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 }

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 }

My Favorite Flannel

While winter drags on, finding new styles and outfits is becoming increasingly difficult. I'm longing for the day when I can throw on a pair of shorts and a crop top. 

But recently I've started wearing flannels to help mend my desperation for a new look. Although flannel-wearing hipsters have been around for years, this is my first experience with the style, and it is surprisingly better than I had originally anticipated.

The truth is this isn't my favorite flannel. It's actually my first and only, and if you ask my friends, it's now the shirt I wear too much.

In the never-ending search to find sweaters that have an edge, I managed to get my hands on this cowl-neck knit. Though the zipper on the collar is simple, it gives it a refreshing look.

And because this outfit was channeling an inner-city hipster approach, it could not be completed without acid wash jeans and combat boots. 

| Sweater & Flannel : Forever 21 | Jeans: Zara | Boots: Steve Madden | Ring: Michael Kors

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

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 }