What fun to write a piece about fabulous attire in the Style Issue of City Lifestyle, a fun assignment for a fashion editor. From the photo shoot to the models, everything came together and we presented wonderful options for our readership.
See another fashion editor piece for a different publication, Katy Christian Magazine, here.
Fashion Editor and Writer Portfolio Piece
Fashion Editor and Writer Portfolio Piece
Article by Melanie Saxton
Photography by Chris Spicks
Originally published in The Woodlands City Lifestyle
The magic of fall brings a change of pace with fashion flair and styling options that are sure to inspire. From edgy to elegant to back to basics, enjoy head-to-toe insights from some of our favorite “shop local” sites — The BLVD, Pell 1990, and Jj’s Closet — and our picks from impressive collections. If you need a nudge (or an excuse) to make a trip to these unique boutiques, look no further than Grandparents Day and Wife Appreciation Day in September and National Handbag Day in October!
Enjoy creative options and wardrobe assets catering to various tastes, lifestyles, and budgets. The apparel translates into a multitude of uses — work, school, and social — and becomes a perennial closet staple. So imagine yourself journeying through the season and beyond, styled in this beautiful couture.
Maxi-mizing
Mood: nostalgic. Hemlines hit the floor this fall and will likely trend for several seasons. The maxi dress, an ultra-popular fashion statement in the 1970s, gets a modern update for fall 2022. Voluminous and floor-sweeping, consider pairing this silhouette with simple accessories. Available at The BLVD.
Runway Worthy
Aesthetic: classic. Maxi skirts, too, have returned in a variety of forms. A sleek, structured Enza Costa option from Pell 1990 can be glamorized with a sequined top (big this season) or styled casually with a halter or blouse. Formal, semi-formal, and date night — add a small purse and kicky heels for runway-worthy sophistication.
Printed Artwork
Undertone: boho. From summer to autumn, an above-the-knee dress is a great transitional look. A shorter hemline can run the gamut from back to school to the office to casual cocktails, especially in Pell 1990’s whimsical Plumeria Nina Dress by designer Ulla Johnson. It checks several boxes — comfortable and eclectic with a look that just might start a conversation.
“The organic essence of Ulla Johnson’s designs appeals to customer’s shopping for a blend of feminine and cool,” says Courtney Pell Wilkerson, owner. “She was in my closet before I ever opened Pell 1990.”
Short and Sweet
Fit: flirty. The BLVD carries a two-tiered faux leather mini dress (featured) that’s versatile enough for the office or lunch with friends. “Cowgirl chic,” “garden party,” “autumn festival,” and “game day” also come to mind.
Faux leather is an exciting option this season, supple and luxe and perfect for dresses, trousers, and coats. The BLVD owner Amy Smith notes that it’s not as heavy as you might think. “We carried faux leather summer tanks and shorts and have segued into transitional pieces with fall colors.”
Pick-Me-Up Pieces
Vibe: fun. Graphic tees are the ultimate feel-good wear, generally worn off the clock. But consider an Anine Bing Brigitte Bardot Ida tee from Pell 1990. The black/white graphic, paired with slim pants and the right purse and heels, is a higher-end presentation that works on casual Fridays.
Form and Fashion
Statement: shoulders. Some form-fitting attire is meant to move with you, and the Enza Costa stretch silk halter tank does not disappoint! This edgy, fitted, bare-shoulder look is one of the most striking this season. Styled with The Max Split pant, both from Pell 1990, it’s minimalistic. But add heels and a high-end Louis Vuitton Tuileries hobo bag and voila! — the outfit becomes bolder.
Jj’s Closet is the go-to store for preowned, authentic luxury purses such as the bag featured in the image and Gucci, Burberry, Prada, and more. “Our slogan is beautifully preowned, 100% authentic,” says the owner. “As a bag collector who shares your love for original luxury designer purses, I am most happy to help.”
Flattery Will Get You Everywhere
Frame of mind: happy. Revel in wearing the colors you love. Bright prints and flattering silhouettes are year-round treasures, especially with dolman sleeves. Blouses connected from the shoulder to the wrist to the waist are some of the most forgiving attire for any figure. Add this amazing piece to your collection — it will remain in vogue for years.
“It’s cute tucked in the front as well,” says Amy Smith, “and perfect over leggings or a pair of Liverpool skinny jeans in indigo.”
Wear it Year Round
Up next: 9 to 5. You’ll immediately feel put together in a detailed blouse tucked into tailored trousers. The BLVD fuses this look with flutter sleeves, earth tones, animal print, and a subtle blue. Then off to work in faux leather wide-leg pants and heels. Add a black sheered sleeve faux leather bomber jacket and consider a purse from Jj’s Closet such as a Louis Vuitton Alma Monogram (pictured in hand) or a Speedy Handbag Monogram Canvas 25 (pictured on the ground).
Enjoy a well-appointed autumn as you ponder the possibilities!
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Contact me if you need the help of a fashion editor, or assistance with arts reporting, copywriting, editing, white papers, or other content needs, as well as book editing or ghostwriting. I’m glad to consult, brainstorm, evaluate, and collaborate! We’ll talk about scope, timeline, deliverables, and more! You can count on my services, my experience, and the vast amount of training I’ve undertaken to work in the world of words full-time.
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