White Hot Summer

Good morning, everyone!

I hope everyone is having a lovely 3-day Memorial Day weekend. I just wanted to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Thank you for your service in helping to protect our nation and our lives.

This morning, I thought I'd take some time to blog to get my ideas going for the day before I hit the books. I find writing to be a great way of mental release and relaxation...especially when it is accompanied with hot cup of coffee. Am I right?

Overall, this month has been mentally tough. Life has been pretty busy and stressful, but I am optimistic that I'll get through this hurdle. I guess you could say my mind is on overload right now. With that said, podcasts have really been helping me out a lot lately. My favorite podcast is the NPR Ted Radio Hour. If you haven't checked it out already, I would highly recommend the episodes: "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions", "The Meaning of Work", "Disruptive Leadership", and "Quiet".

ASOS Jumpsuit with Pleated Culotte and Back Detail

On a brighter note, one thing that definitely put a smile on my face this weekend (other than BBQ) was being able to catch up with my family over dinner last night. It was refreshing and much needed. Of course, playing a game or two of tag with the little ones didn't hurt either.

Last evening's outfit was inspired by summer and a little bit of old Hollywood. I've always been a huge fan of classic movies, and this ASOS pleated jumpsuit was definitely giving me Marilyn Monroe meets Katharine Hepburn vibes. The pleated culotte bottom was so dreamy and comfortable, and the minimalist back detail was fit for a Greek goddess. I loved how simple, comfy, and clean the jumpsuit was. It'll be a great and versatile piece to dress up or down in the upcoming warm summer months.

For accessories, I paired the jumpsuit with an old leather woven belt and a straw fedora. For eyewear, I wore a pair of fun,  Giant Vintage "Cobain" inspired sunnies. To finish off the look, I wore a pair of Xhilaration wedges from my closet. 

As much as I'd love to keep going, it's crunch time. I hope that you enjoyed this look, and I can't wait to see your summer style. If you have any questions or want to share your weekend looks, you can find me on Instagram and Twitter @Tran_gerine. 

Until next time, happy styling!

Melissa

In the Business of Preserving Memories

Why do I shoot? The answer is simple. To immortalize fleeting moments. To preserve memories.

How many times have you looked back at an old photo and thought to yourself, "Wow, I can't believe I did that?", or "Wow, what a great/terrible day that was!"

Photography holds a dear place in my heart because of its ability to capture moods, emotions, and minuscle details that would otherwise be forgotten by the human brain. There's something about a photo that has the ability to tug on those heartstrings, or even create a sense of euphoria or nostalgia. 

I love wandering around by myself with my camera. There's something magical about being able to blend in my surroundings and just take everything in. No unwanted attention. Just incognito mode. 

My favorite subjects to shoot in my spare time are landscapes and cityscapes. I enjoy looking at the "big picture", and how things fit in relationship to one another in the grand scheme of things. It's a refreshing perspective to take on, especially when my work life focuses a lot on keeping track of many small details. 

All my photos are taken with love. No monetary motivation. Just out of pure enjoyment. I love finding beauty in the ordinary, and I shoot without inhibition. Some of my favorite photos are the candid ones that I take during my walks. By walks, I mean literally just that; enjoying the moment, and allowing my surroundings unfold around me. If I stumble on something out of the ordinary or striking, I'll capture it. That's not to say that I have my camera out all of the time. I very much enjoy the full immersion of my experiences sans camera.

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What is a hobby that has changed your life or inspired you? I'd love to hear all about it. Feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram or Twitter @Tran_gerine. Talk to you all again soon!

Until next time,

Melissa

Olha Como a Vida é Boa - Lisbon, Portugal

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