You are my sunshine

I bought this awesome yellow paperbag style skirt at Forever 21 a few months back because I have been trying to incorperate more yellow into my wardrobe (quite successfully actually!). But figuring out how to wear this skirt was tougher than I thought. It seems yellow on the bottom is tougher to wear than yellow on the top.
I was inspired by pinterest when I saw several "pins" featuring yellow and grey as a colour combo. I loved the way the grey balanced the yellow as a neutral, and avoided the "bumble bee vibe" that black and yellow creates. It was so much easier to then add other colours once the grey top and tights grounded the outift. When I put the outfit on I also immediately started singing "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy, when skies are grey!"
For the record, I don't actually own a cardigan as cute as this one (the one I wore was just plain white), but I will definitely be looking for one now!

You are my sunshine by mllemelanie featuring grey tights

Jet Setter

I have been trying to find the perfect travel outfit for years - something that is comfortable but stylish. I mean really there is no reason for the "tacky tourist" these days! I always dress in layers because you never know what you will get - indoors or out, and I always, always, always bring a pashmina. They make for a great blanket on the plane, and yet take up zero precious bag space because you can simply throw it around your neck for transporting. Airport security is always a challenge, so I try to wear as little metal jewellry as possible, stick to pants that don't require a belt, and wear shoes that slip on and off easily.
A bag that can be worn across your shoulder is also great because it frees up your hands for boarding passes and passports. This bag is a Miche bag and if you haven't discovered them yet, you need to! It is a brilliantly designed purse with an inner bag, and interchangeable outer shells and straps. They are especially great for traveling because rather than wasting suitcase space on different purses or having to settle on just one purse for the whole trip, the Miche shells lie flat in the suitcase and take up virtually no space. They also come in a huge assortment of adorable shells, shapes and sizes. I love my Miche!

Jet Setter by mllemelanie featuring striped tops

Stars & Stripes

I'm Canadian so I obviously don't celebrate the 4th of July, but if I did, this is totally what I would wear! I got some cute red Calvin Klein capri jeans on a recent trip to Las Vegas. I also picked up an adorable navy blue star printed cardigan from H&M and a navy striped t-shirt. When I looked at them all together, it was clear that the Americana vibe in Vegas had rubbed off on my shopping choices. 

And I do have to admit, Americans, you have a flag that can truly inspire fashion (more so than any other country's flag I think)!

Stars & Stripes by mllemelanie featuring sparkle jewelry

Cape Diem

Sometime back I got this awesome purple sweater cape from Anthropologie at a ridiculous sale price (I think I paid about $30 when the original pricetag read $200). I am an avid sale shopper who just waits for someone to ask me where I got an item so that I can tell them what a great deal I got! I think it is important to understand that style isn't about how much you spend or what brand names you buy - it is about being yourself and feeling good in what you wear, no matter if it is currently "in style" or not. Find what works for you - and you find a great deal, Seize the Sale!

Sadly I packed away this sweater (and the rest of my fall/winter wardrobe) yesterday to make room for my spring/summer wardrobe - even though it isn't fully spring here yet, I needed the change. But I know that I will be so excited come the fall to pull this beauty back out again!

Cape Diem by mllemelanie featuring leather gloves

Birds of a Feather

Last weekend while shopping with my mom, I picked up an adorable bird blouse very similar to this one from H&M (mine has short sleeves, and no buttons or ties). I also got this awesome cobalt blue blazer. I am so in love with bright colours right now, and have clearly established a jewel toned colour palette for spring. I love how the colours play so well with either black or brown, accent gold jewelery, and can be piled one colour on top of the other without looking outrageous. Bring on the colour! (And spring... pretty please)

Birds of a Feather by mllemelanie featuring skinny jeans

Family Jewels

This past weekend, my mother was in town visiting, and as she is my best shopping companion, we braved the crowds and hit the mall! I got this awesome mustard yellow shirt at Old Navy for $5! Seriously. (I also got a turquoise one). I often have a hard time remembering to buy basics (like t-shirts, camis, etc) because they aren't the things that catch my eye when I am out shopping. But when basics are as fun as these, how can I resist? And I am just dying to wear it with my cobalt jeans. Spring must be on it's way cause I am craving colour!

 

Family Jewels by mllemelanie featuring denim skinny jeans

Flora the love of a party

For my 30th birthday a few years back, my husband bought me this adorable Betsey Johnson dress from ModCloth. I have dreamed of owning a Betsey Johnson dress for a very long time, so this was a big deal! It has since become my go-to party dress. I love how it is just as easy to wear it in the winter and in the summer. The black grounds it and makes it not too bright for winter, the heavier material means that it still looks good layered with tights and a cardigan, yet in warmer months it has enough interest and style to stand on it's own with minimal accesories.
 

This is the fall/winter version of how I like to wear this dress.

 

  

My 30th birthday (which is in December)

Flora the love of a party by mllemelanie