Expert POV: The Perfect Gift Card for the Teen or Tween in your Life.

Christmas is getting closer. If you still haven't wrapped up your holiday shopping, it might time to go for gift cards. With this in mind, I asked Zoya, a local Seattleite, to weigh in on her favorite sources for stylish gifts for teens and tweens. After all, she's in 8th grade and is VERY interested in fashion.

Zoya's take on buying the perfect piece for the girl in your life is not to buy her a gift at all, but rather a gift certificate. And of course, regardless of your age, everybody has a personal style. So Zoya generously put together for you, Dear Reader, a visual guide to buying gift certificates. Just find your teen/tween's personal style keyword and you're off. And if a description isn't enough, don't worry: Zoya enlisted more local stylish teens to model the looks, making your shopping even easier. Enjoy!

Four Steps to Tween Style Gifting (from a Knowledgeable Source)

Kids fashion, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 23, 2014gift certificate kids, Seattle Personal Stylist, Teen fashion, Tween fashionComment

Seattle Sunday: Essensuals London Comes to Town and Man, Am I Happy.

Let's talk about my hair.

I'd like to pretend that I have as much knowledge and passion for hair as I do for clothing. But, I do not. That's why I surround myself with people who do. Or, at least I try to. The challenge is that I'd LOVE someone to guide me about all things hair. As in, all things pertaining to MY hair.

In short, I'm looking for the Poplin Style Direction of hair. And I think I've come close to finding it. If you are a hair aficionado, you've likely heard of TONI & GUY, the highly acclaimed London hair brand known for "setting the fashion agenda" in the UK and beyond. Identical twin brothers Jason and Robert Townsend are part of the brand and have just opened up Essensuals London in Capitol Hill. They made me prettier, smarter and happier. And I'm confident, Dear Reader, that they can do the same for you.

Why a Visit to Essensuals London Will Change the Way You Think About Your Hair Forever

Seattle Sunday, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaDecember 21, 2014Essensuals Seattle, Women's hairComment

Gonna Have a Good Day.

I am all about the music. If you put on just the right track, it inspires just the right outfit and inevitably just the right day.

So, today, my Dear Reader, I am going to give you a little window into the life of this personal stylist. When I'm styling someone, I try to get into her head, to figure out what she REALLY wants to look like. Then, match that up with her body type and get her there. When I'm creating wish lists, I find it especially helpful to put on music that reminds me of that client. When I'm getting ready in the morning, if I can tear myself away from NPR, I gravitate toward something that is going to set me up for a successful day.

So, let us begin.

body image, Body Types, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 19, 2014Music and fashion, Seattle Personal Stylist, Women's fashionComment

Of the Moment Party Looks that Are Hiding In Your Closet

Tis the season to hit multiple holiday parties. That means, you need more than one LRD (little red dress) to get you through. And, of course, if you are feeling especially generous this year, that also likely means that you don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend on a little something for yourself. Not to worry! Here are a few of the moment trends that you can rock that you might just have hiding in the back of your closet.

The best part about shopping your closet? It's always open and it's free. Here's what you are looking for:

Body Types, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 16, 2014Personal Stylist Seattle, shop your closet, Women's fashionComment

What to Wear Wednesday with re-souL

Seattle Sunday, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 12, 2014blue boots, How to pair mid calf boots, Personal stylist, re-soul Seattle, Seattle, Women's fashionComment

Seattle Sunday: Ooo La La Lashes from the Lash Factory

Remember that day, so long ago, when you discovered what having your eyebrows waxed could do for your face? Or how about when you tried a shaper for the very first time? Or a push up bra? How much do you wish someone had told you years ago about the importance of sunscreen on your face?

It's these unspoken truths that transform how we look and feel. And let me tell you, Dear Reader: lash extensions are your next addiction.

What lash extensions from the Lash Factory did for me and what they can do for YOU.

Good Stuff For YOU Now.

Let's face it, the season of giving can get a little stressful. I've been thinking about this quite a bit. As your very own personal stylist, in preparation for this month of excitement and exhaustion, I've prepared a few special somethings for you, Dear Reader. After all, you've been good to me so I'm going to be very good to you.

Strategies for Success on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Beyond

Happy Black Friday!

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, most people have one thing on the brain: shopping. So, without delay, please enjoy a few quick strategies for you, Dear Reader, from your very own personal stylist.

Strategic Shopping Right Now

Seattle Sunday: The Guide to Accessorizing the American Man at Hammer + Awl

It's just as cool outside as it is inside. Man, you are going to love it.

One of my very favorite gifts for men is a subscription to Esquire magazine. Trust me. It's never a mistake.

But as we head into prime gift giving season, I thought I'd help you, Dear Reader, find the most perfect gifts — besides a magazine subscription — for the man in your life. No matter his age or income, the American man has a plethora of tools at his disposal to look impeccable. Of course, a great coat and a high quality pair of shoes are paramount. But what's next? As a personal stylist, I hear this question all the time.

I'll tell you what's next: accessories. And you can find every one you need, for every man you know, at Madrona's Hammer + Awl.

Three Phases to Accessorizing the American Man at Hammer + Awl

Menswear, Seattle Sunday, Style TipsmelliciaNovember 23, 2014Hammer + Awl, Seattle Personal StylistComment

Seattle Sunday: Cake Skincare Just Upped My Game Substantially

A friend and client recently said the most extraordinary thing to me, "Wow. You have the most symmetrical eyebrows I've ever seen." First, I should point out that this client actually DOES have incredibly symmetrical eyebrows. You know the ones, with the beautiful arch. Yes, those. And, thanks to mother nature, I actually don't have them.

Until now.

If you read this blog with any regularity you've heard my seemingly endless praise of Katrina and the Cake Skincare team. I've been dying to write this blog post so that you, Dear Reader will have a glimpse of the transformation I've been experiencing since my first visit with owner, Katrina Rising.

Cake: If You Can Get In, Get In Now.

My Favorite Piece- Plus Size Coats Edition

Hello Dear Reader,

It has been a while but I come to you with an essential element of changing weather dressing. The magnificent coat. Now for many of us it may just be a way to stay warm and dry during these volatile months; however once again a utilitarian object can become a distinct and personality driven piece of your wardrobe.

Truth be told this time of year is like candy to me. Sweaters come out, coats become a staple and boots are plentiful. To be honest however some of the excitement for me is tempered by the fact that I rarely get cold until it is true winter. So layering sweaters with coats is difficult. I tend to stick with light layering when donning a heavier winter coat. Regardless, I love coats. The different styles, textures, colors, weather-proof, and accessories just sends me into a tizzy of thrills. As follows are some the newest coats available from lighter layers for that too warm bus commute, to heavier anoraks ready for fall morning treks with the dog.

Coats

Body Types, plus size fashion, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaNovember 12, 2014Coats, fall, fall trends, jackets, Plus size, plus size coats, winter, Winter jacketsComment

How Do I Style Ankle Boots Part 2 of 2.

Ankle boots are all the rage. But, trying to master how to rock the current trend can be perplexing, too. As your personal stylist, I'm here to help. Now, if you missed it, take a look at part 1 of this 2 part blog post.

And, now, even more ways to style your ankle boots.

How Do I Style Ankle Boots? Part 1 of 2.

If you caught my recent post about what to wear with ankle boots, you might have a follow up question: How do I actually style ankle boots? Well, Dear Reader, as a personal stylist, I've heard this question repeatedly from clients in recent weeks. So, here's a breakdown to help you get dressed each day.

The Ankle Boot Conundrum: How Exactly Does this Whole Thing Work?

(Part 1 of 2... because there is a whole lot to learn.)

Simple (and Inexpensive) Steps to Up Your Game.

Few things are as inspiring and pleasing as seeing a really put together person on the street. It's like a little surprise. You're walking along and unexpectedly you see something (or someone) dashing, perhaps even a bit glamorous, that freezes the moment. When this happens, I often want to take a photo to document such a glorious display of fashion sense and personal style. Usually, I keep it to simply complimenting the person, which I'd encourage. Everyone leaves happy. After all, we all benefit from seeing something beautiful. And to me, fashion is a form of artistic expression. Anyway, enough of my musings. Let's get to the practical portion of this post, shall we?

In stark contrast to this euphoria, is that moment when you notice that the sophisticated fella who looks like he just walked out of an issue of Esquire is carrying a floral reusable grocery bag. Recycling- sexy. Carrying a super feminine woman's reusable grocery bag- not so much. (Unless, of course, he's carrying it for the woman he is walking with, which is pretty much the most attractive thing ever.)

As your personal stylist, I want to help prevent you, Dear Reader, from making these mistakes that keep you from realizing your true, very stylish and authentic, potential. Don't worry, they don't cost much.

Ways to Up Your Game Right Now.

What do I REALLY Wear to the Pumpkin Patch?

As a personal stylist, sometimes I have clients who want to save their "good stuff" for special occasions. Think of this as your good china staying in the cupboard until Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

That approach works for family heirlooms such as china, but how likely is it that you're going to save several of your work appropriate pieces for your daughter 20 years from now? I'm guessing not super likely.

However, it is, of course, important to take care of your nicer pieces and running around in the mud and rain is probably not your first choice for when to pull them out. And, when playing with the kids at the pumpkin patch or out trick-or-treating, it's vital that you are ready to run, jump or ride in the car. Translation: Comfort trumps all.

But, I assure you that you can still look stylish when celebrating autumn outdoors. Here's how.

Your Outfit for Autumn Outings. Go!

Style TipsmelliciaOctober 25, 2014Clothes for the pumpkin patch, Women's fashionComment

Tall & Beautiful? Here's Where You Should Be Shopping.

We spend a lot of time talking about petite and plus size ladies. But, there's less information out there for the vertically inclined. Until now. Please enjoy a list of some of my favorite retailers that cater to the taller women in the world. If not you, please share with the ones you love. You could get a warm hug from a tall lady.

9 Retailers for Tall Women

(in no particular order)

What Do I Wear With Ankle Boots?

Like the rest of the world, I'm obsessed with ankle boots. (Don't worry. You can still keep your knee high boots, just move them further back in your closet for this brief hiatus.) Your ankle boots are quickly going to become your go-to shoe.

Researching an upcoming Seattle Sunday post, I visited re-soul in Ballard earlier today. One of my very favorite shoe stores, owners Maggie and Lee also launched their own line last spring. The fall collection is to die for. Expect more of that in the post. Until then, my visit with Maggie and Lee got me thinking a lot about the challenges that clients face with ankle boots.

As a personal stylist, I witness client after client getting simultaneously excited and apprehensive about the trend. After all, they are a departure from knee high boots and can feel a little more challenging to pair. Not to worry, Dear Reader. Here are five ways to pair the re-soul Brenda Chelsea boot to get you started. Enjoy!

Five Easy Ways to Wear an Ankle Boot

If you are uncomfortable, you aren't fashionable

It's true. I do spend a good amount of time trying to motivate my fellow Seattle-ites to up their games. I also have this conversation with myself on those especially wet Winter mornings. But, let's be clear, EVERY stylish person has two elements: a smile and a look that say's, "I'm comfortable in what I'm wearing."

Missing a coat when it is freezing outside? Not fashionable. Wearing crazy high heels when you need to walk across the city? Not attractive. You get the idea. The struggle is that when we try to find that happy medium, we often discover that crazy comfortable clothes are, well, crazy comfortable. And, it's hard to break free.

Might I suggest a few key directives before you get dressed:

Style TipsmelliciaOctober 16, 2014 Comment

It's Like Your Very Own Wishlist

Body Types, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaOctober 12, 2014Comment

Fashion & Function: Essentials for the New Parent.

Our son recently turned four and I'm continuously amazed at the evolution of maternity clothes over the last five years. Lucky for me, I have the opportunity to work with pregnant women and women who've recently gone back to work.

Both of those life stages can be especially challenging for a number of reasons. But, clothes, should not be one of them. So, I thought you (or someone you know), Dear Reader, might enjoy hearing about some new developments for new parents. FYI- That means moms AND dads.