viva la euro!

Out jetsetting designer, Melanie is currently in Europe {Austria as we speak!} I can't wait to see the European influences and ideas she comes out with for her next line of jewels!

Here's a little sneak peek at life in Europe via our favorite jewelry designer!

. vogue .

Dating back to 1892, it's amazing how long the go to book of fashion has been around. In an industry that is known best for taking something in, glorifying it, and spitting it out come next season, the longevity of Vogue is something to be impressed by. It is the bible to fashion insiders. And editor in chief, Anna Wintour is God.

In honor of the ever awaited September issue that was just released, here is a look at some great Vogue covers from years past.

M.A.D. shots

 Some M.A.D. jewels to finish off the look for a great night out!

A M.A.D. shipment coming in and sweet little Kaislyn "helping" her Auntie unpack. 

Future accessory addict in training.

{OKay, but seriously, how she layered herself is impressive for a 6yr old!} 

~

 

Ummm.... YES.

My sweet tooth has been out of control lately. When I first spotted this recipe there was only one thought in my head.  

"Ummm... YES. This is so happening in my life right now!"

Salted Nutella Fudge.

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. ingredients .

~Butter, for greasing pan
~1 (14 oz. ) can sweetened condensed milk
~1 tsp vanilla extract
~8oz. high-quality bittersweet (60% cacao) chocolate chips
~1 cup Nutella, room temperature
~3tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
~Sea salt, approximately 1/2 tsp

. method .

Grease the bottom and sides of an 8x8-inch baking pan with butter. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overlap on the sides.

In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, bittersweet chocolate chips, Nutella, and butter.

Form a double-boiler by setting the bowl on a medium pot of gently simmering water. {The water level should be low enough that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.}

Stir until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth {5 to 7 minutes}

Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan, and spread the top smooth with a spatula.

Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, at least 2 hours.

Run a knife under hot water, dry it off, and run it around the edges of the pan to loosen the fudge. Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the fudge out. Flip the fudge over and peel off the parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt. Cut the fudge into 3/4-inch squares. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil.

{Makes approximately 50 3/4-inch squares.}

Chung.

I was losing my mind over Alexa Chung's editorial in the September issue of VOGUE, Spain. She looks beautiful, and as always- just so flipping cool.

. pretty peplum .

You can be sure to see some major peplum around this winter! Dominating the spring runways, this style is sticking around for some great F/W style. Skirts, tops, jackets, dresses.. they have all undergone the peplum transformation. Adding a bit of volume and demention all while still keeping the "pretty" for a flattering hourglass figure.

Peplum at J. Mendel, Zac Posen, and Karen Walker SS 2012

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Hair.Care

Attention!  

We have ourselves a major hair make-over here!

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Here's the deal. Your hair is made up of proteins, right? These proteins are in distress from expose to chemicals, sun, and other lovely harsh conditions {sorry hair!}

Solution? Strengthen your strands with this DIY protein pack! This recipe will give your hair the "oomph!" it needs!

What you'll need:

 2 eggs 

1/2 cup yogurt 

1/2 cup honey 

1/2 cup olive oil 

Method:
 

1. Beat the eggs until they become frothy and add in the olive oil.

2. Whisk until it's fully blended together and add in the yogurt, mixing until it's a creamy consistency. Then add the honey.

3. Comb out any knots and tangles in your {damp} hair, and spread the mixture from your roots to your ends, combing it through.

4. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for 20-30 minutes before your rinse it out and shampoo.

 

5. Shine on!

Scarved.

As I resume my Fall shopping there is definitly one piece I am excited about for it's return... the scarf. The options are endless and I am so excited to see what designers have come out with for this season. Whether it be tribal print, matte, checkered, ikat print, it's a simple accessory that takes the most basic outfit from meh to YES! Add in some M.A.D. sparklers and you've got yourself a stylish, easy look complete!

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Jaded.

Jade, one of the upcoming season's most anticipated colors has me green... literally. Anything I can get my hands on in this shade is a must. It's vibrant, but perfectly suited for fall style. Mint stole the show this summer, but it's more refined, sophisticated, older sister, Jade is now up front and center.

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{MAC Jade Dragon}

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Color me Fall.

This Spring + Summer we got an amazing variety of colored denim. Neon, pastels, floral- so many great fresh colors for sweet, sweet summertime. I am really hoping this coming season we will have the same great variety; but with what Fall does best. Cozy colors, jewel tone hues and a new spin on things. I'm thinking deep emerald green to winey red, coated + metallic styles, polka dot + animal prints, etc.

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Motor.

This coming Fall I am definitely all about one thing in particular. The motorcylce boot. I am having a hard time convincing myself that just a couple pairs will do for the season. But every time I acquire a pair that I just must have, I see another pair out there that screams my name.

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From top: Frye, Topshop, ASOS, Frye