Christmas is coming!

Can you believe we are almost to the middle of November already?! I don't know about you all, but Merrily J and I are so excited for Christmas! Sure, we love Thanksgiving too...but Christmas definitely takes the cake. 

Our family has a lot of fun things we do around Christmas. For the last couple years we've picked out a different holiday puzzle to work on together. J is way better at puzzles than me, but it's still fun to hang out, drink wine, and talk about what's on our Christmas lists for hours upon hours.

We also have a tradition with our Mom and oldest merrily sister of baking Christmas cookies right around or after Thanksgiving. Everyone brings their Mixer (except me because I still don't have one, [ahem husband]) and we bake a bunch of different family recipes, wear matching aprons, and laughing until we cry. 

Once Thanksgiving comes, Mom and Dad put up the Christmas tree and we listen to holiday music and decorate together. Then Merrily Mom will usually move the ornaments around after we leave to the places she really wants them. It's okay Mom, we know you do it and we love you for it.

These are just a few traditions we have in our family, what are some traditions your families have? 

p.s. 44 days until Christmas!

xo- R

Exclusive: Merrily Mom Blogs for Us!

To our Merrily readers and followers:

We are so proud to announce this exclusive post from our very own Merrily Mama! Our parents have spent tireless hours over the last few years renovating an old home that they purchased, and have truly rejuvenated not only a beauty of a time gone by, but a place that we both call home.

We love our little small town (if you haven't noticed), and we are so proud to call our little blue house and Gladwin 'home sweet home', and proud of the true love our parents have invested to give us a comfort and a place that not everyone has the pleasure of experiencing. A home that is rich in history, many stories, but most of all, a home that is filled with welcome and a love to all who visit.

Go here if you are interested in learning more about the Gladwin County Historical Society and helping their cause.

Go here to learn about the little town we call home, {Gladwin, Michigan}. 

 

    xoxo

~ j & r

*******************************************

Hi! I am Merrily Mom {Kerri} and unlike my daughters Merrily Jenna and Merrily Raechel, I have no fashion finesse. Only with their help can I put an outfit together!

One passion I do have is all things historic and architectural. Recently, my husband and I purchased a 113-year-old home that really needed some TLC. It was a sight for sore eyes in the neighborhood.  My husband thought I was crazy because we had never taken on that magnitude of a renovation project before.  I ignored his opinion and three years later, we have persevered through the toughest projects and are getting to the fun of making it our home.

We were asked by the Gladwin County Historical Society to showcase our home in the Gladwin County Historical Society Home Tour of 2013. We were hesitant at first, but with some prompting from our neighbors who have encouraged us from the beginning of this crazy endeavor, we agreed!

The tour went better than expected and it was a fantastic time.  The day of the tour, people came to our home on an old double-decker bus with the driver and some of the members of the historical society dressing accurately in the early 20^th century time period when the home was built (1900)!  As the tourists came inside, my job was to narrate some of the original features of the home. This includes:

·      Original windows, windowsills, and casings, along with original wood trim

·      Orignal fireplace

·      Original wooden bakers chest in the dining room featuring adjustable shelving (adjustable shelving not common during that time period)

·      Original wooden staircase banister

 

And many more! We have also discovered some interesting items while renovating the home such as old newspapers and magazines dating back to the early 1900’s, a letter written to an inhabitant of the home that came from a cousin who lived in Waterford, MI. (dated 1914 and even had recipes included for a chocolate cake and frosting).

It was rewarding to open our home for such a worthy cause. All the proceeds were donated to the Historical Museum, so that they can continue to stay open and let citizens that enjoy taking a look back in time enjoy all things nostalgic, such as the old homes that are in our community.

I would like to suggest to everyone to go and see some of the beautiful historic homes and buildings that are being preserved in your own communities, and for a moment in time you will live in the good ole days gone by!

Xoxo

Merrily Mom (Kerri)

Stitch Fix

So if you don't know what Stitch Fix is, I'll tell you a little bit about it. You first have to sign up. You can click here to sign up through my special referral link! Once you are signed up, you will answer a bunch of fun questions about your style and what kind of things you are looking for in your wardrobe. You will also give your sizes and chose a price point for the items you would like to receive as well. Then you can schedule when you would like your box to arrive!

You pay a $20 styling fee when your box is shipped. That $20 serves as a credit towards purchasing something from your box. If you choose to keep everything from your box you get a 25% discount! So you get your box, try everything on, and decide what you like and what you don't. You go online to your account and select the things you are keeping and the things you aren't. They will charge you for what you keep and you send back what you aren't keeping in a pre-paid envelope that they include in the box - HELLO = free shipping! It's such a great way to discover new brands and designers that you wouldn't normally see in your everyday shopping.

This was my 6th "Fix" and it was just as fabulous as my first 5. Here's what I got...

(I apologize for the terrible pictures, I took them quickly at night in really bad lighting)

1// THML Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank $48

2// Peach Love Cream Minerva Geo Print Peplum Blouse $58

3// Denim Blvd Aaron Skinny Jean $58

4// Hourglass Lily Lyra Chevron Print Dress $48

5// Ezra Dantine Striped Skirt $58

I loved almost everything in this fix. The racerback tank was just my style, I love anything peplum, the color of those jeans were to die for, the chevron dress was the most comfortable thing I've put on in a long time, and the skirt was something I wouldn't have picked out but still looked super cute on. The reason I didn't purchase everything is because some of them didn't fit exactly the way I wanted to and I always tell myself I need to love whatever I'm buying. Can you guess what I chose?...

The Kahlo Embroidered Racerback Tank! It's perfect for me! 

XO-R

Merrily Favorites: Patterned Leggings and Bows

R:There is a never ending debate between all the women in the world about leggings.

 I mean seriously, it's been going on for years now. Well, I'm one of those "pro leggings" people. As long as my shirt covers my entire booty, I'm wearing them. They are so comfortable and cute when worn with the right top. I understand that some women abuse leggings and wear them in ways that should never be seen out of the comfort of their own home...but we're not going to even go there today. 

This Fall I've discovered patterned leggings. They are so cute! Pair them with a solid top, boots and a sweater and its the perfect Fall combo! Target and Forever 21 have tons of cute ones right now! If you don't have a pair or are nervous to try them, just give it a chance! I took a chance on a sweater I wasn't too sure about this week and I absolutely love it. You just never know until you try!!

J: Bows! I have seen this as a fashion accessory twice in the last day, and although I will admit I have never been a big "bow wearer", I am really loving what I see! I'm not talking about your little girl hair bows either, I am talking about some serious big girl bows. 

Enjoy!

Oh, and Tag us on Instagram (@merrilysisters) if you are wearing any of our favorites and we might just regram you!!

XO

J + R

Merrily Favorites: Wall Art and Aztec Inspired Prints

R: Something I've been obsessing over lately is Wall Art.

 There is wall art for literally every holiday/occasion of life. I love it. I've been collecting pieces here and there so that when we finally get a house I will have tons of cute pieces to decorate with. Barn Owl Primitives is one of my very favorites for typography word art. You can find Barn Owl Primitive designs at Target, Homegoods, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Cost Plus World Market. I don't think I'm going to make it through the Christmas holiday without buying one of their signs!!

  

Another great place to find unique wall art is francesca's. They have many different sizes and usually only a few of each kind so it makes it really special.

 

 I'm hoping to create somewhat of a gallery wall in our new home with all the wall art I collect. Can't wait to show you guys!!


J: Aztec inspired prints!
This is EVERYWHERE right now, and especially hot for Fall! Every time I catch a glimpse of an Aztec inspired print, I feel like it's Christmas day for my eyeballs! The colors! The texture! I get excited just thinking about it, and could it be any more  perfect for this lovely time of year? The rich tones and pops of color like orange, yellow, and blue remind me of a vibrant Fall oak tree on a sunny clear sky day!

Two looks that I am loving right now are:::
1. Oversized Tribal Sweater or Aztec Inspired Sweatshirt. With your favorite pair of blue jeans or over a chambray shirt and leggings, this combo is definitely a home run staple for your Fall wardrobe!

2. Aztec Inspired Skirt. Mini or maxi, this look can be very versatile. With a t-shirt and boots or some cozy tights and a sweater, either of these can be worn day or night!

xoxo
J & R

Fall Scarf Wearing

Now that it's officially Fall, I'm so ready to bust out my cute scarves and boots! Pairing a scarf with a light sweater, my favorite jeans, and a lovely pair of brown boots is like some serious Christmas in October for me. Meaning that I pretty much live and breathe that outfit during the Fall season. Since I don't have as many scarves as I wish I did (372618!), I like to tie them differently every once in awhile just to spice things up a little bit. There are so many great scarf tying tutorials out there right now like this one, and also this one if you're looking to learn a new way or two or forty.

I, personally, have four go-to ways of tying my scarves, and they are:::

1// Braided

2// Bow

3// Infinity

4// Loop and Tie (I'm not sure what the real name of this one is, so this is what I'll call it!)

Do you have any favorite ways to tie your scarves? There are some really cool things you can do with a scarf, I just want to learn them all! I'm sure you'll be seeing me in my favorite outfit and a scarf quite a bit this Fall, especially if you're following us on IG! ;)

XO-R

A Wedding Wardrobe Fashion Fix

Tonight I had the great pleasure of hanging out with my amazing other sister {Merrily Jessica} and my sweet, adorable and fun nephew Philip.

 (He's already cool enough to have a nick name at day care; just call him Pip-Pip)!

She is attending the wedding of a high school friend in Savannah, GA in a couple of weeks and she all but literally 

b e g g e d

 me for my help with her wardrobe for the trip.

Just kidding!

 But, she did ask me to help her and I was very obliged and excited and wait until you see what we came up with Merrily's!

I had three tasks: 

1. Find her an outfit for the airplane.

2. Find her an outfit for the rehearsal dinner.

3. Find her an outfit for the wedding.

This was all without, well, any information.

Is the rehearsal dinner formal? [she didn't know]

What will the weather be like? [Hot, but really she didn't know]

Are you invited to the rehearsal dinner? [she didn't know]

Ah well, no worries.
What we came up with, I am swooning over. My sister is so beautiful {inside and out}, and I was honored to help her.

Airplane:
As younger girls, my sister and I used to fly to visit my uncle Mike (who was in the Army) wherever he was stationed. HE taught me that flying does not mean it is acceptable to look like you just rolled out of bed.
[I'm not knocking those people who do opt for comfort on an airplane]
I have just always followed his advice and try to dress what I call as comfortable business casual.


So, with that being said, I chose for Jessica a crisp pair of dark blue jeans cuffed at the bottom
[I cannot stand when jeans are too long, why would you NOT want to show off your shoes?!?]
For the first look, I paired the jeans with a chiffon, very pretty beige color with the lightest of gray polka dots.
Still comfortable and light, but slightly dressy.
I completed the look with a dark purple belt, black flats, and bracelets.

For the second look, we took the same pair of jeans, and again, a dark navy blue chiffon sleeveless top with the prettiest of pearl buttons.
Paired with a scarf, black flats, and bracelets.

For the rehearsal dinner, because she is unsure what the attire or atmosphere is (casual or formal), I chose outfits that fell somewhere in between. 

Both of these, you can change slightly (flat shoe instead of a high heel to be more casual, or add a piece of statement jewelry to dress it up a little).

For the first look, Jessica has this great pleated maxi skirt that I paired with an orange aztec inspired top. I made her tuck the shirt in and wear the skirt sitting at her waist instead of her hips. Try it! It gave her a shape, and enhanced her beautiful shape that she does have! We finished the look off with a great pair of classic black pointed heels. I know if she does not choose this outfit for the rehearsal dinner, she has a bonus outfit that she can wear to the office.

For the second look, I almost died when she pulled out a black and white houndstooth pencil skirt (you all know of my love for pencil skirts). I paired it with a long sleeve chiffon B EA U TIFUL teal top, tucked that baby in and topped it off with her black pointed high heels. OMG!! I am still dying over this, and ALL of these clothes she already had in her closet! 

For the wedding, I chose a beautiful green wrap dress that I found in her closet. It is so flattering on her figure, and again, paired with her classic black heels. Both of these pieces are perfect for a afternoon weekend wedding in the beautiful and historic city of Savannah.

 Jessica had already chosen a modern pattern sheath dress in beautiful shades of purple and blue. Paired with the classic black heels, it looks really sharp and classy on her.

Jessica is going to look FABULOUS at this wedding.

Our sister is so beautiful, and I think she looks amazing. She kept looking at the pictures and commenting that she did not think that was how she really looked [in real life].

She truly has a wonderful soul full of love and patience, and it shows inside and out. I feel blessed to help her feel more confident and beautiful, and see HERSELF how WE all see her. 

Love you sissy! 

{P.S} Some funny moments happened last night after we finished. She asked me to do a mini "ransack session" of her closet and pull out items I thought she should throw away. I wish we had a video of the hilarity that ensued but some examples:

A black sweater [according to her.] I thought it looked more like an oversized doily that she had hanging on a hanger.

A long sleeved (tshirt) that was very...umm...psychadelic. [The 1970's called, they said PLEASE do not give that shirt back]

Two worn out, ribbed [omg] turtlenecks [double omg] that were so raggedy I told her to immediately take them out to our Merrily bro in law Matt to use in his garage. 

All in all, it was a lot of fun and I know she will go to this wedding and rock those outfits!! 

BY THE WAY, one last thing before I go. Did you guys know we offer styling services? Do you have an event or just need assistance with collaborating outfits in your closet? Merrily Raechel and I can help! 

That's all with the wardrobe you already have!! No shopping necessary. 

 Please CONTACT US for more information and pricing.

All my love, 

xoxo

j

Merrily Favorites: Chambray and Ruby Red

R: My Chambray top is becoming a total staple for me these days. 

You can wear chambray with so many different things! Colored denim, pencil skirts, flowy skirts, dresses and leggings are just a few of my favorite things to pair it with. I've seen quite a few different shades of chambray and there hasn't been one I didn't like. As long as your not pairing it with the same color jeans you really can't go wrong. If you don't  have one - seriously get one!

    

                  

J:  Ruby red smackers....as in lips! That's what I am talking about.
PERFECT for the fall season.
There is not a more perfect accessory or {YOU} statement than red lips.
Every time I see a sista rockin em, it warms my heart inside.
Red lips are beautiful, they are bold, and they are daring.
They exude confidence, and I love it.

If you haven't given red lipstick a try, I DARE YOU!
I venture to promise that you will not be disappointed, and neither will your fans.


 Three of my favorite looks:
1. A brighter pink hue
2. Classic Red
3. Deep burgundy


 Happy drooling Merrily's!

 

Want the look? Check out these fabulous reds!

Mac Flat Out Fabulous-$15.00 Coming soon.  {maccosmetics.com}

Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival- $8.79 {CVS}

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Color in Pirate- $34.00 {chanel.com}

Forgive your Fashion Faux Pas, Forgive Yourself

I know that a lot of us have watched those shows on TV that exploit celebrities when they have a less than perfect fashion day and I don’t know about you, but I cringe at those shows. I put myself in that celebrities shoes, because I KNOW that I have had days where my vision was just not syncing with what items I actually had in my closet. Could you imagine being called out every time you had a bad hair day, or wore the wrong pair of shoes (God forbid), or put the wrong color combination together? I would probably never leave my house!

With that said, thank God I do not have the paparazzi following my every move and documenting days of mine where I am not 100% on my game, or even 90% or 80%! I have definitely chosen fashion pieces that (and thank god for my wonderful girlfriends) just did not work for me (If any of my posse is reading this, remember the “shalom” curl??)

The point of my post, [fashion wise], is that YES, we all are going to have times where we do not choose a piece or clothing, or accessory, or hair color, that fits us best and flatters us the most. However, I am here to tell you that it is OK. Because I know that some days when I have questioned a fashion piece and whether is would be a ‘yay’ or a ‘nay’ in the eyes of my critics (or just the general public), sometimes I have been right. My girlfriends will tell me {Ummm, Jenna, not digging this shirt, or untuck the pants from your shoes}. You get the idea. My 70’s inspired high wasted AND pleated white shorts immediately come to mind. I mean, I got them at the thrift shop for $1.50. But I decided to rock them anyway, despite the seemingly horrid mental picture you probably have in your head following my description of them, and I actually got A LOT of compliments.

Sometimes, those risks we take end up being some of our biggest fashion successes. Like an artist who paints beautiful pictures, I look at my clothing choices as my canvas. It is an outward expression of who I am inside, and it helps make me {ME}. So forgive your fashion faux pas, and you know what I say, keep making em! Because you never know, you might surprise yourself and experience some of your best fashion successes.

There is another point to my post though, and I am going to get a little deep here….bear with me! As important as it is that we allow ourselves to have bad fashion days, we also must remember to forgive ourselves for being human. I am talking about mistakes, my merrily readers. We all make them, no one can possibly ever be perfect. [although I claim I am darn near 98%]. I have definitely done things in the past, or said things that I wish I could go back and erase. Some have taken me longer to let go than others. But, I have found ways that work for ME, to forgive myself. Whether it be promising to never do something again (and following it), or some other method, it really is important because when we do not forgive ourselves for our transgressions, the only person that is hurting…well….is US. When we find the grace to forgive ourselves, it is amazing the process that follows. When we practice {grace} with ourselves, it allows us to give others the grace of forgiveness as well.

All I am saying my merrily readers, is forgive your fashion blunders and forgive your blunders in life. We only have one life to live and everyone is going to mess up. Love yourself enough to allow imperfection, because it is what makes you beautiful. One of my favorite quotes says exactly that:

xoxo
j