Casting Shadows

Every year I try to find a quote to guide my life through the next, and this one by Walt Whitman jumped out and slapped me in the face. No need to look any farther, this one is a winner. 

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine--and shadows will fall behind you."

Walt Whitman

2017 has been an AMAZING year. Seriously. So many things have happened personally and professionally, that have shaped our lives and made my friends and family closer and stronger. There's always bad out there, but I vow to treat the bad like the past, turn my face away and let the shadows fall behind me.  

But before I turn toward the sunshine, I want to pay homage to 2017. All the GOOD of 2017.  

The husband. he has been home with us the majority of the year! Other than typical trainings, and a brief mission in Texas after Hurricane Harvey, we have been blessed with another year with no deployments. Fingers crossed for 2018 too! He has not only supported the huge changes I made this year, but has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. Don't tell him I called him that though.  He didn't bat an eye when I suggested I quit my full time job to stay home with the kids because my work schedule made summers hard for us all.  He didn't flinch when I began talking about Merce & Me Necessities in addition to Merce & Me Photography.  He has given input into product, colors, and helped me streamline the inventory and shipping processes.  He is truly a gift.

Our oldest son turned 15. FIFTEEN. I'm officially old. He has outgrown both of us, and is in the process of restoring a '61 Bel Air. This time next year he will be driving, and I will be curled up in a corner crying. 

The middle child....who tells me frequently "It's haaaaaaaaaarrrrd being the middle child"...keeps us on our toes. He's now 10 and our sports kid.  If we aren't at soccer, baseball, or basketball practices, then we are at games.  It's wonderful and I'm going to miss it someday. 

And Merce. She turned 7. Her personality is getting stronger and her soul is still pure. She requested to go to church this year, so we go.  She loves the children's programs and I'm thankful she is such a determined young girl. She has done nothing but changed our lives for the better, as well as taught us to be much more understanding and patient. 

This wouldn't be a kids fashion blog without some fashion, so let's get to it. My favorites, and Merce's, from 2017. <3 

Winter 2017....Nelly Madison released the Coney Island Carousel Collection. This hand drawn fabric was an amazing shade of bluish-mint, and so beautiful and fun all in one.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Coney Island Carousel Marissa Tunic
NMCC Pink Polly Pants
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

Winter 2017--another favorite! The Nelly Madison Easter Hannah collection. This Violet Bouquet Hannah is still a favorite! her fabulous bunny ears were made by Avry Couture, and her gladiators were Joyfolie.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Violet Bouquet Hannah
Avry Couture Designs Bunny ears
Joyfolie shoes
@Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

Now this is where things get out of order. I lost my hard drive 1st quarter and am missing months worth of photos. :( But this, is an all-time favorite. Nelly Madison's America the Beautiful Hannah dress. it's not so much about the dress, but the moment caught. She loves him so much, and I don't blame her. He's pretty great. She's convinced that she will marry him someday, and I don't want to burst that bubble. So I promised her that when she is 30, if she still wants to marry him, he's all hers.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co America the Beautiful Hannah
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

Mid 2017 we found this gorgeous maxi on instagram from hello Rhoen. It was our first purchase with them, and is one of her favorite dresses of all time. It moves beautifully and, unlike a lot of other maxis, was a great length for her long-legged self!

Hello Rhoen maxi
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

2017 is the year that we went to Colorado for a week as a family. Just to hang out in a cabin in the mountains (with no wifi), go hiking and fishing, and meet up with a "BST friend" for a photo shoot. This little girl with Merce is so beautiful inside and out, and I hope that we can meet up again every year and recreate this shoot.  The dresses are gorg yes, but this memory, is definitely a keeper from 2017. 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Gypsy Pink & Sweet as Sugar Hannahs
Bow Gladiators from Zulily
Boots from Trish Scully
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

When we returned from Colorado it was time for school to start. She went blazing into 1st grade, tackling all the reading and spelling tasks thrown at her. She has amazed us all. This dress from Upper Looper was absolutely perfect for her first day!  Her Adorable Essentials backpack and lunchbox are still holding up strong at mid year, which is more than I can say for her shoes. The mary janes she wore looked perfect with her outfit, but she came home in her PE shoes b/c the sole literally came off her shoe. And her socks, are our own brand--Merce & Me Necessities. They are fabulous, they stay up all day and there's no toe seam complaint.

Upper Looper dress
Adorable Essentials Backpack and Lunch box
Merce & Me Necessities white Clara socks
Sweethoney/Smallwoods mary janes
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

I will be the first to admit I haven't been an Eleanor Rose fan for several years. No offense meant, just nothing I found to suit our style. But I have to say, this Penny Lane Marilyn dress from ER is pretty fabulous. The colors were so vibrant, and Merce felt beautiful in it. Her socks are MMN again, and her shoes were from Payless! She has worn those shoes so many times and they have held up amazing!

Eleanor Rose Penny Lane Marilyn Dress
Merce & Me Necessities blush pink Clara socks
Payless Shoes
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

As fall drew closer, a friend sent us this gorgeous Well Dressed Wolf dress to borrow. And it resulted in one of my favorite pictures of Merce of all time. Her white Clara MMN socks and white SweetHoney Mary Janes (the sole is still intact on these!) just completed the outfit perfectly. 

Well Dressed Wolf dress I can't remember the name of.
Merce & Me Necessities white Clara socks
Sweethoney/Smallwoods white Mary Janes
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

2017 not only brought the start of Merce & Me Necessities, but also a boys boutique line called Sawyer & Finn from an amazing person I met through Madison Grace Clothing.  It's the 'brother' company of Madison Grace and releases boys clothing from infant to older boys that compliment the girls clothing. This is the sage Lulu dress and Nashville Henley coordinated perfectly! Gunner wasn't exactly thrilled to be taking pictures, but Merce's enthusiasm won him over (briefly). The henley is so well made, and is very soft. Gunner has slight tactile issues when it comes to clothing. he can't/won't wear a lot of fabrics, but even he said this shirt was soft and he didn't complain about it! The jeans and shoes, he complained a lot, but not the shirt!

Sawyer & Finn Clothing Henley
Old Navy jeans and shoes on Gunner
Madison Grace Clothing dress
Merce & Me Necessities Gray Clara socks
Joyfolie boots
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

And now, we move towards the end of the year. Two holiday outfits because I can't choose just one, and then I'll leave you all with the last picture I took of 2017, and one of the first releases of 2018!  

This outfit came together perfectly if I do say so myself. She was 6 at the time, and looks like she is much much older. We recreated this look for Christmas Eve service, with a couple sizes up in the skirt. She's wearing a size 4t in this picture. A very very sweet person expressed interest in the skirt, and so we mailed it off to her. We were able to find a 6 on Ebay, it was a little big, but she'll be able to wear it next year too!

Jak & Peppar lace shirt
Gymboree skirt
MMN Holiday Green Clara socks
Elephantito boots
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

Another favorite Holiday outfit picture involves a Nelly Madison turquoise Gretta shirt, Matilda Jane knot dress, Holiday Green Clara socks again, and red Livie & Luca red bow shoes. It was a last minute decision to try to shoot and the sun was going down quickly with a gorgeous red glow reflecting off the trees. One day I'll have a studio and this will hang in it. not because it's technically perfect, but because it is beautiful and makes me happy. Isn't that the point of art? To evoke emotions? 💗

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Gretta shirt
Matilda Jane knot dress
MMN Holiday Green Clara socks
Livie & luca red bow shoes
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

And now, the last shoot of 2017....Valentine's Day for Nelly Madison Clothing Co. This dress is called Candy Stripe Verna, and it releases Tuesday 1/2/18 at 10:00 am EST on their website: www.nellymadisonclothing.com.  Merce is currently 50", 53# and is wearing a size 6 with little growing room. We feel it fits her perfectly. Nelly designs are deliciously vintage, so if you do not prefer a short, vintage length, size up! They also have several bloomie and dollie options for layering under the dresses right now on their site!

Her lace capris are from Adorable Essentials (size 6-8y), her boots are Sweethoney/Smallwoods, bow is a Bestie Bow from Merce & Me Necessities, and her necklace/bracelets are from Calista & Co. She styled this herself, head to toe. I couldn't be more proud!

Merce & Me Necessities Ballerina Pink Bestie Bow
Calista & Co magical necklace and bracelets
Nelly madison Clothing Co Candy Stripe Verna Dress
Adorable Essentials lace capris
Sweethoney boots
©Merce&Me, LLC 2017/2018

That completes our favorite looks of 2017! I'm looking forward to 2018, we've already shot several styles that I cannot wait to share! And I'm taking Mr. Whitman's advice to heart. I'm looking forward, casting shadows on all those that choose not to take this journey with us. No longer allowing others to effect us, and to move forward and be happy.  There are major changes coming to Merce & Me Necessities this year, along with the plan of bi-monthly blog posts, and new brands to try out and follow.  From my family to yours, Happy New Year! May you always face the sunshine and bask in it's warmth and positivity.

Pie Baking and Turkey Eating

 it's about that time. Halloween is next week, and then we start focusing on our families and friends gathering around a table giving thanks for one another and the blessings in our lives. And now thanks to Nelly Madison, Merce has the perfect dress for Thanksgiving dinner festivities. And as you can see, she's pretty excited about it.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Pie Baking Contest Josephine Dress
Merce & Me Necessities White Clara socks
Joyfolie Boots
©Merce&Me 2017

Pie Baking Contest is a knit topped dress, with tiers of woven fabric that twirl fabulously. The knit is lined so it's thick and soft and durable. And from a photog's standpoint, all knit should be lined! It eliminates a lot of editing. ;) 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Pie Baking Contest Josephine Dress
Merce & Me Necessities White Clara socks
Joyfolie Boots
©Merce&Me 2017

Just look at that gorgeous skirt! those fabrics coordinate perfectly! and they are a match to a previous release, Orchard Harvest Lydia Dress. Let's see a pic of that one too shall we?

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Orchard Harvest Lydia Dress
Merce & Me Necessities Cream Clara socks
Footmates Burgundy Lydia shoes.
©Merce&Me 2017

These dresses make me wish there was another little Merce running around for all the sister set pictures! But that's not happening. 

Back to Pie Baking Contest.  Merce is wearing a 5. There's not a lot of growing room in it as it's a perfect fit. She also can wear a 6, and if I wanted to put her in one she could wear a 4 as well. Sizing up or down helps to adjust the length of the Josephine and the stretchy super soft knit allows you do switch up sizes too!

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Pie Baking Contest Josephine Dress
Merce & Me Necessities White Clara socks
Joyfolie BootsBows made by Ryiah Stanton
©Merce&Me 2017

You can see the sz 5 hits her right above the knee. A 6 hits her mid-knee. And you can tell the arm of the 5 is perfect. Not too tight and not drooping. That's because the knit is high quality and again, lined. This knit top is going to hold it's shape and can stand up to the weight of the woven tiered skirt! That's been an issue we've experienced with other brand dresses like this, the skirt starts to pull away from the bodice. Not this one!   Notice those cute little bows?! Those are made by Ryiah! She's on the Nelly Madison Clothing Resale Board on facebook and you can order through here there.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Pie Baking Contest Josephine Dress
Merce & Me Necessities White Clara socks
Joyfolie Boots
©Merce&Me 2017

her socks are White Clara socks from Merce & Me Necessities, size Large. They are big on her size 1 foot, but they allow extra length to reach the top of her boots! They stay up, not bunch up under her foot. She loves her socks!

Let's talk layering. I love layering OVER not under. I know I've said that a few times before! But, a close fitting basic tee in white, cream, or mustard would be cute for layering under.  Layering over, we chose a jean jacket. You could also throw on a cute little cardigan or chunky knit cardi in a multitude of colors! 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Pie Baking Contest Josephine Dress
Merce & Me Necessities White Clara socks
Joyfolie Boots
©Merce&Me 2017

Josephine is Merce's favorite Nelly style. And short of Nelly Madison coming out with a maxi dress, I can't think of anything that she would enjoy more! She loves the freedom and movement of the knit, and the twirling goodness of the woven tiered skirt. 

Have you made it all through the blog yet? If so, head on over the Nelly Madison website and get your Pie Baking Contest! I'll even give you the direct link right HERE.

AND need some socks? Use code: NEWBIE to save on your first order at www.merceandme.com!

Merce & Me & Necessities

It's finally here! Merce & Me Necessities is so excited to announce the release of our size Large Clara socks on Thursday October 19, 2017 at 9:00 am CST on www.merceandme.com.  Size large has been a long time coming, we had to create the size of this sock from the toe up! But it's been worth the wait. 

All 8 original colors from our smaller size loads (xs-s-m) will be available, including bundle options! there will be several bundles to choose from, and a limited number of Bundles of all 8 colors!

Before we review colors, let's talk sizing.  These best fit a shoe size 2y+. Size 2 is at the smaller end of the range, and the socks will shrink if you wash and dry them. If you do not want shrinkage, launder "boutique style" (delicate wash and lay flat to dry, reshape as needed). They are very nice and tall, and they are so cute folded over!  

This is the size large on Merce. She wears a size 1-1.5y shoe and they are too big in the footbed (we haven't washed and dried them though). But the length is perfect for her tall boots that go to the knee! Other boot socks just don't give us enough height in these boots. The socks stayed and didn't bunch up under her foot, and she said they were soft and comfortable. 

Upper Looper Peplum
Old Navy Jeans
Merce & Me size large cream Claras
Target boots
©Merce & Me 2017

Now let's take a quick look at all the colors...starting with the most popular color of the smaller sizes  And it's easy to see why. Gorgeous and goes with everything! 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Orchard Harvest Lydia dress
Merce & Me Necessities Cream Clara socks
Burgundy suede Footmates shoes
©merce & me 2017

Steel gray is a classic color for all seasons. It will be especially fun this holiday season to add a fun accent color into our holiday dresses!  And perfect for team colors!

Walmart hat
Primary.com cardigan
Steel Gray Claras
Zara shoes
©Merce & Me 2017

White....I mean what do you say about white? It's perfect with everything, especially this Well Dressed Wolf number that a dear friend let us borrow for pictures. My carting skills just aren't quite up to par anymore. But about this dress. GORGEOUS. She felt beautiful in it, and you can tell. 

Well Dressed Wolf dress
White Clara's
Sweethoney/Smallwoods shoes
©Merce & Me 2017

Navy blue is a classic color sure to match half of your wardrobe! It does appear brighter in real life than in pictures. 

Upper Looper Dress
Navy Blue Claras
Sweethoney/SmallWoods shoes
©Merce & Me 2017

Mustard is my favorite! Not just for Fall, but for all seasons.  And look how perfect they are with this gorgeous new dress from Nelly Madison Clothing! Total perfection!

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Mystical Forest Josephine Dress
Mustard Claras
Livie & Luca Boots
©Merce & Me 2017

It has so many fun matches, and it's not just for dresses, Merce wears her Clara socks folded over and scrunched down too!

Joyfolie Sunglasses
Old Navy Tank top
Jeans from BHip Kids
Mustard Claras
Mikoleon boots
©Merce & Me 2017

Crimson has been a hot selling color this fall, and I can see why! Perfect for Everyday outfits, and special Holiday dresses too!

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Peace on Earth Dress
Crimson Claras
Joyfolie shoes
©Merce & Me 2017

Halloween is just around the corner, and because our Clara's are always ready-to-ship,  you will have in time for the festivities!  It's not just for Halloween though, black Clara's are one of the most versatile colors we have.

Kpea Halloween Dress
Black Claras
Unknown boots.
©Merce & Me 2017

And last but not least, our Berry Claras. This is such a sweet vibrant color, it's Merce's favorite! 

Olive Mae Clothing dress
Berry Claras
Old Soles from Just Shoes for Kids
©Merce & Me 2017

So that is our release in a nutshell. Don't forget to create an account if you haven't already and sign up for email notifications! Don't worry, we don't send a ton of emails, only when there's something important going on, like a release date, new product, or coupon code! Speaking of new products, hang on to your hats, this winter and spring is going to be amazing! And not just socks.....we didn't name it "Necessities" to just sell socks! ;)

Thursday 

October 19, 2017

9:00 AM CST 

www.merceandme.com

Wild for Wanderlust

Guess what time it is?! Yep. Nelly Madison Clothing Co.'s Preorder! Wildflower Wanderlust preorder will open at 10:00 am EST on October 10, 2017, & it is limited. Let's discuss that for a second.  We are looking at this small boutique's first Preorder Collection, which will certainly differ from larger mass produced preorders. Limited Preorders happen when there's a limited amount of resources available. It could be limited fabric, limited resources (machines, employees, etc), limited production time, any or all of this = limited preorder.  Nelly Madison is known for their amazing fabric combos, and they didn't disappoint with this seasonless collection!

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Wildflower Wanderlust Collection
 Fairytale Garden Josephine
Enchanted Gossamer Lydia
Mystical Forest Josephine
Day Dreamer Josie
Spellbound Charms Hannah
©merce&me 2017

So let's break this down.  We all know the Hannah style by now right? Hannah Bonanza took over summer 2017 wardrobes in the most beautiful and twirltastic way!

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Spellbound Charms Hannah Dress
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Rose Bloomies
Hummingbirds in September M2M hair piece
©merce&me 2017

The stunning little Miss M is 3 years old, wearing a size 2 Spellbound Charms Hannah dress. She is 39" tall, and weighs 38 lbs.  This Hannah, available in sizes 2-7/8, is running just a touch shorter than others, because the bottom ruffle is shorter.  And see that little touch of rose under her Hannah? Those are Rose Bloomies that loaded last week and there are still some left on the site, as of right now anyway. I don't think they will last long though. 

Miss M's hair pretty is a M2M (made to match) from Hummingbirds in September, you can find them on Facebook right HERE.  It's so pretty! We opted for a clip, but it's also available on a headband.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Spellbound Charms Hannah Dress
Hummingbirds in September M2M hair piece
©merce&me 2017

This is Merce in a size 5 Spellbound Charms Hannah. You can see it's shorter than her usual look. she's also wearing size 5 Wildflower Bloomies with room to grow.

©merce&me 2017

Next we have the Day Dream Josie Tunic! This isn't Baby E's first go round with Nelly Madison Group shots, you might recognize her from the Golden Fields Collection last Fall as well as Coney Island Carousel this past Winter...but she's not much of a baby anymore! 😢 She's growing into a beautiful little girl!

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Day Dreamer Josie Tunic
Nelly Madison Clothing co. Wildflower Bloomies
Livie & Luca Petals
©merce&me 2017

This tunic is adorable, and the bloomies are a perfect match!  Both the tunic and the bloomies come in sizes 12m up to 6. Two year old E is wearing a size 2, and is 39" tall and 39 lbs. The 2 was an amazing fit on her, with some room to grow as well. Merce can wear a size 6 with some room to grow at 49.5" and 52#. Miss E is also wearing size 2 bloomies with room to grow. She could have done a size 18m as well. the bloomies run large, so don't be afraid to size down!

Do you have sisters? This collection is Sister-Set Perfection! Look at these two! 💕 They hit it off from the moment the laid eyes on each other. I can see this being a life-long friendship. 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Day Dream Josie
Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Wildflower Bloomies
Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Spellbound Charms Hannah
Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Rose Bloomies
Livie & Luca Petals
©merce&me 2017

Let's take a second to appreciate a little fall styling for the Spellbound Charms Hannah.... 

This beauty is wearing a fun Fall pairing for the Hannah, with a blazer, skinnies, socks and wedges. This is the size 5 Hannah on a 48", 52#, eight year old. This is my favorite thing about the Hannah style, it grows with your daughter! It is gorgeous as a dress, but so much fun as a tunic! 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Spellbound Charms Hannah
Cat & Jack for Target Blazer
H&M skinny jeans
Merce & Me Necessities Crimson Clara
Wedges from Shoe Dept.
©merce&me 2017

Merce is wearing the Spellbound Charms Hannah in a size 2, over the Coney Island Carousel Greta shirt (size 6), and under a cardigan from Wildflowers Clothing (size 8, runs a full size small). Her jeans are from a local boutique that is also online, bhip kids. And her shoes are from Ross's Dress for Less....they are her favorite "heels", she picked them out, and who am I to squash her little 6 year old style? Merce loved this look, and I might just have to cart myself a size 2 or 3 for her to wear like this! She'll want to wear it all winter! Her hair piece is the same beautiful piece by Hummingbirds in September.

©merce&me 2017

©merce&me 2017

Three pieces down, three to go! Let's look at The Enchanting Gossamer Lydia next.

Merce is now 49.5" and 52 lbs, wearing a size 6 Lydia comfortably.  She can also wear a 7/8 for added length. She has on a size 6 Greta shirt from Nelly Madison's Coney Island Carousel Collection, under the Lydia. The colors in this fabric are amazing. These colors will easily take your little girl from Fall to Spring. You can almost pair any color for layering and warmth.  You can add Nelly Madison's Pollies under for a fun look, or my go-to will be Brooke leggings from Madison Grace Clothing! Merce is wearing Crimson Clara socks from our Merce & Me Necessities, and Calliope boots from Livie and Luca. The boots are our favorite! She has worn them so many times, but they run small, she wears a size 1-1.5, and these size 2s are almost too small.  Underneath that gorgeous lydia, are the Wildflower blooms again. This gorgeous Enchanted Gossamer Lydia will be available in sizes 12m-7/8.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Enchanted Gossamer Lydia
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Greta Shirt
Merce & Me Necessities Crimson Clara Socks
Livie and Luca Calliope boots
©merce&me 2017

Another look at this Lydia.  I'd like to give a shout out to the Oklahoma wind for Merce's hair-do. Her boots here are fabulous. Lace up vintage-looking almost biker boots....I really should copyright that description. The laces tighten or loosen to accommodate different calf sizes! She is wearing a 1y, so I'm going to say they run true to size.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Enchanted Gossamer Lydia
Target Boots
©merce&me 2017

And now, let's talk Josephine. Josephine is Merce's favorite new style, because of the length and twirlability.  First up, is Miss J in Fairy Tale Garden Josephine. 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Fairy Tale Garden Josephine Dress
©merce&me 2017

The colors of this dress just suck me right in.  The fun white printed top, the deep teal next to the cranberry on top of the almost mint colored background with fun flowers.....it's so eyecatching.  Miss J is 4 years old, 32 lbs, and around 42" tall, and wearing a size 2. She typically wears a size 3-4 in clothing. I would call this a perfect fit. She has some room to grow, but not a lot. She easily could size up for a longer length, or down for a shorter length.

Holy Sister Sets! 😍

©merce&me 2017

I would like to interrupt this Josephine discussion, for a bloomie update. We've seen the Wildflower Blooms....but here's a reminder.  

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Wildflower Bloomies
©merce&Me 2017

Well guess what....there are more bloomies coming! They will load to the site at some point after the preorder. One of the other options is the reverse of Wildflower Bloomies....the trim color on these will be the main color on the others! And the main color on these will be the trim on the other.  Maybe they will call them Flowerwild?? 😂

the next pair that will be coming after the preorder, are the what-I-call "cranberry" patterned fabric in the other pieces. 💗

Now back to our last piece of the Wildflower Wanderlust Preorder.....The Mystical Forest Josephine! I love this one. SO MUCH. The pink top and fun colors are perfect for Fall, Winter and back into Spring & Summer! These are so easy to layer with a fun cardigan or sweater, and with all the amazing colors in these fabrics, you are sure to already have something to match!  Y'all have heard that Nelly Madison has increased their size range right??? Well this is the style! Both Josephine Dresses are available in sizes 12m up to 11/12. YES 11/12!! I bet there's some momma's that will be matching their little girls! 

Gorgeous Miss R, is 9 years old, wearing a 9/10 with just a bit of growing room. R is 4'9" (57"), and 80#. And isn't she just the prettiest?! I keep trying to convince her that it's ok for her to date my 9 year old son in 20 years, when they are allowed to date. She's so sweet while rejecting and crushing my dreams. 😂

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Mystical Forest Josephine
©merce&me 2017

So ladies, that is it. All six pieces and two bonus sneaks of blooms to come.  I know what my favorite pieces are, what are yours?! You have a little bit of time to figure it out, remember this loads October 10, 2017 at 10:00 AM EST. That's Eastern Standard Time!

See you in the carting line! ;)

Crazy Cat Lady

Merce loves cats. Like a lot.  So when this dress showed up in the mail, she immediately snatched it and didn't want to let go.

Merce & Me Necessities Navy Skylar Cap
Poppy Whitaker Scat Cat Dress
Merce & me Necessities Black Clara socks
Livie & Luca Gray Calliope Boots
Joyfolie aviator sunglasses
©Merce&Me Necessities 2017

This dress is perfect for fall! The top is a thin knit in vibrant blue and black plaid, and the bottom is woven with fun cats wearing sweaters and some in masks on a pink background.  Let's take a bit of a closer look.

Merce & Me Necessities Navy Skylar Cap
Poppy Whitaker Scat Cat Dress
Merce & me Necessities Black Clara socks
Livie & Luca Gray Calliope Boots
Joyfolie aviator sunglasses
©Merce&Me Necessities 2017

Merce is wearing a size 5 at 49", 52#. She could do a 6 as well, but we feel the fit of the 5 is just right for her. It is long sleeve, and hits her about the top of the wrist when she's holding still. She prefers 3/4 sleeves and pulls her sleeves up if they are to her hands. I don't know why, she's just perfectly quirky like that.

This Scat Cat dress releases tonight, Thursday 9/21/17 at 9:00 pm EST over on www. poppywhitaker.com! It's available in sizes 2-10, and your little cat lover wants this dress, promise! ;) 

Merce & Me Necessities Navy Skylar Cap
Poppy Whitaker Scat Cat Dress
Merce & me Necessities Black Clara socks
Livie & Luca Gray Calliope Boots
©Merce&Me Necessities 2017

The timing of this dress was perfect! We had just received our shipment of Merce & Me Necessities Skylar Caps, and the Navy was her first choice with the dress.  She's also wearing our Clara socks that are restocking too! Skylar and Clara are hitting the website at 10:00 am CST, today 9/21/17! That's not long from now!  Skylar is a nice thick cable knit cap, with a lot of stretch and slouch that will accommodate not only a young child's head, but will stretch for teens and adults as well! The estimated age range for this cap is 3 years +.  Clara is restocking in 8 colors, and there are bundles! Bundles are very limited so act fast there. Sizes are xs, s, m with the larges to come in a couple weeks. 

And her boots, they have made an appearance two blogs in a row. Love them so much we will have to go back for the other color as well! They are Livie & Luca Calliope boots in Gray. They seem to run a bit small, so definitely measure and follow the size chart when you order. Merce typically wears a size 1-1.5, and these are a 2 with not a lot of growing room in them. They are so well made, well worth the $80 price tag.  We will always pay for quality, and LL boots are not only well-made, but also comfortable for Merce. I wish they made these in my size too!

Merce & Me Necessities Navy Skylar Cap
Poppy Whitaker Scat Cat Dress
Merce & me Necessities Black Clara socks
Livie & Luca Gray Calliope Boots
Joyfolie aviator sunglasses
©Merce&Me Necessities 2017

And not to forgot the sunglasses she's wearing...Joyfolie Aviators from a year or two ago.  Another item I love and has made multiple appearances. We got these in a grab bag sale for only $5! Can't beat that at all! 

Today is a big day in the boutique world! Merce & Me Necessities is reloading clara and Skylar caps are making their debut. And Poppy Whitaker is loading this adorable Scat Cat dress! This is the first in their Cat Lady Collection, so don't worry cat lovers...there's more to come! 😉

You'll be Sage with Envy.....

 ....if you miss this dress. This, my friends, is the Sage Lulu from Madison Grace Clothing. It's all knit, super comfy, and this gorgeous shade of sage. This is one of my favorite colors, not only for Merce but for my boys and myself. It's this dusty grayish shade of green that you have to see in person to fully appreciate.

Madison Grace Clothing Sage Lulu
merce & Me Necessities Mustard Clara Socks
Livie & Luca Calliope Boot in Gray
©Merce&Me Photography 2017

This dress will be releasing soon. A date hasn't been announced yet, but I hear it's release will coincide with Sawyer & Finn's inaugural release! They have a boys henley in gray with this same shade of sage accents, in sizes 6m through 11/12! I'm so excited because now one of merce's brothers can easily coordinate, and since the S&F henley is gray and sage, finding a match for her oldest brother is going to be a piece of cake! He can just wear a heather gray polo and outfits are complete. Sawyer & Finn is the brother companion to Madison Grace, and you can find them on madison Grace's website right HERE.

So anyhow, wondering how we got this beautiful dress before the release? Simple. We bought it. 😁 The generous owner of Madison Grace put a cart pass for this dress (and several other items) up on an online auction benefiting the victims of Hurricane Harvey. I love a good auction, and this was for a very worthy cause. So we bid on it, several times. I wanted to win it so bad, I even had proxy bidders lined up. The auction ended the one night a week I am busy, but I have the best of friends that were more than willing to spend my money for me. 😂 I would have had my husband watch it for me, but he was on his way to Texas in a military convoy to offer whatever help they could. I'm very happy that our family was able to provide the very small bit of assistance we could, but there are still families that need help, not only in Texas but now in Florida too.  If you can, donate. Donate your time, your money, your belongings, your prayers. Americans helping Americans is how it should be.

Madison Grace Clothing Sage Lulu
merce & Me Necessities Mustard Clara Socks
Livie & Luca Calliope Boot in Gray
©Merce&Me Photography 2017

Another tangent. I'm pretty bad about that. At least that one was worth it! 😂 So the Sage Lulu runs on the small size of true to size for us.  This is an 8. Merce is a solid size 6, and while she has some room in the 8, it's not as big on her as typical size 8s. The flutter sleeve and hem add fun details to the dress, and I feel like the 8 is a nice length on her. She still wears shorties, but you know.....she's 6. Not quite a lady yet.

Madison Grace Clothing Sage Lulu
merce & Me Necessities Mustard Clara Socks
Livie & Luca Calliope Boot in Gray
©Merce&Me Photography 2017

We did a change of boots and socks with this shoot.  The sage color of the dress is so easy to coordinate. This pair is our Mustard Clara from Merce & Me Necessities.  I love the sage and mustard together! The Clara's are a size medium and she's pushing the size range of that one, size Large will cover shoe size 2+ and will be coming in the 2-3ish weeks.  She's also wearing Gray Calliope boots from Livie & Luca in size 2. They run small, and Merce doesn't have much growing room in these. I'm going to be sad when she can't wear LL boots anymore. They are very well made and comfortable for her, and they look amazing with all types of styles! The boots ran $80 and were purchased off of the LL website. It's worth every penny for us. I will pay for quality and comfort all day long.

Madison Grace Clothing Sage Lulu
merce & Me Necessities White Ivy socksElephanitito Astor boots
©Merce&Me Photography 2017

This styling has her in Merce & Me Necessities newest sock style, Ivy, in white and Elephantito Astor boots.  Ivy is a gorgeous cable knit sock, mid-weight, and will come in some fun and uncommon colors this Winter. How did I get these? Because I own the company! 😁 The boots I purchased last January from Zappos.com. They are a beautiful boot. A little stiff, but they also haven't been worn much at all. I think this is the second time and for pictures only. they run small. Maybe 1/2 size small? I love the vintage look to them, and hope I can find some more before winter really hits! They were $82.99 on zappos. I just wish I had researched sizing before purchasing so I could have sized up!

I'll leave you with this....Merce in a nutshell. We go to shoots and she asks for music. We crank Radio Disney on my dinosaur of an Iphone and she dances/convulses and twirls and leaps. 😂 One of these days I'll record it and figure out how to put a video in here.  

Madison Grace Clothing Sage Lulu
merce & Me Necessities Mustard Clara Socks
Livie & Luca Calliope Boot in Gray
©Merce&Me Photography 2017

I don't have a date on this Sage lulu yet, but if I were you, I'd totally be watching the Madison Grace Facebook page for updates on not only Lulu but also the matching Sawyer & Finn Henley!  I can't wait to see what else releases with them!