Summer Sandals

Summer has FINALLY arrived in NYC.  I could not be happier.  The temps are going to reach 90 today and I am so happy.  With warmer weather this calls for new sandals. Now, being a girl from AZ sandals were a must in my wardrobe and now that I live in NYC, I get more excited about pulling out the stops when it comes to summer foot wear. 

When I was a kid I either wore my Mexican sandals or jelly shoes. So, when this season of sandals came out and I found so many latin inspired sandals, I knew I had to have a pair.  

Here are my top pics….

 I LOVE the braided sandals, what a fabulous touch.  There are so many choices to choose from, I can't pick!!!

These below are just a fav.  They go with everything, you can be casual and sleek at the same time.  

 VIA ANTHROPOLGIE

Which would you choose???

Happy Days!

Mel

Back In Action

We have finally returned to NYC and are beginning to get settled into the New Year.  I am a little giddy thinking of what I have in store this weekend. Liza is coming to town, and we are going to be busy baby shopping and celebrating our dear friend Lindsay's engagement. Just when I thought the parties of  Dec. would stop, I think Jan. is the NEW December. 

I am excited to hit up my favorite spots! Of course we will begin at Zara's. Just look at my favorite picks so far.....

What is there NOT to love about baby clothing these days?

Happy Days,

Mel

Flannel DO or DON'T

A friend emailed me this week asking what the deal is with flannel tops-- is it a DO or NOT?  I am all in, and here are a few inspiration pics to get you going……

I love my Madewell flannel and have been rocking it all season. There is nothing like the perfect flannel to keep you cozy. 

Besos,

Mel

Glamming up an 80s machine……..

Sophia received a new typewriter for her birthday a couple weeks ago, and she loves the machine. I found it in need of a little personalizing, so I pulled out the Mod Podge and picked out some beautiful rice paper to do the trick. 

BEFORE

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Shorty Shorts

Shorty shorts are back.  I do think with the right Swedish Hasbeens, or Vans shorty shorts are the way to go this summer. I have some great cuts and prices on my favorite looks at Madewell, Zara, Gap, and Joe Fresh. 

Here are some photos to get you going….

Traveling con Niños: San Diego

The Rev. and I are on the West Coast for a week or so, taking in the rays and having some family time. When traveling with Ninos, I always prefer to travel JetBlue. The seats, accommodations, and service is just lovely. I don't know about you, but when I am traveling with little ones, the experience can be a bit overwhelming. 

via Life Magazine (Shirley McClain)

My solution to keep the stress level to a minimum is to always pack light, have the Ninos in charge of their own luggage, and have plenty of snacks loaded with protein. The kids are always excited to travel, so at times their energy level can be off the charts, at least for me anyway. 

The Roof Top Garden: Gramercy Park

A few months back I told you all we have begun planting on our roof top. My expectations were low. I thought it would be a great project for the Ninos, and who knows-- maybe we will grow something successfully. 

To my surprise, we have actually grown food we enjoy eating. We have a variety of green beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and the list goes on…. Check it out, we are quite proud of our roof-top garden. Not bad for beginners…

Catching Up...

Now that Creative Arts Camp is complete, we are ready to move forward with summer. The last two days have been dedicated to my ninos and just a little R & R. I assure you have a few projects up my sleeve for the summer months I am itching to share.

via pinterest

Until then, I am obsessed with wearing whites, sandals, and minimal make -up. Don't you just love summer. Here a are a few inspiration pics to get you going...

Nautical Fun

After such a long, hard winter, we arrived home to find spring has nearly turned into summer around here.  It has been hot and sunny, and I'm loving every minute of it.  By the end of the winter, I was so tired of every single sweater that I own, I was nearly ready to throw them all away and move to Florida (you think I'm kidding).  But thankfully warmer weather arrived just in time to revive us, and now I'm in full-on summer mode.

I think that's why I'm loving this season's hint of nautical that I'm seeing everywhere.  Stripes, navy with gold buttons, crisp white and bright red-- the whole thing is a happy reminder of sandy beaches and boat rides.  Obviously this is one of those trends that works better mixed with less thematic pieces-- you don't want to look like you're dressed as Popeye for a costume party:)  But subtle nods to the maritime look can be fun and fresh-- and finally summery.

Boden

Etsy

Nautical rope shell

Ann Taylor

These socks are so fresh and cute, I don't even care if they're men's.

Banana Republic

J Crew Factory

Macy's

J Crew Factory

J Crew Facory

And this door knocker!! I would buy a beach house JUST to buy this gorgeous piece of gold awesomeness.

Shelter

xo

Liza

A Quick Trip to Paris……

Well, I am off to Paris for the weekend. Doesn't that sound so glamorous?!!! My dear friend Jane is treating me to a weekend away. I am so excited and hope to find some fabulous vintage finds at "the Fleas," Paris' most famous flea market. Jane is due to have a baby in May and so this morning she asked me what she should wear??? Since Jane is pregnant she will need outfits and shoes that are comfortable, yet chic enough to carry us through the streets of Paris.

As soon as Jane asked I knew to turn to my Pinterest boards. I have pinned so many comfy, yet chic outfits that would due the trick. 

via Style Caffeinated

MIL BESOS,

MEL

We Heart MODCLOTH

Hello! 

A few weeks ago ModCloth asked Liza and me to share some of our favorite items from their fabulous line. L & I jumped at the chance and I have been dreaming up a night out in ModCloth's fabulous Tango Dress. If you are looking for some beautiful pieces to wear for a night out, ModCloth has just the right piece for you. 

If you love shoes as much as Liza and I do, you will find endless choices. It was no easy task choosing ONE pair of shoes along with accessories. What I love most about the accessories that they offer, there are so many modern art-deco designs. Art-Deco jewlery works so well because they are pieces that have a vintage feel, without the sense your too old fashioned. I always want to avoid creating a look that feels more costume and less me. When I approach clothing or accessories I want the pieces that are timeless and unique.

Just when I was about done happily wondering through ModCloth's website, I received an invitation to a black tie event at The Piere, here in NYC. Lucky for me, ModCloth has some beautiful dresses that might just do the trick.......

Ringing in the New Year

I don't know about you, but I have been enjoying all the wonderful post Christmas sales. Anthropology is having mega sales on such beautiful items. There is no excuse to have the perfect dress to wear on New Years. My mom selected just the right thing for me to ring in 2014.

A birthday sneak preview

I love a party, and birthdays are no different. I have begun dreaming up Sophia's 6th birthday over the last two weeks. I will let you in on a few of the birthday details...

Lets see if you can guess what our theme this year will be.

One of my favorite details of Sophia's party is putting together her birthday outfit. I am sure I will only be able to get away with picking out the outfit for a few more years. In the mean time I love to head to Zara's. Sophia loves a pair of boots, so every year I buy her a new pair as part of her look. I also know Sophia wants to be comfortable to run around and play. That is why I picked stretchy pants this year. The outfit would not be complete without a "detective" coat to finish the look. I know she is going to love the fall coat, and I just wish they carried them in my size. 
There will be more details to come next week!

All the clothing sources are from Zara Kids.

xo,

Mel