, but Roam's fall lookbook came across our email today and I just had to share some of our favorite bits with you...

cute right?  something to look forward to... but right now, I'm going to enjoy this beautiful weather.  signed, me {CA}

ps... our Spring Party has started!!  did you come get yourself a treat yet? 

spring party . surprise + sneak peek!

I'm telling ya, we've got all sorts of tricks up our sleeves for the par-tay this weekend.  And seeing as we're always up for the more, the merrier... we're happy to announce that we'll have an exclusive online showing of Cara Quinby jewels as well!!  here's just a few of our faves...

hope you'll join us on the 31st!  signed. me {CA}

spring party . sneak peek part 2 - VELVET!

happy Monday!!  the Spring Party is this week {starts on Thursday!!}  and we're all giddy because Velvet arrives soon.  but just for you, a sneak peek into what will be in store, here are a few of my faves...

aren't they lovely?!  just makes ya want to sing... so mark your calender, grab some champagne and get ready to SHOP on the 31st!  cheers!  signed, me {CA}

spring party . sneak peek...

you're invited...

and because we're all so excited, I thought I'd give ya a little sneak peek...

First up, Vismaya scarves...  some of the prettiest we've ever gotten from them!  Gorgeous colors and prints, beautiful fabrics, we've already picked out a few for our wishlists...

 

so pretty!  and well-priced to boot, so you don't have to pick just one.

and secondly there's this fanatastic collection of tumbleweed...  LV met tumbleweed's artist, Jessica Russell at the Seattle gift show... Jessica has added new necklaces to her line of jewels, big statement pendants, long bohemian chains, and simple layers as well...  we've been a fan of her super light hoops and adorable promise rings for such a long time, we can't wait to add a few new sparkly jewels to our box this spring.

What's more is that there will a HUGE shipment of Velvet as well!!  Stay tuned for more on that... and if you're in the Eugene area mark it on your calendar {March 31- April 3} and come join us for macaroons, champagne, and a whole lot of Spring Party fun!

Happy Friday!  signed, me {CA}

looks we're lovin'... new arrivals!

Have you seen all the great new items in the shop?!  We've already worked a lot of them into outfits on the site...  {check out all 5 new looks right here!}

but of course we've also quickly adopted more favorites... {some that we've already mentioned, can't help it, spring has got us all a flutter!} So, here are even more looks that we're lusting after...

the Isda Gold Mine Tank layered over our favorite Hard Tail Skinny Tee {for a wear-it-now option}, pair with these MUST HAVE Citizen of Humanity Cropped White Jeans {love those!!}, add some fun accessories like an Ada Headband and some Tumbleweed hoops and you are good-to-go for spring!

Or how about this Hard Tail Frolic Skirt {the maxi skirt is a definite 'want' for spring!}  paired up with this easy-to-wear Velvet V-neck, fabulous Ada Belt, ALG necklace, and Hard Tail Jacket for chilly days. 

YAY for Spring!!  It's less than a week away...  signed, me {CA}

sale on sale!

it's that time again SALE ON SALE and here are some pieces that are too irresitible to pass up...

1.  EF long cardi    2.  S&B shirtdress    3.  EF capris!    4.  summery SEVENS    5.  HT cardi

shop quick!  the good stuff always goes fast...   signed, me {CA}

oscars 2011...

my top three...

mila kunis in ellie saab....  lavender love.  definitely my fave.

hailee steinfeld in marchesa...  perfectly dressed and simply adorable.

Gwenth... rockin' some Calvin Klein.

did I miss any other fabulous getups?  did you dig all the red or were you more into the shades of purple?  signed, me {CA}

Isda & Co. Spring 2011 Trunkshow!

It's happening right now and it's pretty darn fabulous,  {especially at 20% off, wink wink}.  Here's what is top on our list...

metallics and soft neutrals... Isda plays up her fabulous materials with simple classics giving them a modern edge.

1. shine vest    2. handkerchief linen    3. micro pant    4. spiral vest

lavender and gold...  Isda inspires warm thoughts with these fanciful spring pieces.

1. pebble cardigan    2. luxe swing    3. silken tiered skirt    4. side ruche

 

shop quick, the sale ends soon!  signed, me {CA}

'fashions fade, style is eternal'...

we just loaded up a photo album with a ton of outfit pictures from years past...  check it.  but, beware, if you are anything like me, you will probably be saying, 'oooh I wish I had gotten that' more than once or twice.  signed, me {CA}

some of my new faves...

If I were to go on a little shopping spree today, this is what would be in my bag... #1. some big ass pearls, I love these... they're light, go with everything and the hook is nice and close to the earlobe so they dangle perfectly.  #2. this EF sweater vest... a perfect layering piece for this time of year, love how it can add just a bit of interest to a simple outfit.  #3. the Hard Tail Skinny tee!!  honestly, I would get it in all three basic colors (black, heather, and white)... this tee is scrumptious!  long body, nice long sleeves and the softest fabric ever.  You'll want to cozy up and wear it all the time!  #4.  the Velvet Maritzio... love this vintage washed tee, in three delightfully pretty colors.  it's like your boyfriend's faded work tee, only made just for you!  #5. some Joe's!  this Spring, flares are back ladies!  #6. the HT crossover tank,  yes, I know we've had it at the shop before I even started working there (which was a very long time ago) but for one reason or another I never tried it on until today... and holy moly, I'm in LOVE!  This is such a flattering tank... it is definitely coming home.

I love shopping... even if it's just window shopping, don't you?!  what would you take home? 

signed, me {CA}

golden globes 2011...

5 of my favorite looks for the night...

Julie Bowen in a one-shoulder Max Azria Atelier... probably my favorite... love the grey and the soft frayed edges.

Leighton Meester {ok maybe she was my fave.} would win my award for being perfectly accessorized... in Jimmy Choo shoes, Louis Vuitton tassle clutch and Cathy Waterman jewels that topped off her Nude Crepon Print Ruched Crescent Dress from the Pre-Fall 2011 Burberry Prorsum collection. love it.

I obviously have a thing for neutrals... but I love Dianna Agron {from Glee!}, she looked lovely in her J Mendel Dress, Ferragamo clutch and Cathy Waterman jewelry.

New starlet, Hailee Steinfeld looked so pretty in Prabal Gurung.  I especially like that awesome little Amanda Pearl clutch and long ponytail.

And then of course, Angelina... in Versace.  rockin' the emerald, yet again.  {remember those amazing 2.5 million dollar earrings from the oscars in 2009.}  love.

who were your favorites of the night??  signed, me {CA}

pleased to meet you, Olive and Orange...

We are ecstatic to announce that starting this spring we will be carrying Olive and Orange at Melange!!  O&O is the new sportswear line from Orla Kiely.  LV and I have both toted Orla Kiely bags for the past couple of years... I absolutely LOVE her eye for clean lines and perfect color combinations and simply cannot wait to get my hands on items like this rainbow stripe cardi and tons of fabulous new handbags!  Check out O&O's new website {just launched yesterday!!} and on facebook where they have pics of spring '11.  Something to look forward to!!  signed, me {CA}

the classic white button down...

You'll wear it again and again, so we suggest you get a good one.  trust us.

1. Our favorite white button down   2. a TT skirt   3. and a little more TT never hurt anybody.  4. a Dav Bag ...back in stock!   5. a little bit of sunshine for your rainy day.   6. a cute umbrella   7. a new sweater vest    8. some stripes on your mittens   9. must-have cords for the season   10. did we mention it rains a lot here in Oregon?   11. a cozy cardi   12. staple straight legs

signed, me {CA}

whip my hair...

for your Tuesday morning dance party, a new release from little Willow Smith.

 

enjoy!  signed, me {CA}

Vismaya Fall 2010 Trunkshow...

The scarves have arrived and they are absolutely gorgeous!  We're in love with all the jewel-tone punches and rich neutrals... They're a go-to accessory for the fall and winter, being the perfect way to step up a so-so outfit.  But be sure to come shop the trunkshow quickly... these lovelies are only here until Sunday night!  signed, me {CA}

ps...  coupon code:  wrapmeup  ... gets you 15% off all the Vismaya scarves!

bring on the rain...

We have you covered from head to toe!

from the ground up.... rainboots, leggings, longsleeve, dress, earrings, and umbrella.  Voila!  Adorable for any dreary, rainy day.  We're super excited about the new line of raingear from Dav... come check it out!  signed, me {CA}

frozen delight...

I'm posting this for the main purpose of sharing with a very preggo, LV... I almost just "IM-ed" it to her as I do so many things, but this looked so yummy {and easy!} I thought it be best to share with all of you!

mmmm.... I love ice cream. :)  this is Pioneer Woman's chocolate almond frozen mousse.  Warning: this will not help you fit into skinny jeans... but it will help you sink into the sofa with a big ole' smile on your face.  3 ingredients, that's it! -for real.  And if you have not yet discovered PW, I suggest you go there now and get lost on her frontier for a bit.  signed, me {CA}

our new pad...

We have finally settled in to our new digs, and we have to say, we do favor being at the head of the class, so to speak...  there's a lot more hustle and bustle that we can see from one of our 14! windows and we adore being right across from our friends at New Twist.  All-in-all we think it was a great move for our shop!  As promised here are a few quick pics...

Our front entrance...

there are nice flowers in that big, empty, cement pot now...

our SIDE entrance... that's right, 2 doors baby!

fountain side - wall of windows... that's LV on the phone in the reflection...

Little Lila found her favorite corner of the store... toy basket & PJs! ...Let's go in the side entrance, shall we...

Hello Ladies!  The blank wall was awaiting our big Melange sign... but it's installed now, so come see!!

Fountain side - back of the shop.

front and side windows... we're loving all the natural light!

We hope that if you're in Eugene, you will come on down to 5th Street and check out the new shop in person!  We would love to see your smiling face. signed, me {CA}

our 'big' move...

I thought some of you might be wondering WHY we are moving...

It's because that black hole where the big white arrows are pointing to is our current store front - super inviting, right??  yea, we didn't think so either.  The reason for all the scaffold is that the 5th Street Market is building this fabulous boutique hotel...

Isn't it pretty!?  So, there it is the reason for our big move... we can't wait for our cozy shop across the promenade, where we can look at the scaffold from a nice, safe distance. :)  more to follow soon!  signed, me {CA}

outfitting 101...

1. 'worn-in' straight legs    2. a classic white button-down     3. cozy, yet tailored cardi    4. a fabulous bag    5. bits of red... here and there 

happy monday! signed, me {CA}

the wilderness downtown...

something fun for your morning cup of joe... or afternoon lunch.  The Wilderness Downtown, is an interactive film by Chris Milk, featuring "We Used to Wait"... the end result is a music video starring your street.  {It must be viewed using google chrome, I tried it in firefox and it doesn't work}  It's very cool, check it out.  signed, me {CA}

Monday morning...

This would make me want to get up and go {with a smile}...

 

1. a pop of color from Cara Q.     2. a lovely silk blouse from Trina    3. the matching cardi {LOVE this color!}    4. and a pair of 'feel great' pants from EF

ta da!  ready to face a gloomy Monday morning.  signed, me {CA}

 

yes, please!

1. a little sparkle from Cara Quinby    2. a cozy wrap from Laurie B.    3. a must-have layering tee from S+B    4. Hudsons... we love you.    5. this bag... if it wasn't already sold out.  got to move fast around these parts. ;)  signed, me {CA}

fall transition...

Time to get ready for Fall!!  Can you believe it!?  I love the lazy days of summer... I feel like I wait all year (especially here in Oregon)  for the long days, the warm sun, the ability to wear all the pretty dresses in my closet... but then Fall transition starts to roll in and I can't wait for summer to be done. finito. goodbye. Don't get me wrong, I'll enjoy every last bit of it thoroughly.  But quite frankly, I hate wearing shorts... I'm waaaay too pale to be laying out in a bikini, and not a lot of places have AC here in the northwest so it's just plain yuck-o on the few days when it actually does reach 90+. (we DO have AC at the shop so come 'chill' with us there this weekend, Eugene folk!)  Anyway, so Fall transition is here, and I couldn't be happier!  Fall is my FAVORITE time of year for clothes... cute jackets, boots, jeans, sweaters...  everything, love it all.  Yesterday I sold myself on these 2... ok 3! pieces.  Skinny jeans, particularly these AG leggings that I have on... (there's ONE pair left, if someone else at the shop doesn't snatch them up.)  I also love these AG premiere straight legs, actually I like the 5 year wash much better, but I love how the leggings don't budge when putting boots on and off.  Second, this great new Isda dress.  Simply adorable.  It's lightweight, so I can wear it now with a cute pair of leather flip flops and then later layered over jeans with a cozy cardi.  And third... the awesome Ada obi belt.  How do I not already own one of these, I do not know. Even more Fall goodies arriving today from Velvet (LV promises that this is the first glimpse of how cute Fall is truly going to be!) Hudson - our new obsession!, and Sevens which always causes our wallets to be a bit empty - and it's always worth it!  So get ready gals, the best season for every true fashionista is just around the corner.  signed, me {CA}

Lila approved.

The new Rachel Weissman headbands are voted 'adorable' by even our littlest Melange gal...

Happy Friday everyone!  signed, me {CA}

summer blues...

only the good kind...

and it's quite possibly our favorite frock of the season!  New Michael Stars and Eileen Fisher has just arrived... just in time for the first official week of summer.  signed, me {CA}
 

Stewart + Brown summer trunk show!

It's here and it's pretty darn awesome!

Shop quickly... quantities are very limited and you will not want to miss out on this cuteness!  signed, me {CA}

Father's Day napkin art...

In my house this would only truly be appreciated if it was accompanied by a big plate of ribs.  But what a cute idea for your Daddy's day dinner... click here for a tutorial on how to fold these little napkin shirts. signed, me {CA}

{image and tutorial via How About Orange}

bright spots...

Have we mentioned that here, in the NW summer has yet to arrive...  it's been just plain yucky.  Dismal, rainy.. more rainy.  ugh.  I have noticed though, that people start compensating for the lack of sunniness with their daily wardrobe color choices...  the other day a friend of mine, who used to be a Melange staff member, came over to my house and we were both wearing the exact same shade of electric yellow... which IS weird that either of us have access to the particular neon (we are both VERY pale, enough said) but I don't think it's one-bit weird that we both just 'happened' to be wearing it on that day, because I think that was the day it also rained 2".  gloomy weather + pop of color = ok day.  Here are some of my favorite brights in the store right now...

Michael Stars slub cotton button down in tulip

 

True Grit cotton voile ruffle skirt

EF linen duster

 

and the Velvet shirley top!  so go make your own sunshine...  signed, me {CA}

 

loose leaf...

I've got boys on the brain... as in baby boys and daddies.  I came across these, while looking for baby shower and daddy's day presents. 

aren't they the cutest!?  I love the fact that they used a burnout tee, nice subtle screen printing, and the fact that the cotton looks soft even in the pic.  yep, the execution here is pretty great, otherwise I wouldn't think twice about DIY-ing this bad boy up.  signed, me {CA}

for your weekend...

I recommend you buy this little number...

and wear it to go see...

not because SATC2 got rave reviews, it certainly did not... but we ALL know it's really just about the fashion.  And you will want to look good while eating your tub of popcorn. ;)  signed, me {CA}

essential necessities...

 

We've filled our summer essentials section with hand-picked items from the shop... these are items we think you really shouldn't live without this summer season. {and all the summers to follow!} Check it out... AND save $25 on orders of $125 or more, now through May 31st!  coupon code:  essential 

signed, me {CA}
 

tightrope...

Just in case you need to have yourself a little dance break this fine Tuesday morning...

signed, me {CA}

birthday dress...

Turns out, it was my size!  Happy Birthday to me!  signed, me {CA}

cara's birthday giveaway!

Yay for birthdays and shopping!  signed, me {CA}

summer's sweet new outfits...

ripe for the picking!

{Amanda in Peaches + Cream}

{Danica in Swiss Meringue}

{Lauren S. in Shaved Ice}

Check out all 5, new summery confections right here.  signed, me {CA}

my morning...

has not gone too well so far...  baby woke up super early (not usually a problem, but mommy stayed up way past her own bedtime working on the computer last night), dog peed on the floor again, baby used the down comforter as a slide and bumped her head on the floor (which led to a 5 minute crying session for baby and a shaken, verge-of-tears mommy),  yikes.  I need to turn this day around before I go any further.  Luckily, I got this tunic at the shop yesterday.

{insert ray of sunshine here}  new clothes easily make bad mornings better.  :)  I encourage everyone to make their morning better right now!  signed, me {CA}

juicy deals... Lauren's picks!

1. Shimmy shimmy... this is a piece you will have forever and get compliments every time you wear!!  No one has to know about what a fantastic deal it was, it will be our little secret. :)  2.  I have this tank, wore it Tuesday layered over a hot pink crew neck... adorable!  3.  These knickers might not look like much on the web, but trust me you will LOVE them, you can thank me later.  4. This frock really deserves a stylish home, it will be perfect when the holidays roll back around!  5. This tunic is awesome, wait why did I mark it down? It's perfectly in season AND on sale. what a treat!

Shop quickly my friends, these deals are flying out the door!

juicy deals...

Our famous (at least among us) SALE on SALE has begun!  And there certainly are some juicy good deals that are ready to find a happy home.  Here are some of our employee's top 5 picks...

Cara's picks.... 1.  this lovely little blue dress, I wish you were my size!  I'd scoop you up in a heartbeat.  2.  This vest is still in the store?  did you not see how awesome the detailing on the back is? Someone, please... you will wear this again and again!  3. Dojo with a Squiggle and on super sale... yes, please.  4. I have this pencil skirt in gray and might have to get in navy too, if someone else doesn't snatch it up first.  5. And I have so much love for this little fuchsia number! It's saying 'take me to the beach, wear me with flip flops and a tan!'  I may have to oblige.

Amanda's picks... 1.  I had a dream about this blouse last night... so that's a sign, right?  2. It's a basic necessity, is what it is!  3.  juicy color + linen = love   4. I wanted this blouse the minute I unpacked it from the box!  It's even MORE tempting now.  5. Wardrobes are only as good as the layers it provides... make yours better with this tee right now!
 
more picks to come....

The super duper sale on sale starts today!  Additional 30% off all sale items!  coupon code: juicydeal  -all sales final.

signed, me {CA}.

cara's mom...

Isn't she a dream? I absolutely LOVE this picture and I adore that my mom remembers these details...  "This is the night I found out I had won  (best dressed at the University of South Florida - 1967); the girl talking to me is telling me the news and Doug and I were coming from an SAE party.That dress was chiffon—chartreuse body and sleeves and hot pink at collar. Earrings were hot pink."  I love it all right down to those T-strap flats!

My mom is (and always will be) one of my top style icons.  She's always put emphasis on these things... being comfortable; fashion should be fun; be pretty inside as well as out; and most of all be yourself  --being unique is always best!  I love you Mom!!  signed, me {CA}

{a few more pics? click here}

sneak peek . roam fall 2010

A little taste of what's in store for fall...

    

signed, me {CA}

{images from Roam}

women helping women . 2010

For the past 7 years at Melange, we've held an annual clothing drive for one of our favorite local charities, Womenspace. Womenspace helps women in our area, who are the victim's of domestic violence, get back on their feet and help take charge of their life. And one of the many things they do is prepare them with a great interview outfit.  {a very important thing to have as we all know!!}  We're always amazed at the generosity of our customers in Eugene, who donate beautiful, gently used clothes for this cause.  And we hope to spread the love this Earth day weekend and encourage you to clean out those closets, find a local charity and help women in your community!   with our thanks, please enjoy 20% off your purchase at Melange.  coupon code: WHW2010  .  expires: 4/24/10   signed, me {CA}