Genius! Tricks of the trade: Getting those boots on.

This year, I've been fixated on finding the perfect pair of brown boots. And, I did! Thank you, Nordstrom. They can be worn over the knee or slouched down. Dressed up with a fitted dress or down with leggings. And, they are super comfortable. Thank you, Frye.

Sadly, like many other slip on boots (ack, no zipper!), I couldn't get them on my feet. With high arches, this is a common issue for me. However, I had the salesperson of dreams, Alec at the downtown Seattle store. And, he showed me this week's Genius Trick of the trade: Getting those boots on.

Must Haves for Her: Leather or Vegan Leather

If you've been in a store in the last several months, you've undoubtedly seen leather, vegan leather and vinyl everywhere. Maybe at first you thought, leather pants, no way! But, now, the pants, the jacket, a shirt perhaps are all starting to seem possible.... make that essential, if only you knew how to make it all work. Here's a tip to get you started:

Find a unique signature piece that can also be a staple.

Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaSeptember 23, 2013edgy, fashion, fashion approach, hip, leather, Personal stylist, Seattle, SkunkFunk, urban, vegan leather, womenComment

Giving Back: United Way's Community Resource Exchange

Every year, United Way of King County hosts the Community Resource Exchange (CRE) to offer a one stop shop for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. There have been 9 so far and because of my background in nonprofits, I've been fortunate to participate in 7. Over 1,400 people received services in one day at Seattle Center.

This year, I volunteered to do intake- in other words, I helped people in a very long line identify the services that would be helpful to them and gather data that would be useful to United Way for future funding. In short, I asked hundreds of people whether or not they were homeless, where they slept and heard their stories. It is a powerful day, for sure.

DIY Style: Dyed wood

Things I love: fashion, design and projects with our 3 year old son. Things I LOVE: when the three collide. Thanks to the genius of Martha Stewart and her crew, a few years I ago, I discovered the magic of dying wood beads to make necklaces. It's an incredible project with kids of all ages as they can participate easily. Addie helped me make the necklace below. His favorite part is using a disposable chop stick to push around the floating beads to make sure they are covered evenly.

Must Haves for Kids: YSL Activity Book

My husband and I are the proud uncle and aunt to 11 nieces and nephews. Yes. 11.

11 year old Isabel, is destined to be a fashion executive or run a small country or a large one. The possibilities are endless. She has a gift for fashion, dance and is learning French in school. So, when we heard that her world traveler aunt Jenna was taking her to France for her first trip out of the country, we KNEW exactly what she needed to accompany her on her journey:

melliciaSeptember 8, 2013fashion, girls, Kids fashion, perfect gift for girls, Personal stylist, YSL Activity bookComment

An alternative to Danskos: Tsubos

One magical day last year, I discovered Tsubo. Fashion forward with a focus on comfort and craftsmanship, the brand won my heart. I found a pair in the incorrect box at the Rack, clearly hidden away from other shoppers. I won.

I've had that pair of Tsubos for over a year and they are a clear go to when I know I'll be on my feet for a substantial amount of time AND I want something edgy that attracts attention.

Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaSeptember 1, 2013comfortable, Dansko alternative, fashion, fashion approach, hip, Personal stylist, Seattle, Shoes, Tsubos, urban, womenComment

Seattle Essential for Her: The Infinity Scarf

In any other city, you might consider an umbrella. Not in the great Northwest. We only use umbrellas as accessories to complete a look (if the umbrella is exceptionally stylish or we have a job interview), in extreme weather or if we absolutely MUST walk across downtown during a rainstorm.

What's a girl to do?