Dapper Dad

For the man who seems to have it all, choosing a gift for Father's Day can be a bit daunting. Instead of stressing over what your Dad needs this year select something you want him to have! It's your job, after all, to keep him dapper and on board with all things fashionable this year. Surprise him with pieces that standout from his everyday.

Mel Boteri Myke Duffle / Cire Trudon Tobacco and Leather Scented Candle / Uniform Wares 300 Series Chronograph Wristwatch / Versace Tic Tac Tie /  Mel Boteri Croc-Effect Prince Billfold

The Mel Boteri Myke Duffle can carry all of his essentials for work or play. Although he probably never shops for housewares, this Cire Trudon candle will make any man cave smell masculine with its tobacco and leather scent.  A man can never have enough watches, and the cobalt blue arm of this Uniform Wares 300 series will be the coolest among his collection. Keeping with the blue theme, the Mel Boteri Croc-Effect Prince Billfold wallet in dusk blue is an update to an old classic. If you want to play it safe, a tie is the best way to go but keep it on trend with this black and white Versace version.

No matter what you choose for Dad this Father's Day, make sure it's stylish and sleek. Show him how much you love him by keeping him up to par!

Bikini Babe Essentials

Living poolside is a full time job (okay we wish) but it does require some attention to detail.  In order to make your fun in the sun sexy and safe, we asked Mel, founder and creative director of Mel Boteri, for her advice on the 5 essentials to being a bikini babe:

1. GET ACTIVE - Right before I slip into that itty bitty bikini, I like to go for a quick run, or pose through some yoga moves to feel more toned, energized and confident. 

Check out these Bikini-Body Yoga Moves by fitbie

2. HYDRATE - Drink plenty of water to fight the bloat and stay hydrated.

3. PROTECT yourself from the sun! Go for an allover SPF of at least 30+ (I usually go a bit higher on my face) with an oversized hat such as this two-tone large brim version by Helen Kaminski:  

4. ACCESSORIZE - Sunnies, cute flip flops and a delicate necklace such as this gold-vermeil chain by Jacquie Aiche will keep your tan lines in check, 

or for when I'm feeling ultra-glam, I'll opt for these long dangly earrings by Miguel Ases: 

5. TOTE IT - All of these essentials require a large carryall for when I'm ready to cool off with a quick dip! I am currently loving this white Saffiano leather tote with matching wristlet that will soon be part of the Mel Boteri handbag collection. 

Thanks Mel! Not only is fun in the sun a chance to get a great glow, but it's another opportunity to flaunt your fashion sense.  And because you can never have enough bikinis we've rounded up the best of this season's for you to add to your collection:

BOHO: Isabel Marant floral bikini / FEMININE: Miu Miu floral swimwear / BOMBSHELL: Gucci triangle swimwear / MINIMALIST: Prism bikini swim suit   / PREP: Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini swim suit / CLASSIC: Norma Kamali bikini swimsuit / RETRO: Rosamosario polka dot swimwear 

From boho to bombshell you are now prepped with all the essentials to make your date with the sun a success!! Happy Sunning!! 

Short Story

Shorts have been suited up for an upgrade, and we just can't get enough. On the brink of the Summer season, we are anxious to show off our great gams (prepped by this New Year's workout resolutions) and strut our stuff.

A new spin on a classic style, the short suit is the perfect combination of work and play. What's best about the chic look is that you already own all of the pieces. To give your short story more style, mix and match your favorite blazer with a coordinating printed bottom. To beat the heat, select a slinky cami for underneath. This androgynous look requires minimal accessories, so pair it with a stiletto to keep it sexy. Top it off with a Summer staple carryall such as our White Croc-Embossed Lola Clutch. 

Short Story by Fancied featuring the Mel Boteri White Croc-Embossed 'Lola' Clutch

Take note that your new suit style might not be appropriate for the office, but its after 5 affect is well worth giving it a try!

Weekend Romp: Memorial Day 2013

Get your bikinis and sunscreen out, because the Memorial Day holiday weekend is the unofficial start to Summer. We've got plans to beat the heat with cool cocktails, soak up the sun at the beach and pool, and hit up a BBQ or two.  It's time to get packing, so here's some style inspiration to kick it all off.

Ditch the flip flops and cut off shorts to show off a more sophisticated Summer style. We are digging the Mod crop top trend, and Theyskens' Theory shows us how to rock one with class. Pair yours with a high waisted skirt for a look thats cute and flirty. Opt for a printed style that has a modern pattern and bold colors. Don't lose your heels in the grass...a flat sandal is the perfect pick for all those outdoor parties. And finally, accessorize with our Navy Patent Croc-Effect clutch (perfect for holding cute sunnies and gloss) and turquoise earrings- a staple stone for the season and our favorite Signature Shade!

Memorial Day 2013 by Fancied featuring a The Mel Boteri Patent Croc-Effect 'Lola' Clutch in Navy

Be sure to relax this 3 day weekend, but without compromising your sense of style. Cheers to a safe and fabulous holiday weekend!! 

Is It Friday Yet

As we are getting ready for the long holiday weekend, we came across this Memorial Day appropriate cocktail we simply had to share...

Blackberry Prosecco Popsicle

Makes 12 2.5oz popsicles

20 oz Prosecco
1/3 cup of blackberries
4 oz crème de cassis
Splash of fresh lime juice
2 pinches of lime zest

Instructions:

1. Place blackberries in a bowl and pour crème de cassis on top and toss to coat. Using a muddler or a rounded blunt end of a kitchen tool, crush berries into the crème de cassis. Add lime juice and zest, toss to combine.

2. Measure out approximately 1 teaspoon of berry mixture into bottom of your chosen popsicle form and pour Prosecco on top.

3. Freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a popsicle stick upright. Insert popsicle sticks and finish freezing popsicles overnight.

A few notes:

1. Do not remove from freezer until ready to serve, or plate over crushed ice as the carbonation in the Prosecco creates tiny air pockets that will make the popsicles melt faster.

2. Cordial glasses were used for the popsicles in the picture, but any form will work.

Recipe and Images Courtesy of EndlessSimmer.com