Holidaze

| Sweater: H&M | Skirt: Forever 21 | Knee-Socks: Steve Madden | Booties: Steve Madden |

{ Photography: Andrea Cannon }

Trifecta

After staring at this outfit for a number of days, I still cannot decide whether the highlight of it is the shoes, the cardigan or the handbag. But it might be all three only because they complement each other so well. 

White, gray and black are this outfit's overarching colors, and the cardigan helps set the tone for the entire ensemble. Although Forever 21 is not considered couture by most, the affordable brand makes some great pieces—this cardigan being one of them. Besides leggings, this piece also goes well with jeans, dresses and skirts.

This Michael Kors piece is my newest handbag and one of the best I have ever owned. The three-tone style gives the bag some flare while keeping it neutral enough to match a variety of outfits and be appropriate for multiple seasons. 

Steve Madden has remained one of my favorite shoe brands and these booties are one reason why. Made with suede and leather, these shoes have an edge that sets them apart from others.

| Cardigan: Forever 21 | Tank: Forever 21 | Leggings: Express | Booties: Steve Madden |
Handbag: Michael Kors |

{ Photography: Andrea Cannon }

Frosty Fads

Other styles similar to Mel's

Frosty Fads by melonymelrose featuring a red coat

| Coat: Zara | Leggings: Express | Booties: Steve Madden |  

{ Photography: Andrea Cannon }

Aqueous Avenue

I'm guilty of wearing this outfit multiple times. So I figured, why not wear it one more time and make it a blog post? Although I usually hide from the rain at all costs, I decided to suck it up for this post because the lighting was great and the misty look of the street was sublime.

This skirt is one of my favorite garments recently because it makes an outfit pop all on its own without being accompanied by another pattern or excessive accessories. And because it's the perfect length, it goes perfectly with a pair of knee socks.

I just kind of wish it had pockets.

| Sweater: Cotton Emporium | Skirt: Forever 21 | Knee-Socks: Steve Madden | Boots: Michael Kors | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora |

{ Photography: Andrea Cannon }

Barren

Now that all the leaves have fallen and it seems as though winter is quickly approaching, the 30 degree weather is making comfy sweaters and cardigans much more appealing. The particular cardigan I'm wearing in this post is one of my favorite pieces to stay warm in. And because I can dress it up and dress it down, it makes for a great addition to any outfit.

Cardigans rule.

| Tank: Urban Outfitters | Cardigan: H&M | Leggings: Express | Boots: Michael Kors |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Enduring Winter, Maintaining Style

While trying to keep warm in bitterly cold temperatures, style can be compromised underneath a knee-length parka. And because sporting new outerwear every day of winter is unrealistic for most, the best way to spice up the same old coat is to accessorize it with scarves.

Knit Scarves by melonymelrose featuring an infinity scarf

Knit infinity scarf
etsy.com

Knit circle scarf
amazon.com

Charlotte Russe chunky circle scarf
charlotterusse.com

H M infinity scarf
$16 - hm.com

Wooden Ships evening shawl
modcloth.com

Humble Chic infinity scarf
humblechic.com

Infinity

| Sweater: Forever 21 | Leggings: Lululemon | Vest & Scarf: Zara | Boots: Michael Kors | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Jagged Bricks

The scarf I'm wearing with this outfit is one my readers have seen before. It's currently one of my favorite pieces because its different patterns make it a great accessory that accents a simpler look. Besides, it is literally the perfect fall accessory since it highlights autumn colors.

| Shirt: H&M | Skirt: Forever 21 | Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch | Shoes: Steve Madden | Scarf: Zara | Handbag: Marc Jacobs | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Chicago Fashion Week

I was lucky enough to get invited as a VIP guest to Chicago Fashion Week for a college event hosted by Her Campus Media on Oct. 18. Complete with models, sponsors and goodie bags, the event was reason to dress up and break in a new pair of heels.

Even though I wasn't modeling in the show, I wanted to rock an outfit I'd be comfortable strutting down the runway in. After all, how often do you get attend Chicago Fashion Week? 

Though I've been to fashion shows before, this is the first one I have attended since the inception of my blog. Seeing industry professionals, identifying styles and sporting my own outfit in a room full of fashionistas, I realized that as glamorous as the fashion world can be, it can also be a bit strenuous—especially on your feet, which is why I came prepared with a pair of back-up flats.

But by far, the best part was attending the event with Natalie Craig, my one and only fashion blogging companion and best friend.

| Dress: Bebe | Shoes: Steve Madden | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Shop the Look:

Staple Handbags

Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Coach are the three brands I look to first when searching for the perfect handbag. It needs to be practical, chic and timeless so that it is in style for seasons to come.

Staple Handbags by melonymelrose featuring travel totes

MICHAEL Michael Kors black purse
lordandtaylor.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS shoulder bag
ssense.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS crossbody handbag
$245 - harrods.com

Coach bag
coach.com

MARC BY MARC JACOBS leather messenger bag
couture.zappos.com

Coach black purse
net-a-porter.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors satchel handbag
$515 - selfridges.com

Coach crossbody handbag
coach.com

Michael Kors travel tote
$390 - selfridges.com

MK MK MK

Finding a pair of boots that serve both a practical and a couture purpose is essential when planning day-to-day outfits for the fall and winter seasons.

The boots below are a couple other styles similar to mine, but have varying details that make them one of a kind.

Top: Tory Burch
Bottom: Vince Camuto

| Shirt: Heather | Jacket & Pants : Zara | Boots: Michael Kors | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }