Fashion Idol of the Week- Melissa
This week’s fashion idol is Melissa, who is the face behind the Fashion Trend Guide. Melissa has made a very successful career out of her biggest passion and obsession in life which is FASHION. Melissa’s blog is like a breath of fresh air filled with interesting stories, insightful styling tips, and inspirational outfits.

- Plaid tunic from Gossip in Santa Barbara
- Faux fur vest and studded belt -Forever 21
- Shiny leggings -Wet Seal
- Platform boots – Cathy Jean
1. Name, age, location. Melissa Poster, 32, southern California.
2. What do you do for a living? I’m a fashion trend forecaster and blogger.
3. Your favorite decade in fashion? I go back and forth between loving the clean lines of the 1940s, the carefree vibes and colorful prints of the 1970s, and the romantic, ruffled blouses of the Victorian era.
4. Where do you draw your inspirations? Recently, I had a chance to visit Stockholm and Copenhagen, and I was amazed by how pulled-together the residents of these cities look, even in cold, dreary weather. Generally, I draw inspiration from my travels, and from the many street style and fashion blogs that I read daily. In addition, I peruse dozens of international fashion magazines such as Jille, Soup, Lula, Japanese Nylon, British Elle, Australian Vogue, and French Glamour. Sometimes I’ll be out and about shopping, and I’ll be instantly inspired by a compelling store window display or an antique store vignette.
5. Favorite designers? At the moment, I like Karen Walker’s offbeat aesthetic, Luella’s playful prints, Sandra Backlund’s amazing knit creations, and Cheap Monday for their inexpensive yet flattering skinny jeans. I also adore Betsey Johnson’s flirty dresses and right now I love the Mulleavy sisters for their innovative and ethereal creations. Their spider web knits are genius!
6. Favorite shopping destination? Repeat visitors to my blog (http://fashiontrendguide.blogspot.com) know that I have a penchant for cheap chic stores. They’re my guilty pleasure! My top three shopping destinations are Forever 21, Target, and H&M. I also frequent thrift stores, antique shops, and flea markets for secondhand clothing.
7. What current trend are you loving the most? Right now I’m loving the hippie luxe/ folk looks that Frida Giannini created for Fall ‘08. There’s something mysteriously alluring about paisley prints, fringed handbags, and sexy studded boots.
8. The style you most dislike? I live by the beach in California, and I see so many women wearing Ugg boots wherever I go. I know they’re comfortable, but I think Uggs belong at home, for those times when you’re lounging by the fireplace. To me, they’re more like slippers than shoes that you should wear out in public.
9. Favorite shoe designer? It’s a tossup between Giuseppe Zanotti and Roger Vivier for their luxurious works of art.
10. Three words to describe your overall sense of style? Hmmm, perhaps I’d call it “casual California elegance.”
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Fantastic interview! I’m loving the fur vest and the studded belt. It looks just like the one Carrie wears in SATC
wow wow wow she’s amazing!
I love that you find so many great and stylish people. And i love your interviews
thanks for your nice comment!
my daddys birthday was great
Wow, great interview, Mimi.
And I’m loving the vest over the plaid with the belt.
xoxo
Thank you Mimi! I’m honored!
She doesn’t look her age at all. wow! awesome interview
Thank you Melissa for pointing out that Uggs are UGLY!
Also, from a guys view- very unattractive.
Congrats on the idle.. your belt is rocking!
32!! Holy moly! If I had to guess, I’d think she’s 22 at the most! =) As for her style, I can totally see “casual California elegance.”, which I think works really well on her! Fantastic interview as well! Way to go!
Hi there-a lovely interview, she has a great style going on!!
I remember when I didn’t have a blog yet and when i was just starting to read blogs, Melissa’s was the first one I read.
I like her answer to the third question. That’s a cool mix indeed.
I like Luella and Cheap Monday too.
And I completely agree on question No. seven!
xoxo,
Cate
oooh love her style!
Great pick! I love her fur.
Hey! Mimi-
so I mist invent something new. Oh well.
Luckily my new shoes came in, butttt the other item I was toying with the idea of wearing for NYE is said to ship after the New Year
I lovelovelove your outfit suggestion, but now the weather shows more rain than cold
hmmmm. We’ll see. But I will definitely keep your idea in mind for a future possible blog outfit post! x
Happy New Years!!! x
This is a really cool outfit. I’m not sure if I could pull it off, but I like to see people trying different things and showing their personality.
Love your blog.
http://stylecocktail.blogspot.com/
Great interview, I love that she shops at stores like H&M, Forever 21, and Target, every girl should know that good style doesn’t cost and an arm and a leg, and clearly Melissa proves that!
Thanks for your sweet comments, and blessings to your for the upcoming New Year, Mimi!
xoxo,
S-C
Oops, forgot to answer your question in one of your comments!
Anyway, yes, I used to write many, many short stories, wrote a few novels too, when I was 12-13 or so. I would write 50 or more pages a day, I didn’t self-edit much then. Anyway, long story short: I won a national writing award, and then my parents and English teacher and such starting putting massive pressure on me to get my work published, I didn’t appreciate it, and some arguments insued, ending with me swearing off writing. I did go back to it, as you can witness from my blog, I think I knew I would always go back to it, some day, but I didn’t for a long time, and I’ve never written any short stories or novels since then. But maybe one day!
Thanks for your sweet compliments on my writing though, you’re so sweet! <3
xoxo,
S-C
Great Interview! Love Melissas site, she is very talented.
darling,always love your fashion idols of the week! love her belt and furry vest.
you should come to London and when you do let me know! be totally fabulous.
big kiss dear,
Marian.
I found your woderfull blog with big G
i will bookmark your blog
Vary pretty lady.
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