Introducing Merce & Me's Necessities.......and Clara!

Merce & Me Necessities Navy Clara
Whim and Wander mary janes
Upper Looper Back to School dress
©merce&me necessities

If you haven't already heard Merce, the entire family and I have super exciting news!  Our online boutique will open very soon at www.merceandme.com!  We are starting small, offering a variety of Fall-tastic colors in sizes up to shoe size 3 youth! I can't even begin to explain my excitement over this! It's been months in the making. I've learned ALOT, sprouted a gray hair or two, and had the honor of being supported and mentored by two of the most amazing ladies I've ever met.....they know who they are, I won't call them out here. 😉

So let's all meet Clara! Clara is a beautiful cotton blend knee high sock with a fun scallop trim that is sure to bring sweetness to any ensemble...and will be coming in a couple uniform friendly colors like navy blue (shown above) and white! 

merce & me necessities White Clara sock
Manuela de Juan Robinne shoes in Yellow from Persnickety
Adorable Essentials dress
©merce&me necessities

Let's pause for a minute and take a look at this dress though.  It's gorgeous. Nice and light material for hot weather (still sweating here in Oklahoma), and a flowy skirt that twirls easily.  It features a nice size flutter sleeve, and ties in the back to adjust fit, but Merce is wearing a size 4-6y at 49", 52#...so that makes me believe it runs a bit big.  I originally tried to cart the size 6-8y, but we were on vacation and I was late to the party. #cartfail .  But apparently the carting Gods knew what they were doing because this size was a perfect fit! And of course, I feel like the socks and shoes just make the entire look.

merce & me necessities White Clara sock
Manuela de Juan Robinne shoes in Yellow from Persnickety
Adorable Essentials dress
©merce&me necessities

Anyhow, back to M&M Necessities......in addition to navy and white Clara's we will also be offering this gorgeous Crimson color....if you are a Pokes fan, I apologize-, feel free to call it 'maroon'.

Maddy James Clothing top and shorts
merce & me necessities Crimson Clara sock
Joyfolie shoes
©merce&me necessities

I just love these colors together! The green tweed and crimson socks are a fall and Christmas season match made in Heaven. But check out the color and detail in the Claras!

merce & me necessities Crimson Clara sock
Joyfolie shoes
©merce&me necessities

So now you've seen three of our colors that will be coming soon....but that's not even half of them! And because I like things even, let's see a fourth. 

Olive Mae dress
merce & me essentials Cream Clara socks
Mikoleon boots
©merce&me essentials

Cream! Can't have Crimson without Cream here in Oklahoma!  And just because I love a pretty dress, let's look at the rest of this outfit.

Olive Mae dress
merce & me essentials Cream Clara socks
Mikoleon boots
©merce&me essentials

For us, this is a total win.  Fun print dress (with pockets!), pretty socks and a comfortable, unexpected, fun shoe. Or boot in this case.  The dress is still available on the Olive Mae website (link in caption) Full disclosure, Merce is a brand ambassador for Olive Mae, and it's a perfect fit!

Back to Clara....cream is going to be one of those classic colors that will stick around all year. We will have a few colors that stick around, but then some will come and go with the seasons.  So if you see a color you like, you better grab before it's gone until next year!

So far, everyone has been so very supportive of our new endeavor. We are so very grateful for the support and assistance. We will be opening a brand rep search very soon on the facebook page! If you aren't already on it, you can join here.  I can't wait to show you all of the colors coming for Fall.  And will......soonish. 😉

Dressed to the Nines....in living color.

Hannah Bonanza is in full swing over at Nelly Madison Clothing Co. And we are on the downhill slide for sure. Number nine is coming very very soon! But you're not just seeing #9 here are you? Nope,  you get a bonus view!  But does that mean the ivory dress is #10? Maybe it's #11? Maybe it's #12 or 13? Only time will tell on that one because you know I won't. 😉

I have said this at least 100 times in the last year, but I'll say it again. Hannah dress styles are the most versatile out there. So easy to layer, and comfy enough to wear on its own when it's scorching hot . It is so easy to dress up or down just by changing shoes and hairstyle. You can make a Hannah dress appropriate for any occasion. 

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Hannah dresses
Trish Scully Boots (left)
Yo Kids gladiators (right)
©merce&me photography

Styling for these two is a piece of cake. Ivory obviously is a cinch. Throw a colorful shoe in there, or a neutral like Merce is wearing here with these Trish Scully boots. I can't think of a color that wouldn't work with this dress!  Merce wore Riverside blooms under there, but you could do any solid color to coordinate with your shoe choices. Now the pink floral dress......it's easy to style as well.  Any neutral will work just fine, and there's even a bit of a goldish tone in it....if you have the gold glitter Joyfolie gladiators those would be so fun!  A is wearing adorable white gladiators with bows on the front from Yo Kids, purchased on Zulily. For blooms, cupcake and riverside blooms both are a perfect match.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co Hannah dresses
Trish Scully Boots (left)
Yo Kids gladiators (right)
©merce&me photography

A's gladiators are so cute! I love the bows and now wish I would have bought them when they were on Zulily....but then again everything is adorable on A. She could sell me a paper sack.  I was truly blessed to be able to photograph this gorgeous free spirited little girl. The Hannah she is wearing looks like it was made for her!  So now, it's probably time to stalk for this dress....maybe. If you aren't familiar with Nelly Madison, here's the link to the website....you might need it soon.  www.nellymadisonclothing.com

P.S. IF it were to load, it would probably have a one per transaction cart limit. 😏

Dressed to the Nines

Ahhhh, I'm so happy to be back to blogging! We took a wonderful family vacation to the mountains where there was.......NO INTERNET. 😨 And while it was refreshing and full of lots of good ol' fashioned family fun, I think we are all happy to be home.  Merce will tell you the highlight of the trip for her was the hot tub at the cabin......but I think that was a close second to meeting a beautiful little Nelly! Not only did they get to meet, but they also got all dressed up.  And the result was just amazing.

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Hannah dresses coming soon
Trish Scully Boots (left)
©merce&me photography

Aren't they sweet!  They are both wearing a size 5 Hannah dress. Merce is 52#, 49", and A is right around there as well, just a little lighter in the weight.   What are the names of these Hannahs? Well you'll have to wait to see! They are both coming "soon"..  Let's take another look shall we?

Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Hannah dresses coming soon
Trish Scully Boots (left)
©merce&me photography

Simply gorgeous, even in black and white! I can't wait for you to see them in color....perhaps you should tune in tomorrow? 😍

Layering 101--According to Merce

We live in the midwest, and had this AMAZING idea to create Fall pairings today.....and shoot them outside in the 97 degree heat. In our defense, it was cloudy up until we stepped outside. And then the clouds cleared and sun shone something fierce....and of course the wind decided to try to cool us off by blowing something fierce. So just ignore the wind blown hair. 😒

Vierra Rose Sweater
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Blushing Lilac Hannah dress
Joyfolie gray stripe socks
Old Soles Buckle Up Mumba Booties from Just Shoes for Kids

For us, layering just about everything is more about layering OVER instead of under. Yes, long sleeve icing shirts have a purpose, just a very limited purpose for in our house.  We love that we can take a dress, throw a sweater or a cardigan over it, and it looks just like a skirt. And Merce would much rather have a sweater on over something, than a layering shirt underneath. The Hannah style dresses from Nelly Madison Clothing Co are absolutely amazing for this! They retail from the mid to high $50s to the mid $60s, and worth every single penny.  She's 49", 52# and wearing a size 5 dress. Layering like this re-purposes the dress, giving it endless looks.  This can work for any dress, even long sleeve dresses. If it were a long sleeve we'd probably throw a short sleeve sweater over it.

We put this together and I asked Merce why she liked it together. She said "I like the dark with the light because it makes it look lighter and pretty," which is exactly why I like it! The contrast is amazing. Taking something that was once light and delicate looking and pairing with something of a different genre just transforms it. 

Vierra Rose Sweater
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Blushing Lilac Hannah dress
Joyfolie gray stripe socks
Old Soles Buckle Up Mumba Booties from Just Shoes for Kids

I look forward to nixing the socks and replacing them with some 'destroyed' skinnies, probably from H&M...they have the best fit.  Or Old Navy Ballerina jeggings and I'll destroy them myself. But I couldn't torture her with tight jeans and a sweater in the sauna outside. Of course I'll keep the same boots with the skinnies. Those boots.  Man I love shoes. SO MUCH.  These booties are Old Soles. I purchased them online from Just Shoes for Kids. I have their website bookmarked because they have shoes I don't see anywhere else! And there always seems to be a sale going on. These Old Soles were regularly $84 but I got them on sale for $49.

Vierra Rose Sweater
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Blushing Lilac Hannah dress
Joyfolie gray stripe socks
Old Soles Buckle Up Mumba Booties from Just Shoes for Kids

The sweater we purchased from someone on BST. I'm not sure where they got it, but it's nice and thick and very well made.  It's also an 8y, so I'm guessing it runs small. The socks though, those are nice, soft, and thin.  They are also very tall! They are all sorts of scrunched up in her boots to get them the height we wanted. Otherwise they would have gone up to her hips. They are from Joyfolie and of course we bought those on sale too, last season.  I love a good sale, we buy lots at end of season sales, and always find a use for everything! It helps keep costs way down, and her accessory options endless.

Vierra Rose Sweater
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Blushing Lilac Hannah dress
Joyfolie gray stripe socks
Old Soles Buckle Up Mumba Booties from Just Shoes for Kids

Layering over is a new thing for us.  We've done it with a few other dresses as well. Here's a couple examples....and with Nelly's Hannah Bonanza we have lots of Hannah ammunition for layering already, and some to come still.

These are all from last year. Look how young she looks. 😭 You can see several of the pieces used multiple times, but in very different ways giving everything a unique look.

Matilda Jane Reese Sweater and socks
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Magical Summer dress
Gymboree boots

Old Navy cardigan and skinnies
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Riverside Shade dress
Melissa shoes
Joyfolie aviators

Matilda Jane Reese sweater
Nelly Madison Blue Belle Katie dress
H&M skinnies & guitar purse
Bear Paws chukkas

Old Navy cardigan Nelly Madison Clothing Co Blue Belle Katie dress
Unknown pants....it was over a year ago, give me a break.
Target shoes

Old Navy cardigan and boys chinos
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Riverside Shade dress
Doc Marten boots
Joyfolie aviators

I don't believe dresses can only be worn in the summer. There's a place for them in Fall and Winter as well! 💗

Back to School---with a (dot.dot.) Smile

Dot Dot Smile Blue Floral Dress
Manuela de Juan Diana Lemon Odessa Oxford Shoe
©merce&me photography

So one day as I was scrolling through Facebook I see this notification pop up....saying I was invited to join a new group "Dot Dot Smile Tennessee Twirl" (I went ahead and linked that for you, you're welcome). Now this happens several times a day, I'm added to some BST group, or some new boutique or chat page, so I didn't pay much attention honestly.  Fast forward a week and I, once again, was scrolling through and saw this beautiful floral print on a dress in a size 5/6. I figured it was BST fate, seeing how it had red, white and blue tones in a floral twirly looking dress. I claimed it, paid the uber-reasonable $32 + shipping, and four days later it was in our mailbox. I opened it and Merce squealed. It was so soft! She tried it on, attempted to sleep in it but was denied, and we planned pictures for the next day. She didn't even argue.

This Dot Dot Smile company operates similarly to LuLaRoe, their Merchandisers receives boxes of goodies with no idea what prints are in it. You purchase through the Merchandiser in person or online through an event or group, and guess what?! MADE IN THE USA! Now, because you never know what the Merchandisers are going to receive (and neither do they) I would think it would be logical to have a main Merchandiser and then maybe a side chick or two in case you are searching for a specific print.

Merce is wearing a size 5/6 in the Classic Cap sleeve style. She is now measuring 49" and 52#, wearing the 5/6 with little growing room and what I call a perfect fit.  You can see length is good, and the cap sleeves should make this completely school dress code friendly.  She did her usual twirling and running and climbing throughout our 'shoot' and was free to move as she pleased in the dress. It was not restricting at all, and the fabric seems rather durable. I love that there's going to be so many ways to style this...cardigan and dress shoes, jean jacket and boots, black leather jacket and some chucks might be at the top of the list to try when it gets cooler. Sorry, there was no layering in this shoot, it was 97 degrees at 7:30pm.

Dot Dot Smile Blue Floral Dress
Manuela de Juan Diana Lemon Odessa Oxford Shoe
©merce&me photography

These dresses are super twirly, so I would recommend wearing something underneath. We chose Nelly Madison Clothing Co. Birthday Cupcake bloomies.  I hear there will be some Dot Dot Smile leggings coming out soon though for cooler weather!

Dot Dot Smile Blue Floral Dress
Manuela de Juan Diana Lemon Odessa Oxford Shoe
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Birthday Cupcake Bloomies
©merce&me photography

Now let's get to the shoes. Her choice. We went to the shoe closet (yes it's a real thing, it's where we keep the "picture shoes") and she chose the shiny yellow shoes. Good choice Merce! They are Manuela de Juan, and I feel like they run tts. She's wearing a 32/1 with some toe room. She can also wear a 31/13.5 with no growing room but no crunched toes either. Look at these amazingly beautiful details.

Manuela de Juan Diana Lemon Odessa Oxford Shoe
©merce&me photography

Don't judge our shoe tying abilities. She insists she's a big girl and ties them herself. I'm not going to undermine her and re-do it. Besides, she ties just as good as or better than I could. ;)  I had never seen these particular Manuela's before, but found them at Just Shoes for Kids when they were having an AMAZING sale. I think they were marked down to $40 or less. And shipping was really fast too.  The owner is very sweet and personable as well. So the amazing prices, fast shipping and amazing customer service may have lead to multiple purchases and an overflowing shoe closet. 

And now I just leave you with more pictures.  I bet you have a Dot Dot Smile Merchandiser near you, if not--I've linked you to one a few times in the last couple minutes. 😂 

Disclaimer:  I receive no kick-back whatsoever from this. I purchased the dress at retail price and the shoes on sale.  Merce is not a rep for either company, and I have no close ties with the DDS Merchandiser.  Just my honest opinion. 💗

Dot Dot Smile Blue Floral Dress
Manuela de Juan Diana Lemon Odessa Oxford Shoe
©merce&me photography

Dot Dot Smile Blue Floral Dress
Manuela de Juan Diana Lemon Odessa Oxford Shoe
©merce&me photography

Dot Dot Smile Blue Floral Dress
Manuela de Juan Diana Lemon Odessa Oxford Shoe
©merce&me photography

Back to School--Nelly Style

The 2017-2018 school year gets closer and closer every day....thankfully! For us, Nelly Madison's Hannah style dress is the most versatile piece of clothing in her closet. It's so easy to wear, and to dress up or down.  This look is one of my favorites....so classic and preppy. And  yes, I would totally send her to school in this.

Zara Blazer with Metallic Buttons
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Fairfield Flowers Hannah dress
Zuzii Oxford in Haze
©merce&me photography

I just recently discovered Zara. I know, that's pretty sad. We live in a rural area with very little shopping choices, so the internet is definitely my best shopping buddy, besides Merce here, but the internet whines less. 😂  You can imagine my excitement when I scored this button front blazer for $29.99! I wasn't sure on sizing so I guessed a 6 and while the fit is good, I will be ordering a 7 today. The sleeves were short, I had planned on rolling them anyway but due to the sleeve length it was also a necessity. It has two functional pockets and a fun bright silver button. And it's 100% cotton, which means it's going to clean easy! This will be a staple piece this fall with dresses, skirts, and skinnies for sure.

The Nelly Madison Fairview Floral Hannah has been blogged about already, at the beginning of Hannah Bonanza, but the colors are so gorgeous and easy to pair so it was an easy choice for this blazer.  Merce is now 49" and 52#, and wearing a size 5 as usual.  We can add some length by tying it looser or tighter to take some length away. This dress has tones of turquoise, gray and peach in it along with the white. I think it would be harder to find something it didn't match, than something it did. Hannah's run anywhere from upper $50s to mid $60s in price range.  Totally worth it considering the grow with your kiddo, changing from a dress to a tunic when they grow.  And let's face it, even without that versatility in styling, the retail value would totally be worth it...and more!

For me, the key to styling a Hannah, is to layer over, not under.  You'll see more in the future about layering Hannah's, but here's a hint.....throw a sweater over the Hannah and it will take on the look of a ruffly skirt! Pair with some chucks, throw some blooms underneath (or cartwheel shorts) and she's even PE day ready!

Zara Blazer with Metallic Buttons
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Fairfield Flowers Hannah dress
Zuzii Oxford in Haze
©merce&me photography

Her shoes.  Man I love shoes. These are American made Zuzii shoes from California. It took 2-3 weeks for shipment, but being handmade, I don't mind at all. They are gorgeous and soft and flexible. And seem to be TTS for us. I just love them. Merce said it was like wearing another sock! 

Socks:  I'm pretty sure they are Cat and Jack from Target. I love me some Cat and Jack, now if Target could just get it's stuff together and open a store near me, I'd be so happy!

Bow:  I can't remember. I know that's bad, I am about 95% sure it's from Two Belle's Boutique, but I don't see it in my order history...and I think I bought it at least a year ago.

And one more picture, because I love it. Stay tuned for more and more back to school outfit ideas! 

Zara Blazer with Metallic Buttons
Nelly Madison Clothing Co Fairfield Flowers Hannah dress
Zuzii Oxford in Haze
©merce&me photography

Back to School, 1.0

It's July, time to start thinking about sending the kids back to school! Here school will start in just over 5 weeks.....and they've been out since early May. This has been my first summer staying at home with the three kids......it's been a long couple months, and I'd be lying if I said I was just now starting to think about sending them back to school! God bless teachers everywhere....they have my utmost respect and I will shower them with teacher appreciation gifts without hesitation.

Adorable Essentials Addison's Wonderland Mint to Be Tunic
Next Direct White Rip Knee Skinny Jeans
Jellypop Frolic shoe
©merce&me photography

So here were are, starting the first of many Back to School entries. This entire outfit was inspired by the shoes.  Look at those shoes. 💖 Merce and I headed to Ross Dress for Less to look for Chucks...that's our go-to place for cheap Chucks, but you have to catch them at the right time.  Well no chucks, but we saw these and Merce flipped her 6 year old lid over them right there in the store. I couldn't say no to them, and they were only $15.99. The brand is JellyPop Girls and the name of the shoe is "Frolic". I have searched all over the interwebs and found none. :( Maybe other Ross stores will have some, or you can easily find something like them!   If you do happen to find a pair, they run tts. She is wearing a 1, and has a size 1 boat.

Next Direct White Rip Knee Skinny Jeans

JellyPop Frolic Shoe

©merce&me photography 

Let's chat about what you can easily find!  Merce is wearing a sz 6 Mint to Be Tunic from Adorable Essentials Addison's Wonderland collection (she's still 48.5" an 50#). If this sounds familiar it's because I already talked about another piece from that collection in "A Wonderful Wonderland". The tunic is all knit, and a nice thick knit! The kind that will hold up to laundering and probably not need an iron. No iron is a win in my house.  And it only cost me $22.88; AE offers free shipping! 

Adorable Essentials Addison's Wonderland Mint to Be Tunic

Next Direct White Rip Knee Skinny Jeans

©merce&me photography

The colors are gorgeous. The top is a seaweed color, with mint, peach and white in the print.  It also has functioning pockets, perfect for hiding treasures! Or rocks.  Merce collects rocks and I find them in the dryer every.single.time. The back has three buttons that are covered in the same beautiful mint floral knit, I had to go for an action shot on this one so her hair wasn't in the way. I love the buttons, they are a fun little accent.

Adorable Essentials Addison's Wonderland Mint to Be Tunic

Next Direct White Rip Knee Skinny Jeans

©merce&me photography

The jeans are from Next Direct. If you haven't checked that site out, you really should! They have the cutest shoes and some great pieces you don't see everywhere.  I bought these back in March of this year, and they were only $20! She's wearing a US sz 6, make sure you check the size charts but everything is pretty clear and easy to follow.  They come from somewhere in Europe but shipping was really fast. I couldn't believe how fast it was.... makes me wonder why other places take 2 weeks to get here, but the Europeans get stuff here in just a few days.  Anywho, let's just look at another picture of this cute little outfit. 

Adorable Essentials Addison's Wonderland Mint to Be Tunic

Next Direct White Rip Knee Skinny Jeans

Jellypop Frolic shoe

©merce&me photography

Now maybe white jeans isn't your thing...I don't blame you there.  A dark denim could be substituted just fine. Or icings in peach, white or seaweed. This can easily be adapted to suite a wide range of ages...just change out the shoe to something age-appropriate and your beauty will be ready to tackle the school day!   Best part? This entire outfit was less than $60, and gives you three versatile pieces that you can mix and match in her closet. 💗