NYE SHINE TIME!

(clockwise from left) 1. Deborah Lipomann $20 (Barney's New York) 2. NYC $4 (Local Drugstores) 3. Forever 21 $2.80 (Forever 21 Stores) 4. Caren $16 (gmarket.com) 5. Sinful Colors $8 (Local Drugstores) 6. Sephora by OPI $9 (Sephora Stores) 7. Butter London $14 (beauty.com)

While most of us grown-up non-vampires leave the glitter for the kids, New Years seems to be that one time of year where it is okay to glam it up and do your best impression of a disco ball! Here are some of our top picks for your fingertips. Most are available at drugstores nationwide.

These all look great as a top coat but layer beautifully as well! It's a holiday, go nuts!

XOXO

NYE Appetizer Ready:

So you've had your NYE outfit planned for months, the e-vites are all out, you are slowly cleaning up your Christmas mess in preparation for the big event, when it hits you: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO COOK? For vegans this question can sometimes be a bit trickier to navigate due finicky eaters and um, unsympathetic guests (haters). Check out this easy-peezy and delicious recipe we found courtesy of Chef Chloe, winner of Food Network's Cup Cake Wars, and vegan chef extraordinaire! This one is sure to please meat eaters and vegans alike. So neutral, you win, because who doesn't love french fries!?







CAJUN YAM FRIES


Ingredients

* 1 large yam, peeled and cut into ¼ thick fries
* 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
* 1 teaspoon sea salt
* 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning



Directions

1.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2.

Toss yam sticks with oil, salt, and Cajun seasoning. Spread out evenly on a half sheet tray. If multiplying the recipe, use a separate sheet tray for each yam.
3.

Bake for 15 minutes then flip fries with a spatula. Rotate pan and bake for another 10-15 minutes until nicely browned and crisp looking.





This is a recipe that is easy to make, sure to impress, and tastes deliciousssss. What are your go to recipes for holiday gatherings?

XOXO

IN(terview) & IN(spiration): Nana In Wonderland

How would you describe yourself and what you do?

I am a full-time fashion blogger and writer, but I will be starting a new job in the fashion industry starting in January, where I will be using a lot of the things that I have learned from blogging! I will reveal my new career path soon on the blog, once things are finalized! I am also a dreamer because I am always making up stories in my head and dreaming of all the places in the world I want to travel to and all the people I want to meet along the way.

What is your take on the ever increasing importance placed on bloggers in the fashion world?

I think bloggers are a very, very important part of the fashion world because we are the real girls who are the targets of all the big brands around the world. We are the one's who really care about fashion and making it our own in any way we can, even if we are just students or don't even have a career in fashion. Fashion bloggers blog about fashion because they love it, and I think this fact is very pure, real, and down-to-earth. It's not always glitz and glam/ high fashion for us, and I think this is what makes us so intriguing. We provide provide a relatable perspective of fashion that includes everyone, especially the girl next door. There is such a strength in the connections we have made online through our thoughts on fashion and our personal style. The fact that so many flock to check out blogs relentlessly everyday really speaks for themselves. I think people are tired of the repetitiveness of magazines and the breaking down of fashion into specific trends and season. Fashion blogging is a fresh perspective that provides new inspiration every single day, sometimes even every single hour. There is no limits with fashion blogging, and I see bloggers becoming an even more integral part of the fashion world.

What inspires your style?

I am inspired by so much. Everything around me inspires me: people on the street, nature, a character of a novel, a color combination I randomly spot, bloggers, movies, etc. I really am most inspired by street style though. I love seeing all the eclectic and unexpected ways normal people wear things.

What criteria do you use when selecting which outfits you will photograph?

If I feel really good about what I am wearing that day, I will decided to take a photo of it. Sometimes I dress knowing that I want to take an outfit picture, and sometimes I dress without much though but then just decided to take an outfit pic last second. It really depends on my mood and how good I feel about how I look. I think taking outfit pics are so much fun. I like to go out and find interesting locations, and I love being able to create something pleasing to the eye with a picture.

What era of fashion is most influential to you personally?

This is a really hard question because I am inspired by so many era. But I really love the bohemian vice from the 60's and 70's, as well as the Hollywood glamour of the 40's and 50's (like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn). I also really love the colorful and wacky prints of the 80's era (I love Molly Ringwald). I would say my style is a mix of all of these, with a modern day touch.

If you could raid anyone's closet living or dead who would it be and why?

I think this is such an obvious answer, but I think I would have to raid Alexa Chung's closet because she always looks impeccable. Everything she wears is extremely chic, with a little touch of boyishness and preppy which I love. I cannot even imagine how amazing her closet really is! If I had the chance to dig through it, I would be so happy! Alexa stays true to her individual sense of style and that is why I adore her! Plus, she has personality to back it all up with!

What music are you currently listening to?

I have a very eclectic musical taste. I love nearly everything and anything, from techno or country to classic rock and pop. Classic rock is my absolute favorite. I love The Doors, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones. My Dad and I share the same music taste and he is the one who first introduced me to all this great music that is timeless. I also really love The Strokes, The Black Keyes, Vampire Weekend, The Noisettes, First Aid Kit, Paolo Nutini, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Drake, and lots of other bands and musicians. I even enjoy some Taylor Swift now and then. There is also so much music on my play list that I have no idea who the artist is, but is a song that I really love. I am always coming across random music on the Internet and have them becoming my new favorites. Still, in the end, classic rock is my favorite.

What trends are you looking forward to this season?

I am looking forward to seeing more of the bohemian trend. I am loving crochet, long and flow fabrics, slouchy knits, and anything inspired by nature. I think it is so romantic and pretty!

What are your favorite things about the Melie Bianco bags you chose and what caused you to gravitate towards them in the first place?

One of the bags I got was the Alyssa Expandable Shoulder bag and it is my absolutely favorite bag at the moment. It is perfect in every way: simple with a touch of toughness with the gold metal hardware, the shape is classic, and its overall look is super edgy (in an Alexander Wang sort of way). I have been searching all over for the perfect black bag that I can wear both on my arm and over my shoulder with a long strap, and this one is just perfect in every way! I always get compliments on it because everyone thinks it is a designer piece! Thanks Melie Bianco!

Any advice for aspiring bloggers?

Blog about what you love, stay true to yourself, don't be afraid to take risks, and always keep a constant connection with other bloggers. It all grows from here.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now? Will you still be blogging?

I see myself continuing working in the fashion industry, in social media and marketing parts of it, and I probably will still be blogging, but maybe not to the extent as I am now. Most likely, I will be blogging about more things than just fashion, like traveling, my love of food, and my family (if I have one by then . . . I hope so!). Basically, I see myself all over the world in the name of fashion, with a steady job, a beautiful family, and living a simple yet very happy life!

When building an outfit do you start with the accessories or the clothing?

I definitely start with the clothing. The accessories are always the last thing I put on. But I love how a single bracelet can bring a whole look together or make an outfit really stand out. I just picked up some great pieces at Forever 21 that I cannot wait to incorporate into my looks!

What is your favorite piece of clothing and why?

There are so many favorite things in my wardrobe, but I think my absolute favorite must be my black motorcycle leather jacket from Zara because I can wear it with anything. I am not sure what to put over my dress or top, or if I am strapped on time, I can always count on my leather jacket to save me at the last second.

When do you first remember being aware of fashion?

I remember being aware of fashion at a very young age. My mom was a very beautiful dresser and had the most fabulous wardrobe. She always had fashion magazines lying around and I devoured them since I was little. I knew all the names of the famous supermodels and my favorite was Cindy Crawford. My mom even took me to go see Kate Moss at an autograph signing when I was around 7 or 8, I think, then that I really became intrigued with fashion and models and all that. My mom used to draw figurines for me to color in and dress up with my designs. Fashion has always been a part of my life and it has always come naturally to me.

Nerdy Deeds:

Black acetate frames are the accessory du jour on the celeb style menu. With the look being plastered all over the faces of the cool kids, how much longer can it still be claimed as "nerdy"? More important: would you wear it? Would you go for the complete look and style yourself head to toe or use it as the quirky topper to an otherwise sophisticated outfit?

What Melie Bianco bag would you use to finish up your geek chic ensemble? The most creative comment wins it! All comments must be received by December 22nd @ 10am PST!


XOXO

PS: Be sure to include your email address!

An Off Duty Day:

We spotted these shots in the blog of model/blogger/musician Natalie Suarez (of natalieoffduty) and couldn't resist posting them. She took our now sold-out Diana (originally worn by Natalie in a Free People catalog) out for a field trip during a girls day out with sister (and Melie fave) Dylana.

XOXO

Paris Je T'aime:

This week's look once again comes to us from Paris via the Stylesightings blog.

File Under:

PERFECTION




With this look we see that accessories are key. This posh trendsetter takes well tailored basics and punches them up with bright chunky shoes and a statement clutch. Take a cue from the Parisians and liven up your everyday look with the Daisy bag from our new Spring collection:


Daisy - $64





XOXO

She & Him & You:

Last nights performance by She & Him on the Conan O' Brien show had us gripping the edges of our couch cushions, not only for their unbelievable cover of a legendary classic (prompting Conan to say "That's how it's done!"), but also because of Zooey Deschanel's picture perfect holiday ready maxi dress! The holidays are quickly approaching, which means crash diets, dress shopping, and braving the warzone known as your local mall. Why not take a cue from Zooey (an avid vintage enthusiast)? Raid your closet (or local thrift shop), grab an inexpensive LBD, and embellish away! Sew on some sequins, wear a bib collar necklace, jeweled belt, sparkly jacket, or an elaborate headband. Since this is the one time and place this side of Studio 54 where you can get away with shining like a disco ball, don't be shy: MORE IS MORE! Of course, you can't forget to finish it off with a party ready handbag! Check out the clip from last nights show, fall under She & Him's charming spell, browse our party handbag section on meliebianco.com and perfect your holiday ensemble! It's that easy!







S10-03 - $52




Check out some more of our party favorites: HERE!



XOXO

Double Favorites:

The Alyssa bag is already our office fave, but now thanks to Dylana of nanainwonderland we love it even more! It is already well on it's way to selling out so don't miss it!


XOXO

Tres Chic:

For our first ever Look of the Week, we have selected this Parisian beauty we stumbled across on the stylesightings street style bog.


File Under:
Faux Fur Collar
Simple Understated Chic
Matching Tights/Black Booties
Waist Accentuating Belt
Vintage Charm
Over-Sized Double Zip Satchel
Perfect Hair




STEAL THIS LOOK:

Coat: GO VINTAGE! If the coat of your dreams seems just out of your budget, try your local thrift store. There are always tons of chic finds, and if it doesn't quite fit you can get it custom tailored and still come in well under department store prices! Already halfway there? If you already have the perfect coat but are looking to punch it up tons of sites offer Faux-Fur collars which you can easily layer over, or even sew into your existing piece. Although currently on trend a fur trimmed coat will never go out of style. It can be an elegant cover up on a special occasion, or fresh and unexpected when thrown atop a casual ensemble.


Tights/Shoes: Matching your tights to your shoes creates the illusion that your legs are miles long since visually there is no break up! Basic black tights always look amazing, and while you may be tempted to shell out keep in mind that tights will tear and snag no matter the price range, and bargain retailers, such as Target offer quality tights at great prices. The shoes are a no brainer, black flat ankle boots are perfect and will always work. Invest in a great pair, immediately! Well, immediately after you finish reading this post anyway....


Belt: Defining your waist does wonders! Take a cue from our weekly look and keep it simple. A string tie in a contrasting color ads a pop without being overwhelming.



Satchel: Ah, my area of expertise!

Candice - $87



Tara - $94

XOXO

Back By Popular Demand!

Our last sample sale was so much fun, but it rained, rained, rained, and rained! After the flood of emails we received from Melie Girls who weren't able to attend due to weather issues we decided to have ANOTHER ONE!

You can also RSVP by leaving your first and last name in the comments section! SEE YOU THERE!

XOXO

Friday Funday!

In honor of Friday Funday we wanted to post a few pictures of us Melie Girls hard at work.

Just in case you are loving your life slightly less than we are in the photos above, HERE IS THE CUTEST FREEBIE EVVVEEERRR!

Visit our FACEBOOK page and tell us why you want it.

THATS IT!

Winner chosen Monday at 10am PST, good luck!

XOXO

Pretty Prima Donnas:

With the release of Black Swan, the story of a ballerina consumed by her craft to the point of (possible) madness it seems the fashion world has begun cultivating some ballet inspired obsessions of their own....

The film has naturally spawned an unltra fluffy feminine trend, but in a nod to the movies darker side (it is a horror movie after all) we are seeing a lot of black lace and tulle pop up as well.

The trend is experiencing a mega moment amongst red carpet bound celebs due in large part to the films release, but has also become a runaway hit for girls everywhere because it is just so pretty! Not to mention it allows you to publicly indulge every ballerina "I'm wearing my tutu to run errands" fantasy that most of us have harbored since childhood.

(It also doesn't hurt that the costumes in the film were designed by the fashion darling Mulleavy sisters behind Rodarte.)

Want the look without breaking the bank? Of course we know how!

The Melie Bianco Way:

Giselle - $96



Nancy - $61



Lacey - $64

Elizabeth - $87



Melissa - $72





♥ XOXO ♥

PS: Because we love you, take 15% off any of these styles until Dec 8th when you enter code MBSWAN at check out

* order must contain at least one of the pictured items. not valid with any other offers.