Spell Designs Lilac Oracle

Happy almost Friday, I'm so ready for the weekend as always. Even more so this week since I'm under the weather and we don't have any games this weekend. My little one has a bye week and no cheer camp, then UM isn't playing at home this week so no tailgating all day lol. It is so much fun but needed a break after back to back weekends of nonstop activities. 

Today was another great mail day, I love when I have ordered a bunch of stuff or have a lot of goodies coming from designers and shops, its like Christmas or my birthday everyday. Today I was super excited because last night I got an email to notify me that my new Spell & the Gypsy Oracle lilac sleeveless blouse and boho skirt were going to arrive today. With most of my job away for NY fashion week the office has been busy with loads of new photos from everyone coming daily, new styles and trend alerts are amazing love getting to see all the new styles right off the runway. I was sad to pass up the trip to NYC this year but my little ones birthday party is Saturday. We had to plan it this weekend because of the football games and her cheer stuff. I felt bad having her wait a couple of weekends for her party but we had a party at home the day of and weekend of with friends and family. Saturday's party is for her friends from school and cheer. I would love to enjoy fashion week but at the same time the pressure of packing the perfect wardrobe and getting all done up daily along with meeting all the many people I speak with weekly over the phone in person and then just the overwhelming feeling leaving my family for a week was just to hard for me. Yes, a part of me was kicking myself when I saw photos from two of my friends that got some amazing goodies at some of the events but I did hear that they were putting together some items for me for when they come back. 

Now back to Spell and the new Oracle collection. When I first saw this collection in photos online I didn't really have many items scream out to me like I usually do. I have to say the last few collections Spell released I had multiple skirts, dresses, kimonos and of course graphic tops I wanted so badly. I usually don't get into ordering their blouses because I'm larger busted and usually have to order a L-XL and then they just look huge everywhere except across the chest, but I have wanted many. I still love the Wild Flowers purple off the shoulder and long sleeve blouse actually have the off the shoulder top in my cart right now lol. I picked this set because I love purple and with my hair purple I thought it would be perfect for me. 

All I have to say is the online photos do not represent the beauty of the fabric and colors for this collection. After I placed my order I started seeing photos from my FB Spell groups and the ladies in Australia that went to stores and purchased the pieces the day of the release. I was a little upset I didn't get more colors and styles but no worries lol I was able to get the Oracle Maple gypsy dancer skirt, and I plan to order a sage dress then been wanting to order some of the intimates for sometime so if they have any XL bralettes in stock I will order a set next payday. I'm looking forward to the next release with the graphic tops which is set for the end of the month or start of October. 

I was worried about this top, and when it arrived I was still worried cause it looked a little small across the chest. Once I tried it on it just fits me. It's always so hard to tell because the models usually have no chest and the tops all look baggy with that bohochic look but I have to say even with it being fitted across the chest the ties make it adjustable. You do need to wear something under it because the material is light and sheer plus it has that white open stitching right around the breast area. 

The skirt is perfection with the trim on the bottom being two different fabrics that accent and look so god with the main print. I love mixing patterns to add dimension and break up the look of the skirt. I ordered a medium in the skirt. With these style skirts that have the elastic waist a S works for me but I like my skirts to have a little more fabric to have a nice flow to them. I'm a size 28/29 in jeans usually and since it has an elastic waist with tie string either a small or medium will work fine. 

Here I didn't tuck the shirt in so you can see the shape of the shirt. I ordered a L and I'm a 34/36 DD/DDD usually. Again the chest area fits perfectly if I was a 1/2 an inch wider it wouldn't work at all. Love this top tucked in and left untucked. Tried it on with some bell bottom flare style Silver Jeans and looks amazing, has that total vintage 70's vibe I love. Also looks amazing with a denim skirt, white jeans and white skirts. I wish now I had ordered the blue skirt but at the time the color didn't blow me away or pattern but now that everyone is getting their pieces all the patterns are amazing. I love the silver thread reminds me of my other brown spell skirt with peach and pink flowers I believe it was part of the desert rose collection and it had the gold thread. It adds a sparkle to the skirt and looks so good with the purple tones, some Sea foam green shades in the pattern with the white. I also have seen close ups of the Sage and Maple patterns amazing. I ordered the maple skirt because it has the similar style as the Jagger skirts which my blue one should arrive any day now, and I really love that style. 

One last shot poolside in the shade. I couldn't be happier about my choice. Looks good on, mixes nicely with other styles, brands and Spell pieces I own. 

Before I end this post wanted to throw in some more mail from today. I wanted this reversible bomber since spring and was always sold out in the larger sizes. I gave up and the one night I was looking at a green bomber jacket I saw on Pretty little liars with a cactus embroidered and after I found that bomber and for only $14.99 I was ordering when I saw this bomber below in recommended items. I was hesitant ordering it because I didn't see any review on it and didn't want to end up with a junky jacket I would never wear also sometimes when ordering items from China the sizing is so small. I room a leap of faith thinking if it ran small my daughters would wear it, I ordered a my green bomber from Forever21 in a L and ran so small my 9 year old took it over, she loves it. This was only $25 and when it arrived today I was amazed how much it looks like the real one that was $200 more. The embroidering is amazing, the satin is very nice, vibrant colors, and the sizing is perfect. I ordered a XL and have plenty of room all over. Love the zipper on the jacket also, has a larger zipper that can be turned to go with the jacket when you reverse it. I love the bright blue side with white/silver tone sleeves then of course black is always nice to match with everything. 

The back of the blue side and the embroidering is really nice. Very detailed and doesn't have any flaws or strings.

View of the front blue side and as you can see it isn't quilted but I honestly like it without the quilting. 

Wanted to show the black side also, just a reverse of the blue side then has the tiger on the back. 

My Rocksbox arrived today also, every box is amazing. I have done so many monthly boxes and this is the first one I'm hooked on. This box I got these gorgeous Kendra Scott Rose gold Druzy pieces from her current collection. Keeping them because I had looked at these at the jewelry store and the necklace was $65 and the bracelet $70 I will end up saving around $40-50 purchasing them from Rocksbox. I have a promo code for first time members where you can get a free trial month using the code MELISSASBFF10 after the first month of unlimited jewelry rental, meaning you can wear your 3 pieces a few days then return in the prepaid envelope and they will ship your next set within days. I usually will return it and have my next boxes within 4-6 business days. After your free month ends you can cancel with no strings or continue with the monthly boxes for only $19 a month. Each month you get a shine credit of $10 you can use if you decide to keep a piece from your box and purchase at discounted price.  I can't say enough positive things about this box. You do an online survey and then add items to your wish list, then each box is styled using your style survey, and wish list. After my first two boxes they started nailing my style and I am always so excited to see what they send me next. 

Some of my newest additions to my Wanderer Bracelets collection. As you know I'm a brand rep/ambassador for this amazing brand. I love all the work they do to support and empower local Bali artisans using fair trade sustainable materials. Each bracelet is hand made and carved in Bali, the designs are so detailed and there is a style or design for everyone. You can use my code MELISSA20 for 20% off your order. Check out my prior posts and of course social media for more photos of different styles and designs, then check out their website for all the latest in stock styles. 

Time to wrap up this post with my outfit from tonight. Once I got home I showers and got into my comfy clothes. Pam & Gela always is a favorite for sweats and comfy chic chilling clothes. My graphic heart eye tank and striped track style sweats are so soft and cozy. Scored the tank from their warehouse sale and the sweats from eBay. Both items were under $35 each I believe I paid $29 for the bottoms and $29-32 for the tank. 

If you look closely you can see my new Kendra Scott rose gold Druzy necklace and cuff bracelet. I stacked my bracelet with my rose gold and then white with gold glass beaded Sashka Co bracelets. Another amazing brand I rep for and if you go to their site now you can get a free gift bracelet, no promo code needed just add the free bracelet from the home screen to your cart, then pick your favorites to order and use my code WANDERLUST25 to save 25% off your order. Another awesome company providing jobs for local Nepali artisans empowering them with sustainable fair trade work that helps them provide for their families. I really love these brands that give back or are helping in some way. 

I'm off to bed and ready to end this week then start the weekend. My daughter is busy in her spare time making makeup tutorial videos and step by step photos of different brands, styles and more. Can't wait to start posting once a week makeup tips and product reviews. I like to bring amazing fashions and accessories, health and fitness posts, new products, product reviews and style inspiration. I still love to share my fashion funds for less like my bomber above and deals I find, new online shops with lots of cool pieces and eclectic styles. Okay I'm super tired and rambling now lol, everyone have a great night and happy Friday. Cannot wait to see what mail arrives tomorrow. Peace, love and light always, xoxo 

Where to shop:

Historic Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg...

Hello from the road, we are cruising south on I-95 back to Florida. We left Williamsburg area in VA this morning and are currently in SC. We will be stopping to rest in Georgia for the evening and be back home tomorrow evening. 

Here are some more outfit posts from my week and weekend. It was really hard for me to leave my family. I kept it together unlike my last visit till we left, but once we hit the first rest stop I broke down. Since losing my father fifteen years ago I get super emotional to see any of his side of the families relatives.  It's hard to not have a large family, I have always wanted a large family and to be able to celebrate holidays with them but the family I do have is spread out across the country and in other countries that I have yet to meet.  

Now to my vacation outfits and some fun sight seeing shots. 

Sunset off the James River on the ferry back towards Williamsburg, VA area. It was amazing. We lucked out on this trip with seeing some amazing sunsets like when we went to the Liberty University Snow-flex Mountain to ride their tubes and happened to be there right when the sunset behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then we watched the sunset on the ferry boat ride back from Smithfield and Surry.

Wore my Silver Jeans frayed bottom shorts with my racer back thin strap O'neill women's tank.Ettika chokers are the Lucia from FreePeople.com, also available in stores. The turquoise and gold Surprise you still choker I won on IG which led to them contacting me to b a part of their review team. It made my month since I had been dealing with the mean girl copying, lying, stealing and stalking my social media, had been told she was saying I posted horrible content so when they contacted me to see if I wanted to join their team I was honored. It always feels good to see that others enjoy my posts. I didn't get to over 20k followers on social media posting garbage or to clear up some other lies I have heard have been told, I have never bought ANY of my followers on IG. I like, comment and follow others daily working hard to build my following, run contests, promotions, have this blog and have been featured on many other pages and blogs. 

Friday I'm in love tee by Everfitte with my caged black bra top, and then paired it with my Silver Jeans Co shorts. Choker is the new Stacked Star choker in black and gold by Ettika, available at FreePeople.com and in stores also. 

My Wanderer Bracelet stack with their anchor wrap, infinity and Shaka bracelets. You can use my code Melissa20 for 20% off your order and help support local Bali artisans. 

One of the many stops on our adventure this day was the glass blowing exhibit and house. Amazing to see how they came up with the idea to make glass then watch them make it right in front of us. 

Pocahontas statue at the Historic Jamestown. Amazing site and love how it is right next to the water of the James River. 

Pam & Gela bubblegum graphic tank paired with my Silver Jeans Co boyfriend jeans. Also you can see my Mermaid Tail bracelet by Wanderer Bracelets. 

Wanderer bracelets are my newest brand to be working with as a brand ambassador/rep and absolutely love this brand. I love the many styles and how detailed each piece is. The charms are carved from sustainable water buffalo bone in huts in Bali. Every purchase tog make secures jobs for local Bali artisans. As mentioned above you can use my code Melissa20 to save 20% off your purchase. Check back in some of my prior posts and also on my social media accounts for more photos of the many styles I own, and then their site www.wandererbracelets.com for more styles and designs. 

Those of you who have followed me on my blog or social media know I have been an ambassador for Silver Jeans Co for over a year now and before that have always been a loyal Silver Jeans Co wearer. Over two decades of amazing quality and fit jeans led to me becoming an ambassador for this amazing brand. I love to be able to support and share brands I wear and have worn for many years. I will have a full post soon with more of my favorite styles with multiple photos of the styles on. Keep an eye out. 

Another brand I have been wearing for a few years and tagging is Pam & Gela. I think many of you know that Pam and Gela started Juicy Couture, back in my late high school years and early twenties Juicy couture was one of my favorite brands for handbags and velour sweat suits as I aged I of course outgrew the brand but did still purchase a few items for my children similar to the styles I wore in my late teens and early twenties. Years later they released their book about how they reached their success and of course they had released a new brand. First the had Skaist Levy which I have a couple shirts, pants and a dress from then they came out with their Pam & Gela brand which I was totally in love with, being a graphic tee and tank lover I was instantly obsessed with their line of graphic tops with fun quirky sayings, detailed graphics with rhinestones, studs and distressed tees. Its like their brands grew with me and as I matured and my style changed their styles changed, I was thrilled. Not having a huge budget for fashion I spent hours searching for sales or even pieces on eBay, I have since managed to grow my collection. My husband knows my favorite brands and he knows I work to grow my knowledge in fashion and design but also to save money to support my love of fashion and decor. I have been blessed to find many amazing sales and pre owned pieces online. I have splurged a few times around my birthday or holidays on full retail priced items but u won't lie to y'all I usually am shopping clearance sales, sample sales, end of season clearances, and eBay. I have scored many of my most coveted pieces on eBay. 

Yorktown Victory Center statue in entry. 

Beautiful Church inside Colonial Williamsburg VA. This church is still open for worship after being in this location for many decades. It is the original location and foundation but the interior has been changed many times over the decades. 

One of my first visits to Williamsburg was a few years into having my Nikon camera and the beginning of my love of photography being revived. That trip I photographed everything from buildings, statutes and small details. One thing I took lots of photos of was the old locks. They are all amazing and have such great details. If you look back a couple of years ago on my blog you will see macro shots along with other photos of my trip to VA. 

While in Williamsburg I found this Buffalo nickel charm bracelet that matches perfectly with my collection of Alex and Ani bracelets. This day I was wearing gold tone bracelets but love to mix and match metals. My gold tone bracelets include the compass, Godspeed, scarab beetle and the addition of my newest Indian and buffalo nickel bracelet. 

Yesterday I did a double arm stack wearing some of my favorite silver Alex and Ani bracelets. My left stack is starting from the top with the Wings of change charity by design, Hand of Fatima, feather charm, full feather bracelet, and my initial M charm. 

My right stack with my birthstone, the peridot for August, the painted feather, butterfly UNICEF and my new Buffalo nickel charm bracelet. Love to stack different metals, bracelets and styles daily. 

My graphic tank is by Chaser Brand, Big Dreams & Late Nights & Good Music. Jeans are a favorite of mine by Silver Jeans Co, I rolled these up for a cropped Capri look. 

Bracelets are my Alex and Ani charm bracelets. 

Here is a side view of one of my favorite style Silver Jeans Co. Love ripped and distressed jeans I use to buy my jeans and distress them all but back over a decade ago when distressed jeans weren't in style and all over I had found my Silver Jeans Co Tuesday low boot cut jeans that were super distressed. I had owned many other Silver jeans over the years but that style sold me and then made me a dedicated fan of this brand. I still have those jeans. I bought them in several sizes since I fluctuate in size often, also some days I like a looser fit then other days I like a tight fit. These were before boyfriend jeans were made and I enjoyed the baggy feel that now we can find in the boyfriend fit. 

Here you can see how they have darker denim patches to reinforce the holes along with some sewn on patches of darker denim. I love how Silver Jeans Co distresses their jeans. You can find lace, patterned fabrics, denim and other patches under holes, reinforced sewn areas around holes that don't have a patch under so the holes don't get too big. I know I love a good broken in pair of distressed jeans and let me tell you these jeans only get better with time. Again I own so many pairs that have been in my closet for up to twenty years, and as recent as last week. My collection is huge and any sale they have I make sure to stock up on my favorite styles. I will again be doing a post with photos of my favorite styles over the passed two decades as well as showing how well these jeans have held up over the years in comparison to other brands. I have been working on a detailed post but it has taken me some time to photograph every style and fit to show. I will also go over some sizing tips and some other tips for distressing jeans, cutting jeans to shorts, tips for rolling regular jeans for cropped look and what to look for in a seamstress if you are shorter and need to have your jeans altered. I know for years I never used a seamstress but after reading an article about having your more expensive brand jeans altered to fit your body perfectly I took one of my pairs of jeans to my seamstress that has altered many jumpers, rompers, dresses and work pants, I was amazed when she took in the waist let out the hips slightly, then took at the original hem shortened perfectly to my height and used the same string and threads from the original hem, you would never know they were altered and when you see the fit you will see why I have become addicted to having many of my clothes altered to fit my body. The before and after photos will amaze you. 

Luckily Silver Jeans offers options for inseams, and once you get the sizing down you will be amazed how this brand jeans really stretches and adjusts to hug your curves, making your body look amazing. Another of the many reasons why I love this brand. My husband is always telling me how much he loves how these jeans fit me. Lifting my rear, showing off my curves and complimenting my smaller waist. I honestly don't purchase any other brands really unless it's a sale or looking for a color or style that I couldn't find with Silver jeans first. 

She Laughs, Proverbs 31. This off the shoulder graphic tee is by She Does Justice and since we are riding in the car all day today as we are going to be arriving home this evening I wore my faithful fave Silver Jeans. 

Another final Alex & Ani arm stack. Looking forward to sharing some new looks and styles when I get home. I have some amazing Ettika pieces, new Flare Silver Jeans, Spell and the Gypsy tees, tanks, dresses, and shorts, along with some other new brands. Hope everyone has an amazing week and thank you for passing by to take a look at my blog. I will be sure to add links to the items above along with my where to shop guide that is normally below on my posts. 

Peace and love always, xoxo