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 }

February Knits

| Sweater: Cotton Emporium |  Skirt: Forever 21 | Knee-Socks: Steve Madden | Boots: Michael Kors | Scarf: Zara | Watch: Montblanc | Bracelet: Pandora | Ring: Michael Kors

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Achieving Perfection in 77 Seconds

Why La Mer's Ad Campaign Nearly Brought Me to Tears

Although perfection is impossible in almost every facet of life, we've never lived in a time where the pressure to be perfect was as prominent.

Photo via Instagram

In La Mer's most recent ad campaign "Illuminating Moments," which stars Olivia Palermo, an American style icon and socialite, and her mysteriously handsome husband, Johannes Huebl, perfection is achieved in less than two minutes.

It was an average Thursday evening surfing the Internet when I came across this advertisement. I was inclined to watch it initially because Palermo is in it, and for anyone interested in fashion blogging, they know she is one of the key players.

The entirety of the ad is a look at what would be an "average" morning for the couple who lives in a to-die-for New York City apartment.

I would never consider myself someone who is heavily influenced by advertisements, but as I kept watching, I became consumed with the idea of perfection portrayed in the ad. Do I want to live in a beautiful, spacious apartment in New York City? Yes. Do I want to share a walk-in closet with my ultra-attractive hubby? Duh! And do I want my eyes to be as big and bright as Palermo's? Of course.  

By the end of the video, I found myself so entranced by all the perfection that I couldn't help but want to go buy this lavish eye cream and see if my life would drastically transform into a fairytale. I was looking for a way to create my own version of perfection.

In reality, I know Palermo is likely not perfect, but for the 77 seconds of this video, she is. I'm certainly not perfect either, but sometimes I indulge in the little moments that make me feel like I am. Whether that's me frequenting the Benefit Brow Bar or buying a new piece to photograph for my blog, the desire to be perfect is something we can all relate to.

Ivory Cuts

This shoot taught me that being a fashion blogger is hard, especially when you have to go outside in subzero temperatures and pretend like you're not freezing. However, to make the snow flurries a bit more bearable, I wore garments that are winter-ready.

The booties I'm wearing are waterproof, making them a practical choice when dressing for winter weather. Although people tend to wear a Hunter rain boot to combat snow, I decided to break out of the standard trend by finding an unconventional style and brand. Although I own a pair of Hunter boots, I prefer this Michael Kors pair that are more of a bootie rather than a long boot that rests right below the knee.  

| Sweater: Forever 21 | Pants: Zara | Booties: Michael Kors |

{ Photography: Andrea Cannon }