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 }

Reva

After years of carrying cross-body handbags, I decided it was time to switch it up with this Tory Burch Reva clutch. Sleek, black and lightweight, this handbag makes even the simplest outfit pop. 

No longer do I suffer with the burden of a long strap weighing me down on a night out. Carrying cross-body handbags can be so annoying when trying to dance or move around a tight crowd. 

And these Zara jeans give outfits a more sophisticated edge, making them casual yet refined. They hug my hips perfectly and make my butt look good—an added bonus.

| Shirt: Forever 21 | Pants: Zara | Heels: Steve Madden | Handbag: Tory Burch |

{ 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 }

Furry Seams

Other styles similar to Mel's

Furry Seams by melonymelrose featuring black leggings

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

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Holidaze

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