The background: We met years ago when she was assisting the legendary André Leon Talley at Vogue. Even though she was a “Vogue girl” Melissa was always super funny and down to earth. Later, she launched a cult-favorite cool-girl line called Wren, and we featured her a lot in Lucky. She’s now a big-deal creative director and is still as sweet and funny as ever. Did I mention I’m obsessed with her style? I’m shopping pretty much all of her picks if that’s any indication!
Hometown: Lake Forest, Illinois. Think Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It's a John Hughs kinda world.
Self-described style: I grew up super preppy / WASP-y so I'd say there's always a little bit of that lurking about. What can I say, I love the classics.
Where I get my inspiration: Strangers I see on the street, a mood, various old movies or pictures, my friends.
Style icons: Sofia Coppola, Truman Capote, Julia Starr Jamois.
Article of clothing I will never let go: I have so many things that I have shockingly had for 20+ years. I have a whole wardrobe of A.P.C. clothes from that era that were so good, I've worn them to shreds. Patched and re-patched. I wish they would bring the Madras line back or archival styles from the main line of that era.
Three things I can’t live without: Animal friends - in another life, my dream would be to have some sort of animal rescue or sanctuary. People friends - They're not so shabby either! Travel - I love going to far-flung places and exploring the world.
Motto: I don't have a motto, per se, but I absolutely have an open and adventurous spirit. I love trying new things and am always down to explore and learn and expand my world. So, less motto more code of conduct!
Matta Yamini Booj Dress: I have, I think 5 or 6 variations on this dress. They are just so comfortable to run around in the summer. Light, airy - I stay cool no matter how hot it is plus I like how the sleeves are long so I get a little bit of extra sun protection thrown in.
Moscot tinted glasses: I must admit that I fully copied these from a friend, and I love them. I feel so cool wearing them like I'm Robert Evans just flying in from the coast to take a round of meetings. Plus, they're good camouflage if it's a no-makeup or feeling- sorta-disheveled day.
Hermès scarves: A very chic friend taught me two things to always look put together - Hermès scarves and nice jewelry if you can and it really works! I try to not invest very much at all in clothes (and shop mostly on the RealReal) and then buy a small selection of nicer accessories that you can wear over and over again. So, I can wear some tattered and torn A.P.C. outfit I've had for twenty years, throw on a gorgeous, colorful Hermès scarf and voilà— A million bucks!
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray I'm obsessed with this product and obsessed with this brand. This spray calms my skin when it's acting up, it's clean and - maybe my favorite part - I love the brand's personality so much. It's so fun and even twisted. I cannot recommend it enough!
L.L. Bean Boat & Tote I bought the smallest style with navy short straps and shrunk it, by accident, after washing it in the washing machine and air drying it. The result has been the perfect rumpled, sligghhtttlly shrunken but perfectly sized tote and I love it.
Proenza Schouler long sleeve printed tees: They make a bunch of these every season and I love them - lots of cute colors and prints. I layer them when it’s colder— they just make me happy and are super fun. At retail they are somewhat pricey, but via my very favorite store The Real Real, you can get major bargains. I think I may have 10, no joke.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup - Melting Butter Cleanser: You rub this on your face and then rinse off with water and every single drop of makeup and dirt comes with it. It’s super gentle and the smell is fantastic. I'm new to this brand but the packaging is all very colorful and cute-- sparks a little joy at the end of the day when I go to use it.
Teva Voya Infinity: I'd read about the Olsen twins looking chic in these shoes but it wasn't until I saw a girl in my office wearing them that I was truly sold. I've never had Tevas before and, wow, now I know what all the fuss is about. They are insanely comfortable, much more so than the Birkenstock Eva, and they look quite chic with dressy looks. I guess those Olsen girls know a thing or two about style.
Tevas + Hermes is the exact summer vibe I'm aiming for. Xo
Can you share Melissa's insta?