Weekend Highlights

I was lucky enough to work with my good friend, Penn, from Blank Photos on Saturday. We had planned the perfect Melificent photoshoot so I can use some of the shots for my blog redesign, amongst other things! Penn has been my friend for awhile and I have always been certain of her talents, but those beliefs were solidified after working with her. I had such a good time and think she really captured my essence. She sent me this one teaser above, and I personally cannot wait to see all the others and share them with you all!

Sunday was a really proud moment for me. I have the pleasure of working with autistic children once again, and I cannot be happier to be involved in their lives, as well as those of their families. I formed a team: Team Melificent, and was able to raise $435 for the cause. I was also able to show support with some pretty amazing people: both my friends and family, along with my new corporate family. Thank you to everyone that participated: whether it was financially through a donation, or physically through joining us Sunday morning.  I appreciate it with all my heart! xoxo

Smell You Later!

While checking out my favorite style blogs, I stumbled on a great post on Closet Confections detailing blogger, Kendra’s, perfume collection. I thought it was a great idea and decided to pay it a little homage with my own favorites!

Confession: I am a recent fragrance convert. I never had many perfumes, and would opt for Bath and Body Works lotions over them. I actually didn’t wear an ounce of perfume on my wedding day, but I did slather myself in Vanilla Bean Noel body lotion. I don’t know what made me jump on the smelly bandwagon, but I believe it may have been Ms. Stefani introducing her own line of fragrances, which I, of course, had to own. My collection has grown steadily and I must admit that I truly enjoy picking out which perfume will fit that day’s mood every morning. And these are my options:

1. Victoria’s Secret Pink: Fresh & Clean, Exactly as the name suggests, it is my most refreshing scent. This is my go-to when I am heading to the gym or to do some light errands. A perfect every day fragrance, as it’s not too overpowering and gives you the perfect amount of sweet with its mix of crisp apple and soft lily.

2. Burberry Brit, My dad gifted me a Burberry gift card for Christmas and I had no idea what to purchase with it. I was surprised that the generous amount he gave me was still not enough to buy even an accessory, so I dropped the invisible cash on something I knew was worth it: this scent. I had a sample size of Brit back in college and adored its delicate and fresh scent. Again, it is citrus-y, which is my favorite, but paired with floral to add some soft sweetness. For some reason, I always save this one for days where I am feeling less than chipper – it always manages to cheer me up.

3. Eva by Eva Longoria, Don’t laugh just yet, loyal readers. Hear me out. I managed to pick up this fragrance as a free gift during a Miami Fashion Week event. At first, I have to admit. I may have scoffed or even giggled a little as I saw what was in my gift bag. However, that was until I spritzed it on. This perfume smells AMAZING. It is so feminine and delicious, made up of a serious floral blend. This was my everyday scent – and it got noticed. In a big way. I got countless compliments from women wanting to know what I was wearing. And for all those single ladies, it is a man magnet. Every guy I knew (and some I didn’t!), were always telling me I smelled great. I’m definitely refilling this one once it runs out.

4. Bath & Body Works’ Vanilla Bean Noel, A staple in my beauty arsenal. It is my favorite scent from Bath & Body Works, and I just cannot not have it in my life. Unfortunately, it is seasonal, which means that I need to stock up every holiday season. I have the full line: body splash (pictured), body lotion, body wash, etc. It makes me smell like a delicious sugar cookie, and who wouldn’t want that? This is another casual day scent & something I usually take with me on vacation, to the gym or just tucked away in my purse for constant freshening up.

5. L.A.M.B., What started this all. Bought while on our 1st wedding anniversary cruise, I was hooked. Another citrus and floral infusion that leaves me feeling very pretty. It also lasts for a remarkably long time, which is always appreciated. I usually save this one for dates or nights out on the town, as it’s a little stronger than my other scents.

6. DKNY Red Delicious, This is my current everyday-er. My fabulously fashionable cousin had these as her baby shower favors (how amazing is that?), and I am forever grateful! It’s a perfect mix of hard and soft, sweet and flirty. I also really love the way it smells when it is sprayed in my hair (weird? Maybe).

So that’s what I got, but these are on my current smelly (meli) wishlist;

Flower by Kenzo
G of the Sea

So what are your favorite fragrances?
Do you pick them according to your daily moods?

Lovable Friday!

1. DIY Zipper Rings

These rings are just too much. When I stumbled on this photo on Pinterest, I thought I would be able to find a link to purchase them – little did I know they were a DIY project! I was floored…and after reading the simple tutorial, I was inspired to possibly make a trip to the nearest craft store and give it a whirl myself! These would also make really spectacular and unique gifts for girlfriends or family!

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Grammy’s Recap

This was originally going to be a fashion recap, but I found all the gowns to be so sub-par, that I decided to just focus on the moments. And there were a lot. Wouldn’t you agree?

I feel like this was the best Grammy’s in a very long time. Seems like talented people were honored the way they should be, not a popularity contest, not based on looks or what is “cool” at the moment. I’m hoping music continues in this vein, because it’s a good one. So without further ado…

– Rihanna‘s body is sick. I don’t think anyone can dispute this.
– Jagger still has the swagger.
– Mumford & Sons, Avett Brothers & Bob Dylan made my night. Best performance by far.
– Skylar Grey, where have you been my whole life? What a voice!
– Dre & Em: reunited. & it feels so good.
– I’m not a Paltrow fan, but that performance w/ Cee Lo attempted to change my mind.
– Muse won. Muse won. MUSE WON.
– Please don’t wear silver pants/leggings again, Ricky Martin. EH-VER.
– Florence: you are magical.
– I love you, Gaga. But this whole embryo/egg situation is just dumb as shit.
– Arcade Fire as album of the year. Did I die & go to music heaven? Clearly.

Go Jane Rocks!

Ever since starting this blog, I have had the opportunity to connect with some of my favorite retailers to bring you all great giveaways and product reviews. Makes me feel like such a lucky girl! This time was no different. As you all know by now, Go Jane is one of my favorite online shops to find clothes, shoes and accessories at affordable prices. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been complimented while wearing one of their dresses or shoes, which is why I was so excited when they decided to mail me an item of my choice for review!

Although it was painstakingly difficult to choose just one item from their shop (do you know they get 300 new styles added weekly?), I finally decided on the pocketed button trim cold shoulder dress in ivory. I excitedly tried it on and it exceeded all my expectations! Unfortunately (or fortunately), I forgot to calculate the weight I have lost over the past month (yay, gluten free diet & spinning!) so it fit a little loose, but I actually like the way it slumps off my shoulder. It gives it a very relaxed, resort feel that I dig. And how cute are those little gold buttons along the sleeves? Such a special touch!

However, what I loved the most was the way it paired perfectly with my new wedges also from Go Jane! You’ll see it styled a little differently when I sport it for our special Valentine’s Day party for two this weekend, as I’ll be pairing it with some fun holiday fueled accessories.

I hope I could provide you with yet another online shop to add to those growing bookmarks labeled “retail therapy.” Trust me, this one is worth it.

Lovable Friday!

1. Dino bookend

Who wouldn’t want Bobo the dinosaur holding up their books, acting as a door stopper or just staring at you with those non-existent, but somehow adorable eyes? You just can’t resist. Although a little pricey at $48, you can have your own leather Bobo to adorn your bachelor pad, children’s room or office space. It’s kind of weird and sad that I will no longer have a desk to call my own (new job starts in a couple weeks & it’s a contracted position), but if I still did, I would love this little sucker to perch on it. Although I would probably switch out his plain black collar for a nice hot pink number instead. ;)

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Ban.do Beauties!

I’m a recent convert to the church of Ban.do. My newly undying love came with my purchase of their sequined heart shoe clips during the holidays. I absolutely adore their bright, glittery and girly accessories. It definitely doesn’t hurt that their shoots to promote their adorable products are styled spot on – appealing to the sparkly 12-year-old princess in all of us.

For those brides-to-be, Ban.do also offers a lot of gorgeous, one of a kind headpieces for your big day, but I’m especially excited about their new line. Their over-sized bows, corsages, headbands and crystal shoe clips really make me swoon and have been released just in time for your Valentine’s Day celebrations! Now if only I had the guts to wear these out – you know I could rock those big, colorful bows! ;)

Quick edit: Ban.do is offering a coupon code until tomorrow night (2.2.11)! Enter sharkpig at checkout to get 15% off all new arrivals!

{30 Days of Fashion}: Day 30

January 30th, 2011:

Dress; Etsy
Footless tights; Target
Wedges; Go Jane
Jean jacket; Old Navy
Mickey ears; a Disney authentic
Nail polish; Essie’s Material Girl

It’s my last day of the challenge! So bittersweet…I have to admit, it was truly a challenge. Every night, I would plan my outfits for the next day and spent many mornings rushing to the office very, very late because of my picture-taking sessions. It was also very time-consuming to blog real-time twice a day, since I have a full-time job.  However, it felt really great to know that I looked my best every day this month, and that I was inspiring others. I’ve even been asked to continue my fashion posts, and although I would love to be able to do so every day from now on, it’s just not possible. But, every time I really enjoy my outfit, I’m going to try to make a similar post as to not abandon the concept all together past January.

But on to the outfit! I had to go out with a bang, so I used one of the shots from our impromptu photoshoot today at the park across from our home. The last time I wore this dress was at Epicenter while onstage with Bush, so it immediately brought me so many great memories the second I slipped it on. The hubs had bought it for me for the trip from a great Etsy seller that finds thrifted items and alters them to have a more modern fit. Absolute love! I paired it with my new favorite wedges and my trusty “cold” weather staple: the jean jacket. The ears were just for fun, but I would not bat an eyelash if I had to wear them around – they were one of the last hand-stitched ears available at Disney World. They are made electronically now, so it feels kind of special to have “vintage” memorabilia.

So how did you like my fashion posts these past 30 days? I’d love to hear your feedback!

{30 Days of Fashion}: Day 29

January 29th, 2011:

Tee; Old Navy
Knit cardi; Aeropostale
Shorts; I.N.C.
Footless tights; Target
Heels; Marshall’s
Shades; Forever 21

This is the way I go to kids’ birthday parties. Yep, that’s how I roll. The minute the hubs and I walked into the party, I was told by my cousin that we “looked like [we] were going on tour.” That obviously means that I did something right, heh. Ladies, I cannot say this enough: do not abandon clearance racks! I always lust over I.N.C. products, but figured that I could never afford any of the pieces. WRONG. Patrol your local Macy’s for sales. When I.N.C. does sales, they are as serious as a heart attack. Prices are slashed left and right. Almost all pieces were $30 and less, including these adorable shorts, so you better believe I stocked up. More good news: this happens more often than you think! In fact, I should swing by the mall this week and see if there’s one going on right now!

Since I had such a rockin’ look going with the shorts paired with my favorite tights, I decided to throw on my rock star heels. Believe it or not, they are very comfortable and look so vampy – so much heart! These were another clearance rack steal at my local Marshall’s – couldn’t believe so many of these were perched on the shelves. Who would want a pair, especially at $20-some??

ps; Only one day left of the challenge! Wowza!