A Break from the Big City

fashion

 
MEL NO. 2 IS WEARING: OLD NAVY COAT (SIMILAR) | KATE SPADE BAG | VINTAGE HEELS | WARBY PARKER FRAMES

Despite the disagreeing weather, this week Mel & I have returned to our respective homes for Spring break! Although there won’t be any sunbathing or tropical vacationing, this break will be filled with copious amounts of much needed downtime and relaxation.

Living in Manhattan leads to never experiencing a dull moment, which can be fun for a while...but extremely taxing on your well-being. Returning to Suburbia has opened my eyes to how strung-out and coffee dependent I’ve become.

Although returning home has made me realize how unhealthy my sleeping and eating habits are, it has also provided an opportunity for self-reflection. Walking around in the low-key air of upstate, I’ve suddenly become aware of how much my personal style has changed and evolved since living in Manhattan. In the big city no one notices or comments on style, the area is so oversaturated with creative people that outrageous styles have become commonplace and expected.

Upstate, every “out of the ordinary” style choice I make is noticed and usually celebrated. My pistachio pea coat is suddenly the talk of the town, and my new vintage block heels are scandalous and exciting. Even my clear glasses are complimented several times a day, something that definitely doesn’t happen in Warby Parker dependent Manhattan.

It’s a refreshing change to be appreciated by others for being different after blending into the background (of an overpopulated city) for months. I encourage everyone to take opportunities to revisit old stomping grounds, you may find that the place hasn’t changed but that will help in discovering how you have grown and changed.

Side note: the pictures above were taken in the lovely downtown area of Saratoga Springs by my equally as lovely Mom!

Sincerely,
Mel & Mel

A Lightly Layered Look

fashion
Spring is not here yet, but the beautiful weekend was a solid sign that it is time to put the heavy coats and bulky scarves away for the season. Without a reason to shiver, we decided to take a walk down to the gallery district for fresh air, water views, and sunshine. 


MEL No.2 IS WEARING: MUJI TOP | LEVIS JACKET | ASOS SKIRT | ZARA BOOTS | QUAY SUNGLASSES
Some transitional pieces we are sporting during this season change are denim jackets, heavy cardigans, and as always we are continuing to celebrate our love of stripes.

Now that daylight savings has passed, a pair of statement sunglasses can be put to good use. If you haven’t seen photos from the front row at Paris fashion week, mirrored lenses are all the rage for the summer season.


MEL No.1 IS WEARING: BRANDY MELVILLE BLOUSE | GAP JEANS | REBECKA MINKOFF BAG | RAYBAN SUNGLASSES | ANN TAYLOR JACKET
With there no longer being a need for socks, or salt-laden side walks, a sunny day is great excuse to slip into some new shoes. Wether they be a simple pair of sandals, or ankle boots suited for a space queen, a fresh pair of shoes are sure to put some spring into your step.



Thank you again to our lovely friend Jordan for taking the pictures,We are beyond excited to share many more warm weather looks in the near future, see you outside!

Sincerely

Mel&Mel

Fashion Week Trend Notice AW 2016: Huge Jackets

fashion
MODEL IS WEARING: BALENCIAGA

Fashion week consists of copious amounts of beauty, elegance, and fantasy, but do the looks featured ever make it into mainstream fashion? Each show proves more extravagant than the last and leaves the viewers wondering if anyone actually wears the pieces strutting down the runway.


MODEL IS WEARING: VALENTINO | DIOR

In simple terms, yes: celebrities and influentials can be spotted sporting these garments. Those who are lucky enough to be able to afford these looks will often sweep them off the runway to wear at red carpet events or other shows.

MODEL IS WEARING: MIU MIU

Although these garments sometimes are actually worn out, they play a bigger role than just that in the fashion world. These high profile collections influence the world of fast fashion (aka what we normal people wear).



MODEL IS WEARING: LOUIS VUITTON | CHANEL

Just as it seemed we should put our coats away, fashion week f/w 2016 had us looking forward to bundling up next year. This season the trend that will most likely make it into everyday fashion soon consisted of coats. But not just regular coats, we're talking huge, people drowning jackets. From Balenciaga to Chanel, beautiful outerwear was seen consuming the models. Will this high fashion trend trickle down into our closets? Only time will tell.
Sincerely,
Mel & Mel

Fusion Fashion Show

fashion
While taking a break from midterms, as well as taking advantage of a Sunday evening, we decided to step on the scene at the annual FIT vs. Parsons fusion fashion show.
The show provided an opportunity for designers attending both universities to win some extra funds, do some major networking, and take part in some motivating competition.


Not knowing what to expected we were caught by surprise by the talent and variety displayed. The show included a mix of cultural influences, as well as a range in style that reached from couture gowns suited for royalty,  to everyday wear anyone would feel confident sporting to class. We also cannot go on without mentioning that the playlist was on point by including some of the best new tracks form Tame Impala, Penguin Prison, and Grimes.

The winning collection belong to Parsons designer Jared Ellner, whose looks complete with innovative structure, remain wearable to a fashionable young market.
Not to mention, the blush pinks were greatly receipted by the spring-seeking eye amidst an otherwise trendy palette of black, grey, and blue.

MEL No.2 IS WEARING: AMAZON FASHION | IVANKA TRUMP COAT | TOPSHOP JEANS | ZARA BOOTS | H&M HAIR PINS
MEL No.1 IS WEARING: ANTHROPOLOGIE PONCHO | J.CREW TROUSERS | LONGCHAMP BAG| NINE WEST BOOTS | RALPH LAUREN JACKET


The title of top school was also awarded to Parsons, which is a subject we cannot fully agree on. While both school presented equal amounts of creativity, parsons showed highly conceptual collections, while the FIT students dominated when it came to both individuality and wearability.
Sincerely,
Mel & Mel

Smorgasburg

lifestyle

This week we left Manhattan in search of amazing food and atmosphere in Brooklyn. What we found at Smorgasburg was exactly that. Located in Industry City, this flea market festival is extremely deceiving from the outside. Smorgasburg is housed within an admittedly unattractive warehouse, but what inside can only be described as the exact opposite. 

 Inside this vintage wonderland, we ate amazing food, discovered nostalgic vinyls, and lounged in a cozy atmosphere. Nina and Mel no.2 experienced the phenomenon of the "Ramen Burger", which tasted even better than expected. For dessert we ate light and fluffy donuts from Dough that were almost the size of our faces. Afterwards we recovered from our food comas on the comfy couches that were set up at the end of the market. 

 When asked, my friends described Smorgasburg as "the perfect date venue", "full of smelly hipsters, but a food treasure chest", and plain old "fun". So if you are in search of delicious food and cozy atmosphere, try checking out Smorgasburg's indoor location!

 Sincerely,
Mel & Mel