Outfits in Review: Mel’s First Year Milestone

One year ago, I created MelonyMelrose.com, an experiment my best friend urged me to try. I was apprehensive, nervous and naïve. I wasn’t sure I was cut out for fashion blogging— consistently putting great outfits together and committing to photo shoots every weekend. But, I guess I was.

It’s been one full year since my very first post went live and although I’ve considered quitting, I have decided that I won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. It’s been a year of change, growth and mistakes, but it’s one that has shaped me into a better blogger, writer and version of myself. 

I have to give a special shout out to Natalie Craig for giving me guidance throughout this entire process. If it weren’t for her, I likely wouldn’t have even started a blog. Thanks for being my mentor, soundboard and photographer. I’m not sure what I’d do without you.

And thank you to those who regularly follow my blog. Whether you’re liking my Facebook shares, leaving comments of encouragement or just mentioning to me in passing that you read my latest post, thank you so much for the ongoing support. It really makes me feel like the time I invest in my blog is worth it. There’s many more outfits and fashion commentary to come, so don’t go anywhere please!

To mark my one year anniversary, I’ve dedicated this post to taking a look back at my top five favorite outfits from the last year. To date, I have more than 12,500 page views—not groundbreaking, but it’s exciting to me. So take a look at my best outfits over the past year, and as always, feel free to send me any feedback about this post or my blog in general.

November 2014

Aqueous Avenue

December 2014

Frosty Fads

December 2014

Holidaze

March 2015

Jacquard Reactions

June 2015

Celebrity Look: Kim K

A Lucky Find—Literally

Summer essential: A pair of light-wash jeans. Casual and effortlessly refined, this pair of Lucky Brand jeans make a great staple when planning summer outfits. While the fit is great—low-rise and skinny—the ankle zippers add an extra accent that sets them apart from others.

Shirt: Zara | Jeans: Lucky Brand | Sandals: Tory Burch | Watch: Montblanc

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Weekend Fashion Event—WhatRUWearing Brunch Series

This past weekend I attended WhatRUWearing's Brunch Series with my fashion blogging companion/best friend Natalie Craig. WhatRUWearing is a Chicago-based fashion organization that connects individuals together nationwide through sharing style advice and inspiration via the Internet and events. Hosted at the Mile North Hotel, 166 E. Superior St., the event began the evening of June 5 and consisted of a casual mixer where fashionistas, makeup artists and video bloggers alike could meet and interact. The following morning, the organization also hosted a brunch at the hotel where Arianna Henderson, Mia Stammer and Alisha Marie spoke about their experience breaking into the blogging/vlogging sphere.

It was enlightening to meet fellow bloggers in the area. I gave style advice, made plans to collaborate and was able to share my own blogging experiences with others, making it an enriching experience as a blogger and as a journalist.

Choosing what to wear to fashion events can be challenging—the outfit must impress! But ultimately, I felt comfortable in what I chose to wear that night. I tried to keep my outfit simple and professional while also avoiding the business casual look, so check it out below and feel free to Tweet me with your thoughts!

Cropped Tank: Zara | Skirt: Bebe | 

Heels: Steve Madden | Stone Necklace: Verbena | Watch: Marc Jacobs | 

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Olive—the trending summer color

I usually do not wear peplum shirts, but this particular one has exceeded my expectations. It clings to my body, outlining my shape, and stretches where I need it to. In addition to its great fit, this shirt is an olive tone—a great color that happens to be trending right now. Olive shades add enough color to an outfit while also being incredibly neutral. The other great thing about olive/cypress shades being in this summer is that the trend won't die when fall approaches because it's traditionally an autumn style.

For those who have been keeping up with my recent posts, you'll know that the Tory Burch sandals I'm wearing were on my summer wish list. While being stylish and chic, they are also fairly casual, making for a versatile sandal. Although they were painful the first few days I wore them, they are totally comfortable now that I have broken them in. And though they are a little on the pricey side, I figured I could make the sacrifice for Tory.

Shirt: H&M | Shorts: Forever 21 | Sandals: Tory Burch | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelets: H&M |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Right Beyond the Park

Although it's too soon to declare that spring is here, the warmer temps have me excited for crop tops and brighter colors. During the winter, I get stuck in grays and blacks, but now that the sun is out, I can once again branch out to summer colors like whites and beiges.

I found this cardigan at Forever 21 (no surprise there), and I've been in love ever since. With asymmentrical trim and little bits of glitter in the pattern, this piece makes for a perfect spring staple—for when it's not too cold, but not hot either.

I've worn leggings like this pair before, but I never get tired of Lululemon's mesh styles. It takes the edge off the traditional Wunder Unders or any other plain legging. The best part is that they can be dressed up and dressed down.

They are pants for class, work and a night out, making them incredibly versatile and an ideal purchase.

| Shirt: H&M | Cardigan: Forever 21 | Leggings: Lululemon | Boots: Steve Madden | Ring: Michael Kors | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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 }

The End of an Era

In light of a new semester, a first-year milestone and a brand new pair of Michael Kors boots, it feels like an era is ending and a new one is beginning. It might be the new apartment, my new position at The Chronicle or my recently declared fashion business minor, but whatever it is, I've realized that it is healthy and satisfying to try new things.

I was really nervous to launch this blog. Not only did I feel like I'd be acting like some narcissistic teenage girl, but I thought I knew nothing about fashion. I mean, there I was sitting in my fashion business class facing my professor who was inquiring how I would run my my hypothetical, small boutique, and all I kept thinking was "...I don't own a boutique because I'm a journalist." Then it occurred to me that even though I might not own a boutique, I could still write about the items within one, ultimately combining my love for the latest trends and my passion for writing.

At a certain point every young person has to realize their full potential and take chances. It's up to us to make the most of the moment and our resources just to see what it can manifest into.

Whether you're taking on new responsibilities, declaring a minor in something you know nothing about or creating a fashion blog, there is no time like the present to make a change, grow a bit and watch as a new era begins.