Lena Erziak

When we first saw the Lena Erziak line we knew this designer was something special. The line is complete with simple elegance and refined luxury. Quality is not taken lightly. Fine leathers from Italy, precise hand craftsmanship and extraordinary attention to detail. These are bags that make any outfit.  

Sisters, Leona and Hasna Erziak, are the design-duo behind the brand and with their inherent love for European style... let's just say they have got. it. down.

But the brand doesn't stop there. Their customer service is impeccable. When Mel bought her bags she had a wonderful experience with Karrica who helped her pick the perfect bags tailored to just her style.


They definitely have some new fans over at the Melanie Auld Designs team!

M.A.D. thoughts...

I'm not the only one, am I?

Travel ready.

You'd think with the amount of traveling and moving I've done the past 10 years that I'd have packing & travel-wear down to a science. Not so much. I'm always too hot, too cold, too bulky, etc. And I always seem to pack too much, but forget so many things at home that I would have liked to wear.

The Travelista is a great site that gives you helpful packing and travel inspired outfit ideas.

Now, if only I had some place to go soon so I could try this out! Hmmmm....

10 Crosby DL

A couple of my favorite pieces from the line,

10 CROSBY DEREK LAM

Sip on.

This past weekend I attended a bachelorette party that was...well, let's just say I wasn't feeling the greatest the next day! I would like to put the blame on one sneaky bugger called Sangria. This crisp, delicious drink sneaks up on you because it is so good, and doesn't taste like there is very much alcohol in it at all. I am such a sucker for it. The perfect refreshing summer time drink. And I found the greatest recipe for it. Sip on friends!

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• ½ lb of fresh strawberries
• 1 apple {slice + dice into small pieces}
• 1 ounce of fresh whole basil leaves
• 1 bottle of Chardonnay
• ½ cup organic sugar
• 1 cup of club soda
• 1 cup of white grape juice

{Pssst... you can alternate the Chardonnay for your fav red wine, and the grape juice for another flavor if you want! Also add in as much berry goodness as you please!}

. enjoy .

Just Rosie.

There are few models out there that I actually obsess over. But Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is definitely one of them. Not only is she a bonafide babe, but her street style is easy, edgy, and well- just another reason for my growing girl crush.

Skirtin' around.

Gawd, I wish I could wear skirts. There's just something about my body type that I don't feel like they look right on me. Longer ones seems to work but anything above the ankle just doesn't seem "right" on my body. Maybe my legs are too short and my torso is too long? Or vice versa {Ha!-That's me trying to pretend I actually have long legs}. Whatever it is, I just can't wear them. But there are so many cute ones out there! This post is dedicated to me pouting about the issue. For any of you that can wear them- please take advantage of this summer's cutest styles for me!

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. things that shine .

I tend to get distracted by shiny things. So pretty. So much pizazz! Whether it be a statement ring, the heel of a shoe, the sequin on a dress, etc. Add a little sparkle to your life! My mirrored compact in my purse is sparkly and shiny- always something fun to pull out that people don't expect.

 {Elliot Lucca ipad sleeve + Vera Wang flats}

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{MAD Leo Ring}

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So don't you worry your pretty little mind,

MAD about MET.

An invitation to the MET ball would be a dream.

I swear I'd be a charming and engaging guest if any one is looking for a +1 next year.....

A peek at some of our favorite looks seen this year.

Scarlett in Dolce & Gabbana

Jessica in Michael Kors

Gisele in Givenchy Haute Couture

Gwen in a Prada mini

. cupcake .

details.

Details. Details. Details. I'm a sucker for a little "oooh" and a little "ahhh" added to a look. Sometimes it's the littlest details that make it entirely.

{Miu Miu}

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Totally MAD.

Oh what a feeling... to be surrounded by such amazing color and pieces! MADby Hand has been such a success, the pieces we have for spring have been a hit, and the upcoming fall line has been inspired by so many different moods, styles, and Melanie Auld Designs customer feedback! So thank you for taking part in our journey!

A little peek at what we are surrounded by daily- how can one not be inspired to create... and to not want to dress to impress every day?