Fashion has been a lifelong passion of mine, from playing "dress-up" as a child to now styling at Mercantile Portland for the past 13 years. I’m fortunate to meet such a wide variety of people, and getting to know my clients—who often become my friends—is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. No two days are ever the same, and that keeps me inspired. To stay ahead of the trends, I love people-watching, both in person and online, drawing inspiration from how people express their personal style. When it comes to styling, I believe it’s a process of listening, suggesting, and adapting. I encourage my clients to step out of their comfort zones and try new things there’s no commitment, after all. The best moments are when they say, “I would have never tried this, but I love it!” And as for a common fashion misconception I’d love to debunk? That things are either “in” or “out.” Fashion is about what feels right for you, not about following fleeting trends.