Aprés ski, or after-ski, is the golden phrase encompassing all social activity and relaxation after hitting the slopes. We’re talking cocoa, cocktails, sharing stories by the fireplace and enjoying the mountain view in your warm knits and skiboots. Master ski style and after-ski style with men’s and women’s skiwear that is as slope-friendly as it is cozy! Read all about our favorite skiwear trends like the one piece ski suit, and shop our curated list of men’s and women’s ski resort pieces!

Traveling this winter or spring of 2024? Meg Gallagher can create your very own capsule wardrobe that accommodates packability, weather and easy of day to day styling. If you’ve ever wanted a professionally curated wardrobe with every essential piece covered, wardrobe styling services by Meg Gallagher, Personal Stylist Los Angeles can be found here!
Scroll to the end to shop our “stylist’s pick” list of men’s and women’s skiwear!

For more men’s and women’s skiwear inspo, check out our Pinterest Board for
Men’s and Women’s Ski Outfit Ideas here:

What to Wear When Skiing

The biggest rule for 2024? Note the Color.
We like to think of what to pack for a ski trip the same way we think of swimwear and eventwear, like dresses and statement suits. There are some important factors to consider, which come in the form of three questions: Is it flattering? Do I feel confident in this? Can I wear it again? 
Wearing black, white or neutral pieces can serve as an easy wear that won’t feel stale after one use. While this may sound too safe or boring to some, you could opt to make a neutral color outfit still feel fabulous by selecting pieces with subtle accents or unique details, like a fur trimmed hood or textural rib knits.

Trending Aprés Ski Outfit Ideas For Women

-Texturizing with fur, cashmere, rib knits and shearling or puffer jackets against a neutral color palette.
-Fair Isle Sweaters.
-Cozy oversized “college kid” club memorabilia sweaters.
-Incorporating ponchos into your layering. (shop the trends at the end of the article!)

Trending Aprés Ski Outfit Ideas For Men

-Sleek puffer jacket two piece outfits.
-Fair Isle Sweaters.
-Minimalist softshell jackets with clean lines.
-Shearling Jackets and Textural Layering (shop the trends at the end of the article!)

How to Dress for Skiing

A Rise in the One Piece Ski Suit, 2024’s Default Snow Outfit…

There are a lot of reasons why you might want to default to this classic ski look. One piece suits are both stylish, and incredibly practical (in more ways than one!). Here’s what wins this popular skiwear piece as the title of “Most Practical”:

–There are no gaps. Unlike your separates, a one piece blocks any and all air that would otherwise come through your two piece looks. If you were to ever take a tumble on the slopes, there’s no chance during your fall that any snow will get inbetween your clothes, altogether avoiding the potential of exposing your skin to the cold.
–You’ll have less pieces to pack. All the guesswork is taken out of what top pairs with what bottom!

How do you go about choosing a ski suit?
There are a few main components to choosing a great onepiece.
First, identify how your body is highlighted by the suit. While a snow suit may initially seem unforgiving, there are some differences in cut, color and pattern that can change the game between pieces. 

How to Dress for Skiing

For Men, Utilize Shapes and Color Blocking.
Want to take attention away from your middle? Use color, belting and patterns to draw the eye where you want it to go. Try a look like this color block snow suit, which brings the eye up to your shoulders and face. 

For Women, Note The Waist.
To Deemphasize the Waist & Leg Lengthening:
Use color to emphasize long lines and leg lengthening, which helps to skim over your midsection!  This can work great for anyone who wants to look taller, deemphasize their midriff, or create more balance with their bodytype.
V-shape midriffs can also break up the midsection, creating a flattering illusion that cinches the waist and brings curve to the hips.

To Highlight the waist, utilize belts to cinch your shape:
A lot of snow suits feature a belt in the middle, which cinches the waist and gives the piece some shape! Pay close attention to how high or low this cinched section is. If you’re a pear shape or hourglass, you’ll especially want a suit that belts at the smallest part of your waist! 

Want to go full on bold?
A ski suit in one bright, flatting color could serve as a thematic look for your trip! Much like the yellow rain coats expected at every rainfall, or a superhero’s iconic costume worn on every adventure – you’ll look back fondly at photos of the fabulous ski suit you donned in winter of 2024, excitedly preparing for the next ski trip in which you’ll pull it out again and again.

Take it a step further with patterned ski suits! First, make sure to match your ski boots back to the pattern by identifying base colors and highlight colors in the pattern. For suit longevity, we love timeless patterns like animal print, houndstooth or stripes.

Men’s Aprés Ski and Skiwear Essentials

Here it is… The Coolest stuff in Mens Skiwear! Explore expertly curated picks from Holden, Fulsap, Mackage and more that update the image of aprés ski speaking equally to sport, comfort and trend. Say goodbye to awkward, chunky snow apparel and look at our selection of layers with flattering cuts and captivating colors that get the job done in style.

Women’s Aprés Ski and Ski Trip Essentials

We’re living for the 2024 approach to women’s aprés ski! Our picks showcase trending women’s skiwear and layers from the coziest thermals to the chicest jackets and sweaters.

Check back for weekly updates from Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher and her styling team for ideas on how to wear the latest trends, 2024’s hottest date night outfit ideas, emerging designers, officewear outfit ideas and MORE! Subscribing to Madison-to-Melrose gets you an exclusive style guide gift from Meg Gallagher straight to your email. Meg is also active on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram – offering countless inspirations through mood boards, helpful tips, and outfits from her very own closet! Don’t miss out on free, unlimited access to a Los Angeles stylist’s best fashion advice – Subscribe to Madison to Melrose today!

The post What to Wear When Skiing and Aprés Ski: What to Pack for a Ski Trip appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

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.

While we are at home keeping our community safe, we at Meg Gallagher are determined to inspire however we can. One way is for us to keep sharing our creative style posts that can offer newness to your existing wardrobe and elevate your mental start to the day.

So whether you’re facing yet another week in social isolation, or you just got the memo that you need to stay indoors – Kick off your days at home with the NEW work uniform. De-stress and be cozy with our best-of-picks for men’s and women’s loungewear!

Top 10 Women’s Loungewear

Top 10 Men’s Loungewear

The post Our Top 10 on Loungewear appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Make your next going-out outfit one for the books with our favorite evening trend: The After Hours Top. Here are a few ways you can wear this piece!

High Waist, Good Taste!

A high-waisted trouser or skirt can add balance to low-coverage crop tops, tube tops or wraps by bringing the attention towards your evening top and away from the lower body.

Pair it with Denim

Achieve a look that says “effortless sultry-casual” by pairing your top with jeans and heels!

Outer Layers

Master the art of day-to-night with an outer layer such as a blazer, leather or peplum jacket.

Chandelier Earrings

Pair your top with some chandelier earrings for additional glam!!! See our post Dripping Crystals for earring inspo.

For more outfit ideas, check out our pinterest board.

Evening Tops:

The post The After Hours Top appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Meet the loafer, the shoe trending in Spring 2020 footwear! This shoe is walkable, office-friendly, and surprisingly versatile. Read on for three ways to style this smart silhouette.

Pair it with Jeans

Loafers are the perfect in-betweener for those casual jeans outfits that need an extra bump towards sophistication. Swap the sneakers for loafers, add a blazer or light trench and you’re ready to stroll the streets in style!

Leather n’ Loafers

Who knew that loafers would provide the perfect duality for your leather jacket? Reel in the punk with a bit of prep for a balanced outfit like no other.

Rock the Sock

What may seem somewhat satirical as a classic fashion “don’t” – bearing your sock has evolved into a boundary-breaking fashion “do”! Utilize sock color to work back to colors within your outfit. This can be applied not only to loafers, but most any other ankle-bearing shoe!

Check out our pinterest page for more styling and outfit ideas!

Shop Loafers:

The post Loafers, Trending Spring Shoe of 2020 appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

The Menswear Fall 2020 Fashion shows have wound to a close! We’re here to illuminate the top trends spotted on the runway and how you can actually apply them to your wardrobe.

A Pop of Color

We’re seeing a lot of head-to-toe neutrals with an accentuated pop of color. Keep your outfit grounded with shades of tan, camel, eggshell or grey and complete the look with a piece or accessory of color. We love how minimalistic flesh tones neutralize hard-to-wear brights and other colors of risk, allowing for a new way to wear hues you otherwise wouldn’t consider!

All Buttoned Up

Outerwear acts as a centerpiece, buttoned all the way to the top in a sleek approach to layers!

Maxed Out Monochrome

This trend has been building for a while, but is now in full force with interesting shades of deep plum, lavender, tan, sage, and Air Force blue. We’re also seeing less-surprising but equally sharp renditions in all black.
Want some tips on how to wear black on black?
Check out the imagery in our post #blackisback.

Hints of Vintage

Nodding to fashion geniuses of the past, we’re seeing a ton of vintage inspiration on the runway.
Fur Accents: Fur trim reminiscent of early 1900s Russia is a cozy upgrade to men’s coats. We’re seeing fur on trenches, wrap jackets, leather jackets and denim!
Waist Tie Revival: Outerwear is on board with the waist tie! Whether robe-style or belted, it adds sharpness and proportion.
High Waisted Trousers: The high rise is back! What does that do for you? A higher waisted trouser creates the illusion of longer legs, while also ending at the smallest part of the waist, creating a “triangular effect” to the torso (think: Superman).

Leather on Leather!

We’re seeing leather in rich tans, browns and muted blacks. Rather than punk-rock vibes of the past, leather is styled to feel modern, minimalist and sleek. The runway formula is as follows: leather outerwear + leather bag + leather boot.

SHOP THE TRENDS:

The post Trending in Men’s Fashion, Fall 2020 Runway appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

Sustainable fashion is more accessible than ever with big names like Net-a-Porte (See: NET SUSTAIN), Nordstrom (See: Nordstrom Sustainable) and H&M (See: H&M Conscious) paving the way with their promotion of recycled materials and sustainable sourcing. While we are excited about these ever growing environmentally friendly options – there are many other ways to create a more conscious closet, and we’ve compiled some of our favorites! Here are five tried and true ways to create a sustainable wardrobe. 

1. Hosting or Attending a Clothing Swap Meet

We asked LA Clothing Swap Meet host and attendee Annie Girard (instagram: @AnnieGirardYAY) to explain swap meets to us and divulge what elements create the most successful event! Annie explained that organizing the pieces people bring by type or size before the swap begins and using predetermined rules (such as a game, or drawing numbers from a hat) keeps a swap meet light and fun while allowing people to get things they may actually want. People can bring anything from clothing items they no longer wear to accessories and unused makeup samples. For hosting an event, have hangers, clothing racks and food and drinks to share! Any clothing not taken by the end of the night can be donated.
Hosting a smaller event as a girls’ night between friends can be especially successful if people share a similar sense of style, or ideal for giving away any sentimental pieces you no longer wear but feel guilty donating. For larger events, Annie says swap meets instill a warm sense of community between women.

2. Shopping Resale

Find pre-owned pieces for a chunk of the original price! Here’s a list of some of our favorite resale sites and shops.

TheRealReal.com is a valuable source for authenticated luxury consignment – great for both purchasing and selling!

Rebag.com is a Manhattan-based luxury bag consignment website and store with the option to buy, sell or exchange bags – Go from one handbag to the next with no regrets! In-store locations: LA, NYC and Florida.

Vestiairecollective.com is a French company dedicated to a sustainable approach to luxury fashion, taking a unique approach to consignment with it’s careful curation of desirable and expertly authenticated pieces. We love it’s strong international community that spans over 50+ countries!

With new arrivals every day, Tradesy.com is a reliable and popular authenticated luxe style consignment site that creates easy opportunity for you to sell and buy fabulous pieces! Free returns makes Tradesy a great stop for first-timers in luxury consignment.

With shops in Studio City, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and San Fransisco, Wasteland is a well stocked source for current pieces – great for men and women!

3. Shopping Vintage

Like shopping resale, shopping vintage is an easy way to snag covetable already-existing piece! Whereas you may see many seemingly unique, historically rich items in any given shop – you’ll want to find pieces that have withstood the test of time (See Article: How to Buy Vintage Clothes for Beginners). Risky pieces to buy vintage include belts and shoes especially – both of which have likely endured tension and wear-and-tear that leave pieces to fall apart soon after purchase. Despite any risks, there is high reward to finding a great vintage piece that no other person will be wearing out on the streets. Here are some thoughtfully curated sites and stores that specialize in selling reputable vintage we love!

Poshmark.com sells both resale and vintage! We especially love buying vintage on this site because the format includes in-depth descriptions, allows for plenty of product photos and has a comments section to allow for further questions about the product before purchasing. You can negotiate pricing and for further protection, Poshmark has an involved protection systems for refunds on misrepresented items, including pieces with undisclosed damage.

Resee.com is a resale and vintage site that has pieces from as far back as the 1920’s. We love this site for it’s beautiful product photos and easy site searchability.

Both online and on La Brea Avenue, this Los Angeles based vintage store is filled with unforgettable pieces fit for the stars!

4. Shop Your Closet

Now more than ever is a great time to shop your closet! There’s limited newness in store time of year, so dig up that vintage piece hidden in the back of your closet, or visit pinterest for new ways to wear last season’s top. See our post on reworking pieces you already have in your closet for cold weather outfit inspiration.

5. Rewear Your Cocktail and Black Tie

Find a new way to wear the pieces you’ve only worn for that one party or event. Pull out your LBD and re-work it with different jewelry! Add a different coat, leather jacket or blazer. Swap heels for boots!

This post is dedicated to Australia in lieu of the fires that have recently ravaged it’s southeast coast, in the states of New South Wales and Victoria. We believe that being mindful of our environment in everyday choices provide positive steps toward a brighter, greener future. If you feel inclined, we invite you to take a look at two verified Australian relief organizations whom are currently accepting donations that provide assistance to those affected in the tragedy.  

VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL
“The Victorian Government has partnered with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. 100% of donated funds will go directly to communities in need. “
(description via www.vic.gov.au)

AUSTRAILIA ZOO WILDLIFE HOSPITAL
“Bindi Irwin, the daughter of famed wildlife conservationist and “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, has been taking in many displaced animals at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, which is owned by her mother, Terri. “
(description via USAtoday.com)

The post 5 Ways to Create a Sustainable Wardrobe appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

The New Year sales are here, but what should you buy? This week we take a look at what Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher and her assistant Keli look for and purchase during a sale.

Meg says that a sale is the perfect time to stock up on luxury basics you normally couldn’t afford. Great coats, jeans, sweaters, blazers, cardigans, boots and bags that can be worn again and again lower the cost per wear and make jumping on a sale a worthy investment. Here are some of Meg’s favorite picks of the current New Years Sale!

Meg’s Sale Picks

Keli’s all about stocking up on flattering statement pieces that can be worn back to neutral color palettes. We’re talking versatile animal patterns, unique silhouettes and textural pieces like fringe, tulle or shiny silks that take an outfit to the next level. The key to a worthy sale purchase is finding an interesting but adaptable piece that can be layered and styled to match any season!

Keli’s Sale Picks

The post The Stylist’s Pick: New Year Sales! appeared first on Madison to Melrose.

We’ve found the perfect piece to up your outfit game for the holidays: THE SLIP DRESS! We love this piece for a couple of reasons. First reason being it’s SO versatile. Simply throw a sweater over your slip dress and add sneakers for a comfortable travel outfit.
Some ideas below:

For special events and family dinners, dress it up with jewelry and heels. The possibilities are endless!!!
See some favorite looks here:

Slip dresses are usually cut on the bias, which means they have natural stretch and are flattering on many body types. No restrictive waist bands either – so you can eat all that holiday dinner without reserve!

Want more ideas on how to wear this piece? Check out our pinterest board for more ways to layer and style!

Buy Slip Dresses:

The post How to Wear the Slip Dress appeared first on Madison to Melrose.