Blazers, Lady Jackets, Crops and Trenches – The Fall Layer for Every Outfit

As the colder season approaches, transition and update your autumn wardrobe with our favorite trending easy-to-layer lightweight overcoats and jackets for Fall 2023! We’re diving into top layers we’ve seen on the runway and on influencers alike to bring you the ultimate layering edit. Want to skip straight to our must-shop list? Scroll to the bottom of the article.

Prepare your wardrobe for Fall/Winter 23 with the help of Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher! A list of Meg’s wardrobe styling services can be found here.

Layering on the East Coast

Layering looks different on opposite ends of the country! Average temperatures in NYC are already 64°(high)/50°(low) by October, compared to the much warmer 79°(high)/60°(low) average in Los Angeles. To combat cooler temperatures on the East Coast, Pair light to mid-weight coats, oversized blazers and trenches with sweaters and turtlenecks.

Layering on the West Coast

Thin, light layers for cool mornings and evenings out over your tanks, tees and slip dresses are perfect for autumn in Los Angeles! Expect oversized blazers, lightweight trenches, denim jackets and Moto jackets to be popularized this season.

Khaite Leads the Way With Fashion Forward Layering Silhouettes

Khaite’s Fall jacket styling perfectly encapsulates the trends we’re seeing for Fall 2023. Moto jackets, lady jackets, denim, crops and trenches are styled in classic chic neutral colors, opting for embellishments in python print, fringe or rocker-chic silver studs. We’ve picked out our favorites of Khaite’s directional styling images to inspire your wardrobe.

Shop Fall Jackets Here

The post Autumnal Layers, The Fall Layer for Every Outfit this Season appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

It’s that time of the year again, where we all pull out our winter’s coziest coats from storage! If you’ve ever pulled out your coats, only to realize you have no idea how to freshen them up for the new season, look no further! This is your 101 guide on coast to coast essential coats, washing winter coats and how to take care of them.

How do you buy the perfect coat? To build a successful coat wardrobe, you have to start with the why. Why do you need a coat? For that chilled-to-the-bone winter air of NYC? For the mild winter mornings in LA? For business trips across the country? For that special night out so you don’t freeze in your dress? The reality is that you can’t solve every situation with one coat.
If you’re in NYC, chances are you need a coat that can withstand layering. And if you’re in sunny Los Angeles, you’re going to need something notably lighter. Not only is weather a factor, but your needs can change based on the occasion as well!

We’re going to show you a few of our favorite basic coat styles that cover the most common needs from coast to coast, and how to wash winter coats, maintain their quality and keep them clean.

Want travel ready outfits for work, vacation outfits or an update to your winter wardrobe basics? Wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here!

The All-Purpose Oversized Wool Coat

A true essential, this oversized wool coat is perfect for a commuter’s NYC layers with it’s wide armholes and chic design. We recommend purchasing this piece in basic colors to extend the wearability. Stick to black, camel, navy, maroon, olive or cream before venturing into check patterns or statement colors.

How to Care For a Wool Jacket

-Use a lint roller to clean a coat after daily wear before hanging the piece in your closet.

-When there’s a spill on your jacket, blot the spot and do not rub it! The idea is to soak up the spill and not spread it further.

-Always hang your coat on a sturdy hanger with ample space to keep the weight of the coat from stretching the shoulder areas. If packed too tightly with other items, your coat could become crumpled.

-Make sure to dry clean winter coat at the end of the season and hang in a garment bag to prevent insects from infesting the wool.

The Belted Trench & Wrap Coat

Best serving the fall and spring climate of San Francisco and New York, these trending coat styles create a flattering shape like no other! We love duster-trench hybrids for Los Angeles that provide all the style without the rainy disposition. The wrap coat is a chic go-to for NYC and LA evenings out, desk-to-dinners, alfresco date nights and any other occasion you need a cozy-yet-elegant top layer. 

How to Care For Waterproof Trench Coats

-Although care for a trench largely depends on what the piece is made out of, most trenches (Unless they are leather) are much more machine-wash friendly than other coat alternatives. Even still, it is best to dry-clean and spot clean when possible. 

-If you need to clean your waterproof jacket as well as reproofing, try this product. 

How to Care for Leather Trench Coats

-Never leave your jacket folded for a long period of time, as this can encourage creases and cracks in the leather. 

-Keep your jacket away from heat sources like sunlight, ironing and steam to avoid the material becoming brittle.

-Keep your jacket DRY! No Rain! If your coat does get wet, leave it out on a hanger to dry.

-Condition your leather to prolong it’s lifespan and prevent cracking.

How to Care for Faux Leather (Vegan Leather, Pleather) Trench Coats

-While there are different forms of faux leather, there are a few general rules of thumb to keep the material from cracking and distorting.
-Avoid machine washing to maintain the integrity of your coat. Mix liquid dish detergent with warm water, and use a soft bristle brush to hand-scrub your garment and then rinse with cold water. Hang garment to dry to avoid distortion of the coat.
-Just need to freshen up your coat without washing it? Freshen between washes by spritzing with The Laundress Delicate Spray – a versatile formula for cleaning your faux leather that has antibacterial properties, which adds scent while removing odor.

The Cozy Puffer Coat

This is a great coat for travel that accounts for rain, snow, and proper coziness. For NYC, invest in a down puffer jacket. For Los Angeles, opt for a lightweight alternative. 

How to Care For a Down Jacket

-Aim to wash this piece 1-2 times a year and spot treat when needed. Excessive washing can cause wear and tear!

-Avoid compressing your jacket by squishing it in a backpack or travel suitcase. If too compressed, give it a low-heat tumble in the dryer and hang it up as soon as possible. 

-Keep this piece from getting soaked, as it takes a LOT of time to dry!

-Feathers sticking out of your jacket? Don’t pull them out – push them back in! See these patching instructions by rei.com.

The Going Out Coat

These are the coats that are fashion forward with the sole purpose of adding a fabulous top layer to your ensemble. Great for events, nights out and statement outfits!

The post How to Clean and Make Your Winter Coats Look Fabulous appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Vegan leather keeps a reputation as “difficult to wear” – so let’s face the realities here! Pleather is sustainable, cheaper than real leather, and easy to clean. What’s not to love? We’re going to show you some approachable ways to wear this material for Fall that will create masterful contrast in texture as well as making every outfit look just a little more expensive!

Check out our Pinterest for more outfit ideas!

Wear All Black

Add a little shine to your all-black ensemble by mixing your textures!

Shine on the Top

Throw a pleather shirt jacket or trench over a tank/tee and jeans, or your coziest knit set!

The Monochrome

Create luxe textural brilliance by mixing a smooth pleather of the same hue into your outfit! Try pairing with sheer pieces, knits, fur, suede and any other piece that highlights contrast. The more variance in texture the better!!!

Shine on the Bottom

Replace jeans with pleather pants next time you want to spruce up your classic white blouse, tee + blazer or sweater look.

Embossed Pleather

Embossed pleather (especially in croc) looks great as the center of attention as a mini skirt or pants. Keep the look upscale with a mockneck or turtleneck paired with a blazer or trench.

Shop Faux Leather Pieces:

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Nobody needs new clothes right now. But everyone needs the right clothes. So get excited about Alex Mill, a timeless brand that focuses on day-to-day men’s and women’s styles that are designed to last in your wardrobe for years to come. Their classic silhouettes remain forward with a modern color palette in sustainable dyes. We love the inclusive sizing that ranges from XS-XXL in most women’s styles, and XS-XL in men’s! With an approachable price point, you can easily buy a few pieces to build your closet for Fall without breaking the bank.
Live in New York? Alex Mill has a shop in Soho NYC on Mercer between Broome and Spring! Private Appointments are available for distanced shopping.
Check out our favorite Men’s & Women’s pieces for Fall below.

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How to Wear Cowboy Boots!

If you don’t already own a good pair of cowboy boots, after reading this post you may understand why we think this classic shoe silhouette is a MUST-have for all fashion girls!!! We love this shoe for it’s wearability throughout every season. It adds just the right hint of flair to a t-shirt and jeans, yet playfully pulls dresses into the casual territory. Here are four ways we’re styling this closet-essential for Fall!

Pair it With Your Dress

Transform your summer maxi dresses and slip dresses by switching the sandals for boots as a transitional outfit while the weather cools down. Button up dresses with boots are great for casual work at the office, from home or over Zoom!

The Oversized Blazer

We love how an oversized blazer brings outrageous proportions to the already angular cowboy boot.

The Sneaker Upgrade

Swap your sneakers with boots for a chic upgrade to your everyday. Pair with this season’s straight leg jeans, or use this combo to revive your skinny jeans!

The Casual Date Night

Alternative skirts like denim or printed slip skirts create an eclectic yet fun look for a day off or date night! Casual yet put-together cowboy boots will allow for walks in the park, dinners outside and so much more!

Check out our pinterest page for more outfit ideas!

Cowboy Boots We Love:

The post Cowboy Boots, Inspo on How to Wear This Piece in 2020 appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Styling The Wide Leg Jean for Fall

You’ve seen wide leg jeans last throughout the sunny days of 2019, but how do you transform this airy silhouette from summer to fall? The answer is within how you style your pieces! Playing with heavyweight sweaters, ankle boots and layering are key to transforming this still trending pant to the chilly months ahead.

The Chunky Sweater

Pair your wide leg jeans with a chunky sweater. Break up the bulkiness by tucking a part of your top piece at the waist, and pair the outfit with ankle boots or sneakers!!

The Oversized Blazer

We LOVE how the oversized blazer adds flattering movement to the outward silhouette of wide leg jeans. Pair these pieces with a basic long sleeve, tee or blouse and add ankle boots, heels or heeled mules.

The Outer Layer

Whether it’s a trench, teddy bear sherpa or thick coatigan, use your outer piece to add weight and movement. Complete the outfit with a shoe that adds femininity through shine, chic silhouette or statement color. We love ankle boots or heels with this look!

Check out our pinterest board on more outfit ideas and ways to style wide leg jeans!!

Shop Wide Leg Jeans:

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Here are six outfits you should be wearing this fall, and how you can shop your closet to mix-&-match the old with the new for on-trend sustainable style!

Update your wardrobe for fall! Contact Meg or check out her styling services here.

Modernize the Skinny

The world of fashion may have pushed skinnies to the side in favor of looser cuts (see our post on the jeans we’re seeing everywhere), but this alternative skinny styling brings the once-loved cut back to relevance. Knee highs, an oversized blazer and simple shirt such as the classic white tee are a winning combination. Simple, effective and updated.

The Accessory Boot, The Neutral Palette

Pull together your browns, creams, whites and blacks (bonus if you mix in any leather)! Neutral coats and dusters create the perfect frame for an accessory boot.

Fall Plaids, High Waisted Trousers & the Plunge Neck Top

High waisted trousers are still going strong through the end of the year. Mix with fall-friendly plaid and you’re right for the season! Jenny Walton shows us how it’s done by pairing her trousers with a ribbed wool cut-out top. Don’t have a top like Jenny’s? Show just the right amount of skin with an untied pussybow blouse.

The Wrap Blazer, Pairing Monochrome

Wrap-style blazers bring a delicately luxe, effortless alternative to the monochrome power suit. We love the ease of this ensemble when paired with a silk cami! Don’t have a wrap blazer? Try cinching your blazer with a belt that hangs down for that coveted “wrap effect”, like so:

Pleats on Repeat

We can riff off of pleated skirts all day, but the combination to pay attention to this fall is right here: Pleats and knee high boots. On-trend pairings include an accessory chain belt and intentional textural layers like a ruffled white high-neck.

Chic Layers

Tuck a midweight sweater into trousers and throw on an oversized wool coat! Keep your pieces neutral and pair with sleek ankle boots.

For more Fall Style, check out our pinterest board!

The post The Six Outfits You Should Wear This Fall appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Be the first to see our sparkling website with just-added features such as our full FAQ Page and New Services Page, which includes a chart comparison of our streamlined services!

For many, hiring a Personal Stylist is unfamiliar territory and most are unclear on the benefits of hiring one. To get an idea of what to expect, listed below are five of the most frequently asked questions I receive from new clients. Feel free to email me at meg@meggallagher.com or call me at 347.351.8808 with any additional inquiries!

Why hire a Personal Stylist?

Your clothes and style speak volumes about who you are, how we see ourselves and how others treat us. With life’s transitions, it is easy to become comfortable and even a bit lazy with how we dress and present ourselves. My personal styling sessions are an investment in yourself and your personal brand. By developing your wardrobe and style you will see results in all areas of your life; personally, socially, and professionally. My services inspire you to be the best version of yourself!

Can I hire a Personal Stylist if I want to lose weight first?

If you’re struggling with the 5-10 lbs, we can absolutely work together! I consider weight fluctuations but if it’s beyond an added 15 pounds I suggest we shop for a small capsule wardrobe so that you have clothes to wear until you reach your ideal goal weight.

What does a Personal Stylist do? What are the benefits of hiring a one vs. working with an in-store Personal Shopper or subscribing to an online styling service?

–The closet edit is the start to defining your personal style and evaluating your wardrobe. In-store Personal Shoppers and subscription online styling services do not focus on this styling service.

-The in-store Personal Shoppers and subscription online styling services are selling outfits instead of building you a well-rounded lifestyle-supporting wardrobe.

-In-store Personal Shoppers and subscription online styling services make outfit suggestions but I buy the clothes, styles/photographs outfits, and share on my unique Mobile Lookbook™.

-As a Personal Stylist, I look at your overall style goals while an in-store Personal Shopper and subscription online styling service focuses on your in-the-moment style needs. My services are much more high-touch; taking you through the process from beginning to end for true success and value.

Can this process be successful if I have a limited budget?

Yes, I have a range of packages and hourly rates that can be customized to a variety of budgets. My personal styling rates are separate from the wardrobe budget.

Can the process be successful if I hate shopping?

Yes, through my in-store or at-home personal shopping services, I eliminate the anxiety of shopping in-store and pieces not fitting. My shopping process is always time-efficient and successful.

Where do you shop?

The most important considerations in choosing where to shop are your fit, your personal style, wardrobe needs, budget, and your location. I have long-standing relationships with department stores, boutiques, rental services, and online retailers which makes the shopping experience unique and intimate.

REFERRAL PROGRAM:

Share the love and refer a friend or family member using code: #SHARETHELOVE

With every client referred who books with me, you will receive a free hour ($150 value!) of styling that can be used for fall closet edits, fall shopping, or travel styling.

The post Why You Need A Personal Stylist appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

We are loving the latest trend of teddy bear faux fur jackets in hip or knee length, and smooth or curled fur. This textural outerwear piece is the perfect compliment to a monochromatic neutral top and bottom.

What are cold creams? Check out our pinterest board on 2019’s cool tone creams that are replacing winter whites as we know it.

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LOOK # 1

SHOP HERE:

 Ruffled Smocked Midi Dress 

Victoria Beckham Wool Blazer

Cream Turtleneck UNIQLO  

 Beha Point-Toe Leather Ankle Boots

LOOK # 2

SHOP HERE:

ULLA JOHNSON Corrine Dress

Creestal Western Bootie

Perfect-fit turtleneck

Nanette Lepore Crepe Blazer

LOOK # 3

SHOP HERE:

  Amber Lottie-Print Dress

Sofia Bootie

 White Heattech Turtleneck UNIQLO

Sandy Boyfriend Blazer in Camel  

BB Dakota Heathers Blazer 

LOOK # 4

SHOP HERE:

  Camilla capped-sleeve linen dress

Nahla Leopard Print Blazer

J.Crew 365 Stretch Sleeveless Turtleneck

Ulanily Pointy Toe Bootie  

Line & Dot Jill Sweater

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