What’s on a personal shopper’s wish list? Melissa shares her must-have buys
What better place to find sartorial inspiration than the Wish List of a NET-A-PORTER Personal Shopper – an arbiter of taste and expert in her field. Here, MEGAN LOGUE talks to Melissa from our North America team
Fashion has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, my grandmother and mother both had impeccable taste. I have pictures from the ’70s of my mom carrying amazing Fendi bags, wearing statement coats and big sunglasses. She actually had an entire drawer dedicated to her Hermès and Gucci scarves. Some of my earliest memories are of playing dress-up in her closet, trying on her heels and jewelry. Later, when I was in college, I would happily forgo nights out so that I could afford to buy an armful of fashion magazines instead; I would spend hours poring over them – I just felt so inspired. I went to George Washington University and majored in art history and fine art, but my main preoccupation was always how clothes were depicted in an artist’s work.
It was actually when I was at college that I first discovered NET-A-PORTER. I really wanted a pair of Vivienne Westwood ‘Pirate’ boots and the only place I could find them was on the site. Of course, on a college budget I simply couldn’t afford them but not buying them is still one of my biggest fashion regrets. After college, I began a career in retail and really fell in love with the process of styling. Landing my first role at NET-A-PORTER was totally serendipitous – I was browsing on the site one day when I spotted an opening for fashion advisors. I really wanted to work at the company and so I must have sent in my resumé about 10 times – that’s how I joined NET-A-PORTER, back in 2010. The US office was so small at the time; fast forward 11 years and all that’s changed. I feel so lucky to be a part of our ever-changing journey.
For me, being a great personal shopper is about ensuring each client’s happiness by making them feel fabulous and confident; that’s how you build trust and loyalty. I immerse myself in each client’s style, learn the demands of their lifestyle, get familiar with where they travel and their event calendars, and always keep my eye out for everything from occasion and investment pieces to closet staples that I know they will love. Once my clients see that I ‘get’ them and that I’m always there for them – whether they need to shop or just chat – our relationship builds and becomes truly symbiotic. I’ve had some amazing experiences, like helping a client create a pair of incredible bespoke emerald earrings with one of her favorite jewelers, but I also find the challenges of my role rewarding, too. Convincing clients to think again about styles and pieces they would ‘never wear’ and seeing their eyes and smile light up when they step out of their comfort zone and try something new is one of the most satisfying parts of my job.
A classic shirt dress
“What piece could be easier to wear or more effortless than a shirt dress? Find the right one and it works for every reason and season – it’s a no-brainer! Add your own spin by pairing it with ornate jewels and pumps for dinner, or a sun hat and sandals and you’re ready for brunch; better yet, style it with chunky boots and hoop earrings for the perfect day-to-night look. Shirt dresses make up about 90 percent of my workwear closet. I always feel comfortable and confident when I’m wearing one. They’re suitable for the office but if a client calls me to say they’re in town, it’s also elevated enough for me to head straight out the door and meet them. Personally, I think Alaïa always get the shirt dress just right, with designs that are sexy yet fanciful and modern yet timeless. And New York-based designer Joseph Altuzarra is also the king of the shirt dress – he made the chicest tie-dye versions this spring – while Gabriela Hearst is the queen. She always makes the prettiest ’70s-inspired shirt dresses that are so flattering and feminine; her ‘Elvis’, ‘Kari’ and ‘Erella’ styles are at the very top of my wish list.”
Future heirlooms
“The pandemic forced us all to take a long, hard look at our wardrobes and, honestly, this process has made me appreciate the beauty and timelessness of a gorgeous piece of fine jewelry even more than I did before. I recently celebrated a big birthday so I have been dropping some not-so-subtle hints to my husband that I would love a classic tennis bracelet or tennis necklace – like Anita Ko’s diamond-studded ‘Hepburn’ styles. I am obsessed with investment pieces that I can stack and wear with my Cartier watch – side note, every woman needs a fabulous timepiece and Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin make some of the most desirable watches. Second to that, I also believe every woman needs a great pair of hoop earrings in her jewelry box, whether that be big styles by Suzanne Kalan or small huggies. In this age of endless Zoom calls, wearing a standout pair of earrings or a statement necklace is sure to make you feel chic, special and put-together – even if you’re just wearing yoga pants on the bottom.”
Luxe knitwear
“The pandemic has seen a major shift in the way women are dressing. Even if we aren’t going out much, I really believe getting properly attired and taking pride in your appearance is so important for mental health and happiness. I personally still want to wear pieces that are beautifully crafted and make me feel polished. One special and simple way to elevate your everyday look is by adding one of Bottega Veneta’s vibrantly colored button-down knits into the mix; they’re elevated without being fussy.
“I am always on the hunt for the perfect cashmere sweater. I love that you can style them with everything from cigarette pants to leggings and still feel chic. If I’m able to splurge, I’ll opt for Brunello Cucinelli – the undisputed master of knitwear – while Loro Piana never goes out of style and Gabriela Hearst’s chunky cashmere sweaters are so cozy you’ll never want to take them off. Of course, The Row is great for wardrobe staples and I’ve recently become a big fan of Allude, &Daughter and Arch4 for their effortless, everyday styles.”