[Outfit Post] with New Gold Heels…A Preppy Chic Look

I wore this outfit this past weekend on my way to a client that needed bridal makeup services.

Recently, I read a comment requesting I do an outfit post showcasing one of my new pairs of shoes and so here we have it!

It’s hard to see the shoes, but you can see that it goes nicely with this classy black and white striped dress, coordinated with a belt with gold embellishment at center.

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  Okay, I’m honestly not wearing anything all that fancy.  The black and white striped dress is from Forever 21, the shoes are Charles by Charles David (recently purchased at TJ Maxx), and the belt is vintage I believe, and I honestly don’t remember when I bought this!  I don’t own much vintage (unless it’s from my stylish mother’s closet that is), but I am a fan of vintage accessories because I know they are unique and can still look modernized.

Style Confession #1:  I absolutely LOVE this belt, but can I tell you that I think this may only be my second time wearing it?  And I’ve owned it for at least 3 years (yes, I’m wondering the same thing, how is that possible)!  I actually had tried on a few belts before choosing this one at the very end, but this honestly REALLY completes this look for me.  Although I have not worn the belt much, I’m happy it worked out perfectly with this ensemble.  It’s amazing how you can own something and rediscover it at just the right fashion moments! ;)

[Where to wear this outfit]:  Although I was wearing this to “work” (ah, how wonderful it is to be in such a glamourous industry), I think this look is also ideal for going out on a date, hanging out with friends for cocktails, going shopping, etc.  It’s just so versatile because it’s so classic!

[Stylish Notes]:

–  As I said, the belt really completes this outfit and also gives it style personality.  Also, without the belt, it would just be too boring staring at a black and white stripe dress and there NEEDED to be a visual “break-up” whether it be adding a belt to the center OR wearing a LONG necklace with an embellishment hanging.

Style Confession #2:  I’m actually incredibly petite.  I’m only about 5’1″…(I think 5 feet and 3/4 to be exact, but I always round up and say I’m 5’1″).  HOWEVER, you wouldn’t really make that assumption based on this photo.  Don’t I look at least 5’6″ here?!  Just saying!

–  This leads me to the next style note.  For petite frames especially, or anyone that wants to give the visual illusion of height…you will need to wear something with a short hemline (above the knees) with heels.  This instantly makes you look taller.  Hence, why I am always wearing heels (in reality though, flats are uncomfortable for me) AND shorter bottoms.  

–  I have a huge tendency to wear a lot of black and white.  The reason being they are opposite colors, which means they contrast.  In styling, I am ALL about creating contrast (example:  wearing a nude lip color and dark smokey eye, that’s contrast right there).  The style element (as I call it) of contrasting, creates visual interest.  It’s eye catching.  There’s an art to contrasting.  In clothing, I also love contrasting bright colors with dark colors for visual effects.

–  I actually don’t tend to rock the preppy chic look all that often, especially something as simple as a black and white stripe dress.  You can’t see the back of the dress, but that’s really what sold me…it’s slightly open with bows at the back!  Puts a nice stylish spin to such a simple striped dress.

–  Keep in mind that although the dress is quite simple in design, it’s the STYLING details that give it that extra edge.  I feel like I can walk into a room with this look and instantly capture an audience and I didn’t have to dress like Lady Gaga [meaning extremely dramatic] to have this effect.  Keep in mind that fashion statements can definitely be made in an understated way.  

[FASHION for Thought]:  When a person has great style, they automatically have what I like to call, “swagger.”  People notice them.  They carry themselves with such a heightened confidence and grace, that people just naturally can’t help but gravitate toward them because they have such a strong sense of who they are (and they’re not afraid to show it!)  That’s why I’m so passionate about style.  I think everyone has the full potential to have a sense of style with freedom to express it in any way possible.  This ultimately gives the person that swagger.

In case you were wondering what the makeup looked like up-close…

I was going for just a basic natural everyday look. This is typically the look I go for, soft and pretty!

 [Hope you enjoyed the outfit and its simplicity!  Any thoughts on my stylish notes?]

May Giveaway Alert, Outfit Post, and a NEW Feature Coming Soon!

Happy May everyone and welcome dolls!  I always like to take the time at the beginning of the month to thank you all for stopping by and I am very excited for this month as I have so much to share and write about!  I have had some people reach out to me regarding blog topics they want me to cover and I promise that EVERY single one will be addressed this month, so stay tuned!

For starters, in a few weeks, I will be attending the annual Makeup Show in NYC which I’m always excited about!  I can’t wait to share all the beauty goodies I’ll be picking up and my overall experience.

Second of all, you’ll notice I didn’t make a video (although if I get a chance to this week, I will still post one)…so instead I thought it would be nice to share an outfit post…FINALLY!  I had promised in April that I would do this as I had purchased a tripod for the purpose of taking photos of my outfits.

Third, a new section that I will be including in my blog is a feature called, “What’s Inside My Makeup Bag.”  This will allow for me to share new products that I’m currently using and what I love most about them!  My first post with this new feature will be posted TOMORROW, so definitely take a look! :)

Okay and lastly…May’s giveaway!!   This will be posted on the very bottom after I discuss my outfit!

What I’m wearing:

–  Arden B:  Bright coral drop waist dress
–  Express:  Woven belt with gold accents
–  Forever 21:  White and gold chain headband
–  Marc by Marc Jacobs:   Gold large duffle logo bag
–  Guess:  Black peep toe slingback with gold heel

[Please note:  I’ll be honest, when I actually wore this over the weekend, I wore this outfit with a pair Guess gold rhinestone flip flops…the ONLY flip flops I own.  For photo purposes, I chose the heels, as I live in heels anyway and they are ALWAYS more flattering, especially on a petite frame!).  If I were to wear this look at night for going out purposes, these are the heels I would have chosen!]. 

The Style Elements:

–  If you haven’t noticed, I LOVE bright colors, it’s very much a personal taste preference, but I especially love it for the spring/summer season.  Especially now that the weather is heating up, so will my wardrobe!!!

[I am in love with this color, I was debating between getting this in black or the coral being that black is always more practical, but I don’t know if I’ll ever find something in this shade, so I went with the coral and I must say I’m happy with this choice!]

–  I normally am not a huge fan of a drop waist, it’s not the most flattering look (it hits the body in a weird area in my opinion); however when a belt is cinched at the waistline, your eyes are drawn to the waist (more so than where the “drop waist” hits the body).

–  I think it’s supposed to be an off shoulder look which is probably my #1 favorite style in terms of the neckline area, but if you notice how I styled it…I have one shoulder up and the other one is slightly off.  Being that my shoulders are so narrow, it allows for me to style it differently and I think this adds a little edge to it.

–  I absolutely LOVE this bag with this look, it gives it a casual chic sort of vibe, but the look is still head to toe full of style.  This bag I use as a gym bag sometimes but also as an everyday bag.  I ordered it last year from Zappos with some of the prize money I had received from Marie Claire’s “Find Your Inner Stylist” contest.

–  I didn’t mention the jewelry at all, but I am wearing a gold ring with floral cutouts and a gold rhinestone bracelet.  I didn’t find a necklace was necessary with this look although if I were to wear one, I would have chosen my “Meli” nameplate necklace (it’s written very small).

Where to wear this look:

–  Over the weekend, I went shopping with a friend and thought it would be nice to rock a look like this as it’s casual and comfortable, but still stylish!  I think it’s very possible to be “casual” and stylish at the same time, although most people’s definition of “casual” is usually sweatpants and a hoodie (yikes)!  I don’t have a problem with this completely because I do own some really nice hoodies/sweatpants, but there is a time and a place for it…(for me, typically the gym or running super casual errands!)

More About This Makeup…(and Hair):

A closer look at the makeup (I was using my camera's self timer, so it caught me not looking, but I still thought this was a nice photo to share). You'll notice it's very soft, I was going for a "no makeup" sort of look since the dress was making a statement with its brightness.

As for the makeup, I wanted to keep the face exceptionally natural with a “no makeup” look to keep the look balanced (I didn’t want to overkill the makeup being that the dress was bright) and also being that I wore this in the daytime.

I chose soft eye shadows with black eye liner (I always wear black eyeliner even if I’m going for a soft look, just to emphasize my eyes), NO false lashes, really soft peach cheeks, slightly bronzed skin for that glowing effect, and a really pretty pink with a slight coral to it.

Can I just say I am OBSESSED WITH THIS LIP COMBINATION?!?!  It’s utter perfection in my opinion.  I just love its simplicity and that  it gives a refreshing look to the face.  If you really want to know what it is, you will have to wait and read about it in my: [What’s in My Makeup Bag?] section coming up shortly! ;) 

PS –  My hair seems to look exceptionally light in the photo which could either be due to the lighting or it’s possible the coral dress is warming up my hair a bit.  Also, this time of year, my hair naturally picks up beautiful golden highlights from the sun.

Style Confession:  I DO NOT DYE MY HAIR!  EVER!
I know I’m all about style, but when it comes to my hair, I’m exceptionally low maintenance.  Plus, as I’ve already shared, I love being a dark brunette (even though most people have brown hair) and would never consider doing anything to change that.  [And hey, if you ask me, brunettes have all the fun! ;)]

I don’t know why, the idea of dying my hair does not appeal to me whatsoever.  I can’t imagine the chemicals are good for your hair and I don’t like the fact it requires regular upkeep.  I guess being into makeup and fashion makes up for me not being a hair person! 

OKAY, hope you enjoyed this outfit post!  I will be writing up more of these (especially now that I got the tripod and getting better at using my camera) as I love giving people style inspiration.

Now moving onto May’s giveaway…

Be sure to enter May's giveaway!

May Giveaway Prize Package:

–  Caboodles black lace jewelry box (Isn’t this GORGEOUS?!?!)
–  Bebe silver long necklace with charms (You can’t have a jewelry box without a piece of jewelry included!)
– The Body Shop mini coconut shower cream and body milk set
– Ritter Sport milk chocolate with strawberry cream center (this stuff is AMAZING, who doesn’t like chocolate?!)

Rules:
– Open internationally to followers of Style by Meli.  (Either via Twitter,Facebook Fan page, OR e-mail subscribers [to subscribe, enter your e-mail in the sidebar])
– Ends midnight EST on May 31st, 2011 and a winner will be drawn at random.
– Winner will be notified shortly upon winning and be expected to give mailing address for prize to be sent to.

How to enter:

1 – Leave a comment on any of my posts in the month of May to be considered for this month’s giveaway.  The comment can be about ANYTHING, but the “hot topic” question is just to strike a conversation.  (Within the comment, please state if you follow my twitter, FB, or subscribe, so it’s easy for me to confirm).

Remember, I will allow for up to 3 entries/comments per person for each monthly giveaway!  Good luck!

This month, I want to know…

[Hot Topic:  Describe your weekend style and any key pieces that help you create this look!]

PS- April Giveaway Announcement:  Congrats to Dorothy for winning April’s blog giveaway! 

 

STYLE BY MELI – Look of the Week [9/21/10]

This look was actually created exactly a week ago (I just have not had the opportunity to post it in greater detail until today) when I went to Briella’s birthday party.  She comes to me when she needs makeup and it was nice of her to invite me!  Her party was held on a boat and will be featured in “Jerseylicious” this season during episode 13.  It should be fun to watch the episode knowing that I was there!

WHAT I AM WEARING…

– Purple cocktail dress (XOXO)

SHOES:

– Lavender heels with rhinestone detailing (Prada)
[These designer shoes are amazing and surprisingly comfortable!]

JEWELRY:

– Clear beaded lucite bracelet (Metropark)

– Silver ring (Forever 21)

MAKEUP: For the makeup, I wanted to go for a more smokey look and big lashes with more emphasis on the eyes.

EYE SHADOWS:

– MAC “Carbon” –> Jet black matte (LID)

I layered this shadow over “Blackground” paint pot, which is a dark grey black with shimmer.  For creating a super smokey look, “Blackground” is essential for eye prepping.

– MAC “Copperplate” –> Medium grey matte (CREASE)

This is a great color for a smokey look or even incorporated in the daytime.

– MAC “Solar White” eyeshadow –> Shimmery goldish white (HIGHLIGHT)

I wear this all the time!

* Please note for the eyeliner, I used a Korres WHITE eye liner pencil inside the waterline (on the bottom) with a black pencil lining the actual lash line.  This always picks up nicely in photography.

– MAC #6 lashes

These are big and dramatic!  Love them!

BLUSH:

– MAC “Peaches” blush –> Bright peach blush, matte

This is my typical jam, I especially wanted to wear it being that the eyes were really cool with the grey, I wanted brighter brush to warm up the cheeks.

LIPS:

– MAC “Boldly Bare” lip liner –> Neutral brownish/pinkish tone

This was a limited color but there are many other lipliners that could have worked out with this lip such as MAC “Whirl” which is sold all the time.

– MAC “Myself” lipstick –> Creamy neutral, lustre

This is another discontinued product from a previous MAC collection.  Although it is discontinued, I figured I’d show a photo of what the color looks like.  It is a basic neutral color without being too nude (where I feel washed out).

– Smashbox “Pout” lip enhancing gloss –> Pastel baby pink

Although I am true to MAC when it comes to the majority of my makeup (especially lip products)…I absolutely LOVE this lipgloss.  This color is totally my style when it comes to lipgloss.  It’s very sheer so it is best to wear over lipsticks.

STYLE BY MELI – Look of the Week [9/1/10]

Can you believe it’s September already?!  I know I can’t!  Although summer is coming to an end, I’m excited for what fashion has to bring us this fall season!

This is a special “Look of the Week” because the photos taken were submitted to enter a style contest sponsored by Juicy Couture and Chictopia.  I had to submit a photo of an outfit and write an explanation about how my life is juicy.  Although there is a lot of competition (it looks like about 200 people entered), I still wanted to give it a shot as styling is what I LOVE to do!  Take a look at my final entry I submitted into the contest.

I wanted to create a look that incorporated trends while still being very fun and playful.  I also chose the makeup to to soft and delicate with a little bit more color.  Although this may not so much be a daytime look, I wanted it to be more editorial, creative, and totally unique.  I wanted to showcase that I am a hip and chic “juicy girl!” ;)

WHAT I AM WEARING…

– Black mini dress with ruching (Forever 21)

– Periwinkle leather cropped zipper top (Vintage)

– Animal print tights (French Connection)

– Bow rhinestone headband (Forever 21)

SHOES:

– Black heel with zipper detailing (Steve Madden)

JEWELRY:

– Big clear ring with rhinestones (Forever 21)

– “Meli” gold nameplate necklace

– Gold cuff

– Gold charm bracelet with pink lipstick charm (Juicy Couture)

MAKEUP:  I didn’t get an opportunity to really take a close-up of the eyes (although the first picture I am looking down so you can see the eyes more closely) but here is the overall look.

EYE SHADOWS:

– MAC “Crystal” –> Lavender silver frost (LID)

I love this color.  It’s great as a lid or crease.  It always looks super pretty!

– MAC “Da Bling” –> Pink with slight shimmer (CREASE)

It’s mainly in the inner corner of the eyes.  The pink gives the eyes a little more color.

– MAC “Beauty Marked” –> Shimmery black with plum sparkle (OUTER CREASE)

This turns out more black than plum and is also great to use when creating a smokey eye effect.  I love this!

– MAC “Frozen White” pigment –> Shimmery white with slight blue sparkle (HIGHLIGHT)

This is a loose eyeshadow.  I typically don’t use these on myself all the time but “Frozen White” is gorgeous.  I like to highlight with this if I’m looking for something to stand out more and love to also layer this over eye shadows to pop the look.

BLUSH:

– MAC “Utterly Game” mineralize blush –> Soft peach blush with a touch of gold

LOVE THIS BLUSH, this will definitely be one of my new staples.  I also contoured my cheeks with “Soft Meow” (both from the “Fabulous Felines” collection.)

LIPS:

– MAC “Pink Nouveau” lipstick –> Bright baby pink

This is such a fun pink lipstick!  One of my favorite bright pinks.  Although many people are scared of bright lips, this is very wearable and many people can pull it off.

– MAC “Wonderstruck” lustreglass –> Bright shimmery pink

I honestly don’t wear this gloss all the time (or at least not as often as I used to) so it was a random pick but definitely matches the lipstick perfectly.  TYPICALLY when I create lip combos, I don’t like the colors to really be too matchy-match.  It’s more fun to layer colors that are different from each other…the color turns out to be more of a surprise that way!

Please note again, this look was created for styling purposes!  Enjoy :)

STYLE BY MELI – Look of the Week [8/25/10]

I thought it would be cool to create a new blog feature called, “Style by Meli – Look of the Week.”  Every week I will take the time to capture one of my current looks with information on the clothing and makeup.

Hope you enjoy the first look of the week….

This is one of my more casual looks.  Being that it has been cooler this week, the vest gives me an extra layer of warmth and this is a great piece for the upcoming fall season.

Besides living in black leggings, I’m also IN LOVE with bodysuits right now!  This is the only one I currently own right now.  I’ve never worn my leggings positioned as a high waisted look but felt like being experimental.

WHAT I’M WEARING…

– White lace bodysuit (Urban Outfitters)

– Beige sweater vest (Guess)

– Black leggings

SHOES:
– Bronze t-strap studded heels (Franco Sarto)
[These are the new love of my life!]

JEWELRY:
– Gold pearl ring (Love Culture)

– Gold cuff (vintage – from my mother!)

– Layered black chain heart pendant (Betsey Johnson)

MAKEUP: The eye makeup I did for this look is my typical everyday eye makeup.  I typically do a pretty nude eye was contouring on the corners with black eye liner all the way around.

As for the lips, I honestly don’t wear red that often but thought it would be a nice color to start with my first look.  I chose the red to contrast the eyes and since the overall clothing palette is neutral.

EYE SHADOWS:

– MAC “Vapour” —> Nude, powdery white with slight shimmer (LID)
This is one of my favorite eye shadows for lid color that I wear regularly.  I just discovered my love for this about a month ago, totally hooked!

– MAC “Warming Trend” —> Light taupe with pearlized finish (CREASE)
Discontinued shade from “Cool Heat” Collection, the next best match to this shade would either be “Era” OR “Patina”

– MAC “Folie” —> Matte brown with reddish undertone (OUTER CREASE)
I love that it’s brown but not TOO brown.  Compliments everyone, especially brown eyes!

– MAC “Solar White” —> Pearlized white with slight gold tint (HIGHLIGHT)
I honestly wear “Solar White” everyday as my highlight.  It’s unfortunate this is a discontinued shade also from the “Cool Heat” collection.  I still have some backups of these thankfully.

BLUSH:

– MAC “Peaches” —> Matte bright peach
This is my all-time favorite blush.  It brightens my fair skin and gives me that youthful glow.  I tend to like my cheeks matte most of the time.

LIPS:

– MAC “Lasting Lust” (Pro Longwear) —> Matte bright candy red
This is the ONLY red you will ever see me wear!  It’s the best red!  It’s striking and youthful.  The best is that since it’s a Pro Longwear, it won’t move throughout the day.  This is why I only wear this red, so I never have to worry about touch-ups!

[Surprisingly, NO gloss or lip liner!  I choose not to line or gloss whenever I wear red.  Too much high maintenance.  Notice although it is a matte finish, there is still a slight shine to it in the photo].