When I think of Marissa, all I see in my mind is a big smile. To go with that smile, she also has a very warm and bubbly personality. This lady is busy, holding down multiple journalistic type jobs. I knew of Marissa when she was an intern writing for the Portland Mercury MOD blog, but I didn’t really meet her and put it all together until Content 2011. She introduced herself as she was taking pictures for her style blog, Portland’s Pretty. When she asked to take a picture of me, I said “Why, of course.” With that, I was clued in about her blog. Check it out. It is really playful and fun, just like Marissa.
Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb
Name: Marissa Sullivan
Age: 31
Occupation: Tons! Account Executive at the Portland Mercury. Portland correspondent for Scout Network Blog, I do some freelenace PR from time to time for YO VINTAGE! and I’m the sole blogger Portland’s Pretty which I started in August of 2010, I had been living in Portland less than a month when I thought to myself, there’s too many cute people here – I have to start a blog!
Hometown: Born in San Francisco raised in Pleasanton, CA 45 minutes east of the city.
Do you have any knick-names? Maris is about as creative as it gets. My boss calls me Sully – but really, that’s way more my brothers nick name than mine. On the Christmas stocking I’ve had since I was a kid it says MJ because my middle name is Jane, but that never really caught on, I guess my mom was the only real MJ advocate. To quote Jay Z “I go by a lot of names, they call me a lot of names a couple to my face, you know.”
What publications do you subscribe to (fashion or otherwise)? I’ve subscribed to Harper’s Bazaar since I was 16. I always thought Vogue was too main-stream for my “alternative” tastes when I was a (dumb) teenager. And yes, I had a subscription to Sassy when I was a tween.
Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb
What are your go-to accessories? Rings! I usually have about three rings minimum on and I love a good “arm-party” at night you can hear me coming from a mile away because my arms are jangling. I can’t wear them in the daytime though because it’s impossible to type with all that accoutrement on. I also, don’t leave the house without a pair of hoop earrings on. If I forget my whole day is thrown off.
What is your power outfit?
At Work – I keep it really casual (casz) because I covet sleep more than I care about my looks. It’s actually kind of bad and I need to get better about it. We’re talking minimal make-up, leggings, boots, and you’re lucky if I curl my hair.
For Fun – Nighttime is the only time you’ll see me in heels. I love dressing up; I just have to have the time to do it. Black tights and my Farylrobin grey booties are a staple in the colder months with any number of dresses I have. Or maybe a high waisted skirt with my Michael Kors boots. Summer I live in cotton dresses, my Madewell or Sam Edelman sandals and my Levi’s denim jacket that I purchased when they did a Pendleton collaboration (http://www.pendleton-usa.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=Levis&parentName=AboutUs).
Weekends – I’m all about the high-waisted denim. It allows me to wear the crop top trend look, and not be vulgar. I think SJP is the only woman over 30 that’s allowed to rock a crop top. Basically, for fun you’ll see me in anything denim on denim. I have at least four chambray shirts, and endless amounts of jeans (J brand are my fave for fit).
What was the best style advice you received and who gave it to you? I was a crazy dresser when I was young – orange bell-bottoms, pink tights, Adidas knee high socks. All of which I look back on and think, man, I was cool, unfortunately in Middle School people would make fun of me and my friend that dressed the same way…it was the suburbs. Anyways, I calmed down a lot in High School because I was sick of being an outcast. I read a quote the other day that spoke to me Simon Doonan – Creative Ambassador-at-Large for Barneys said.
“I don’t hate anything in fashion. Everything is okay as long as you do it with enough conviction. Hating on stuff is what causes mediocrity and conformism. It makes people nervous and cautious and they start reining in their flamboyant impulses. So you could say ‘I hate hating.’”
Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb
What would you never be caught wearing? I study trends, so I’ll never say never.
What new trend are you excited to try? I’m so all about color right now. I’ve got to reorganize my closet. Reds with pinks, greens with blues, this town is grey enough, I’m going to be colorful! Also, I’m glad white in the winter isn’t a taboo anymore because I love me some white denim.
Heels or flats? Flats, I’m 5’11, I don’t really need any help in that department.
What attracts you to Isaac Hers? The first time I got a really good look at an Isaac Hers collection was Fall 2011. I was touched by Barbara’s working mom attitude. She made it seem that having a family and a clothing line was a piece of cake, and she looked good doing it. During that show I drooled over soooo many pieces. All the belted dresses, I can’t remember the names of them, but here’s one I LOVED.
What are you wearing (in the photoshoot)? I’m wearing my J brand 811 black skinnies, my H&M chambray shirt, a broach I’ve had forever, and the Isaac Hers Abuelo Sweater in Black, To Be Announced Alvarez booties from Solestruck.
Photography: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb – Prima Salon
Marissa, you look amazing! Great interview. <3