Isaac Hers Style: Meet Megan

This little lady is sooo bubbly and fun, her presence is like a ray of sunshine.  I met Megan through her sister, Jillian Rabe, and have grown to know her over time.  She has been an instrumental member in the production of my fashion shows.  She is the back stage lead and always makes sure the show runs smoothly.  We have shared many stressful and ridiculously silly moments.  Good memories, so happy to know her!  Being a true renaissance woman, Megan also designs a line of jewelry called Luca and owns Rococo Waxing Boutique .  This girls keeps herself busy!  Clearly, she is never bored.   She is also very beautiful – some girls get it all, I guess.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Name: Megan Rabe
Age: 25
Occupation: Esthetician and Owner of Rococo Waxing Boutique , Backstage Manager, and Retail Manager at The Space- Jillian Rabe Productions.
Any pets/kids? Currently an adopted house cat named Knox, he’s a ladies man with wild ways.
Hometown: Hillsboro, Or

Do you have any knick-names? Meggie-Doo has stuck around. It refers to the outrageous Mohawk I had when I was a baby.

What are your go-to accessories? A turqoise ring from Mexico, black walnut pendent from the Walden collection in my jewelry line LUCA, and a sterling silver cuff my sister bought for me 2 years ago. It doesn’t leave my wrist and reads, “she believed she could so she did.” It is my “power” bracelet, and I think of her. I want every woman to wear one.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What is your power outfit? On show days, backstage gets exciting. All black is the way to go- pants, leather boots and leather jacket- it gets me amped for the event. To keep it real, I sport a black fanny pack on my hip that holds all my day of show goodies.

Do you have any sentimental/heirloom pieces? A pair of gold set diamonds my grandmother gave me, they were hers. She’s been an incredible inspiration in my life, and it reminds me of what it means to work hard and take care of those you love. I wear them every day.

What was the best style advice you received and who gave it to you? “Wear what makes you feel fabulous, because you are,” my dear friend John Gest.

How has your style evolved over the past 5 years? My style has sort of recycled itself, and along with common trends, I’ve been having fun bringing back styles that I wore years ago. Anything goes now!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What would you never be caught wearing? Socks and sandals. Haha

What new trend are you excited to try? At the photo shoot I tried on Jeffery Campbells for the first time and am in love, they’re so comfortable! I want to get the American Flag Litas.

Heels or flats? I don’t wear heels much in the winter, but love to the rest of the year.

What attracts you to Isaac Hers? The clothes are all so hot, with cohesive designs for easy mixing and matching, its awesome and fun.

What are you wearing? I wore the Isaac Hers Playa Top in red, with a pair of amazing denim from Level 99, Necklaces from my line Luca and Jeffrey Campbell Litas from Solestruck.

Photos:  Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup:  Jennifer White Webb – Prima Salon 

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Isaac Hers Style: Meet Anne

It has been 1 year since we opened our doors in the Blackbox building.  During this time, we have met so many new customers, many of which have come from surrounding businesses and residences.  Anne happens to be one of those who wandered in sometime between working hours.  She works over at ZGF Architects, right across the street.  We have grown to love her enthusiasm for our store and her general excitement to try new things.  So much fun when she comes in to shop.  Also, she looks AMAZING!!    She is an inspiration, that you can have work, family and still have time to look great!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup – Jennifer White Webb

Name:  Anne Rogness
Age: 46
Occupation:   Commercial Interior Designer (across the street at ZGF!)
Any pets/kids?  (2)  great kids -15 yr old girl and 14 yr old boy,  (2)  sweet cats, (1) awesome horse
Hometown: Portland OR.
What publications do you subscribe to (fashion or otherwise)?   Sunset, National Geographic, Practical Horsemen.

What is your power outfit?
At Work – knee length, gabardine light grey skirt, heels, skinny belt, and crisp button up shirt.
For Fun – a little black dress, sleeveless, with an interesting neck line.
Weekends – Buff colored, low rise riding breeches, my tall/black/custom leather boots, Bling-y belt, fitted collared shirt and fitted red athletic jacket.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup – Jennifer White Webb

Do you have any sentimental/heirloom pieces?   My Grandmother’s double strand pearl bracelet and a Great Aunt’s Art Deco ring – my sister used the diamond from it for her wedding ring and I took the setting and added a blue topaz, I love it.

 What was the best style advice you received and who gave it to you?   Invest in well made, well fitted clothes and you will not have regrets, given by both my Grandmothers.

How has your style evolved over the past 5 years?  Less conservative, incorporating more “fun” styled shoes, adding  unique/unexpected pieces – new or vintage.

 What would you never be caught wearing?  Sweatpants and/or a big sweatshirt.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What new trend are you excited to try?   The influence of the 1920’s on fashion , I love the designs of that era and I am obsessed with Downton Abbey!

 Heels or flats?   Medium Heels for the “power” look and I love Boots with my jeans

What attracts you to Isaac Hers?   Artistic and unique pieces, comfortable and fit well, and I love telling people they are locally designed!

What are you wearing (in the photoshoot)?   The very lovely and comfortable Isaac Hers La Vida Loca Dress, Jeffrey Campbell, Gibson Animal Print shoes from Solestruck, Roost Black Horn Cuff, Mariella Pilato Crystal Pyramid Necklace, and silver ring from home.

Photo: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup:  Jennifer White Webb – Prima Salon 

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Marissa

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 

Isaac Hers Presents: Chambers – A Benefit Fashion Show.

Portland based fashion line, Isaac Hers presents, “Chambers,” an exclusive runway premier, showing this April.  Featuring both in-store looks for Spring, as well as the reveal of Isaac Hers’ Fall 2012 collection, the evening will be a fun, fashion filled event for all ages.

Special guests, The Woodlands and How to Talk to Girls presents PINO, will open the show with menswear looks on the runway.   Enjoy the silent auction, shopping and mingling both pre-show and after.

Proceeds to benefit Planned Parenthood of the Columbia/Willamette.  Support fashion, indulge your shopping habit and enjoy the party, all for a great cause!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

When:  Saturday April 21, 2012. Doors at 6:00PM, Fashion Show at 8:00.
Where:  610 SW 12th Ave (corner of SW 12th and Alder); Portland, OR 97205.  After party onsite to follow.

Tickets:  $40 for seating, $20 for standing and $15 for students with ID.  Availability is limited. Purchase tickets right here on the blog side bar, or please visit www.isaachers.com.

 Special thanks to our sponsors Solestruck, Prima Salon, Bridgeport Brewing, Tavola, Catering, The Woodlands and How to Talk to Girls.

Event and fashion show produced by Jillian Rabe, LLC.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Chambers the collection:

The past couple of seasons, Isaac Hers designer, Barbara Seipp, has found inspiration in the world around her, through physical locations that inspire both memories and feeling.  With the Fall 2012 collection, however, Seipp looked inward to channel the psyche and subconscious.  “The Chambers collection rests in a mysterious, unknowable, dreamlike and sometimes haunting place,” states Seipp. Using dreams for inspiration, she chose mostly darker fabrics as the foundation for the collection, and softly tailored classic shapes. By then adding pops of color, tribal and vintage themes, the collection mimics the unpredictability of the subconscious and marries the comfort of a happy memory with the edge of psychological unrest.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Isaac Hers began from designer Barbara Seipp’s drive to create a directional clothing label that still possessed a timeless, classic appeal.  With this balance in mind, she founded the Isaac Hers label in the Spring of 2008. The collection incorporates soft tailoring, directional feminine silhouettes, and a minimalist sophistication.  Seipp’s design aesthetic paired with her keen eye for quality and construction make Isaac Hers a quickly growing and sought after label.  Approaching the 1-year anniversary of the flagship store (this May,) Isaac Hers proudly welcomes shoppers to its brick and mortar location  at 415 SW 13th St. in Portland’s up and coming West End.

Press Contact: Jillian Rabe; jillian@jillianrabe.com; 503 307 8273

Photo Credits:
Photography – Lavenda Memory
Hair and Makeup – Jennifer White Webb, Prima Salon
Model – Meredith Adelaide 
Styling –Melissa LaChance, Kayla Rekofke

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Anna

Over the past six months, I have had the pleasure to get to know this lovely and ambitious young lady. I met her in a modeling context (her modeling, not me, ha!) and through conversation learned that she was involved in the local designer scene. So much so that she was working as a wholesale sales rep. How fortunate for me! A REP was just what I needed. And, with that, Anna has become a colleague and friend. She went out and hustled my spring collection landing some new accounts. I am grateful for her hard work and a better person for having her around. THANK YOU ANNA!! Anna is also ridiculously beautiful.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

We had so much fun at the shoot with Anna’s little dog, Stella!!  Such a cute and friendly little girl.  I am happy (along with everyone else) when Anna brings Stella over to the shop!!

Name: Anna Pryka
Age: 24
Occupation: Indie Designer Wholesale Rep
Any pets/kids? One feisty, Jack Russell/Long-hair Chihuahua named Stella. She’s been my sidekick now for almost 4 years… we’re still working on her social skills, haha.
Hometown: Eugene, OR

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

Do you have any knick-names? Leaf (like a giraffe stretching it’s neck to reach the high branches, ie. I’m tall)

What publications do you subscribe to (fashion or otherwise)? I get most of my news online these days. My favorite sites are Style.com (for fashion shows and designer news), Models.com (the best editorials from publications all over the world), NPR (you can listen online!), Refinery29 (hipster trends), and CocoPerez (celebrity fashion).

What are your go-to accessories? Shoes. Does that count? They do a lot more for me than a cocktail ring…

What is your power outfit?   Amazing heels/boots, great fitting tight jeans, and v-neck tee. When it’s all working together it’s just… so perfect.

Do you have any sentimental/heirloom pieces?   My grandmother (93) recently gave me a black Sable hat and elbow length black leather gloves. They are timeless, elegant, and chic – just like her.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What was the best style advice you received and who gave it to you?   My mom, when I was about 13, said it was better to have fewer, but better quality, classic pieces in your wardrobe, than a closet full of cheap and trendy items. It’s taken me a long time to really understand the beauty of a well-curated closet. And less laundry!

How has your style evolved over the past 5 years?   I think I am just more confident in making my own fashion choices, and owning them. I hate the excuse of most people in the NW that you can’t dress up… who says?? Just do it. Have fun, wear what you want, and if everyone’s staring, they’re probably just jealous.

What would you never be caught wearing?   Polar fleece zip-up vests

What new trend are you excited to try?   The color ORANGE

Heels or flats?   Heels. Always.

What attracts you to Isaac Hers?   Isaac Hers makes you feel like that cool girl that’s always impossibly cool, sexy, and chic – without trying too hard. And if that’s not enough, her construction, the quality of the garments is outstanding!

What are you wearing?  Who doesn’t love a great LBS (little black skirt… duh)?! Here’s why the Isaac Hers Mayan Mini rocks:  the stretch cotton is makes it sooo comfortable, and allows for the perfect tight but not too tight fit, and the fact that it’s an A-line is not only ultra-flattering, but it allows me to get away with it’s super short hemline. In honor of summer I paired it with my #1 summer shoe, the Jeffrey Campbell ‘Snick,’  and this neon creamsicle colored safari-esque button down (the color is so intense I just love it). Topping it all off is a stretchy tribal belt I snagged from Anthropologie on sale, some Turquoise earrings gifted by my aunt and uncle, and a ‘gold’ cuff. I’m sipping Singapore Slings in my mind already…

To get Anna’s style try the Isaac Hers Mayan Skirt in Black.

Photos: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb – Prima Salon

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Maria

I have been a little bit delayed in my blogging due the launch of our new online store and the migration of the blog.  But, now I am back to getting the style posts up.  This week we feature our extra lovely neighbor and owner/operator of Masu Sushi, Maria Rosengreen.  She was one of the first to welcome us to the neighborhood and she has become a fan of the shop.  We have also become BIG fans of Masu.  LOVE!  I always enjoy talking with Maria because we are both BUSY moms and work long hours as business owners.  It can be hard at times and it is good to talk with someone who can relate.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

In December, Maria had a holiday party to attend and needed a dress.  She’s stopped by the shop about 2 days before we completed our Isaac Hers Starlight Dress.  With patience and many stops into the store to see if we were yet finished, she kept checking on our progress.  Eventually we rushed the dress in her size.  We were thrilled with the perfect fit and she looked smoking hot!!  She is pictured here looking gorgeous in that party dress.  Love you Maria!!

Name:    Maria Rosengreen
Age: 38
Occupation:  Owner/Operator Masu Sushi
Any pets/kids?   1 old soul dog 2 beautiful children
Hometown: “the couve” (Vancouver, WA)

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What are your go-­‐to  accessories?    Mascara, lipgloss, earrings.

What splurge are you saving for right now?  Vacation.

What 3 things from your wardrobe do you wear most often?  Belts, jeans, and large sweaters      .

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jennifer White Webb

What attracts you to Isaac Hers?  Accessibility, availability, and versatility.  The staff is really helpful!

What are you wearing?  The Isaac Hers Starlight dress, earrings by Carlos Sobrai,( totally recycled materials and a green company). I just received them for my birthday from my chef and his wife.  The jacket is a little vintage piece.  Shoes are Coraline from Messeca available at Solestruck.

Photos: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup:  Jennifer White Webb, Prima Salon

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Eden

I am almost a week late getting all my blogging done, including this post.   Too, too much going on here.  I do think, however, that Eden will understand, because she is probably just as busy as I am.  Eden Dawn is Style Editor of for Portland Monthly Magazine, a freelance wardrobe stylist and an instructor at the Art Institute of Portland.  This lady is a powerhouse; brainy, FUNNY AS HELL, and mover and shaker in the fashion community.  I love her spunk, and appreciate her commitment to covering Portland fashion.  She has done an excellent job of developing her own voice and angle on all things fashion, from Portland and beyond.  See her editorials and blog Shop Talk, at Portland Monthly Magazine.  It was so much fun having her on this shoot!!  Cannot wait until next time!  LOVE EDEN!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jen White Webb

Name:   Eden Dawn
Age:  31
Occupation:   Style editor for Portland Monthly magazine, freelance wardrobe stylist and adjunct instructor in the fashion department at The Art institute of Portland
Any pets/kids?  1 very misbehaved kitty – Ruby Tuesday
Hometown:  Salem, Oregon
What are your go-­-to accessories?     I love huge chunky rings and usually wearing multiple. (as a fashion editor you have to be prepared to brawl at all times ß not really)

 What splurge are you saving for right now?   An extended vacation (fingers crossed)

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jen White Webb

Has  anyone in your life influenced your personal style?  Everyone! My job involves visual hunting to see what’s going on in the style world and I’m always stealing bits for me. But for sure a big shout out to my stylish fashion students…they keep you hip.

 What 3 things from your wardrobe do you wear most often?   Probably black tights, my bright pink Sephora lipstick and my favorite Seaworthy earrings.

What is your most prized possession?  I love this necklace my father got me in Egypt many years ago that is my name in hieroglyphics. Growing up with the name Eden I could never find personalized things at any stores so it’s extra awesome. Plus, I totally feel like it’s good luck.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Jen White Webb

What attracts you to Isaac Hers?   The feminine style that isn’t overtly girly. It always feels like the Isaac Hers “girl” is having a good time. That coincides with an Eden Dawn girl (aka me).

What are you wearing?  The Isaac Hers Bachelor Dress in green,  Annie Costello Brown earrings available at Isaac Hers, Ego & Greed boots available at Solestruck,  Sticks and Stones Pink Ivory Ring and a Grayling Quartz Ring.

To get Eden’s look stop in the shop and try the Isaac Hers Bachelor Dress and Annie Costello Brown earrings.  Also, hit up Solestruck for all things Ego & Greed!

Photos: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon 

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Andrea

Feeling the love here.  Andrea is quite possibly our most loyal and long-term customer.  Her closet is full of Isaac Hers pieces going back the very first collection.  It has been such a pleasure to get to know her over the years, meet her family (including in-laws) and watch it grow (she had her second child a little over a 2 years ago).  I would describe Andrea is smart, adventurous and erudite.  It is so much fun to dress her as she brings all of these qualities to her fashion sense as well.  When she shops, she is always ready to try new things.  So fun!!

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

Fittingly, Andrea is a Professor at Lewis and Clark College and is full interesting conversation, no matter what the subject.  So much fun to have her in the shoot!

Name:  Andrea Hibbard
Occupation:  I teach English and gender studies at Lewis & Clark College
Any pets/kids?  Two kids,  Celia (11) and Oliver (2)
Hometown: I was born in Southern California.  I spent my formative years in Salem, Oregon and I moved around a lot after college.  I returned to Oregon about 7 years ago.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

 What are your go-to accessories? Depending on what else I am wearing, I reach for my black infinity scarf, my braided leather and turquoise choker, or a coral ring that belonged to my grandmother.

What splurge are you saving for right now?  A vacation to Kauai (the sun, the ocean, and lush forests all in one place).  I love Portland, but the relentlessly gray skies of January do make me crave the sun.

Has anyone in your life influenced your personal style?  My students, even if they are often more adventurous than I am.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

 What 3 things from your wardrobe do you wear most often?  Paige skinny jeans, black boots, and my Isaac Hers drape neck tunics.  I love the shot of color the tunics introduce into my otherwise all too black and neutral wardrobe.

What is your most prized possession?  My books, I don’t want a Kindle.  I like my books to take up space.  I like the heft and feel of a real book.  I like being able to turn the pages and write in the margins.

What attracts you to Isaac Hers?  Barbara’s designs have what children’s author Lemony Snicket calls “panache,” something he defines this way: “a sense of style and excitement, a kind of verve or swagger.”

What are you wearing?  I am wearing the Isaac Hers Gemini Top from last fall’s collection and the Ochoco Pants from this past fall.  Also wearing TBA 11fiftynine shoes from Solestruck.

Stop in the shop and try the Ochoco Pants!!  They come with a free pant hem!

Photos: Lavenda Memeroy
Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Whitney

Can you say old school glamour?  That is what I see in Whitney’s Style photos.  We met Whitney here at the new shop, she loved the store and we LOVED the way she carried herself.  There was an instant connection.  Confident, eclectic, smart, Whitney is exactly the kind of gal we want to get chummy with.    Needless to say, we are thrilled to have her as part of the Isaac Hers community and absolutely love it every time she stops in.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

Name: Whitney Elizabeth Hull- Benson
Age: 23
Occupation: Make-up artist for Stila Cosmetics & Cocktail server at Urban Farmer Restaurant.
Hometown: Portland Oregon

What are your go-­‐to accessories? A pair of big earings, or an offensive amount of rings. Most are hand me downs from my Grandma’s amazing accessories collection.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

What splurge are you saving for right now? I am saving for collection pieces, I am working on evolving and expanding my vintage collection. I would love to find a pen necklace, or a box clutch.

Has anyone in your life influenced your personal style? I have a very large family, so I have pulled from all of the women that I have been surrounded by my entire life. I would have to say that my Grandma is my biggest style influence, she dressed in a time when looking put together, no matter your social status, was very important. I try and take her classic prestine asthetic and add a bit of my own edge.

What 3 things from your wardrobe do you wear most often? Staple pieces are things I always think im lacking, I’m sure there are pieces I wear more then others. Being that I work in places where jeans are not part of the dress code means I wear an inconcievable amount of black. I have a dark grey over-sized blazer that I can throw over anything be it a cocktail dress or a floral print bouse. Also my prized high waisted black skinny slacks. Definitely would be a bit lost without those.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

What is your most prized possession? Oh goodness. I would have to say, my mothers wedding dress, which was worn by my Grandma as well. I plan on having it altered and wearing it one day myself.

What attracts you to Isaac Hers? I obviously favor the aesthetics of another time, other then my own. Isaac Hers helps me stay contemporary, mixing my classic vintage pieces with the clean lines, often architectual, looks of the Isaac Hers pieces.

What are you wearing ?  I am wearing the Isaac Hers La Pine Dress and Jeffrey Campbell Lita shoes from Solestruck.  My rings and earrings are from Maggnolia designs.  She is one of my closest friends and is a jewelry designer in LA.

Photos:  Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup:  Prima Salon

Isaac Hers Style: Meet Marjorie

I remember, when I first opened Phlox 5 1/2 years ago, Marjorie was the FIRST person from the press to contact me.  I think we were both sorta new to our respective jobs.  In case you don’t know, Marjorie Skinner is the Managing Editor and Style Columnist for the Portland Mercury.   When we first met, she was very polite, a little reserved (journalistic integrity) and excited about fashion.  I liked her instantly for her enthused yet cautious nature.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

As for me, I was a tiny bit nervous about the press, as they could write whatever they want. I, of course, wanted to make a good impression.  Luckily, it all turned out just fine and five years later, we have both grown in our respective professions, share a mutual respect and are still excited to be working in Portland’s small but blossoming fashion industry.  If you haven’t already, check out Marjorie’s column, Sold Out, and blog, MOD (Mercury on Design).  Her dedication to Portland’s designers and boutiques has helped elevate the whole industry.  Thank you Marjorie!

Name: Marjorie Skinner
Age: 32
Occupation:  Managing Editor and Style Columnist for the Portland Mercury.
Any Pets/Kids?  Two cats, Bruce LaBruce and Valentine

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

Hometown: I grew up on the San Francisco peninsula, in a tiny beach town called Moss Beach, but went to school and basically lived my life in the city. Town and country, y’all.

What are  your  go­‐to accessories?  Persol sunglasses. I’m a freak about sun protection. I wear them in the rain.

What splurge are you saving for right now? I loved the dyed canvas bags that Carly Mick and Susannah Hohmann showed at Content, but I’m having them make me a custom one that’s larger, more of a weekender instead of overnight sized. Their price point is really reasonable though, so I don’t know if that qualifies as a splurge. The list of items I want Adam Arnold to make me from his Fall collection definitely will be, though.

Has anyone in your life influenced your personal style? It’s hard to think of one individual, but the older dancers at my ballet school growing up were a big influence, as were the limitations of school uniforms and a high school dress code. I tend to pick and choose rather than subscribe to any one person as an icon.

What 3 things from your wardrobe do you wear most often? Since the weather’s turned so cold, I’ve been wearing the hell out of this crazy Frocky Jack Morgan coat I found at the Portland Design Collective. It’s textured velvet with giant sweater sleeves and (vintage! repurposed!) mink trim, with a panel of haphazard beading down one side that’s kind of melting. I also depend a lot on that one plain versatile black miniskirt that constantly needs replacing, ditto that my skinny black J-Brand jeans.

Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon

What is your most prized possession? A diamond pendant that belonged to my grandmother and hangs on a gold chain that was a gift from my fiancé. That and these awesome studded lace-up boots by Calleen Cordero, which are my favorite shoes I’ve ever owned, and that is saying a lot.

What attracts you to Isaac Hers? Flattering cuts, particularly in the dresses, and the fact that they have a personality on their own but invite you to use them as a canvas.

What are you wearing? I was wearing  the Isaac Hers Broken top coat, a top by Velvet, skirt from Pendleton’s The Portland Collection, and black tights. My fiance bought the Pendleton skirt for me at the friends and family sample sale this past fall. I was really glad to have been able to score something from that collection. Not only do I feel a connection to it because I know the designers, but it wove its way into my professional life quite a bit—not just as a journalist covering Portland fashion, but I was also able to help produce the Portland premiere runway show in September, and make my first appearance on OPB’s Think Out Loud radio show to talk about it.  The bag was actually made for me by my fiance Jesse Champlin ( rushaccessories.com). He got the idea while he was making himself a motorcycle seat, did some research on Chanel bags, and bam—happy birthday to me. It’s a one of a kind piece, and even though I’ve used it loads over the past two and a half years I’ve had it, but there’s hardly a blemish on it.

To get Marjorie’s style stop in and try on the Isaac Hers Brokentop coat!  They are on sale now, only a few left!

Photos:  Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup:  Prima Salon