Three's The Charm

Tobi X Melony Melrose—Part III

Formal and occasion dresses are always fun to wear, but one of my favorite styles are casual dresses because you can wear them on an everyday basis. 

This post is part of a collaboration I've been doing this week with Tobi, an online fast-fashion retailer. This high-low tunic dress is a little more casual than the cocktail dress and LBD I blogged about earlier in the week, but still just as stylish.

Its simple design makes it easy to accessorize with, giving me the freedom to pair it with this camel knit scarf and Free People knee-socks. The casual demeanor also meant I got to wear my Hunter boots, which are perfect for winter and spring weather. 

Unlike some other dresses that hug curves and have uncomfortable straps, this dress's t-shirt fit makes it comfy, something I look for when I have to wear a dress all day. It also comes in grey and olive, neutral colors that make it easy to pair with other pieces.

Which Tobi look that I've styled this week is your favorite? Let me know on Twitter!

Outfit Destinations:

Class

Office

Movie theater

Dress: Tobi | Boots: Hunter | Knit scarf: Zara | Socks: Free People

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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Frosty Silhouettes

Tobi X Melony Melrose—Part II

You know how sometimes you slip on a dress and suddenly feel like the baddest gal on the planet? That's how I feel in this dress.

This style post is the second of three collaborations I'm doing with online retailer Tobi. If you missed the first one, check it out here.

This LBD is from the brand's winter dress collection, and is an ideal choice for holiday parties and other black-tie occasions. But it could also be the perfect dress for wedding guests looking to be elegant and sexy while maintaining a simple profile as to not outshine the bride. It comes in three other colors, including blush, cream and orchid—perfect colors for the other seasons.

It has a sophisticated silhouette, but the leg slit and exposed back give it a sexy flair, and the bow on the hip helps accentuate your shape.

I paired it with some black leather pumps to embolden the look, though it also could go with flats. I was experimenting with camel-colored heels or white lace-up flats, but keeping the shoes black and solidifying a monotone look kept it simple and timeless. I added an elegant gold chain and the look was complete.

Outfit Destinations:

Gala

Black-tie event

Valentine's Day date

Dress: Tobi | Heels: Steve Madden

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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A Periwinkle Winter

Tobi X Melony Melrose—Part I

With the holidays in full swing, finding outfits to wear to numerous parties and events can get overwhelming. It can sometimes feel like you're running out of options.

That's why I'm partnering with Tobi, an online retailer that sells clothing, shoes and accessories from brands like Steve Madden and Dolce Vita. Over the next two days, I'll be revealing more looks from Tobi's winter dress collection, so be sure to check back here for more fashion updates!

The dress I'm wearing below has reawakened my love for pastels. Though they are generally summer colors, they can be paired well with the monotone background of winter, especially in Chicago.

With a lavender lace overlay and beige mesh, the dainty style is perfect for dressy occasions. It has a built-in bra and hugs my body perfectly. (I'm wearing a small.) I paired it with simple jewelry like my new fav Swarovski ring and an Henri Bendel bangle. I kept the shoes simple as to be sure not to clash with the colors in the dress.

Outfit Destinations:

Holiday party

Wedding

Commencement 

Dress: Tobi | Heels: Madden Girl | Ring: Swarovski | Bangle: Henri Bendel

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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Fashion Fetish Friday: Gigi Pump

New season, new shoes?

When looking for quality, style and timelessness, I turn to Tory Burch. Though pricey, Tory’s items have proved to be worth it.

One of her latest shoes released this fall is the Gigi Pump, a sleek, feminine and classy patent leather shoe that can add a pop of flare to any outfit. The sixties-inspired pump comes in five shades, ranging from this deep ocean blue to fiery red. With Tory Burch graphic detail and a flared block heel, they can easily be taken from day to night. 

Photos: Tory Burch

These shoes lend themselves well to the urban working girl. With a small heel and shiny gold hardware, they can be paired with pencil skirts, slim pants and button downs. I’m hoping to snag these shoes before snow falls so that I can have some of the best Autumn outfits ever.

After all, Autumn is the best time to reinvent your style. With the beginning of a new season and so much creativity to take away from September magazine issues and fall fashion week in New York, it's an ideal time to get out of the rut you’ve been stuck in for the last year. These shoes are how I plan to get out of mine.

How do you plan to get out of your fashion rut? Tell me on Twitter.

An LBD for the office

The nice thing about a little black dress is that you only need one. That’s the whole point. You’ve got one simple dress and by pairing it with different shoes and accessories, you’re able to create an entirely new look.

This LBD is a great option for the office since most of us go to work every day of the week. But be weary, knowing how to change it up every time you wear it is the difference between being a savvy fashionista and an outfit repeater.

This dress, made by Zara, is tailored perfectly for the office. Resting above the knees, it’s conservative enough while still letting you show off those legs you’ve been working so hard on. And the bust tailoring gives it a formal edge that we often look for in work attire.

It’s much more appropriate for the office than this LBD, so be careful when choosing an office dress and make sure it’s right for the occasion.

But enough about the dress. The real heroes in this outfit are the shoes. Block heels made a comeback last fall and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. I like the retro style because they’re mod, different and easy to walk in. I’ve worn these shoes on a night out and was able to dance with my friends, run from the creeps and not have to sit down every five minutes. These are shoes worth buying.

Outfit Destinations:

Office

Gala

Networking event

Dress: Zara | Heels: Chie Mahara | 

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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Dare I say simple?

Sometimes a great outfit is all about versatility. Staple pieces, neutral colors and appropriately fitting clothes have much to do with how many occasions your outfit will work for.

The outfit I’m wearing below is simple, but it works for casual Fridays at work, dinner afterwards and bar hopping later that night. And there’s nothing wrong with simplistic outfits. In fact, you’ll end up wearing them more and getting more bang for your buck out of pieces you’ve invested in.

Step #1: Find a neutral color you like.

Neutral colors aren’t always black and white, people. These clay-colored jeans from Anthropologie are great for pairing with, and though they have a purple undertone, they’re still neutral. Having colorful undertones keeps you from looking monochromatic. Other colors like this include shades of beige and grey. 

Outfit destinations:

Dinner

Concert

Gallery opening

Step #2: Choose pieces with subtle details.

The satin top, also manufactured by Anthropologie (literally my favorite store lately), is tailored perfectly. There’s nothing worse than trying on a cute tank or a blouse just to find that it hasn’t been cut and tailored properly to give you a flattering shape. 

Though the tank is—dare I say simple—the draw strings on the side give it an elegant edge. It’s not too much, but not too little, either.

Step #3: Give those shoes another chance:

The leather Michael Kors wedges on my feet haven’t gotten much love lately. Last time I wore them was in March 2015, but since I paired them with this outfit, they’ve been making more appearances in my everyday outfits.

Maybe you’ve thrown something to the back of your closet to be forgotten forever or lost among the millions of other shoes you have? Well, go look for them! Maybe you didn't like them before, but as styles continue to change, so do your own personal tastes. 

Pants & Tank: Anthropologie | Wedges: Michael Kors

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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Welcome to my Crib

For the past two months I’ve taken a break from fashion blogging to work on something a bit more long-term—furnishing my new apartment.

Since I last posted about graduation, I’ve gotten a new job, a new boyfriend and a cozy one-bedroom apartment in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. And I am loving it so far.

As this is my first apartment all to myself, I got to decorate it just the way I wanted to. I went for a simplistic chic vibe, choosing black wood furniture with little trim or embellishments while sticking to earth tones and shades of white.

My favorite room is the living area, mostly because of the couch, which is manufactured by Ikea.  It’s comfy, spacious and great for lounging on for hours.

So check out the photos below and take a virtual step into my personal sanctuary.

Sofa: Ikea; Throw blanket: Target; Coffee table: Ikea

Coaster: Anthropologie 

Television & DVD player: Sony; Shelving unit: Ikea; Lamp: Ikea; Candles: Anthropologie

Bar & stools: Ikea

Flower vase: Anthropologie

Shower curtain: Target; Bath mat: T.J Maxx

Bath towels: Anthropologie

Bed frame: Ikea; Purple Comforter: Anthropologie; White comforter: QVC; Decorative pillows: Anthropologie

Nightstand: Ikea; Lamp; Ikea

Dresser: Ikea; Mirror: Ikea; Rug: T.J. Maxx