bye bye

as you've probably noticed, i've not blogged on style cuddle for a long time. a lot has happened to me in the past year and it's time to make a formal farewell.  thank you dear readers for your time, support, & kind words to me over the past few years. i have been touched by your emails and comments. thank you.

if you still want to follow me, i've started a new blog that reflects me & my new life:

mformelissa.com

i hope to see you there?! xo, m

5 things i want right now

1 madewell dress // 2 shop ban.do brooch // 3 rollie derby flats // 4 sam edelman slip ons // 5 nixon watch

how to do british style

how fun is this illustration on how to do british style? i love it!

illustration by cindy mangomini via hello giggles

what do you think defines the london look?
inspired? i am! here are my picks to get this style - and i was just saying yesterday how much i loved my leopard coat (bought last season at free people) & it was one of the best clothing purchases i've made in the past year ever:

see it/ shop it: 

01 topshop leopard coat

02 cath kitson tea cup 

03 accessorize yellow purse

04 sam edelman black bootie (via zappos)

05 topshop leggings

06 new look tea dress

07 asos felt hat

08 stilla waterproof eyeliner

09 vintage shoe company flat shoes (via nordstrom)

10 stella & dot spike bracelet & accessorize pyramid bracelet/cuff

11. american eagle vegan leather jacket

on the road, part 2: what to do in the monterey bay, ca

the monterey bay is my happy place. i've been lucky to be coming here every year (sometimes even making it out twice a year!). between seeing family, friends, and enjoying the sights and food, there is so much to do, see, drink, eat, and even indulge in a little shopping.  here are a few of my favorite things (in no particular order) to do. until you next visit, there is always the monterey bay aquarium otter webcam.

1. visiting the monterey bay aquarium
ok, cue a duh on this one.  it's world famous and for a reason.  the displays are sensational, delicate, magical.  the jellyfish, the otters, the penguins - i can't get enough. tip: get here for opening as it gets really busy. have you seen the pbs documentary saving otter 501, about the otter foster family? you gotta watch it!

image via the monetery bay aquarium

2. indulging in drinks at the cypress inn
i love this hotel. it's doris day's place and it's got the decor to go along with it. posters from her films decorate the place and there's an all around jolly atmosphere that's part time warp, part contemporary. there's a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor terrace & a living room - complete with a cozy fireplace. i happened to be there for happy hour on a friday and from 7 - 8pm there's a fantastic russian piano player and a jazz singer.  not to be missed!

the cypress inn is also dog friendly, so you might meet some canine chums during "yappy hour." image via carmel boutique hotels/ the cypress inn

3. eating scones at the tuck box
the tuck box is old school carmel twee at it's best. it's storybook cute and super yummy and their scones really are the best.

is this the tuck box today, or the tuck box in the 1970s? hmmm... image via here

4. grabbing coffees (or kombucha on tap!) at happy girl kitchen co
happy girl kitchen was a new discovery for me on my recent visit.  they opened a year or so ago (i think) and not only do they make delicious coffees but they have a huge kitchen in the back where they make pickles, chutneys and jams. happy girl is totally my vibe! other favorite coffee spots include parker lusseau in monterey and the cafe at il fornaio in carmel

image via here

5. going for a walk on carmel beach
other favorite walking destination is point lobos. 

6. vintage shopping 
you can score some great vintage and retro pieces in california. my go to places to shop is the cannery row antique mall (it's huuuuge and there's an amazing selection) & reincarnations (it's tinyyyy and well - there's an amazing selection). over the years i've scored some great costume jewelry, jackets, shift dresses & this time i found a delightful hawaiian shirt.

image via my instagram

7. day trip to big sur
big sur is a fantastic day trip.  the drive is just beautiful.  dip your toes at the river inn (they have adirondack chairs in the water) or nibble on croissants at the big sur bakery, soak in the view at nepenthe & pop into the henry miller library.

image via my instagram

8. going for morning runs on the pacific grove trail
almost every morning i've managed to jog along the pacific coast trail.  i go from the monterey bay aquarium up to assilomar state park and spanish bay which 2.5/3 miles long (so a 5-6 mile run total).  it's an amazing run and you could go for a longer distance if you wanted to (the trail goes up through the 17 mile drive and pebble beach) - just maybe arrange for someone to pick you up on the other end!!

9. eating at the farmer's market
i love visiting farmers markets. it's incredible to see the range of what is grown locally and it's a great way to get a feel for the area. we went to the farmers market in downtown monterey and stocked up on lots of salad fixings for meals at home and to have some tasty, healthy snacks. there are also some fab stalls selling flowers, tasty dips, wraps, juices and more. plus there are street perfomers including musicians and a clown which makes for a fun vibe.  it's every tuesday, visit their website for more info.

my next trip to dos: 

1. explore to santa cruz. my cousin's tell me there are some great vintage stores to be found there too.
2. visit some vineyards (like gallante & carmel road). i'm loving the wines out of monterey lately, and am curious to get to know them personally!
3. rent kayaks to go otter/ seal spotting
4. ...or how about watch for whales?
5. drink margaritas at moss landing (cause it sounds so kitsch!! and if you know me at all, you know i love, love, love a good margarita)

view part one of my cali trip here! 

on the road: california, part 1

i'm writing this on a little getaway in california! it's such a fun state to visit. we've been cramming our days - wine tasting in sonoma, driving down the coast, visiting the aquarium, walking on the beach, cooking delicious dinners (crab is in season) & just having a fun time.

here are some highlights so far, i've even included a few little tips for you style cuddlers to get in on my california, west coast vibe!

instagrams are my own (follow me @melissadewitte)

featured:

when i visited the aquarium, i got a little soft toy to send to a friend who just had a baby.  how cute is their otter plush toy? looove!

i also picked up wild - it's set on the pacific coast trail. i've decided to take up hiking this spring in anticipation of a hiking/ camping vacation next.

how comfy are toms? these red ones are from the newest collection & you can score yourself a pair over here.

you don't have to be in the west coast to enjoy a california wine. you can order yourself a napa valley chardonnay via wine.com (or even visit a trader joe's for a perfectly decent bottle of plonk - and you can even carry it home in a sanoma maptote bag!). 

the chardonnay glasses are via target.

shop my look:
these asos white cat eye frames remind me of old world hollywood.  i'm loving cuddling up in boxy sweaters, especially in neutral tones. this topshop sweater is lovely, don't you think?

i'm an essie girl, and "mod squad" pink is a new fave.

& i love benefit's posie tint.  it's my go to lip color - and i add a balm or gloss throughout the day.

i'm here for a few more days - do you have any places to see/shop/eat?

green monster

i don't know about you, but post holiday my jeans are tiiiggghhht. it's all about greens for me this month: from head to toe, i'm eating it, wearing it, loving it. here are some green picks. go get 'em slugger.

1. kale & brussels sprouts salad

2. boyfriend jacket via topshop

3. sperry topside clara flats via zappos

4. edgeworth glasses via warby parker

5. quilted purse via j crew

6. gem rumba time watch via shopbop

7. essie nail polish via target

8. later gator bracelet via shopbop

9. blueprint cleanse via wholefoods

http://www.shopbop.com/union-gem-watch-rumbatime/vp/v=1/1513574994.htm?fm=search-shopbysize

coraltined

it's cold here in new england right now. i mean, really really really cold. a polar, arctic kind of cold is sweeping through the north east as i type. wondering how to dress appropriately? banish your uggs & parkas & opt for fun & fabulous colors! warm up your winter woolies with a summery bright, like this unexpected coral. chapstick definitely required.

 shop it to me!

1. topshop beanie

2. oasis jacket

3. accessorize beanie

4. nordstrom gloves 

5. j crew wool pants

6. nordstrom scarf

7. dorothy perkins sweater

8. bauble bar necklace

hairy decisions...

dilemmas, dilemmas, dilemmas.  to fringe or not to fringe, that is the question.  i have had bangs forever.  i love 'em.  i really do.  but there are times that i hate 'em. how do they grow so darn quickly?! & how does that cow lick appear outta nowhere? more often than not, i feel scruffy in a matter of weeks after a haircut.  i know i can go and get fringe trims easily enough, but it just never ends up happening. & cutting them myself is out of the question - i've had wayyyy to many disasters when attempting to do that.

so, do i just go with it & grow 'em out?  or just keep doing what i've been doing? do you have bangs? how do you stay on top of them? do you have any tricks?

these ladies nail the no-fringe hairdo.

& here are some fab fringes.  obviously zooey deschanel's bangs belong in the fringe hall of fame:
 

or what about alexa chung? she's rocks the in between look, showing you can have your cake & eat it too.

images via here

new year, hello 2014

2013 was both my year & also not my year. a lot of change happened. i get it now when people say change is scary. it really is. taking that leap into the unknown? knowing that you will stumble, fall, make mistakes? yikes! but then realizing you get to learn, grow & become a better person out of it makes it all worth it.

i must admit, i am happy to have 2013 done & over with. there is nothing like a new blank slate & a fresh start.  sure everyday you get the opportunity to start over again.  one of my favorite quotes from anne of green gables is: "isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" but then again there is something symbolic about a new year to inspire new changes. i love resolutions. 

here are a few of my 2014 wants & wishes. i've started journal-ing again & have a longer list (some things ya just got to keep private, you know?) but here are a few i wanted to share.  what are your resolutions?  do you even believe in having them?  how do you stay focused? what is your mindset when it comes to a new year?

images via here //  here  // here // here // here

mother pucker, it's a hard chapped life

i can deal with the cold.  i can cope with the frost.  i can manage the snow.  but there is one thing i can't handle. & that is chapped lips. in every purse, every pocket, every corner i stash different lip balms, salves & moisturizers.  here's style cuddle's go to guide for keeping those lips smooth during winter months. so pucker up kids...

1. co bigelow my favorite lip balm (& yes, it really is!)
2. benefit's hydrating lip color
3. dr. hauschka lip balm
4. boots no 7 protect & perfect lip cream via target
5. softlips vanilla lip balm
6. burts bees via drugstore.com
7. covergirl's lipslicks smoochie (i carry this in my purse for a quick go to dash of color)
8. carmex via walgreens
9. smith's rosebud salve via sephora
10. lypsyl (c/o) available at cvs, walgreen & rite-aid (i've been wearing this at night)

style cuddling it from day to night

it's that time of year where you're rushing around & you have to transform your look from day to night at the drop of fred astaire's top hat.  it's really pretty simple gals, all ya need is the perfect lbd & some holiday bling to add some zing.  jigsaw tweeted me about this lil black beauty (ps don't you love twitter?!) with the tip that "no tips [are] needed. they flatter every figure, they never wrinkle, and they're super comfortable." what do you think? what are your secrets to going from office drab to evening glam?

1. jigsaw ponte tiered skirt dress

2. glint bow minature clutch (via nordstrom)

3. bauble bar marquis gem ring

4. shop ban.do crystal crush bobbi

5. julep color treat rose gold multi dimensional glitter (via sephora)

6. oliver bonas majella earrings

7.kate spade pop fizz clink iphone case

8. j crew kiki ballet slipper

9. dior addict warm red shimmer (via sephora) dior addict is one of my favorite, i mean absolute favorite, line of lipsticks

♥ join the style conversation! follow style cuddle on twitter & facebook to talk fashion, outfits & anything else that tickles your fancy ♥

alternative christmas trees

these alternative christmas trees are a modern twist on the traditional fir.  sure, you don't have that delicious pine smell filling the room (ok, there's dyptique for that) but there's an environmental advantage to styling your digs with one of these fun alternative options. what do you think? could you go treeless? 

images via here, here, here (diy tutorial via the freepeople blog), here (via etsy!) & here, here, here, here, here

style cuddle's holiday gift guide: give gifts that give

give gifts that carry additional meaning this year. from helping provide training to women in rwanda to supporting america's classrooms, here are some stylish picks for gifts that give.

1. half united's honeybee bracelet via tom's marketplace
the honeybee bracelet was inspired by the farming and planting that half united supports. the hardware on this bracelet reflects the tools needed to grow crops. with your purchase, you're helping half united fund the fight against the global hunger crisis.

2. fortuned culture's founded arrow bracelet via tom's marketplace (jessica alba's pick!)
this bronze arrow-shaped bangle symbolizes finding one's way safely. each fortuned culture product gives back in a very specific way, for example this bracelet provides 6 months of safe transport to and from school for a child in mexico. wow!

3. florence skinny bracelets via huxley
25% of profits are given to charity: water or pencils for promise (you choose)

4. collective's woven hat via accompany
from collective who works closely with the biore foundation, a company in tanzania working closely to train & support local farmers to guarantee sustainable development.

5. tribeca snow patrol watch 
25% of profits are given to charity: water or pencils for promise (you decide) 

6. teach for america's tote bag via j crew
100% of the proceeds go to teach  for america, a nonprofit organization that trains and places recent college graduates in classrooms around the country to ensure that all kids get an excellent education.

7. honest company's healing balm
honest company's products are free from petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, gluten, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, dyes & most common allergens.  plus, with every product you purchase, honest company donates product, money, time & effort to addressing critical health & social issues affecting children & families.

8. stone & cloth's wide strip ipad case via tom's marketplace
each purchase supports a child's education in tanzania.

9. krochet kids goldenrod elliot fingerless mittens
with every product you purchase, you are helping krochet kids provide women in uganda or peru with fair and consistent income, skills training and mentorship.

10. kung fu fighting wrap from same sky
same sky fighting wraps are hand-woven by female artisans in kigali, rwanda.  trained as artisans, same sky women earn 15 to 20 times the average wage in sub saharan africa. 100% of net proceeds are reinvested to train and employ more artists in need.

other faves (not featured above):

11. token midtown tote via accompany

12. falling whistles "whistle blowers for peace" necklace

style inspiration: sequins! all day, every day

as the holiday season is upon us, so is a month of sequins, sparkles, glitter, gold, silver & so many other shiny shimmery delights in the shops. it's a magpie dream & i absolutely love it. but there's no reason why your seasonal sparkles can't be worn during those other 11 months of the year. the secret to wearing sequins during the day is to avoid being matchy matchy - which can make the look too dressy. so wear it with denim, a plain white tee, or gosh even a sweatshirt top for a cool, relaxed look.

buy it:

bottom left: sequin sleeve blazer via parc boutique

top right: shake senora sequin jacket via free people

buy it:

top: sequin tee via anthropologie

bottom left: sequin jacket via jigsaw (on sale!)

buy it: black sequin moto jacket via the oxford trunk

tips: 

1. pile on delicate necklaces

2. mix your metals to offset being matchy matchy

3. layer with casual pieces like denim

4. keep hair messy for a relaxed look

5. pair with basics to neutralize the sparkle

6. match with menswear such as oxford loafers or a boxy men's shirt

7. just rock it, girl!

images via here, here, here 

cutest christmas video

danielle brooks and uzo aduba (aka taystee and crazy eyes from orange is the new black) have just gone and made the gosh darn cutest christmas video.
happy holidays! xo

the perfect christmas cookie guide

nothing beats cookies at the holidays. serve with tea, hot chocolate, a warm toddy - it's yum yum yum all the way down candy cane lane. what's your favorite holiday cookie?

get the recipes:

1. chocolate crinkle cookie

2. hedgehog cookie

3. salted caramel & nutella stuffed cookies

4. lan's macarons

5. the best chocolate chip cookie... ever

6. chewy ginger cookie

7. chocolate fudge cookies with candy cane buttercream

every holiday my mother & aunt hosts a cookie swap/ afternoon tea with their girlfriends.  i am going to be in town for it this year (yay) but i'm overwhelmed with what to make.  i've been experimenting with a chewy chocolate ginger recipe (inspired by the delicious cookie at 3 little figs) but i might go for a more classic ginger cutout. decisions, decisions & you can bet i'll be blogging about it! xo melissa

wayyyy after labor day

 ok, so we're wayyyy past labor day & errrr, almost into black friday. time to bend the lemming's rules about no white after labor day (icymi, that's a never been kissed reference). in that spirit, why not sport some white over the holiday season?

1. collarless tux shirt via madewell

2. marc jacobs glitter dust via sephora
3. lucite cuff via tory burch

4. marshmellow handbag via moorea seal

5. sweater & skirt via emerson fry

6.essie polish via target

7. ivory atoll bib via bauble bar

just don't forget your tide pen, via target:

& just cause:

hey nyc, go to this!

my friend tennessee is hosting a bake sale at her shop, the deep end club, in the lower east side tomorrow night. the bake sale is to benefit the red cross in the philippines - so get your sweet teeth & your sweet toothed friends down there for this excellent cause.

new england skin

this fall i made the decision to relocate back to new england. i haven't lived here since high school & while i've been back since for holidays & weekend getaways, living here feels wayyy different than visiting - especially when it comes to winter attire. as it started snowing yesterday - yes, beautiful huge white flakes - i realized that my little outfits that are perfect for nyc just can't handle the boston bitterness. wind chill factor anyone?

not to mention the accessorizing in boston. it's full on collegiate prep & ya know what, sometimes you just gotta embrace your inner prep especially when in massachusetts.  first line of new england duty: shedding my nyc skin for some new england winter essentials.

featured:

01 hat, old navy

02 tote bag, ll bean (get it monogrammed)

03 long johns, old navy

04 glasses, madewell

05 pearl studs, accessorize  

06 heart mittens, accessorize

07 hiking boots, frye (shearling lined is a must!)

08 fleece jacket, eddie bauer

interior inspo: animal collective

how great is this wall paper animal decals from the netherlands-based design studio kekamsterdam?

featured: deer wallpaper, wall sticker decal (leopard cub), wall sticker decal (hedgehog, rabbit, fox & bird set)