Michelle Addison has impeccable style and perfect advice for busy Moms. After cultivating experience in the fashion and film industry she has become one of Vancouver’s fashion experts. Her ability to decipher trends, convey style, and trim closets down to the essential key pieces, led to a thriving personal styling career. Addison lives in Vancouver with her husband Nick and her two year old daughter Stella. UrbanMommies was granted an exclusive interview.
UM: You mention that individuals are their own brands. If a Mom stays at home, how would you style her? Because we know that she’s still an individual with her own branded style.
MA: I would style a stay-at-home mom with the priority of “has to be easy to wear”, non complicated style is best when being a full-time mom. I was a stay-at-home home for a year and mainly wore things I could sit cross-legged in!! Often women come to me and say “i want to be stylish but don’t want to put in the time” I would suggest eliminating all threatening items: ugly shoes disguised as really comfortable, pregnancy items that don’t apply when not pregnant, lululemon stretch pants worn as a fashion trend etc. Having a great wardrobe that all works together makes getting dressed in the morning easy. Eliminating the bad and only keeping the good help with this process…as you don’t have “the bad” as go-to’s.
UM: My closet is filled with amazing pieces that I never have time to ‘style’ myself (without paying a nanny a fortune in childcare). How would you help a busy mom ‘shop’ and style her closet and put quick outfits together? Polaroids? Lookbooks?
MA: I work by appointment at The Bay downtown. It’s so easy to book an appointment, come down, spend a couple hours(like, 1-2) and come away with a whole selection of items that all work together, fit properly and are fully endorsed by someone who may pay a little more attention to fashion that you might. I also have a package called “tied together” that allows me to come over to your house and put some outfits together with items you already have and take pictures so you remember what goes with what. I send you a little book so you can have it on hand for your reference. This comes in handy at fashion week…barring that :)… work trips, or holidays, or everyday suggestions. This takes around an hour and a half…just enough time for your kids to go to the park and back.
UM: Is it necessary to revamp a closet every season? How can you work with a stylist to help you do this in the most cost-effective way?
MA: It isn’t necessary to revamp your “entire” closet every season. My philosophy is cleanse, build the basics and insert a few trends each season. Working with a stylist can save you thousands on making ill-purchases that you never wear. When working with a client, I have the benefit of knowing their personal style and recommending pieces each season that go with what they already have. Shopping seasonally is great for saving money and time. Women in their thirties can start building quality wardrobes that will last a decade by adding a few investment pieces each season. A great coat, a good purse, a classic boot etc.