I’m so thrilled to introduce the latest subject of my Real Style series, the fabulous Melissa Soldera. You might know her has MelSoldera from YouTube or from her popular Instagram account, or blog Style Society. Having launched her YouTube page in 2011, Mel was part of the very first wave of fashion and beauty YouTubers. With a focus on luxury, she has a cult following who look to her for advice and inspiration. Watching her videos is like sitting down with a good girlfriend. The type who will tell you that your bum will look amazing in those new jeans she’s obsessed with, that you NEED a gorgeous new bag, and when to put down the credit card and walk away from that pair of shoes. Throw in some amazing beauty advice and an honest look at her life (she just shared an incredible video detailing her journey to motherhood {here}) and you have an idea of the awesome content that Mel creates.
Not only does Mel have an incredibly successful online presence, she’s also a fashion industry insider and absolute whiz. Having owned her own sales agency and now at the helm of a Digital Agency that specializes in brand strategies, digital marketing, and content creation, she comes not just with a pretty face and enviable style, but also some serious know-how. She’s also one of the most fun and real women whom I have the honour of calling a friend. During our last Friday afternoon sushi date in-between catching up, talking shop, swapping mum life stories and generally laughing away, I pitched this interview to her and she happily agreed. So in honour of Mel, grab a glass of champagne (her signature drink) and enjoy!
Who are your personal style icons?
So I have a few vintage icons that I actually obsessed over; Diana Ross and DVF in the 70’s are legendary. I love a good Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface vibe (does a movie character count lol) and of course I can’t not mention Caroline Bessette Kennedy and Gwyneth Paltrow in the 90s. I have to say for present day, I am very into the ‘Instagram influencer’; I love the Charlotte Groenebeld (The Fashion Guitar), Tamara Kalinic and Lena Terlutter… those are my go-to faves at the moment.
What are your favourite lines/who are your favourite designers?
I’m all about the mix of highs and lows… so Zara has to be mentioned here- they are a solid base to my wardrobe. I also love all the Australian brands; Finders Keepers, Maurie and Eve, C/meo collective. Throw in some Acne and Levis and my wardrobe is pretty much summed up! For bags, I’m all about Fendi and Celine ATM!
How would you describe your personal style?
Girly meets androgynous; I know it’s like the weirdest oxymoron description in the whole world, but that’s really it! I love to wear really feminine pieces combined with oversized menswear!
What was your first designer bag?
Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
What trends are you loving for Fall/Winter
Combat boots! Have been wearing them for years and am happy they’re back in in a big way!
What trend are you totally over?
PVC anything!
What are your beauty must haves?
Laura Mercier setting powder, Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Maybelline Brow Précise Micro Pen and Charlotte Tilbury beauty light wand
What are 3-5 pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe?
A day to night black dress, high waisted medium wash blue jeans, a great white tee, a black jacket with a little something something (think LOA) and a stunning forever bag.
Who’s closet would you most love to raid?
Daniel Bernstein from Who What Wear
What inspired you to launch your Youtube/blog?
I saw a shift in the way people were buying and shopping. As someone who started her career off in fashion wholesale I knew I needed to get on the for-front of the digital world. I originally started my YouTube as something experimental, to see if it was something I could do, and ended up completely falling in love with the platform and the community!
You have 48 hours to spend in Montreal, what do you do?
Ouuuuuuuuuu Montreal in 48H basically means NO SLEEP!!
DAY 1:
First off you stay at the Hotel St-Paul in the Old Port! It’s still my fave and the best locations. Get lost in the streets of old Montreal. Then head to SSense to not only appreciate how stunning their store is but also shop your brains out! Stop for lunch at Venice and then head to Tommy’s for a coffee but also a quick photo opp on their iconic stairs! Then head back to your hotel change for a night out and have a drink at Hambar. For a fun night out I’d then walk over to Le Bremner; you’ll have bomb food but an awesome time too- don’t skip on the oysters and champagne!!!
DAY 2:
Head to Arthurs in St-Henri for breakfast! You’ll most likely see a line up outside, but it’s worth the wait! Walk off the heavy breakfast by heading over to Atwater market to check out all the local goodies and for some good people watching! Because I love a good shopping trip; I’m then sending you (by Uber) to the Four Seasons for lunch at Marcus- please order the salmon tartar! Once you’ve finished your meal head to Holt Renfrew and Ogilvys, it’s an easy walk and it’s filled with so many pretty things to look at! I’m closing off your night at Beatrice, a Montreal institution packed with awesome food and pretty people (there’s also a wall made of leaves perfect for your Instagram OOTD)!!
There is my Montreal in 48H! You’ll be tired but you’ll leave with stories 😉
