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keeping it casual
When I think of dressing for fall and winter weather, comfort, warmth, and casual are three words that come to mind. Thankfully, there so many outfit combinations that make for a cute and put together look, but are still comfortable, warm, and casual. For me, this outfit is a major winner when it comes to fall layers and a typical day-to-day look for a weekday or weekend. Going out and getting dressed up is fun of course, but for the day to day wear, casual is where it’s at! Vests are probably one of my favorite wardrobe items because they add a cool, effortless layer and are so versatile. Below are the links to this look, plus similar options. xo
images by felicia lasala
THE OUTFIT: vest (here, too) c/o | leggings (similar + similar) c/o
sweater c/o | sunnies c/o | shoes| lip color | bag c/o
SHOP:
melissa's minimal makeup routine
Keeping my makeup minimal, simple, natural looking, and safe is something that I am always striving for. I currently have a quick and easy everyday routine that is working really well, so I wanted to share it with you. Details on the products that I use are below // xo melissa
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concealer- it's taken me a while to find a blemish + under-eye concealer that worked well, but wasn't packed with harmful ingredients + wouldn't cause my chin/nose to break out. I finally came across this one from bareMinerals and it's awesome. The formula is light enough that it doesn't clog my pores, but it still covers blemishes and under-eye circles.
mascara- this mascara from bareMinerals is my current go-to for day and night. It lengthens, looks natural, and doesn't smudge or run.
brow- I use this everyday and cannot imagine my brows without glossier's boy brow. Brows still look still look very natural after filling them in with this product, which is so important. No one wants fake looking brows!
powder- I don't use this daily, but when I want more of a "finished" look I lightly brush on this powder from beautycounter.
bronzer- volition sent me and Lauren a few of their products to test out and I immediately fell in love with this creamy bronzer. It blends right in and gives my skin a natural, healthy glow. c/o
SHOP
currently loving
[so many cool vintage pieces, so little time // via an antique store in florence Italy]
F R I D A Y. It never gets old, does it? Below is our currently loving list for this week, including everything from the coziest blanket from pottery barn to Lo's favorite pair of madewell jeans.
my five
the coziest oversized hoodie from abercrombie
my favorite pair of jeans for the fall and winter
indian healing clay that you mix with apple cider vinegar for the best mud mask
a super cozy, faux fur blanket for cold nights and slow mornings
pretty pillows from restoration hardware
lo's five
the pens that I use for everything, including underlining when reading books
I can't even describe my love for these jeans, but they do run a size big
noise canceling headphones are a must when traveling
this book has changed my life! I am going to re-read it when I am done
my favorite mid day snack - it is a roasted whole with no sugar
// happy weekend //
classic loafer
First of all, how cool is the above image from Everlane? The relaxed, effortlessly-stylish vibe is what the brand is known for and this image completely captures that attitude. Lo and I are both big fans of Everlane, and are grateful that they sent us each a pair of shoes earlier this year to see what their brand was all about. I decided to go with the modern loafer and could not be more in love with this pair of shoes. At first I was a little nervous that they would be uncomfortable, but after a few wears they are already broken in and quite comfortable. These loafers are not only a timeless and classic addition to my wardrobe, but they are so cool. I have received compliments each time I have worn them, and they somehow look great with almost every outfit that I pair them with. I've rounded up some clothing items below that would look cute with loafers, as some style inspo for you. If you are considering a pair of loafers this fall, I would definitely consider this pair // xo melissa
OUTFIT INSPO // JUST ADD LOAFERS
suede skirt + bell sleeves
Do you guys ever get wardrobe anxiety? I am talking about the fear that your wardrobe isn't good enough- not fashionable enough, cool enough, organized enough, or perfectly curated enough. I definitely get caught up in this silly, made-up pressure situation, and lately I have been praying hard over it. Clothes, wardrobe, fashion, and personal style are all gifts that are supposed to be enjoyed, loved, and celebrated- not stressed over! After many thoughts and prayers about this matter, I have been focusing less on the fantasy that my wardrobe needs to be and should be perfect- not only is that totally unrealistic, but that goal takes the joy out of what I actually do have in my closet.A mantra that has been helping me lately is "appreciate more, accumulate less". I find myself repeating this phrase whenever I get the panicked thoughts of "Oh, I need this" or "Oh, if only I had that". Instead of striving for false perfection, I am making it a conscious decision to love and enjoy each and every piece in my closet. This includes being more creative with what I have, mixing and matching, and "shopping my closet" instead of shopping online. It's definitely a journey of growth and appreciation, and it's already resulting in a more grateful heart day by day. Amen to that!Details + links to Lo's cute fall look are at the bottom of this post // xo melissaimages by felicia lasala
OUTFIT DETAILS:
top (c/o) | skirt (c\o) | shoes (c/o) (similar) | sunnies (c/o)
SHOP THE LOOK:
avocado toast with honey
The day that I thought to randomly drizzle honey over my avocado toast was the day that everything changed for the better. At first I was skeptical, but it turned out to be a very sweet surprise! Somehow the avocado, pepper, and honey work together in perfect harmony and make for a wonderfully savory and naturally sweet breakfast treat. Have you ever tried avocado toast with honey? Let me know your initial thoughts in the comments below // xo melissa
The Perfect Gift for the Men in Your Life
Can we all admit that shopping for the men in our life can be a major struggle. Yes, I am writing this at the very beginning of the almost holiday season because this year, I am preparing that far in advance. Side note: December includes my husband's birthday, our wedding anniversary, AND Christmas. HELP! Gifting is a gift in itself, and I realized that shopping for this special time of the year should not be stressful and rushed but rather thought-through and meaningful. What do we need for that? Time. Awareness. Notes :) I love listening to what the close ones in my life mention as wish list items or things they need when they don't even realize they are doing it, and I note it! Or when I am shopping with Santa glasses months in advance, the most perfect presents jump out at me!
Enter the foolproof thing to wrap up for your boyfriend, your hubs, your dad, or any close man in your life that deserves a rad gift! The Duluth pack. This present is always a win win because it is so versatile. Are you a dad? Throw all the baby needs in your bag. Do you have trips planned? This is the perfect travel companion. Going on a hike? Take this with you!I cannot wait to give this backpack to two special ones in my life - I am not going to specify who just in case they read this!*thank you, duluth pack, for the gifts![show_shopthepost_widget id="1994419"]
travel tips + bomber look
Happy friday, friends! What do you guys have going on this weekend? Lo is currently in Dallas with her family as her twin sister, Britt, gets ready to welcome her sweet babe into the world- beyond exciting! This past week I went to NYC for work and this weekend Hamilton and I are headed to Deep Creek for my dear friend’s wedding weekend. With all of this travel that Lo and I both have going on this week, it got us thinking about packing and outfit planning. Below are a few tips before your next trip and we would love to hear any packing advice that you have in the comments section. Scroll to the bottom for links to Lo’s super cool, travel friendly outfit // xo melissa
Less is best
I tend to abide by this policy in my home, too. Clutter drives me absolutely crazy, so having fewer things makes it much easier for everything to have a place. Same goes for packing! I always find that I am happier when I don’t have a ton of stuff to pack up and unpack. I used to think that options helped, but I am no longer a believer in that philosophy. All options do are weigh me down and confuse me!
Make a list and stick to it
As you prepare for a trip, make a list of things you need. Also, check the weather and plan outfits accordingly. Once you have a list of items, stick to it! I used to suffer from making last minute changes- literally pulling things out and stuffing things in moments before walking out the door- and it never ended well. Thankfully I have cured myself of this bad habit and traveling has been much more peaceful ever since.
Pack versatile items
If you pack items that can be worn more than once, and possibly more than one way, you will end up packing less. This is a pretty simple tip and it really helps keep the total amount of things packed to a minimum.
Only items that you love make the cut
If you don’t absolutely love wearing an item, do not bring it on a trip! Only items that you love wearing and feel great in belong in the suitcase.
Comfort
Comfort is always important, but extra important when traveling. This is especially true when it comes to shoes. If they aren’t comfy for walking pretty far distances, they don’t make the cut.
Don’t be afraid to re-wear
Sometimes I get weird about re-wearing an item on a trip, but this fear is really so silly! Re-wearing something that you love and that makes sense for the trip is a great thing to do. Re-wear with confidence, my friend.
THE OUTFIT
bomber + similar option| tank (c/o) | jeans (c/o) | boots (c/o) | sunnies (c/o) | lip color
photos by felicia lasala
SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS
A Weekend in Canada
Two weekends ago, Jase and I adventured to Vancouver to visit our sweet friends, Matt and Angela, who's home base is in Los Angeles but are living in Vancouver for the time being! We miss them too much! Side note: Matt is shooting a show called Timeless. It premiered two Mondays ago. Tune in with us! You will be hooked.
So first of all, Vancouver is such a cool city. It is clean and sleepy, which makes it all the more cozy and fun to explore. I am not going to talk too much about this lovely place because the majority of our time was spent in Whistler, but one thing I must say: if you are ever in Vancouver, you must go to The Cross Design. I was utterly inspired + besides the most to-die-for lamps and furniture, art, and bedding, I got completely lost in the stationary closet. #keytomyheart
Road tripping with your besties and your love is definitely one for the books, especially on the lake sides of Canada, accompanied by old school karaoke and the pure joy of time together! We were headed to Whistler, and we could not be more stoked. The most darling town gave it's own warm welcome with it's charming atmosphere, and we arrived at the Four Seasons shortly after on this restful rainy afternoon. The Four Seasons hotels have a special place in our heart because we got married at the one in Dallas, and I must admit, this one might be my favorite. It is lodgey and beautiful and is filled with the glorious smell of pine. The spa was an absolute dream - I felt more relaxed there than I have ever felt at a spa, constantly breathing in lavender in the dimmed light. The four of us spent the morning getting massages and body scrubs (the sugar treatment was Ang and I's favorite), and then we felt rested and ready to explore.
Now on to the adventures. Night one: we bundled up as it was quite brisk, walked through the adorable mountain village, and ended at the gondola. Angela and I may have stopped at Aritzia on the way to buy a warm scarf. Gondolas are so peaceful and serene. The twenty minute ride up the mountain was so quiet and stunning and maybe filled with 40's Christmas tunes (shhh), and at the top, it was SNOWING. We ran around in excitement and shortly after cuddled up in the lodge for some hot tea, creamy hot chocolate and lots of laughs.
After our spa morning the next day, we ventured to Joffre Lake. We couldn't help but make a few stops along the way to snap photos of the views. I also must mention: it constantly smells like campfires and the air here is so crisp and cool here. #yesplease + the water at this lake is surreal. It is the prettiest milky turquoise color, and the deep green trees and snow topped mountains all mixed together are purely stunning. We hiked through the forest along the lake and ended the day at the most peaceful place: Nairn Falls Provincial Park.
This weekend was the most restful quick trip. There is something about slowing down in the beauty of nature that brings much needed restoration to my heart. We cherished every moment, and it was so enjoyable talking to the locals and getting recommendations from you all on Instagram - thank you! We already have our next trip tentatively planned. The to do: a day at the Scandinavian spa, completing the full two hour hike next to Joffre lake, and spending more time relaxing and eating at the local restaurants.