FACEBOOK GROUP MEMBER OF THE MONTH: DEBBIE MELCHOR

[TAG1]Name: Debbie Melchor

Location: Evans, Georgia

Age: 40

Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group? 

A: I love seeing everyone collaborate. Some people already have a strong sense of their own style, and others are just beginning to explore – but everyone is supportive and helpful. It’s such a range of lifestyles and aesthetics, but it’s all REAL and RELATABLE. No one is putting on clothes just for an Instagram story or fashion spread.

Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member 

A: Inspiration. Hands down. Seeing the group post their outfit wins and questions inspires me to try new things within my own wardrobe each week… plus a few good shopping leads.

Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined The Group yet?  

A: I feel like every FB member of the Month says “join now” or “just do it”, but really. What’s the downside? If the group isn’t bringing joy and inspiration on your feed – you can always leave!

 Q: How would you describe your style? 

A: Classic? Simple? *cringes and wonders how Bridgette would describe my style*. My style recently evolved. In late 2021 I accepted a position with my company that included relocation to Georgia and put me in a “leader of leaders” role. I had a baby and a three-year-old at home and was adjusting to the new climate and new role. And unpacking my clothes into a new closet. I was drowning in clothes that didn’t fit my body, my lifestyle, or my goals. I was overwhelmed, so I hit up Google to search for help. I was sold after the free consult call with Bridgette. She heard me and got my vision. Her guidance in purchasing has been great, but the purge was worth its weight in gold. I learned so much from her questions about how I got to where I was and where I wanted to be.

Q: How did you discover your style?  

A: I have always loved fashion. I even dreamed of being a model when I was younger… but I’ve struggled to feel comfortable with “trends”. I’m tall (6 ft) – so I stand out in a crowd without trying and finding clothes that fit right has always been a challenge. Wearing anything that screams “look at me” just made me uncomfortable. I love it on other people… but not me. Bridgette has helped me understand that classic doesn’t have to be boring. And feminine doesn’t have to be fussy.

Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their style?  

A: Listen to your gut about how you feel in the clothes. If you’re uncomfortable, it won’t matter how good the clothes fit, you’ll just look uncomfortable. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. I kept trying to create looks I was seeing online and was never able to figure out why they weren’t working for me until I met Bridgette. She helped me understand some of the complexities of my shape (Yes, I’m tall… but also have a short torso). And she helped me reign in some of the wishful wardrobing “who are you and where are you going in this?”.

Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with? 

A: I got a new job last week (yes, again). I’m beyond excited, it’s a different aspect of the business so it will be a great development for me and it’s really an honor to be trusted with this critical work. And my family gets to stay in beautiful Georgia! But to steal words from one of the factory automation engineers last week, I’m busting out my “front office” clothes. My uniform of jeans and blazers will still be the workhorse, but I get to wear heels and hoops, and necklaces now. Maybe even the occasional skirt! I’ve gotten lazy the past two years, I’m going to have to plan an extra 10 minutes in the morning to accessorize!

Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet? 

A: Skorts! Here’s a 90’s trend I’m happy to see back in action! Bridgette suggested one for me last summer and I didn’t buy it (sorry Bridgette!). But I found one cheap at Costco (of all places) last summer and I wore it to DEATH. I’ve bought two more this summer. They’re perfect for chasing little kiddos, and getting comfy on a couch – but with the right top and a bit of jewelry can be elevated enough for casual outings and hosting at the house.

Q: If you could go back and change the way you dressed in the past, what would you change?  

A: I wouldn’t change a thing. I love shopping, I love getting dressed, and when I look back at the way I dressed in the past it speaks to the person I was and the ways I was growing!

Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?  

A: I cant say there’s any one thing that surpassed my expectations… except maybe skorts?

Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?

A: I lived in Iowa from 2016 to 2021 and before that from 2000 to 2008. It gets cold there, for reference. If you search Pinterest for cute flannel shirt outfits there was a whole aesthetic I aspired to. I saw it around me, I saw it every fall on Instagram… girls wearing hunter boots and flannel shirts looking adorably chic and cozy. Girls at work managing to make a plaid flannel function for the office layered under a sweater or a vest. Being tall I searched high and low for the perfect flannel shirt that actually fit in the sleeve, but I always wound up feeling frumpy. Bridgette’s reaction when we purged my closet last year left me in stitches. “Were you a lumberjack in a previous career? What’s with all the plaid flannel?!” We purged all but one, and that last one is on its way out this spring. Goodbye flannel.

Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?  

A: Composed. Purposefully put together. The little things can be easy to overlook – like a belt, jewelry, or statement shoe/purse – but will completely transform a look. I think what I’m trying to get at is the Bridgetteism of “perfectly acceptable nobody” that I default into. But it’s a delicate dance to get the balance right. I was on a call today with a gal wearing heavy makeup, big earrings, a thick necklace, and a high-neck top and it was like WOH. I read that you should put on your accessories for the day and then take one thing off. That’s probably good advice.

Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?  

A: Finish the purge (finalize the donates and resales, let go of those things in the “maybe bin” that I don’t need anymore). I’ll never be “minimalist” by any means, but I’d like everything to fit neatly in my closet with room to breathe (the same goes for my beauty routine) so it’s easy to care for and put away.

Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received? 

A: Buy one great thing instead of 20 things that fit poorly. Evaluate things in cost per wear – some items (a nice blazer or bag) will last decades.

Q: The first thing you take off when you get home? 

A: Shoes. Then Jeans. I love stretchy pants.

Q: Favorite color(s) to wear 

A: Its always been blue, but Bridgette pulled a more magenta into my wardrobe last year when we started working together… They’re my colors now – they work well alone and together. And lucky me – they are everywhere this spring!

Q: Favorite stores to shop? 

A: J.Crew for the tall sizes. Bridgette has converted me to an M.Gemi disciple (new and resale). Naadam Cashmere (so good – nice long sleeves!).

Q: What makes you happiest? 

A: The people in my life fill it with joy. My family. My friends. My colleagues. I get so much joy from interacting and learning from the people in my life.

Q: What inspires you? 

A: Being outdoors. When I need to recharge from burn out – I get outside, even if its just a few breaths with the sunshine on my face. Disconnecting from all the artificial stuff lets my mind quiet and focus on the right priorities. I take some time every summer at a lake in Canada to sit by myself under the birch trees and take note of where I am this year and where I’d like to be by my visit next year. With my relationships, with my career, and with myself.

Q: Use One Word to Describe Your Style

A: Elevated Basics (that’s two words)