A Hidden Gem

I've been waiting for the day that I could debut this rain jacket on my blog. I've been wearing it for more than three years now, but never seemed to find the right blog-appropriate outfit to pair it with. Until now, it's been one of the best pieces in my closet that ironically received no love on Melony Melrose.

Rain-repellant, chic and neutral, this Zara jacket has proved itself to be the perfect spring outerwear piece. It has a hood, which is so important in Chicago's windy climate, and has sufficient insulation for those chillier spring days.

I realized it would be the perfect addition to this outfit when I took a long, hard look at this shirt, also manufactured by Zara. The beiges matched and the white and grey panels provided a much-needed accent.

Besides, both the shirt and jacket look awesome with these super soft and stretchy Free People jeans. High-waisted and cropped, they are the ideal pant for spring and summer. I can't wait to sport them for the rest of the season!

And I’m totally obsessed with these suede and leather flats. They’re perfect for going to work in or to wear on a night out when you’re not feeling heels. The gold accents give them an edge over other plain flats and happen to channel my personal tastes—I’m all about gold hardware. They’re a pain to break in, but are totally worth it. They’ve become my casual but refined staple shoe.

Outfit Destinations:

Class

Concert

Movie theater

Shirt & Jacket: Zara | Jeans: Free People | Flats: Aldo |

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

The Pillow Scarf

I was walking down Michigan Avenue wearing this scarf. A group of guys stopped me and asked if I would take a copy of their mixtape for a small donation. I politely declined, and in playful retaliation, one of them began singing "She's got a pillow on her neck." The rest chimed in and I was suddenly the punchline of a joke with a melody. I couldn't help but laugh, and from that moment on, this was the pillow scarf.

Although this Zara scarf may be oversized, it's warm and practical. It may resemble a pillow, a blanket or other bedding materials, but I like to be cozy, so I'm alright with it.

Shirt, Jeans, Scarf and Jacket: Zara | Booties: Marc Fisher | Fitbit: Tory Burch | 

Watch: Montblanc | Ring: H&M

{ 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 }