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Best of 2016

31 December 2016

Woah.  This year flew by way too fast.  I can't even believe it's already time to ring in the new year!  I would definitely have to say that 2016 was such a positive year for me.  It honestly felt like this was only the beginning to everything I want and could've ever prayed for.  I mean from my personal life, to my career to this blog...so many things panned out accordingly I can't even begin to say how lucky I've felt all year long.  I sat down and reflected on some of the best moments I experienced this year and decided I'd share a recap of my favorites with you guys.  If 2017 is anything like what 2016 was to me, I would say I'm in for (God willing) another really positive one *crossing fingers*.  Also, this isn't a post to brag about all the positives because trust me, I had some sad moments this year too.  But the point of this is to inspire you guys to reach the goals you REALLY want to reach.  It sounds cliche but when you hit rock bottom, the only way out is up.  Wherever you are in your lives, know that you are in control and all you want to do is on the other side of fear <3  Okay okay, let's countdown my best 2016 moments!

1. Coachella 2016


This festival has been on my bucket list for well over a decade now and if there was a year to go, this year was THE most perfect one.  Aside from all the art, music and thrill of getting to play in the desert in my best bohemian outfits, there was one huge reason why I NEEDED to go this year.  That reason was the reunion of my favorite band in the entire world, Guns N' Roses.  As soon as the rumors of a possible reunion began circulating, I felt a little discouraged because I didn't care to watch new GNR.  It would only mean something to me if the original members were there.  On the day that the lineup was announced, Slash (like one of the greatest guitarists ever) posted his own Guns N' Roses at Coachella picture and I FLIPPED.  The day of their set, I just knew I was going to cry at some point & I did...I totally happy cried lol.  It was honestly a moment of pure satisfaction, not to mention Victoria's Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio was rocking out to Paradise City right next to me!  Overall, the festival was everything I thought it was going to be.  I was definitely tired of all the walking I did and passed out like a baby as soon as I got home.  However, I can truly say that I have never felt so darn free and in love with such a place.  I love all types of music and this experience will definitely make me the coolest mom when I recap my stories to my kids one day.

2. Melissa-Victoria Mazariegos, MA


I finished my Master's degree this year (MA in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations) and LET ME TELL YOU!  I am STOKED...but I'm kind of missing school already haha.  I began my journey in the fall of 2014 and just knew that it was going to consume a lot of my life & boy did it really!  Grad school is so different compared to undergrad.  It's like you TRULY need to love what you're studying because you will be stuck until you're finished.  I can honestly say I loved my program and every single class I took.  If you know me personally, you know I value education tremendously, so finishing this advanced degree meant the entire world to me.  I worked SO hard to finish this degree in18 months and honestly, all the sacrifices I made were worth it.  This has definitely been a high high moment for me and something I'll always be grateful for.

3. Career Move


In the beginning of 2016, I found myself doing what I loved.  My job was really cool, aligned well with my field of studies and it gave me the kick I needed to move forward in my career.  As much as I loved being surrounded by luxury cars, writing social media and blog posts, I just simply wanted more.  I worked hard at my desk and was very passionate about my career, but my surrounding just wasn't up there with all the good.  I made a major move when I woke up one Sunday and decided I was going to move on.  After confiding with some of my peers and those in my field, I was more than excited to send my resume out to multiple companies.  Flash forward a week and a half after I decided I was moving on, I was hired by a new company and gladly put my two week notice in.  Something I learned about this change was that life is constantly moving faster than we even know.  I would have never known that I was going to be working for a completely different company by the end of 2016!  It's mind blowing but you know what, God has his ways of placing you in the most perfect spot at the most perfect moment.

4.  New Friends


There is nothing more I love than to meet new people and to make people feel welcomed.  You know when you're new to a crowd and you hope someone will come up to talk to you and take you out of that loner status?  I strive to be that person!  I simply hate seeing people by themselves, like it breaks my heart.  When I was assigned to be part of a project at the company I work for, I feared that I was going to be a loner on my first day haha.  However, I had no idea that I was going to find myself a part of a company that is SO friendly and crazy fun.  Like, the people I come into contact with every day want to talk to you and get to know you and it feels like heaven being in such a positive atmosphere.  It drives me bonkers to think I almost didn't meet the people I met this year and to think I went my entire life without them makes me so grateful to have them now.

5. Family Matters


This year I got a lot of family time and I'm not complaining. I love my family so much and love when the entire clan gets together.  A family highlight was definitely my sisters' wedding where 300 loved ones attended to celebrate the new couple.  While my entire year was full of Maid of Honor planning, witnessing the final product and enjoying 8 hours alongside my family and friends filled my heart with so much love.  I can't even begin to describe what an amazing day that was for me personally. There really isn't anything like watching your only sibling marry the love of her life and start a brand new journey.  This isn't even the end of all this family time either!  My cousin gets married next year and I'm so stoked to reunite with my family once again to celebrate a new marriage and many times in between and after that with our random get togethers.

6. Sponsored Blogger


A high for my blog was to become a sponsored blogger by several brands this year.  It began with Banana Republic and then took off from there.  I remember receiving my first Banana Republic collaboration email and feeling on top of the world excited over it.  It was definitely the beginning of more to come and I had no idea what was even coming my way!  I mean, I've been blogging for almost 4 years now and I can definitely say the first 2 were just a test and something I liked to do on the side while trying to find myself.  The last two have been insanely full of inspiration that I'm SO excited to work on all year long.  For the first time since I created Brocade Closet, I don't have homework or a career to find and get used to.  This is my passion and my biggest project to work on here on out.  I hope for more collaborations this year and honestly can't wait to see where this blog takes me next year!

To a new year full of health, love, milestones and many travels...cheers!

Xo..Melissa Victoria

Old Navy Gifts | $10 & Under!

18 December 2016


Happy Sunday, everyone!  Just in case you're lost in time, we have a week left until Christmas *yikes*.  I just barely finished my shopping and I'm starting to think I probably should've waited.  The reason why I say this is because it seems as though some of my favorite clothing stores are marking down their products day by day!  This year, I did a lot of my shopping at Old Navy because it has not only become one of my go-to stores, but also an awesome place to shop and get more bang for your buck.  Needless to say, I did a lot of my Christmas shopping there and it inspired me to write this totally worthy post.  I know this time of year can be super tough budget wise, but don't worry!  Old Navy has a bunch of REALLY cute items for under ten bucks.  Their current sale is so major, how could I not share my picks?  All images are in the collage up top but you can directly shop them by clicking on the links below.  Happy shopping!

1. Who doesn't need a basic long sleeve?  Shop all three colors for $8.00 here.
2. These sweaters come in several colors.  Shop them for $6.99 here.
3. Accessorize the waist with this belt in cognac and black.  Shop for $10.00 here.
4. These flannel drawstring sleep pants are everything.  Shop them for $4.97-$6.00 here.
5. These gloves are flying off the racks. Shop them for $1.49 here.
6. Don't miss out on these slippers!  Shop them for $9.99 here.
7. This flannel top is selling out fast.  Shop it for $4.97 here.
8. This favorite basic tee comes in a few colors.  Shop them here.
9. Okay I LOVE these so much. Shop them for $10.00 here.
10. Socks for work anyone? Shop them for $3.00 here.

Xo..Melissa Victoria 

Casual Holiday Outfit

13 December 2016


Shop The Look
Top: Banana Republic (Shop similar here + here + here ) // Jeans: Express (shop similar here + here) // Heels: DVF (shop similar here + here

Hey friends!  Can you even believe it's already halfway into December and that much closer to the new year?  My goodness how does time fly by SO fast?  I know I've personally been super busy with holiday functions lately, but it's so comforting to always know I'm definitely not the only one.  No matter how busy I am though, I'm definitely making it a point this year to be holiday ready whenever I need to.  The amount of red in my closet is ridiculous - I'm sure my co-workers are wondering why I've been wearing shades of red so much lately!  How can I not though...?  I was recently invited to two different events in one day (one of which was a holiday party) so I was faced with trying to look casual holiday chic if that makes sense.  I didn't want to go in a full dress, but I still wanted to be festive.  A few thoughts later, I pulled out some of my favorite heels, a matching necklace (that you can't really see in these snaps) and some holiday plaid.  BAM.  Hello effortless festive look!  It was so easy and I felt super comfortable all day.  The moral of this styled look is it's so easy to get caught up in the mentality that you need a huge puffy holiday dress.  Ditch that and go for an effortless look with items already in your closet.  You guys can thank me later, I'll be back soon!

Xo..Melissa Victoria


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