A little bohemian, gypsy ViBiN & choosing to Stay Free.

Hey there all, hope y'all had a wonderful weekend, super excited because this is the last week of school for my girls! Yay! Summer officially starts for me on Friday. My oldest only has to take one final because she maintained a A average in all her other classes all four semesters so she can skip the final, wish they did that when I was a teen. She really only had to go Monday, and they get out as soon as the testing is over but she wants to go Thursday which is the last day for them both. It's a half day and usually I don't take them unless they want to go but this year they both wanna go so going to let them have that last fun day with their friends before school is out for summer! Wahoo 👏👏

Makes me so happy lol, love spending that quality time along with getting to sleep in. Right now I wake up at 5:30 am every day with my oldest and then take her to the bus around 6:15 then my youngest doesn't have to wake up till 7:15 and we leave the house around 8:15-8:20 because she doesn't start till 8:45 am. my oldest starts at 7 am:(. It's a downer but luckily she started taking the bus so I wake up and get her up, make her breakfast and lay down, then she gets me when she is ready for me to drop her at the bus, which being over protective, didn't even let her take the bus till this year and only because their schedules are off and it was too much rushing with my little one and she was exhausted those first few weeks we did it, I wait till the bus comes and then head back home to crawl back into my bed till the next alarm lol. I love to sleep. I am a night owl always have been.

This week is my last day of work and I am taking the summer off to be with the kids and work on my new blog along with my business and some other things I have in the works. Super excited. I met an amazing lady a month and a half ago that owns a boutique down in Ft. Lauderdale, we did a shoot for her new website and online boutique, and I got to style with another one of our stylists on the team. She loved my dress and jewelry, then asked me about my blog and if I had social media. Two days later I got a call at the office and she asked me my sizes and address, I got a package yesterday and she sent me four amazing maxi dresses from O'Neill, a cute Billabong kimono, some sandals and a Madden fringe brown leather bag. I was so excited and couldn't believe how kind and thoughtful the package was. The note read, follow your dreams and always be yourself. Enjoy these lovely dresses that while picking out I could picture you wearing and excited to see how you style them. Also wanted to send you some cute sandals to show off those gorgeous toes and tattoos along with a cute fringe bag since you mentioned when I complimented your black fringe bag you didn't have a dark brown one and had been meaning to get one. I know you loved this bag at the shoot and it really suits your style. Bless you and continue to style with your own unique sense of fashion. Yours truly, Nicole. How sweet is that?! I can't believe how kind some people really are. It just goes to show for every mean person, who will hate on you, lie about you and try to make you look bad to others to make themselves feel and look better, there is ten kind people. I have been so fortunate to meet so many amazing kind people through my job styling and curating, then the fashion editor's assistant position I started with, that lead to this gig now. I will miss my amazing team, boss, photographers, models, designers and boutique owners I have met, or worked with. Was a hard choice to leave since I never dreamed of finding such an amazing job but I was so happy when my boss told me that I would be welcomed back with open arms in the fall if I promised while I am in town and not away for our summer road trip to answer when she calls, and occasionally come in to help when they are short handed. She doesn't plan to hire a replacement for me and said as long as I help when they are busy she will take me back but if she ends up having to hire someone to take my place then I won't be able to. It's kind of good because summer isn't as busy, we already did so many marketing, catalog layouts, online shop curating and updates for summer along with shoots of summer lines for designers that use out company but I was told that starting the end of July into almost October it's insanity with new lines for back to school, fall and holidays. I can't wait, and I also can't wait to get to attend fashion shows this year with my co workers in Miami, Atlanta, and New York along with going to a huge fashion trade show in Orlando, Miami and Las Vegas! Sounds so exciting. It was bitter sweet because I had just gotten my credentials id, head shot and bio on the company website and my business cards. In all actuality I will only be gone for the month of June and three weeks of July. I have a scheduled marketing piece to style the end of July scheduled and curating for a local shop's online boutique and mail order mini look book, catalog. I still haven't decided which part I enjoy more, styling or curating. They are similar for sure but not, curating I actually get to help pick the pieces that they will carry and sell or stock online or have as their main pieces. It's fun because I love putting together pieces that can all be worn together, mixed and matched or layered, it's awesome. Styling is very fun and such a high energy job. Picking the pieces is always fun, we usually have a list of designers or boutiques that loan the pieces and then I get to go with one of the lead stylists to pull clothes for a shoot, the sales reps are always so helpful pulling the newest and hottest selling items, then we get to style the day of the shoot from head to toe with accesories. I even get as deep as picking up extra props and pieces to be used for the shoot. I have OCD and love photography so I enjoy helping with this and it's one of my bosses favorite things about me, that I am into every detail. 

Enough about work, Tuesday is my last day for now and sad to go but excited to start my summer vacation with my girls. Family is always first for me, before career, before hobbies and before anything. My children are the greatest blessing ever and every moment we can spend together is so special and impotent to me. Especially with my oldest about to turn 16 and entering her second year of highschool, before long she will be off to college and I won't get to spend the time with her that I need to enjoy now. 

Below are a few outfits from my Instagram feed for the week along with some bohemian, gypsy inspired ensembles I threw together. I will have more photos this week along with a GH fashion post. Had a few people email about some outfits from the soap, because I use to post on General Hospital often, also for those Real Housewife fans, I will do my best to keep up with what I like from the new OC series starting this week. It's one of my faves of the series and usually has some hot trends I love. A lot of peeps were asking me about a outfit that Maxie from GH wore a few weeks ago while talking to Lulu about Spinelli, it was a white cropped pair of pants with a basic white tank and gorgeous flowing kimono with purple and green floral print. I own that Kimono had ordered from Dillard's on clearance right around Easter for our summer family photos. We are doing a white theme on the beach for our family pics and wanted to wear something cute with a little splash of color. It's by BCBGeneration and you can find it in store by Dillard's in some areas it is however sold out online. Revolve had it also but checked today and it's also sold out these. You can also try Bloomingdales because they had it online as well so some of the store may still have it. 

Have a great week and will try to get a post together tomorrow to answer the emails or comments left on previous GH posts. Xoxo

 

First up is a brand my girlfriend found on Instagram, she started a page for promoting kindness and anti-bullying on IG. She is married to a pastor and has six kids. Her oldest daughter is 13 and was bullied last year when she attended public school for the first time, kids were making fun of her publicly online and one of her class mates showed her which lead to her becoming very depressed. Her mom had no idea at the time what was going on until a girl she had grown close with at their church whom was a few years older had gotten her to open up and then she warned my friend because it had gotten really bad. When my girlfriend called me and told me about what these kids were saying I couldn't even imagine. It was all lies because none of these kids knew her, she was new to the town and school. Prior to that she had always gone to Christian school because the churches her hubby had worked with always had a school or she was taught at home through a Christian based home schooling group. They don't have a ton of money and because he is still in the early stages of working as a pastor they have traveled all over working the ministry, and he has been to several different churches filling in for pastors on medical leaves or when they would suddenly leave he would fill in. Anyways, these kids made up viscous lies about her, all of which had no truth at all to them and then made fun of her hand me down clothing and how she had to dress so conservative compared to most kids her age. She had never attended a school that didn't require them to wear a uniform and they didn't have money to buy her high end fancy clothing. It was so sad. I actually sent her a bunch of my older daughter's old clothes because she had a major growth spurt and now wears the same size as me and this girl was so excited. She called me crying and thanking me over and over. She never had owned a brand name pair of anything and I had sent VS Pink, tees and sweats, lucky brand, American eagle miss me and true religion jeans or shorts, tons of cute graphic tees and even a bunch of cute sandals, Toms, Vans and Converse. We also sent her a few different makeup and jewelry pieces along with my daughter's old black velour Juicy purse and a backpack she had from Tillys she didn't use. For my friend Katie's daughter this was like getting a new wardrobe. My girlfriend told me it made her so happy. My friend doesn't allow her daughter to wear anything that shows her shoulders, or is more then an inch above the knee, she is very strict and with them being involved in the church they also feel it's best that their children set an example to others. I am strict some what but I allow my daughter to wear skirts, sundresses, tanks and she cheers so I have grown accustom to the short soffee shirts they wear but I don't allow her to buy her denim shorts super short but I won't lie she has some really short shorts lol, but I wore them at her age and I am okay lol. To each their own. I totally respect my friend and her kids are amazing. We grew up together and both only attended Christian school out entire lives also, my grandfather was a minister and later a deacon of the church my grandma was the church choir and women's bible study leader, so I know all about growing up with some strict rules but when I was 15 almost 16 I got my first job and started buying my own clothes. I always wore a uniform and I think that's why I became such a fashion lover because until I was working and buying my own clothes I didn't have much. So, my point was lol, sorry I ramble but wanted to tell that story because her page is awesome and she has a hotline along with a local website in her town for kids being bullied and social media harassment. Her Instagram page is @bekindtruebeyou check it out. 

She had sent my friend Jen a photo of this companies tees along with the link for their IG which is @staywearclothing. My girlfriend Jen told me because she knows I love graphic tees and tanks especially with a good message or motto. They had their tanks all on sale for $10 so even though I am really not spending money righ now on anything new because I am stocked for summer I had to order. I like to support small newer businesses and rock a cool new tank or tee. I wanted the stay true but they didn't have the tank only the tee, but with all I have been though with my own social media bullying and harassment, I liked Stay Free, because no matter what someone says or thinks I am just being me. I am going to stay free and do what I love! Always. Remember that, stay true, stay you, stay kind and stay free. Where do you stay? Make sure to check them out on IG and the link to their shop is on their profile. 

Love the logo and it's a comfy tank. I suggest if you don't want it super tight ordering a size up. I am wearing a XL. 

Gypsy, definition tee, paired with my forever 21 black leather cord necklace with multiple charms, super cute elephant green and black kimono from EBay, then my aweome Ecote army green, side pocket and slit maxi skirt from Urban Outfitters. I love this skirt so much I have it in black too. 

Lacey Ryan beaded bracelets, mixed with some Alex and Ani bangles. 

Had my medical procedure this day and wore loft jeans, and tank along with this cute crochet and fringe white tank I got at a local shop on sale. 

My Aloha graphic tee. Love it 

Another shot of this cute Aloha tee I was sent, also got two more I will post soon. 

Volunteer at the school outfit. 

Cute Lucky Brand denim shoes. Got these at Marshall's on clearance. 

My tattoo is healing amazing. 

Work outfit a maxi dress from eBay, with a lace duster that was from Pacsun, clearance, Lacey Ryan necklace, bangle bracelets, and a statement necklace from online. For more details leave a comment and I can post a link. 

Buffalo tee from the Wooden arrow shop on etsy, check out the shop they have some aweome handmade goodies and cool unique finds. 

JCrew ripped jeans, silver tassel necklace from Bealls, Dream Catcher necklace from North Carolina. 

Quick selfie from outback, foggy not sure from humidity or sun. 

Arm candy, Lacey Ryan beaded bracelets and hand chain bracelet, feather handmade ring, Alex and Ani feather bracelet. Love a arm party. 

One of my new O'Neill maxi dresses love the tie dye colors of this dress. The white knit cardigan has a crochet back and is from Maurices online. Purse is by Coach and is white patent leather tote style. I have had this bag for seven or eight years. 

Paired it with the cute white sandals that came with the dress and are by Mia. They are white braided leather and strappy. Love them. Sorry didn't get a great shot of the shoes lol. 

Jewelry today was a love necklace by Lauren Conrad from Kohl's, a blinged out feather from eBay, and then a lariat y style, silver, crystal drop necklace by Lacey Ryan. Love Lacey Ryan jewlery every piece is so stylish, unique and they all can be worn together, mixed and matched or stacked. Love that. Check out @laceyryaninc on IG and she has a link on her profile to her store, then you can find her collab with Maurices at their online store. 

Bohemian vibes all the way with this Spell Byron kimono, it has feathers and a cattle skull on the back. This is my favorite kimono along with my longer black floral Spell Byron Kimono. The quality is amazing and you can find this one sale now on their website for 109. I scored it off eBay new for $65 with shipping. 

I wore it with a basic tank from old navy in a brown shade, and a long lace maxi skirt from Target. Love this skirt is a mermaid style skirt, tight form fitted down to the knee then flares out. Gorgeous. Has a lining to right above the knee and is sheer lace below. 

My jewelry is a Turkish coin, bib style necklace I scored and have posted several times, was under $10 along with the matching bracelet under $5. The long white stone necklace is by Lacey Ryan and is on a thick serpent style silver necklace. Gorgeous. Then I have a coin necklace that can be worn as a belt, arm chain and led chain also. Found this at the flea market by my house. Comes with a detachable long chain and a extra clasp. Love that it can be worn several ways. Will be sure to post photos of the different ways it can be worn, here I had it as a belt but decided to wear it as a necklace so the chain didn't snag the delicate lace material of the skirt. 

Up close shot of my hand, wearing the eBay Turkish boho bracelet for $5 then a basic silver hand chain bracelet, handmade artisan feather ring I got at Rockville in Jacksonville, a Indian headpiece ring and two midi rings I got from Pacsun, and a silver with black diamond ring I got as a gift from my hubby. 

Here I have on a Day Trip, floral beige kimono with tassel bottom from Buckle I believe, maybe Pacsun, have to double check, was on sale. The top is a crochet lined top that can be worn as a bikini or halter, cropped style top from Maurices. Paired it with Lacey Ryan triple layer bronze gold chain with gem, arrowhead and horn. That is also found at Maurices online. 

I also have on a gold spine hand bracelet from Lacey Ryan, a cattle skull gold accent horns ring made by Fawning in love on Etsy. Then wearing some random gold bangles along with a Alex and Ani love bangle. 

Sorry had to rush the details so if I missed anything or if there is something you see you like please feel free to comment below or check out my Instagram @ cr8tivemamarazzi for more photos and details also. My tags I she are # melissastees for my graphic tee shirt collection along with #melissastyle then the year 15, 14 and 13 wish I didn't have to delete my original IG I had would have had even more posts. Again sorry for rushing but hubby got home and is showering I haven't seen him all weekend he worked doubles both days so trying to finish so we can spend some quality time before bed. He was working 3-11 last shift but this week started the new shift change and now he is 6-3.  ✌️❤️

Passion for Pineapples

For many years I have loved pineapples. It all started when we went to Savannah Georgia and were on a tour of the historic squares. A lot of the house had these gorgeous pineapple decorative pieces on the front steeps, door knockers and other cute pieces outside the entry of the home. Back in the days pineapples were placed outside to welcome guests or troops during the war. In memory of the trip I got a pineapple for my charm bracelet and ever since have always been drawn to them. My hubby got me a stone pineapple statue for the garden that same year, and like anything I get into like owls, butterflies, feathers, cattle and cow skulls, dear heads, arrows, Asian and Moroccan decor etc. over time my family and friends begin to buy me these pieces as gifts or whenever they see something cute that makes them think of me.

As a younger adolescent I was into sunflowers, sun, moon and stars, and Pepe Le Pew the skunk. I remember our first apartment my kitchen was all sunflowers, I had dishes, floral swag and centerpieces, a sunflower pasta cooker and crock pot, and most of my kitchen and dining room was all sunflowers, our bedroom and bathroom was the celestial, sun, moon and stars theme. I have the tattoos and all lol. I actually have to tell a couple of my friends and my mom to stop getting me stuff cause it starts to get over board lol. I fell in love with owls and I swear I must have every owl piece of jewlery, home accent and shirt ever made lol. I just was going through garage sale stuff and I have some really cute owls that I hate to part with but just don't have the room for them lol. 

Here and there my mom always picks me up cute stuff when walmart gets it in. My kids have tons of swim suits and clothes along with sandals and other cute things. If she sees something cute and stylish come through since she works in the back cash office she usually scoops them up before they even hit the racks. She recently brought me home a bikini with pineapples, a cute wallet, some socks, a pair of flipflops, some sunglasses and a few tank tops with pineapples. I was joking cause last summer I got a over load of pineapple stuff at Old Navy and Target during the spring. Then the summer before had gotten a couple tee shirts and a tote bag along with some other cute pieces at forever 21 and Love culture. In all honestly I don't need anything lol. I have so much stuff that really I could wear something different every day for the next six months if I wanted to lol, but I don't usually do that. I have my favorite pieces and they get a lot of repeat wear.

Some of my favorite pineapple pieces I wanted to take a moment to feature. I will make sure to do my best to remember the details of what stores and when I got them. I just made a cute tee shirt myself with a pineapple for the summer and thinking of getting a long tank to use as a swim suit cover up to also make a similar design on. I have seen so many cute tee shirts I have wanted but with summer coming we have the expense of summer vacation, my hubby's birthday, fathers day, my oldest has cheer expenses which is close to $400 for everything, and I am on my last week of work next week. My last day is Tuesday. It's bitter sweet but I wanted to spend the summer with my girls. I have always looked forward to having the time with them. I am lucky because my boss loves me and told me she wanted me to stay on as a call in for jobs and when summer was over I welcome to return back if I am still interested. As of right now I am going to see where life takes me and what happens over the summer. 

Enjoy my collection and favorite pieces. Pineapples are for sure a super cute trend for the spring and summer time.🍍

Old navy pineapple graohic tank worn with some Machine jeans and a crochet white vest with fringe detail. 

Wanted to try to get my Lilly for Target pineapple sandals in the photo, they look fabulous with my Old Navy pineapple gold necklace. Also sporting the LV speedy matches good with the gray and white. 

In color. Bracelets are some Miscellaneaous bangles and the beaded bracelets are all Lacey Ryan from Maurices. 

Same Old Navy gold Pineapple necklace with a walmart tank my mom got me. Have a white one and a solid pink with pineapple center graphic. Under $4 at Walmart now. 

This button down top I got late winter early spring last year at Target. Also have a cardigan and tank. 

Old Navy graphic tees and tanks from last spring. 

Got this cute tank which matches the above button down and also have a matching cardigan, from Target. Old Navy gold pineapple necklace and JCrew chino yellow shorts. 

This gold foil pineapple tank was from Old Navy Soring last year along with the necklace 

Another shot of the Old Navy tank. Was taken in Washington DC over the summer on our annual summer vacation. 

Maurices striped burnout pineapple tank and Old Navy necklace. Love that necklace. Glad I grabbed it was last one and have worn it a lot. 

Alex and Ani pineapple bracelet. My mom got me a Buddha for Christmas and now I have a collection going. Have some gold and silver tone. Like to stack and mix and match. Just got my daughree's teacher a Alex and Ani for the end of the year gift. 

This cute ring is from forever 21 and was a few dollars. 

Pineapple dress from a shop on Daytona beach three almost four years ago while on vacation. 

My Lilly for Target Pineapple sandals. One of the only pieces I wanted from the fashion collection. Also have the pineapple serving bowl and juicer then a beach bag. 

Basic white burnout style pineapple graphic tank from online. Think I got this one off eBay. 

This blue pineapple tank has cute side ties and back graphics, by Roxy. 

Cropped pineapple tank from Wetseal I believe I can't remember it has been so long and I cut the tags out of my clothes cause they bother me. Something I have always done even as a kid. 

Last up my Lilly for Target beach bag, u had found it in Pink but didn't like the pink as much as the green once I saw the green one, we had a few people between myself, my mom, my aunt and some friends that went to our local stores and scooped up a few items then we all got together and traded items or sold to other friends or coworkers who couldn't get their hands on items. I was happy with the green. I could only find a pink and blue which I scooped up cause my aunt wanted the blue she loves beach themed stuff, but was happy someone found the green with the pineapple. I have carried this as a overnight bag but haven't taken to the beach usually take one of my free Victoria secret beach bags or totes have like ten lol. 

Hope you enjoyed my passion for pineapples. This is just what I have photos of I am sure I have other things like my Pandora charm, a Brighton charm, some earrings, and a romper. Also a cute bikini my mom got me at target. Enjoy your week and happy summer shopping. Xoxo

✌️❤️

Happy Memorial Day

Want to take a moment to say thank you to all the veterans and military peeps out there. I know today is a day to remember all those who served and are no longer with us, but I also want to say thank you to those still with us for serving our country. I am proud to be an American. The home of the free because of the brave. So many brave men and women who have served in the military to make our country what it is today. Bless you all xoxo.

We celebrated the weekend with a stay cation at the beach about fifteen minutes from our house. Has become a bit of a annual tradition to stay at the same hotel on the boardwalk here in Hollywood beach. We set up our canopy and just spend the entire day enjoying the gorgeous weather relaxing with good friends, and of course family. 

Some photos from the beach this weekend...

We had an amazing time and really the weather could not have been any better. 

Sunday Funday. Necklace was sent to me by the ever so sweet and kind Christie from Wooden.Arrow.Shop on Etsy. I got my hoops she embroidered for me and love them, will post photos when I finish hanging stuff or check my IG feed have some photos there. 

Got this super cute vneck graphic tee off eBay and love it. Also got another Wifey tee in black vneck from same seller. Great prices and amazing quality. Today I spent some time hanging some tees and tanks then re folding all the ones I have on my shelves I counted and stopped at 200. Yes I have over 200 graphic tees and that does not include solid, and some printed tanks and tees I have those are just the ones with a large grapic or quote. Amazing. I think I can take a break from tee shirt shopping, not lol I just went by one of the local stores by my house today when making a quick run to dollar tree for ended of year party supplies for my little one a grabbed a tank and a tee, also got one of those cute crochet vests in white with the fringe, like my rust and navy crochet tunic dresses I got. Was in clearance for $7.99 and the tee was 5 and the tank 3.99 couldn't resist lol. 

Of course Memorial Day I have an outfit with all red, white and blue down to the shoes, and accessories. I love to be festive. 🇺🇸

My poncho I have been wanting to wear so badly since my mom got it for me at Cracker Barrel over spring break. Love it. 

My tank top is a muscle tank from Target and wore a blue solid tank from Walmart under it. 

Necklace is from Old Navy, and have some cute flag print sandals from Payless by American Eagle. Necklace is older and shoes also. Not pictured is my Itsy Bitsy headband with red and white striped band and navy with star bow. I ordered that this time last year for the summer. 

Here is a shot of my detailed shorts, I got these Vigoss shorts on sale online and didn't even realize they had the red, white and blue design. Noticed the star bling but was happy to see the flag colors to wear for Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekend parties. Also wore my new Adam Rabbit agate slice blue ring from Etsy and a similar bracelet with a stone that almost matches. Adam Rabitt has some cute bangles that match the ring I have been thinking of custom ordering. Right now trying to save up for summer vacation. Think I will be taking a breather from shopping and just wear the hundreds of tees I own lol. I also have some really cute summer clothes I got on sales and online recently I can't wait to wear and share. 

Off to enjoy a movie with my girls and ready for the last week and a half of school. So excited summer is starting. Summer is my favorite time of year, I love it even more then the holidays cause I have my girls home for two months, we go away on an amazing family road trip every year, spend days at the beach, swimming in our pool, hanging with friends and family, football starts soon which I can't wait for also lol, and just the amazing memories we get to make. Everyone have a great evening and hope you had a wonderful long holiday weekend. Xoxo ✌️❤️