MOMIFORM MONDAY: ADDING SOME EDGE TO YOUR BASICS

SWEATER  ||  STRIPED TEE  ||  FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS (non-maternity, wearing a size 4)  ||  SUNGLASSES  ||  DIAPER BAG  ||  SNEAKERS  

Today I'm excited to launch a new series on Merrick's Art: Momiform Mondays! Many of you have asked over the last few years for help with getting dressed as a mom. Life is busy, kids schedules and needs are demanding, and it's easy for your style to get thrown on the back burner.

So in this series I'll share styling tips, closet essentials, and other tricks to get you out of the hot mess mama zone. And it won't just apply to moms -- it's anyone looking to pump up their casual style. Also, this won't be a feature for every Monday, but you'll see it over here at least once a month. I hope you're as excited as I am!

Today let's talk about how to step up your basics...this time with a little edginess from some faux leather leggings. These have been a staple in my closet for a few years and I always pull them out when I need to add a little edge to my outfit. This outfit would be cute with a pair of jeans, but adding the faux leather adds some texture, visual interest, and gives your outfit a sleek and modern vibe.

The trick to wearing these without looking either overdressed or juvenile is to pair them with purposeful casual pieces. My go-to is a pair of athletic sneakers like the pair I'm wearing here, but they're also great with slip on sneakers. Then on top, try an oversized t-shirt, a chunky sweater, a bright wool coat, or a chambray or plaid button up, all of which are very simple basics that will pair perfectly with them.

I've owned a few pairs of leather leggings over the years, but these ones are far and away my favorite. They are fitted all the way down the leg which creates a really sleek and slim leg line, they're a little bit matte so they don't scream leather, they're thin and stretchy but not see-through, and they're insanely comfortable. Do you need any more reasons to buy a pair? The regular length is low in stock, but they come in petite and tall (which happen to be on sale) as well. And they have a similar pair that's maternity!

Be bold! Pick up a pair and rock them in place of your regular denim. Think you can do it?

photos by rad and happy 

FRESH START + 2016 GOALS

OUTFIT DETAILS:  JACKET: OLD, SIMILAR HERE  ||  SHIRT: ADAM LIPPIS FOR TARGET, SIMILAR HERE  || LEGGINGS (UNDER $40)  ||  COACH SNEAKERS (ON SALE FOR UNDER $100), SIMILAR PAIR HERE UNDER $30! ||  FRINGE BAG  ||  RAY-BANS

One of my favorite parts of a new year is starting fresh with my goals. I like to look back and see what I've done during the previous year and what I've accomplished. I sat down last week and listed out all of my goals, and although I won't share all of them with you, here are a few I'll be working on this year.

Weekly DIY Friday. I started DIY Friday last year and consistently shared weekly tutorials for more than half of the year. But with my pregnancy and the launch of Modern Girls and the holidays, things got so busy that this weekly feature got neglected. So I'm back on the wagon and weekly tutorials will start again this Friday -- get excited!

In bed by midnight every night. Maybe if I make this goal every year it will eventually happen. I'm the worst about going to bed on time, so I'm trying again this year to take better care of myself and get more sleep.

Go to New York Fashion Week. It's been a goal of mine for a few years, but I just haven't been able to make it happen. But this year, it's happening.

Redesign my office. I've arranged and re-arranged 100 times, but my tiny office space is just really hard to work with and I can't figure out how to best utilize the space. But this year I'm making it happen, and I'll be sure to share the process here on the blog!

Set aside non-work time for myself every week. When my sister was in town this past weekend, we were talking about our hobbies. Both of our blogs revolve around our hobbies, which makes working really fun and awesome, but also makes it hard to ever get away from work. So I'm challenging myself to at least an hour of non-work me-time every week, whether it's giving myself a manicure, reading a book, hanging out with friends, or watching a TV show.

I have lots more goals, but now I want to hear yours! What are you hoping to accomplish this year?

HOW TO STYLE A STATEMENT BAG

OUTFIT DETAILS: KAMALIKULTURE DRESS  | |  COACH SWAGGER CROSSBODY VIA ZAPPOS  | |  VINTAGE LEATHER JACKET  | |  SHOEMINT HEELS  | |  KAREN WALKER SUNGLASSES

As we head into Fall, my style starts shifting to darker colors, more layers, and more neutrals. But since I still like to have something in my outfit that reflects my personality, I’ll usually add one statement piece.

Statement bags are a fun way to add a pop of color or boldness, and with Coach’s new collection of Swagger bags, I’m totally inspired to rock the bold statement bag look. They have tons of gorgeous choices full of rich and bold colors, perfect for complimenting your Fall looks. And with Zappos fast and free shipping (my purchases literally come the day after I order them), it’s basically the easiest thing ever to snag yourself a beautiful new bag for Fall.

So today let’s talk about how to style a statement bag for the Fall.

1. Keep your outfit neutral. When it comes to statement bags, let them do the talking. Keep the rest of your outfit more low key so the bag really stands out. Don’t let your outfit and your bag compete for attention -- let it be one or the other.
2. Choose a smaller bag. If the rest of your outfit is pretty neutral (like my all-black ensemble), then a giant bold bag is going to overwhelm. Keep it all balanced by choosing a smaller statement bag. This black and white crossbody bag from Coach’s new Swagger collection is the perfect size -- big enough to hold my wallet, keys, phone, and lipgloss, but not so big that I feel like a walking neon sign.
3. Add one other semi-bold piece. To keep your statement bag choice from being completely out of left field, add one other small accessory or something to compliment the statement. For my outfit, I chose a pair of black and white shoes which add another pop of bold that compliment without competing. You could also choose a necklace, a ring, a hat, a jacket, or something else that helps the statement bag make sense with the rest of your outfit.

Think you can rock your statement bags now? Check out the entire collection of Coach’s Swagger bags right here on Zappos.com.

photos by jana laurene | created in collaboration with zappos and coach

CLOSET STAPLES: LEATHER JACKETS FOR UNDER $100

A leather jacket is a staple in my closet. At first I was afraid I'd look like a biker chick in black leather, but I discovered over the last few years how chic and modern a leather jacket can look, as long as you get one that has a modern cut and fits you like a glove. An oversized leather jacket can still put you in danger of the biker feel.

During the fall and winter, they're the perfect jacket choice with a pair of black jeans, a feminine dress, boyfriend jeans, a pencil skirt. . .or pretty much anything in your closet.

A real leather jacket is a pretty hefty investment, but there are so many faux leather jacket choices out there that look and feel pretty real and give you the closet staple without breaking the bank. I've rounded up a few of my favorites from around the web, all under $100, but some as low as $40!

one || two || three 

four || five || six 

And there are even more of my favorites in the widget below, still all under $100. Click the images to shop!

Also, I've pinned about a thousand leather jacket outfits to my "Dressing Myself" pinterest board, so if you're in need of some inspiration once you snag yourself a jacket!

. . . . . . . . . 

in other news, this week starts our Modern Girl's Halloween week! Leanne and I are sharing a costume idea every day using the sewing tutorials from The Modern Girl's Guide to Sewing. 

Hop over to her blog and find the first one of the week -- it's so cute, you definitely don't want to miss it! 

SNEAKERS + LABOR DAY SALES

MY OUTFIT: WHITE TEE (40% off!), similar with more sizes here and here  | |  DENIM  | |  FRINGE BAG, c/o LULU HANDBAGS, similar here  | | GINGHAM TOP (50% off and all sizes available!)  | |  SIMILAR LEATHER JACKET (50% off)  | | NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS c/o RACK ROOM SHOES (on sale!) | |  SUNGLASSES

B'S OUTFIT:  BASEBALL TEE (on sale)  | |  SHORTS (on sale)  | |  VANS, c/o RACK ROOM SHOES

FOS' OUTFIT: DENIM c/o DL1961  | |  HENLEY TEE (on sale)  | |  NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS

As much as I adore heels, sneakers are essential to mom life. They're comfortable, easy to throw on, and allow me to run around all day no matter what I have to accomplish. I love how athletic sneakers are on trend right now, and paired with jeans and a structured jacket, you have a sporty chic mom look!



Also, most of the pieces in our outfits are on sale today for Labor Day! There are also tons of other great sales going on, and you'd better believe I'm taking full advantage of them to pick up a few new things for Fall and a few summery pieces for our upcoming Palm Springs trip. Here are a few of my favorite sales going on right today:

NORDSTROM: 40% off sale! They just had their Anniversary sale, but they're back with their 40% off sale and there is some good stuff, including my favorite pair of blush heels (!!!). Hurry and snag a pair before they sell out!

OLD NAVY: Entire store up to 60% off. We finished up all of our school shopping here over the weekend. The sales are amazing, but the pieces are even better -- I had to refrain from buying one of everything for my boys. I also have my eye on these pants and this sweater.

J.CREW FACTORY: 50% off the entire site.  If you're looking for a good chambray button up, these ones are amazing. Also, I'm loving this sweatshirt, this love bird sweater and their wool pencil skirts (which I own and they're amazing).

BAUBLE BAR: 50-60% off select pieces. They have the best jewelry around. I'm obsessed with this pretty little tassel cuff.

ANTHROPOLOGIE: extra 30% off sale items with code EXTRA30. I'm in love with this delicate chambray dress and this beautiful eyelet top. Also this gingham swing tee.

LOFT: 30% off fall styles, and 50% off summer sale items. I would live in this pretty sweatshirt tee. And if you need a perfect striped tee, here it is. I also love this animal print slouchy blouse.

 Have a safe and happy Labor Day -- we'll be barbecuing, and roasting s'mores over our brand new fire pit. Can't wait! 

photos by rad and happy

HOW TO WEAR IT: SIMPLE LAYERS

chicwish jacket (sold out, similar here)

target chambray (sold out, similar here)

sheinside leather leggings, c/o 

tieks, c/o

barrington bag, c/o

pom-pom hat via tjmaxx, c/o (similar here and here)

michael kors watch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

Right now we're in full blown spring weather, complete with frequent rain showers, so I'm taking full advantage of the cool temperatures and pulling out all my layering pieces. And although sometimes I can get a little crazy with the layers, the simplest ones are always my favorite because they give off such an effortless vibe while still looking chic and pulled together.

Here's how to wear it. Start with a basic button up, like a chambray (my favorite casual top). You could exchange this for a tee, but the button up will keep it from being so casual. A pretty blouse is also a good alternative here. Then layer with a jacket. I went for an oversized utility style one because oversized maintains that effortless feel, but you could do a leather jacket or a short wool coat if the weather is cold. Since my top layers are so simple, I went for a more unexpected and bold pants choice -- leather leggings -- but jeans are a good option too. Try black, white, regular blue denim, or a super distressed pair. 

Now that you have all the main components of your outfit, it's time to accessories, because these final touches are the pieces that will make an outfit feel complete. Since it was a chilly day when I wore this, I went for a cute hat, and then finished my look with an animal print bag and flats. You could also try a brightly colored bag for a statement, or a stack of bracelets. 

The key is to not overdo it, and to make it look effortless. Because simple and effortless is always in style! 

Happy Tuesday!

LITTLE WHITE DRESS + WIN A TRIP TO NYC!

Outfit Details:

White Midi Dress (wearing size small), c/o

Baby Blue Faux Leather Jacket (wearing size x-small), c/o

Caged Heels, c/o

Black and White Box Clutch, c/o

UO Sunglasses

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA WALK

A trip to New York City with your best friend is pretty much every girls dream, right? It's certainly one of mine! Today I'm so excited to team up with one of my favorite online shops, Lulu*s to give you just that -- an all-expenses-paid trip New York City during Fashion Week with your best friend!  

Lulu*s is one of my go-to online shopping spots -- especially for shoes and dresses. I think half of the shoes in my closet are from there, including this pair of fringe ankle boots that I recently snagged and are in heavy rotation. They also have some amazing outerwear -- I mean, how gorgeous is that baby blue faux leather jacket?? I also love this checkered coat and this black leather jacket.


Enter Lulu*s Style Studio Contest by creating your own Fashion Week inspired outfit, like I did with my little white dress and baby blue leather jacket (although admittedly, I'm pretty sure I couldn't last an entire day at Fashion Week in those heels).

The trip for you and your best friend will include travel and hotel accommodations, plus VIP access to Lulu*s huge fashion blogger party Style Studio, $1,000 to spend at Lulu*s, $500 to NYX Cosmetics, spa service at LUSH Spa in NYC, car service, and a styling session from Lulu*s lead stylist! You guys do not want to miss out on this!

To Enter the Contest:

- Follow @lulus on Instagram

- Upload a pic to Instagram showing us your NYFW inspired outfit

- Tag @lulus in the caption and tell us why you and your bestie deserve to win!

- Hashtag your photo with #LULUSstylestudio

Winner will be announced on 1/23/15. Contest open to US residents only. Must be 18 to win. 
See all the terms and conditions of the contest here.

Good luck!!

DIY FRIDAY: GINGHAM DROP WAIST PEPLUM TOP

peplum top: made by me (fabric c/o online fabric store) -- buy an almost identical one here for just over $30!
similar leather jacket here and here

gap jeans (similar)

dolce vita wedges

similar bag

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA WALK

For some reason I cannot get enough of gingham this season. It's such a classic print and goes with absolutely everything -- I can't stay away! (In fact, I just bought a pair of gingham Christmas pajamas). I've been wanting to make a drop waisted peplum top for a while now, so when Online Fabric Store sent me this gorgeous gingham cotton, I knew just what to do with it. 

This is a super easy top that you can make in an afternoon, so if you're looking for a good weekend project (or even a fun Christmas gift for your sister or friend), definitely try this tutorial. And pick up some fabric at Online Fabric Store this weekend while they're having a huge Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal -- find all the details right here!

I also posted a couple of gift guides this week here and here, and there are a ton of good sales going on this weekend at my favorite stores, so make sure you're taking advantage of them while you're doing your holiday shopping!

J.Crew Factory: 50% OFF everything and free shipping on orders over $50.00

Old Navy: up to 50% OFF store wide & 50% OFF in stores, get an extra 15% OFF with code GRAVY

GAP: 50% off everything TODAY ONLINE ONLY with code BLKFRIDAY

ASOS: 30% OFF everything with code TGIBF 
Sole Society: 30% OFF and free shipping through Dec. 1.

Nordstrom: up to 40% OFF select products.

J.Crew: 30% OFF with code HOLIDAY and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no minimum.

Click through to find the full step by step instructions for the peplum top!

DIY FRIDAY: LEATHER DRESS TUTORIAL

Happy Friday! The last few weeks have been crazy over here, mostly with the end of summer, and mostly with the start of school, but in huge part because there are some big changes I've been working on that are coming to Merrick's Art, one of which is DIY FRIDAY, which will now be a permanent thing! So if you're looking for my tutorials, make sure you stop by every Friday, because I'll have something new for you to make every single week!

To kick off DIY FRIDAY, I have a super fun tutorial and giveaway for you! Last month, during the Nordstrom Sale, I ran across this amazing leather Halogen dress, and instantly wanted it. It was a little too short for me, and a little too expensive, so instead I teamed up with Leather Hide Store and made my own, and today I'll show you how!

I had some serious doubts about this dress up until the very last seam, and sewing through this thick leather was not very easy, but I feel so proud of this dress and learned a ton while making it. I'm so excited to share it with you!

dress made by me (tutorial below) -- fabric c/o leather hide store 

similar bag -- splurge or save

shoemint heels, c/o

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

Find the full tutorial after the jump, and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the very bottom!