[Outfit Post] with Coral Puff Sleeve Tee, Black Lace Shorts, and Leopard Necklace…A Fresh and Fun Daytime Look

I just wore this outfit a few days ago!  I really love it and will probably rock it a few times this season.  There’s not a single thing I would change, I love it from head to toe.  

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  I am wearing a coral puff sleeve top from Forever 21.  I literally just bought this last week!  I have a tendency to wear things like a day after I purchase it (why have it sit in your closet)?

The black lace shorts are also from Forever 21, a year ago.  The shorts were featured in a  [Style Vault] post.  They’re super comfortable and go with everything.

The nude wedges are from Aldo.  I have definitely worn these in previous outfit posts.  They are so versatile that they definitely get a lot of fashion mileage, especially in the spring/summer months!

The necklace is from Macy’s.  It’s amazing that they carry such an eclectic assortment of jewelry, so it’s just a matter of looking and getting lucky.  Their jewelry ranges from the ultra-conservative (which I clearly have no desire for) to the super flashy (which has my name all of it! ;))!

[Where to wear this outfit]:  I wore this during the week as a daytime look.  It was nice enough to wear shorts so I was happy to finally be able to put a real spring look together.

[Stylish Notes]:

–  I love bright colors, especially coral.   Brights happen to be really in fashion this season, so it’s easy to find bright colors pretty much anywhere these days.

–  I also LOVE anything puff sleeve!  I have narrow shoulders (which I realize isn’t a bad thing to most people but I wish they were wider), so anything to add some visual width to the shoulders is a major fashion plus in my book.  They also had this top in a blush nude color, I may have to go back this week and see if I can pick it up still being that puff sleeves are hard to find.  I always say, “If it’s nice, buy it twice!”

Styling Tip:  A pair of nude heels/wedges (color will vary depending on your natural skintone) visually elongates the legs.  They also can be styled with essentially anything, so it’s good to invest in at least one pair.

–  Although the top is bright, it’s fairly simple being that it’s a solid color.  Hence why I wanted to pair some sort of statement necklace to step up the style a notch!  It would have been boring otherwise.

With styling, I’m all about what I classify as, “visual interest,” meaning I need some sort of visual focal point.  Something that will not only catch the eye, but be fashionably intriguing.

Being that the components of the outfit are fairly simple in design, the leopard chain necklace adds visual interest.

[Thanks for viewing!  Thoughts?]

Essie “Tart Deco” Nail Polish – My Spring/Summer Color (Kinda Obsessed…)

When it comes to nail polish colors, I’m incredibly picky.  I can honestly stare at countless nail polish bottles, yet leave completely empty handed.  I don’t know why, but it happens to me all the time.

For the longest time, I have ALWAYS been attracted to the color “Tart Deco” by Essie.  For whatever reason, no matter where I go (either at a nail salon or at beauty store), I somehow manage to pick it up, but never followed through with actually trying it out until over the weekend.  I ended up choosing this shade for my manicure.  (If you’re wondering what I ended up with my pedicure, I chose Opi “Hot and Spicy,” which eh, wasn’t left impressed.  Not bright enough for my liking, but it was worth a try)!

I don’t know what held me back all these times, but the color is absolutely, amazingly BEAUTIFUL!!!  It is the perfect light, bright coral that I have been looking for, especially for this time of year.  The brightness contrasts nicely against my fair skin, but I think people with bronzy complexions can also rock this out just as well.

Being newly obsessed with the color, I googled it to find that this shade was launched back in 2010 from a collection called, “Art of Spring.”  Although it is a couple years old, I find that this color is still totally on trend from a fashion perspective.  Pops of bright color, especially in orange hues are making a color comeback.  (And I’m loving it right now!)

[Do you have a favorite nail polish this season?]

[Makeup Trend Focus] – Orange Coral Lips and How to Wear It

Here is my first [Makeup Trend Focus] where I want to share a look I created with orange coral lips.  This upcoming spring season, I am seeing a lot of bright colors for lips, especially orange.  I know for many people, orange doesn’t seem very wearable, but it’s actually quite flattering.

I naturally love these shades and  feel anyone can carry off a brighter lip color because it looks great on all skin tones.  Bright lips give the face life and vitality while also making a fashion statement…or should I say, beauty statement?

How to wear this trend:

–  Personally, if I’m going to wear a bright lip (which is definitely an element of my signature style), I like to keep the rest of the makeup more effortless.  Meaning for the eyes, I wear soft, nude eye shadows with little actual color.  I still wear black eyeliner around the whole eye and MAC #48 eyelashes because I still want the eyes to stand out, but not the focal point of the look.

–  Being that coral is warm based, I like to keep the cheeks warm to compliment the lips and the overall skin to have a glorious glow.  I always wear bronzer and a highlighting powder, but in terms of blush, I actually chose a bronzy blush, but popped a little coral to brighten the cheeks even more.

–  If you look at the photo closely, I used a blue based eye shadow highlighter under the brows.  It’s MAC “Vellum” eye shadow which I truly love, but I honestly only wear it sparingly.  I absolutely LOVE a blue-based highlighter coordinated with a coral lip.

[Why?  You know what my one word answer is going to be:  CONTRAST]  Blue and orange are opposite colors, hence they contrast each other.  In this situation, it’s a subtle contrast but worth noting].  

[Beauty Confession] – Although this is a lip focus, I have to say, I’m exceptionally impressed on how well my skin photographed being that I have had some skin issues (which have been majorly improving thanks to new skincare products–to be shared soon), but the secret is, I am wearing a NEW foundation in this photo.  I heard that NARS has great foundations, so I went to Sephora and asked for a sample.  In these photos, I’m wearing the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation.  I matched myself to a “Deuville” which seems to match very well, although today I went to the NARS website to read about the foundation colors and I think I will go back and try one more shade to be sure before making a purchase.  I will talk more about this foundation in a future post as well, because it’s truly magnificent.  I just can’t get over how flawless my skin looks!  (I don’t wake up with perfect skin, trust me)!

The lip combo: MAC "Lasting Sensation" lip pencil, MAC "Watch Me Simmer" lipstick, MAC "Richer, Lusher" cremesheen glass

[Do you like orange coral lips?  What are your favorite products to achieve this look?]

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! 

 

How to Wear Your Makeup with an Animal Print

Hello, my animal lovers…(we’re talking animal print here)!  Over the weekend, I decided to take a photo of my makeup to showcase how to wear makeup with an animal print.  I think for many people, coordinating makeup with a print can be a little bit of a challenge, lacking a sense of a style direction.  Keep in mind, there honestly is NO right or wrong on this subject, but here I will enlighten you with how I styled this look.

Makeup that I wore with an animal print top over the weekend

A break-down of the makeup look I created with the animal print top and a further explanation behind my color/styling choices:

EYES:  –  I wanted to stick with the shimmery brown and copper family in terms of my eye shadow selection because they compliment the colors within the animal print itself.

I did NOT want to go too smokey (the top in itself already has some drama being that it is a print, so no need to overkill with the eye makeup), nor go too natural (as I still did want the eyes to pop a little bit).  Basically, I wanted a nice balance where there was some emphasis on the eyes, but not too much. 

I started with a light shimmery copper lid color and then added depth by blending in shades of brown into the crease and outer crease.

Many people often question if a cat wing eye liner is necessary.  Potentially, I think you could do a cat winged eye liner effect with an animal print, but for me personally, that’s taking it a step too literally.  As I said, I’m not against the idea completely, it’s just not something I would do because it’s really not that original (I’ve just seen it too many times before).  (It’s kind of like wearing a red dress with a matching red lipstick.  It can be done, but it’s not the best styling choice because it’s too matchy-match.  Again, it lacks visual interest and creativity).

[FYI, black liner and false lashes are my staples with any look and this was no exception!  I am rocking my signature MAC #48 lashes of course!  They are dramatically long and full bundles of lash goodness…just the way I like my lashes to look!  No mascara could ever do that!] 

CHEEKS:  – I think there are a lot of options with the cheek color.  I chose a peach, which is typically the blush color family I stay in, but also what I think looks the best with this print.  I could definitely see a bronzy color though as well (or just bronzer if you’re blush-shy although I ALWAYS push some sort of blush on all people because it makes the face look youthful and happy).  Pink, maybe…just not my first choice.  Plum, not so much because it is a cool tone and I think the warm tones on the cheeks match nicer with an animal print.

LIPS: – I don’t know why, but I think CORAL hands down goes with animal print more than any other color for the lips.  Being that there are usually warm beiges/brown within the animal print, the lips should be a warm color as well.

And since the eye shadow colors are all within a neutral color palette, that leaves room for the lips to be a little more playful.  Coral coordinates nicely because it’s playful without being TOO flashy.  Hot pink or red would be a little too loud in my opinion as then you would be left with a look where the makeup and the clothing are BOTH competing with each other.

[As a general rule (which can sometimes be broken of course), choose to make a statement with your outfit OR your makeup.  Not both at the same time].  

I'm wearing the lipstick shade I created, "Malibu Creamsicle" in this photo!

DOES ANYONE NOTICE WHAT IS DIFFERENT in this photo compared to the original?!  Two styling changes…

1 – I changed my hair a little bit.  AFTER I took the first photo, I realized I wanted to style this with the original black headband, but WITHOUT bangs (I decided I didn’t want any hair to be in the front…for some reason, I think it looks more stylish).  This is a small nuance that to me makes a huge difference and I’m not even a hair person!

2-  I wanted to showcase that I’m wearing my “Malibu Creamsicle,” a GIELLA custom blend lipstick I created and just blogged about!  This way you can see what it looks like on and how nicely it goes with the overall look.  (As I said, it goes great with a lot of things, animal print is just one of many things!).  

(In the original photo, I’m wearing MAC “Costa Chic” lipstick, which I am a huge fan of.  Both of these lipsticks are coral, the only difference is that the “Malibu Creamsicle” is softer in terms of the brightness).

[Do you have any other ideas on how to wear your makeup with an animal print?]