rad right now 2.28.16

On my feet OVER THE ANKLE BOOTIE : so we all know that ankle booties are the new shoe of choice if we’re not rocking some OTKs (over the knee boots). Riding boots that hit right below the knee make me sad for some reason recently. I think it might be because I’ve discovered such an amazing boot option that mixes it up a bit. Sure, the ankle bootie is cute, versatile and accessible as you can and will find it in almost every boutique. But the JAAB (just above the ankle boot…yes I just made that up…unless it’s already a coined term, and in that case, sorry to the original) is a boot that says, “I want to be different, chic, but still practical. Oh, and I look great with culottes, by the way”. Right now I’m loving the pointed toe, chunky or funky heel JAAB. Be different, babes. Go get yourself a pair.  

 On my neck LARIAT : the secret’s out; I’m a total fan of the boho-southwestern look. Oh wait, not s secret at all. One of my fave bloggers (Alternative Indigo / Alexis Jade Kaiser) sports this super rad style 24/7 and I can imagine dozens of her outfits that wouldn’t be complete without this new necklace trend hitting her scene. It’s the love child of a choker and a super long wrap belt. Sounds crazy, but man do I dig this look. It’s edgy while keeping it boho and are for the most part leather or suede. Usually accented with some metal end pieces or charms, they look awesome with just about any neckline and add some pizazz to an otherwise mundane outfit. Looking for the next thing in jewelry? Bored of simple long pendant necklaces or the basic bib necklaces? Me too. Jump on the rad train and try a lariat.  

  On my body MOCK NECK: this trend was heavy during the midst of winter, with sweaters, jackets, and layering tops. However, there’s no need to leave this trend behind when the seasons change. Try a simple ribbed mock neck tank with distressed denim shorts and a gladiator sandal. Want to wear this trend in a more formal way? There are some fabulous cocktail dresses with this neckline in all fits: shift, fit & flare, drop waist. Try a mock neck when layering under vests or kimonos in the spring, or while it’s still chilly, under your favorite leather leather jacket or oversized sweater.  

 

Fringe is my third favorite “F” word

Fashion is number one and I’ll let you all use your creative license on figuring out the second. Keeping the blog PG over here…

Well, Friday isn’t in the top three, but it comes in a close fourth. We shot this post’s outfit on Friday afternoon at the NC Art Musuem at a fairly new exhibit overlooking the pond. Carl, being the creative genius he is, scouted out the spot and we took it from there.

This post features a stunning Italian leather and cowhide tote made by my ever-talented and always on point photographer. Wait, so you can take super rad photos, you’re really trendy, and you can make stellar, one of a kind handbags??? I’m not saying I have one of the coolest best friends ever, but wait, yes; I have one of the coolest best friends ever.

• High-low top, slip, fringe booties, brallette, bangle, and ring: fab’rik Raleigh
• T-drop necklace: Lightyears
• Tote bag: Carl Wilkins
• Sunnies: Charlotte Russe
• Photography: Carl Wilkins

For any inquiries about custom handbags from Carl Wilkins, please email me for his contact information.

As always, babes…

A snake preview into Fall

Ready for a sssnake peak into my fall wardrobe? Punny, right? Ha ha.

So with my favorite season just around the corner, I’ve been itching for some pre-fall and transition pieces to start wearing. Although it’s still hot as all get out, any time I can throw on a light jacket, I get super pumped to pull this dark rust number out of the closet.

Let me just tell you about the Meremaid fall color palette: olive, black, oxblood, charcoal, and rust. Oh and there’s the Pantone color of the year, Marsala, which is what I would expect if oxblood and deep purple had a baby. Any and all of these colors are my friends and you can expect to see them on the blog quite a bit this fall.

We just happened upon this location after exploring Glenwood South and going into Ornamentea. This wall was right outside of the store and immediately we knew we found the money spot.

• Jacket: H&M
• Burnout tee: fab’rik
• Distressed boyfriend shorts: fab’rik
• Crisp Cross Bralettes: fab’rik
• Suede Oxfords: DSW
• Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff
• Snake Skin Cuff: Good Girl Studios
• Makeup: Lisa Munn for Chanel
• Photography: Carl Lee Wilkins

Get ready for fall, ya’ll and as always…

olive juice

Do you remember doing that? Mouthing “olive juice” and it totally looked like you were saying “I love you”? If you don’t, I’m not sure what else you missed out on during middle school… Clearly I was in the know.

All jokes aside, I do love the color olive. Lately I’ve been craving it to the point where I now own 3 new pieces in the exact same color that I’ve attained in the past couple of weeks. As summer approaches I think I’m wanting it to bring out any olive I have in my poor, un-tanned skin tone. Plus, the color is amazing with black, gold, or silver… all of which I love.

In this outfit I’m wearing my favorite new summer dress from Urban Outfitters, this olive, high-neck jersey swing dress. It’s unbelievably comfortable and super flattering on most any figure. My fringe kimono is an oldie but goodie from Forever 21, along with my killer gold detailed hat and mixed metal bangle. Leave it to fab’rik Raleigh to accessorize me with fabulous rings and my Fabulina Designs long arrowhead necklace. I wrapped it twice to make it into a choker that I layered with my engraved bar necklace from Etsy. Now for my kicks… these beauties are calf hair Dolce Vita heels that I snagged from Belk on sale recently. We’re in love and that’s it, period. My purse is from the same thrift shop as the little white babe from my last post. Photography: Carl Wilkins Jr.

I hope you all enjoy the sweet pics, and as always…

there’s a first time for everything

Hello, blogosphere!

My name is Meredith and I am so happy to see you have stumbled across my blog! Here I am, about to publish my first post and I find myself pretty nervous. Bear with me as I figure out the ropes. But hey, like this oh so cliche-titled post says, there’s a first time for everything. After thinking about style blogging for a few years, I feel like I’m finally in a place in my life where I can throw myself into it and go all out. When I started my job at fab’rik Raleigh as a personal stylist, something was sparked inside of me that has been growing and evolving over the past six months. After following countless, amazing fashion bloggers on Instagram, I realized that I wanted to do what they do and make people appreciate them like I do.

Of course I’m all about being a little bit different, so after my first photography experience with my good friend Carl, I realized what it was that I wanted to bring to the table that I didn’t see everyday with style bloggers. Rather than having just great pictures of my outfits, I aim for my pictures to have a creative edge that make each post an artistic collection of photos. I would never have figured this out without Carl and that’s why this first post is dedicated to him. Here’s to my amazing, creative, panda bear of a friend. May our journey into photography and style be not only a success, but a great adventure.

For my first post, I wanted to keep my outfit simple but keep the essence of me. This is one of my “go-to’s” when I don’t have much time but want to be confident in my look. I love anything boho and I think you’ll feel that vibe when you see these photos. Rarely will you catch me in something fitted; your girl loves a flowy top or babydoll dress. Fashion over function rarely applies to me. There are a few pieces I will make an exception for, but this outfit exudes comfortable-cute. I hope you all enjoy!

Photos by Carl Wilkins Jr., Location: Farmers Market, Raleigh. Tank is Freeloader from fab’rik: current obsession. Boyfriend jeans are Blank NYC from fab’rik. Shoes are Dolce Vita. Hat was a splurge from Anthropologie; we fell in love, and it had to come home with me. Necklace is Fabulina Designs (expect a future post on this designer out of Atlanta who I adore!). Purse is Steve Madden. Rings are Goldenstella from fab’rik. Sunnies are Charlotte Russe.

@themeremaid

@themeremaid

@themeremaid

@themeremaid

@themeremaid

@themeremaid

@themeremaid

@themeremaid

@themeremaid