🌈New Sand Cloud Colors Available now 🌈

SAND CLOUD TOWELS

www.sandcloudtowels.com

CR8TIVEWANDERLUST25 for 25% off Sand Cloud Towels and Apparel.

Be sure to check out the newest additions to the Sand Cloud towel collection.  I had to get the purple tie dye since purple and blue are my fave colors.  I also am totally obsessed with their tie dye and acid washed towels.  I have many of the colors from passed collections and the newest styles as well.

www.sandcloudtowels.com

Starburst has pinks, purples, yellow and orange tones.  Love this and makes the perfect addition to the Wanderlust and Luna tie dye towels.  Can't wait for them to arrive and will be sure to share photos of them up close here as well as on my Instagram. 

Freedom towel just in time for July 4th, with blue and white wide stripes then with white and red stripes on the ends.  You can order these new colors and style now using the links here in my post or also you can use my exclusive promo code CR8TIVEWANDERLUST25 for 25% off always.  Free shipping in the US and 10% of proceeds are donated to protecting marine life.  Stop by their site to check out some of the many ways they help by doing beach clean ups, and so much more to keep marine life safe as well as the ocean and beaches cleaner.  Love Sand Cloud and has been an honor to work with this brand for several years now.  If you missed it they were featured on Shark Tank and of course picked up cause their products are amazing.  Who doesn't love fun and colorful towels, but they are so multipurpose and they dry so fast.  I love to wear mine as a wrap or sarong.  I also love using them as decor around the house or back patio pool side.

Have a great summer y'all.  Peace, love and light always xoxo 

Melissa

Where to Shop:

www.sandcloudtowels.com   use code WANDERLUST25 for 25% off 

**All Photos from Sand Cloud website and for promotional use only.  

Stay Wild Moon Child🌙 Spell Lotus drop 2 almost here

Spell and the Gypsy Collective Lotus Collection

Shop Spell Lotus Collection

www.shop.spelldesigns.com

All photos are from Spell Design website, not mine.  Using for promotional purposes only

The second drop of Spell's Lotus collection is set for June 15 Australia which means June 14 here at 6 pm west coast and 9 pm east coast.  Head over to their website in link above or below to see the pieces releasing tomorrow along with lots of amazing styling inspiration.  Be sure to check out their amazing video shot at a mansion in Paris, omg it is amazing and really sets the tone for this amazing collection.  One of my favorite Spell collections in some time, I always love them all but really love the vintage vibes with a mix of the Parisian vibes they brought into the Blue Skies collection.  I like to call this Boho Luxe instead of Chic.   Thank you for passing by and happy shopping, can't wait to see everyone rocking all these killer styles.  

Where to shop:

www.shopspelldesigns.com

More Previews of Spell and the Gypsy Lotus Collection Drop 2 scheduled for 6/15 in Australia which for us in the USA is 6/14 9 p.m. East Coast 6 p.m. West Coast use my link to shop located above.

🌸 Blue Skies by Spell and the Gypsy Collective 🌸

Spell and the Gypsy Collective

Spell and the Gypsy, Blue skies off the shoulder blouse and cream slit maxi skirt.  I have a major love and addiction for Spell designs.  For many years now I have been collecting their graphic tees with vintage flare and super soft cotton that makes them feel like your favorite old broken in tee shirt.  Over that time I became hooked on their maxi skirts which then led to just loving everything they design and release.  Blue Skies is a very Parisian inspired design, it is not the classic 1970 flower child boho chic style that they are so well known for and at first I was not sure if I was going to order any of the floral pieces but as soon as I saw this outfit I quickly changed my mind.  I also began to see all my amazing Spell friends on social media when they started sharing their posts of the Blue skies collection and regretted not getting more.  

The off the shoulder blouse can be worn multiple ways, off course off the shoulder, on the shoulder, one shoulder down one up, then you can remove your arm and make it into one off shoulder one with arm totally free or you can remove both arms for a tube style look.  I will check for my last pics or you can scroll back here on my blog or on my IG for photos of me wearing the top with one arm out of the sleeve and the other off the shoulder.  I love when you can style one piece so many ways.  This top also looks amazing worn with the matching skirt, or you can style with cut off denim shorts and/or skirt for a fun summer festival look, with a pretty pastel pink, purple or even army green pair of pants, shorts or skirt.  I love this print with army green and I also love the Blue Skies bomber jackets.  

The Cream slit maxi skirt has high cut slits on both sides, fitted waist with side zipper, and then lovely bottom ruffle detail.  The skirt is fully lined and the material is amazing.  The slits had me worried and planned to have them sewn up like I did with my Lolita Festival skirts but this one did not need it.  I did have an elastic added to the back so I could wear it more high or mid waist then low waist.  I like it higher especially with the blouse since the blouse has more of a cropped length.  I sized up in this skirt so I could have the extra material for adding the back elastic.  I have really become a huge fan of elastic waist skirts thanks to Spell, and I also love pockets but felt this skirt had such a classy higher end look that pockets weren't needed. 

I styled my Blue Skies set with some blush, wood bottom, platform sandals I shared in a prior post.  I also am wearing one of my favorite new vintage ethnic necklace with a large silver charm with silver beads and coins.  My bracelet is a slip on vintage inspired silver piece I have had for a few years I got from an online boutique I worked with as a rep.  Love how the Blue Skies looks with my purple hair now that it has faded to a more pastel lilac shade.

Be sure to check out the new Lotus collection, part one dropped a couple weeks ago and part two is dropping later this week.  Have a great week, sending peace , love and light always xoxo 

Where to shop:

www.SpellandtheGypsy.com

Cheers to sleeping in, late nights and lots of adventures. Summer funhas begun.

Spell and the Gypsy collective Folklore blouse from the Oracle collection, paired with the Lolita Campfire slit skirt from the Festival 17 collection. My necklace is a lovely vintage piece I got from one of my fave online shops for vintage ethnic style jewelry. I have a passion for eclectic fun jewelry and accessories. I have also finally been able to get some photos since going blonde on my roots. For me it is easier to be blonde since it's my natural color then I don't have to spend so much time with grown out roots or getting it dyed. I went lighter then seen here this was after adding some partial highlights but since added more blonde along with some amazing new toner I'm going to be sharing soon here on my blog. When you love the fantasy colors or fashion colors (stylists name) I call them mermaid or unicorn colors to your hair sometimes normal blonde shades can be a little blah, since my ends are purple I have a very light almost bleach blonde tone with a touch of a silver and pastel lavender/lilac tone. Love it and can't wait to share more. No more super long roots, I was trying to allow my hair some time to grow out since I'm trying not to cause any more damage to my hair after being so many colors. Since I have been dieting and working out again since February my hair has been growing faster then normal, not sure if it's from supplements or just the diet regimen I am on now but omg had so much regrowth, not complaining after losing 14-16 inches of hair last year in February. 

When cleaning out my closet, packing early last week I came across these super fun blush tone strappy ankle boots by Mi.iM shoes. They sent these to me a couple of months ago and love them, only worn them a couple of times but wanted to share how amazing they match with the brand new Spell and the Gypsy Lotus collection, Etienne Monaco print. I got the sleeveless maxi dress, then have the mini skirt on it's way just in time for summer fun. You can shop Spell using one of the banners on my blog in sidebar or in my fave shops, also using this link: www.shopSpell.com This week is the second half of their Lotus drop and I can't wait to order the Etienne skirt in Sienna print also to match my other bralette. I will be ordering a few other pieces but will just have to wait and share them with you when they arrive. Head over to their website now, under their blog to see the date and items being released later this week. 

Above is another lovely necklace I got from one of my all time fave shops for these style vintage pieces. The prices are amazing and I will be sure to share a link below later this week for the shop so you can check out why I love them so much. Every piece is so unique and in amazing mint condition. Totally in love with every piece I have purchased from them, it is overseas so shipping takes about two weeks but trust me it's worth the wait and this one cost me $25. You can't beat it, I have seen the same style for $70-140 in other online shops or Etsy. 

I was looking for a cute pair of pink or blush platform sandals for my new Spell and other fun bohemian chic skirts by The Wilde Bella, QuiQui Clothing, Miss June Paris and Mahiya. I am the type of person who loves their accessories to match an accent color not a main color in my wardrobe or outfit pieces. A lot of my summer styles have pink, blush or mauve tones, so in addition to of course purchasing some nice black, beige, brown, white then of course my favorite colors purple and blue I really wanted the pink tone. Since I have so many colors and different styles I wanted I didn't want to spend $100-200 on each pair I just can't afford that when my outfit pieces are my main investment. I splurged on a pair of brown clogs from Free People and then a vintage pair of brown hand tooled leather sandals for summer but the rest of my shoes have come from eBay shops, and also JustFab. These ones above are from eBay and are by Refresh. I love the wood like bottom they aren't totally fake or plastic looking like some similar styles I have seen they actually look just like the real wood styles being sold for way more then these ones cost. I paid $30 with free shipping for these lovely mauve faux suede platform sandals. 

You will also see my Morphe monthly brushes from Liveglam. Love these brushes my fave makeup brushes and usually my daughter will take one or two then I keep the rest. We have the best makeup brush collection thanks to Morphe and Liveglam. Be sure to check out their monthly box with the link below. They have other boxes as well you might enjoy. They make a great gift for makeup artists and lovers

                                                              www.liveglam.com

You can check out JustFab online also for some awesome wedges, platform sandals and clogs for summer here: www.Justfab.com

Last up, last week was the final week of school for my girls. My oldest is going to be a senior next year and she did such a great job this year she was able to opt out of her end of year finals in her classes so she only went to school Monday then Wednesday for a cheer meeting. She is so excited so made the varsity cheer team, even though I never had a doubt she has cheered since she was 4 and has made the team every year for her school since middle school started. I took her shopping on Thursday while we were waiting for my youngest to get out on her final day which was a half a day. We went to Tilly's to get her a swim suit bottom, then Aeropostale to get some light weight tops, and sundresses on sale for both girls, and we happened to pass by Forever 21 where she found this awesome little black purse. She has been borrowing mine that I got at Forever 21 also back a couple of months ago and I kept telling her she needed to keep an eye out for one she liked so we didn't have to keep swapping them. It's funny I go through phases where I have to carry a larger bag then smaller, but over the summer I keep a tote bag or beach style bag in my car with all my beach supplies or park necessities incase we decide to make a quick detour to one or the other. Both of us really loved these cute lace up sandals with embroidered details. I was loving the brown and she loved the black so I got her the black ones, best part we wear the same size so its like I got a new pair also. Lol. Can't not love when your teenage daughter is the same size as you in almost everything. She is a size smaller in bottoms but we don't wear the same cut or style jeans, she loves high waisted skinny jeans and I love mid rise boyfriend jeans of course distressed or with it being summer I have stocked up on cropped jeans and vintage Levi's I have cut into shorts. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are two spots I frequent over summer break a couple times a week in hunt of men's vintage graphic or band tees then old Levi's. I struggle finding shorts that I love the fit and length then that have sown distressing. I always find a couple pairs I love at my fave Silver Jeans Co, but then have to DIY the rest. I'm always game for the hunt and the creative process of cutting, distressing and adding my own touches to denim and tees. 

Thanks for passing by and hope everyone had an amazing weekend. We had a fun kick off the summer pool party this weekend for my youngest, it was a success. She had a blast with her friends and I enjoyed a break from packing and showing the house to chat with some of my mom friends. Summer time just makes me so happy, no alarm clock and lots of adventures. Love it and can't wait to share with everyone. Every year we do our two week family road trip then a few long weekend trips to the keys or camping, this summer since we are selling our home, my hubby is relocating and I'm staying here going to be craziness. I will be in northern Florida for most of July helping my hubby settle in then also back south settling my girls and I into our new spot but will have a bunch of fun road trips to share as well as a really awesome birthday trip for myself and then planning a trip abroad with my oldest for her 18th birthday. 

Happy shopping and bargain hunting ladies. Peace love and light. Cheers to summer break 🎉🎉 

Alex and Ani

www.alexandani.com

I love to store my bracelets on vintage soda pop bottles I have found in NC on our adventures.  It keeps them all together and organized.  I have the wraps on the lower part of bottle since those expand easier then the charm bracelets on the top.  As you can see since my mom purchased me my first bracelet many years ago for Christmas my collection has grown.  Every bracelet was a gift and has some type of meaning or memory attached to them.  I have purchased one or two for myself but most of them have come from friends, family and loved ones.  I have not added as many to my collection this current year due to my health expenses and all but I'm sure I will add more over the summer when my birthday comes.

My mom has gotten me a fewAlex and Ani rings for my collection and my husband got me the rose gold arrow for Valentine's Day last year.  Then for Christmas 2015 he got me the chain station necklace and charms since those were brand new, and my mom got me the lovely Crystal Infusion piece on sale.  Love the necklaces because you can customize and change out the charms, that makes them so multi purpose.

I just love how you have so many choices and pieces to choose from, as well as charities and foundations you can support.  Alex and Ani is my go to for gifts for teachers, friends, coworkers, family, and basically any time I am trying to find something for someone that has some thought because all gifts are to be thoughtful and come from the heart, Alex and Ani make it so easy for me to find something for anyone and everyone.  Thank you Alex and Ani for making gift giving easier and so much more meaningful.  XOXO

I was gifted this lovely Alex and Ani Precious threads adjustable cord style necklace and Calavera charm recently.  It totally made my month to receive these amazing gifts and so not expected.  I lobe this and wear it as a choker with my silver chain station necklace and charms or alone.

Alex and Ani Silver Chain Station adjustable necklace with Love, Lotus and Pineapple charms, all from hubby for Christmas 2015 when they first were released.  I have other charms for both my gold and silver including a P for kids names, their birthstones and some other faves.

Wanted to put together some of my person favorite Alex and Ani bracelets in silver to share for this post.  I love the moon and anything celestial, feathers, butterflies and always all about peace, love, music and being yourself.  The free spirit was a gift from my Aunt since she has always said since I was a little girl I have such a free spirit and soul.  Again every charm bracelet has some type of personal meaning or memory behind them, that is what makes them so special and fun to buy for those you love, because you can personally pick something to give them with meaning to your friendship or relationship.

For many years silver, white gold and platinum was all I wore, I even changed the band on my engagement ring to platinum when my amazing husband upgraded my diamond many years ago and took me to pick the setting.  I sold off most of my gold in gold parties I had at my house over the years with friends but then a few years ago after falling in love with rose gold I started to wear gold again and regretted getting rid of a lot of my old gold pieces.  Lucky for me I kept some special pieces my father got me growing up and family heirlooms.  Above is my favorite gold Alex and Ani pieces I styled for this post, everyone has super special meaning to me and these get the most wear.

I truly love Alex and Ani they do so much work with charities and around the country working with many different locals and communities giving back.  This really warms my heart and makes me feel even more happy to support them.  Having MS, I love their work with Race to Erase MS with their cupcake bracelet, one of my dearest and specialist bracelets I own.  Make sure to check out their charity by design pieces and ask in store which ones are for which charities, I'm sure everyone has charities that are dear to their heart.  My father passed away to leukemia years ago and that organization also has a very special place in my heart.  

 Peace love and light always xoxo

Melissa

Where to shop:

www.alexandani.com

School's out for summer, my current beach faves

Boys & Arrows Bones Bikini. Deb the Desperado top, Petra Punk full bottoms. 

Black Floppy Hat from Target and Tory Burch Sunglasses.

Sand Cloud Aztec Towel gray use code CR8TIVEWANDERLUST25 for 25% off and 10% of proceeds donated to protecting and saving marine life. 

For all my larger busted ladies, I have been spending my entire life searching for bikini tops that cover my larger chest without looking to revealing or having side boob, under boob or accidents where my top slips and reveals my girly parts.  I found these amazing almost sports bra style coverage tops by Boys and Arrows last year, I now own 4 of their tops, 3 of the Deb the Desperado style like above and one that has a little different shape.  It's a close fit being I am a large DDD but they work and I don't have anything popping out.  I have the XL and recommend for ladies 32-38 DD-DDD the back is totally adjustable and ties so that makes it easy to adjust around also makes it possible to fit almost any size from 32-38 maybe even 40 but a D-DD not a DDD.  In the bottoms I have a L in the Petra the Punk and a M in another print, there isn't a huge difference and they are full coverage.  Be cautious when ordering this bottom online because they also have a minimal coverage Petra the Punk bottom that covers a lot less.  I have the Yaya the Yuppy bottoms in Baja,  they run really low cut and are very cheeky but I love the fit, at first I wasn't to fond of it but after losing some weight and toning my behind I actually love it this summer.  I have a super cute black coverup dress that snaps right into the Deb the Desperado top I will be sure to post some pics when I wear it the beach next time, but it is the coolest idea I have seen in some time.

Victoria Secret halter top with fringe ties and ruche back cheeky bottoms in blue. 

This top is a XL and it fits amazing.  I am again larger busted but this top has tie back closure something I recommend to all my larger busted ladies that don't have money or funds to spend on a designer or expensive suit.  I know being larger busted sometimes we feel the only options for us are to invest over $100 on a top but I have a lot of suits from VS and even Target or Walmart I have found in a XL or DD cup ( Target has a sweet selection of D-DD tops this year) some don't have the tie back but when not spending a lot of money we can alter them.  I have taken scissors and removed the clasp on back.  First I hand sew some stitches right where I am planning to cut so the material doesn't come undone, then I cut the clasp off right next to where I stitched and add material from an older suit I no longer where using a needle and thread or you can use your sewing machine also.  Then this adds a tie instead of clasp which makes it adjustable so if you have to get a XL top and its huge around but fits in the cup don't get frustrated it's an easy and cheap fix anyone can do, you don't need any sewing skills trust me.  When I first started years ago I did some crazy sewing but I have since gotten a cheap sewing machine at Walmart on black Friday that was Project Runway and use it for my adjustments and anything I can alter myself.   Hope this is helpful for you larger busted ladies, cause I know the feeling, frustration and pain all to well.  I'm personally hoping to have my chest size reduced over the summer early fall to a C or small D been saving up for a year almost.  I know all to well how much the Struggle is Real.  

Cowboy hat I purchased at the Chili Cook off many years ago, with turquoise accents, White Ray Ban basic glasses, Ouroboros cowrie shell necklace with turquoise stone from Free People and their foot jewelry from Ouroboros Designs direct website. 

Luna Tie die beach towel from Sand Cloud towels. They will be releasing their newest tie dye Starburst any day with pink and orange tones can't wait. Don't forget to use my code CR8TIVEWANDERLUST25 for 25% off your order. 

Peace love and light to all, xoxo

Spell and the Gypsy collective, Lotus collection

Spell & the Gypsy Collective

Lotus

www.shopspelldesigns.com

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of the above dress from Spell and the Gypsy,  I saw it back months ago when the Spell sisters posted a photo on their social media from a wedding they attended and saw this dress.  Blue is my favorite color and I have been looking for a new dress for summer with short sleeves or sleeveless and with that bohemian style I love.  Their new Lotus collection dropped last week and then they are dropping the second half of the collection in the next week or so.  I was so delighted when they added the Lotus Sleeveless dress in Monaco to their website last Thursday early Friday.  

This dress is amazing, the fabric is light weight, with the most beautiful print and colors.  Excuse my bare feet whenever I wear Spell I want to add flowers to my hair and dance around barefoot.  I also just trued on the dress to see how it fit.  I am amazed with the fit, I was worried it would be very loose since I had to size up being larger busted and had planned I would probably need a belt, but this dress fits amazing.  It has a box stitch with crochet detail bust, button closure and then lovely frill trim to the sleeveless top.  The top of the neck line has a tie you can use or I left it untied for the photos here.   The frill trim is also around the box detail and neckline.  It then flows down to a lovely dropped waist and flairs out with layers of lovely fabric, and trim detail along the bottom.  I have a pair of blush platform sandals with wood heel and base coming to wear with it.  Of course I plan to wear shoes lol, when I wear it out.  

Here you can see a closer look at the detail of the print and colors.  Also you can see the crochet trim around the box front, some of the lovely frill details and the lovely blue trim that goes around the bottom of this sleeveless maxi dress.  I am so in love with this print and color I want to get the blouse and mini skirt also, but for now went with this dress and then will get more items from top 2 for sure.

I tried the lovely older version of Spell's intimates.  I am a XL and normally wear a 34/36 DDD.  These fit so amazing and are super comfy, I got these to wear under the dress since it has the buttons in front and also the crochet detail so you wouldn't see through but white would work fine also.  I was hoping to try the new lace intimates but worried they won't fit me being larger busted, waiting to see what other ladies have to say.  I went with the sienna color way also,  I have plans to order this color way in upcoming items being dropped in the next week or two.  Of course you all know me I will be getting the graphic tee or singlet also.  They have an amazing Stay wild moon child tee, tank and raglan coming for this collection, the graphic will go amazing with the entire collection but I personally love them with the Sienna colors.

Hope everyone has had a great first week of summer and happy shopping.  Be sure to head over to the Spell site to sign up for email updates and promotions, also to shop the latest and all collections available.

Peace, love and light always, 

Melissa

Where to shop:

www.shopspelldesigns.com

Event to weekend casual Qui Qui Clothing Styling Inspiration

Bohemian and vintage fashion are on the top of my style faves, I also love vintage inspired graphic tees and tanks, with fun vintage and newer handmade to designer, stylish accessories. I'm so in love with my new skirt with button down front and ruffle bottom in Cinnamon by @Quiquiclothing. She is currently working on finishing up her newest designs and collection along with her website to make ordering easier. 

Graphic tank is one of my favorite older Spell designs. My Angels ride tank is a very vintage biker vibe with Lace trim on straps and neckline. 

Shoes are simple brown strappy sandals I picked up on sale at Target. 

Paired my Qui Qui Clothing Wanderer skirt with satin back, sheer ruffles and tie waist, strapless blouse. My necklace is one of my treasured favorites found online from India. The necklace has lots of history handmade in 1920-40's. Can't wait to share some more vintage gems I have found with similar accents and style all handmade. 

Shop Spell and the Gypsy Collective

Bracelets are beaded gemstone, handmade beauties from Whiskey + Bone, and some Alex and Ani beaded, charm and cuff bracelets. 

Hope you enjoy my styling of my Qui Qui Clothing skirt, wore it dressed up with wedges for a fashion event in honor of Miami Fashion week with all the latest resort wear trends just in time for summer, then styled weekend casual with graphic tank and sandals. 

Peace love and light always 

Where to shop: 

Qui Qui Clothing:  Link coming soon

You can follow on IG @Quiquiclothing for more details on site release

www.shop.spelldesigns.com

www.alexandani.com