5 Minutes With Melissa Mayer

 

 Today I’m so excited to introduce you to Melissa, who is the new Editorial Assistant for Style Within Reach. Melissa started a few months ago and has been helping out as I slow down in preparation for maternity leave. I’m so excited to have Melissa working with me — I’ve had this blog for over 7 years and it’s been a labor of love and it’s become harder and harder to find the time needed to keep it running. Instead of putting it on pause as I get ready for this next chapter of my life I thought I’d finally bring someone on board to help balance the load and it’s been so fun to work with someone on the site instead of just by myself! Melissa just jetted off to Paris for a week (I’m only a little jealous!) and before she left I had her answer a few questions so you can get to know her! 

Tell us about yourself in 5 sentences or less!
Hello! I’m 25 and live in Annapolis, MD. I work for Hobo– as the Senior Marketing Associate for the fun & funky accessories brand who is headquartered here in Annapolis. I love all things related to fashion and could spend all day reading blogs, pinning inspiration, and then scouring the internet to find ways to create a look for less. In the past year, I have developed a crazy passion for cooking and probably go to Whole Foods & Trader Joes entirely too much and gather ingredients to cook up a new creation. Other loves of mine include spending time at my boyfriend’s farmhouse, traveling to new places, being with my family, shopping with my mom, reading great books, going to Church, and working out!

 How would you describe your style?
My personal style is definitely casual chic, laid back, and feminine. I am a sucker for all things black and white and a big believer in the blue denim & a white blouse look. In the spring/summer, you can find me in a skirt & blouse combo or an easy dress. In the fall/winter, I  am all about the skinny jeans and booties. Recently, I have really been committed to narrowing down my closet to include only what I really love. My shopping strategy has changed too- I now shop less and invest in quality pieces, instead of shopping more often and loading up on impulse buys that have a lower price tag.

Where are your favorite places to shop?
My top stores are Anthropologie, Loft, Lou & Grey, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, J. Crew, J. Crew Factory, and as of recently Express for their basics- my favorite denim jacket & white jeans are from there.

What do you love most about living in Annapolis?
Oh, gosh! I seriously just love everything about this place. It’s the perfect little town to live in- has cute restaurants, it’s on the water, close to my family, only a train ride away from NYC, and has such a fun and laidback vibe. 

Top 5 beauty products you can’t live without?
These 5 products are part of my easy, everyday routine: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, It’s A 10 Miracle Leave In Product, Revlon Lash Potion Mascara, POND’s Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes, and Maybelline FIT ME Foundation Stick. 

Favorite blogs, websites, magazines to read?
I love Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Magazine, Darling Magazine, Glitter Guide, WhoWhatWear, MyDomaine, Byrdie, The Everygirl, Margo & Me, Thoughts By Natalie, Ivory Lane, and LoloMag.com.

Favorite people/sites to follow on Pinterest & Instagram?
A few of my favorite Pinterest Accounts: Happily Grey, Gal Meets Glam, Style Within Reach, J. Crew, Lucy Rose Laucht, and MyDomaine.

A few of my favorite Instagram Accounts: @laurenkaysims and @laurensruggs (the girls of Lolo Mag) are two of my favorite Instagram accounts to follow, as well as @bonappetitmag, @leannebarlow, @blueeyedfinch, and @stylewithinreach!!