Style Shop Hat on Bed Blog
Sandi Mele Blog

Discover practical style tips and strategies, read other women's inspiring style stories, and dig deeper into the "why" of style on the Style Shop blog.

Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

10 Reasons to Try a High-Waisted Jean

I had a breakthrough this past fall. I found my first high-rise jean, and it was unlike anything I’ve experienced. I was so excited about my discovery that I appointed myself as the unofficial high-waisted jean spokesperson. I’d bring it up to clients only to hear, “you mean mom jeans?” I convinced a few to at least TRY a high-waisted jean and soon discovered the many perks to wearing a high-waist style in a pant.

Read on for my TEN reasons to try a high-waisted jean…

Read More

What to Wear if You’re a Stay-At-Home Mom or Work from Home

Do you work from home or stay at home with your kids? If so, you’ve probably noticed how easy it is to wear PJ’s from noon to night and feel like you’re #winning at life. Gone are the days of stiff, structured suit separates and itchy sweaters. Yoga pants, workout wear, and oversized sweaters are your new uniform. When I transitioned to running my business full-time, I was curious to discover how I’d feel wearing around-the-house clothing for work. I was scared I’d fall in love with leggings and oversized sweaters and feel shameful for loving them so much as a stylist.

And then it happened...

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

Spring Cleaning Series (Part 2!): To Capsule or Not to Capsule? Learn the WHY Behind Living with Less in Your Wardrobe

This is part two of my spring cleaning series all about the WHY of a capsule wardrobe. Many of my personal styling clients face an overwhelming task when they walk into a wardrobe stuffed with clothing. Physical clutter equals mental clutter, and a big wardrobe may prevent you from seeing new outfit options. It's likely you’ll reach for the same things you always wear when you have a large wardrobe, even though you have more things hanging in your closet!

Learn more about the important perks of a capsule wardrobe when you read this blog…

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

Spring Cleaning Series (Part 1!): To Capsule or Not to Capsule? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Capsule Wardrobe

I’ve never been one for trends. If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you’ve probably noticed I don’t post many articles on the latest trends, colors, or runway fads. It’s been no different with the capsule wardrobe and minimalistic movement. In the past, the term “capsule wardrobe” has triggered an inward eye roll, and for several years, I insisted on using the term “wardrobe clustering” as my preferred terminology for mixing and matching items inside a closet. But in the usual Sandi way, I’ve finally come around to the concept of a capsule wardrobe.

Read part one of my spring cleaning series detailing all the ins and outs of a capsule wardrobe…

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

5 Must-Have Clothing Items for Your Next Tropical Vacation

I’ve never been a “must-have” kind of girl when it comes to my blog and the way I approach a client’s closet, but after two tropical trips within the last year, I’ve discovered 5 clothing items I truly believe every person should have with them when traveling to a tropical destination.

Here are the 5 clothing items I recommend for any female traveling somewhere tropical…

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

Looking to Shop Less? Learn How One Client Keeps Her Wardrobe in Pristine Condition (Your Go-To Guide for Clothing Care)

One of my repeat clients, Marie, has an immaculate wardrobe with pieces she’s owned for years. She was fully prepared to dramatically pair down her closet and even asked that I show her some “tough love” during our Closet Cleaning session. We struggled to eliminate styles in her closet due to their pristine condition, and I HAD to ask Marie for her trade secrets! Much of her knowledge comes from her father who owns a dry cleaning business, and you may be surprised at some of her strategies.

Learn how to keep YOUR wardrobe in like-new condition when you read this go-to guide on clothing care…

Read More

Make Your Workouts More Effective with This One Simple Trick

We all do it. Every year when the calendar turns back to 1/1, we determine to take full advantage of the fresh beginning a New Year brings. We set out to fulfill our bucket lists, spend more time with our loved ones, beef up our savings, and get in shape. For some of us, it may look like a continuation of the same routine we began last year, and for others, creating brand new habits we hope will stick. One thing is certain - we all have goals when it comes to a healthier lifestyle!

As you approach exercise and a healthy lifestyle, try this one styling trick for making your workouts most effective…

Read More
The Truth Behind Style, Get Inspired Sandi Mele The Truth Behind Style, Get Inspired Sandi Mele

How One Mom Juggles Two Kids and a Stylish Wardrobe

Many moms devote their entire lives to taking care of their kids. The role of mother is demanding, all-consuming, and without weekends, holidays, or PTO. But when given a moment of silence, a mom may begin to feel lost in her new identity. How should she go about expressing herself in the clothing she wears? Victoria Shipman is a close friend of my sister's and a mother of two in Phoenix, Arizona. Upon befriending her on Facebook, I was instantly impressed with her attention to style. How does she do it?

I got with her to ask all about her style strategy, mindset, and perspective on spending time on her outward appearance as a mother of two…

Read More

Why One Woman Isn't Afraid to Show Up in a Bold Wardrobe

Do you ever feel afraid you'll show up as too much in an outfit that's colorful, loud, or on the dressier side? Does bright color make you feel like you're begging for attention, and a bold, eye-catching outfit feel like you're trying too hard? My friend, Julie, is a previous co-worker and Escrow Officer at a company called First Alliance Title. I’ve noticed the way she dresses has rubbed off on those around her and upleveled the style around the office.

I got with Julie to ask about the motivation behind her image and appearance and whether she's ever had a case of the "showing up as too much" scares…

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

Personal Styling Services & Subscriptions: How to Pick the Styling Service that’s Right for You

We are so spoiled with modern day conveniences. From online shopping to Amazon Prime to clothing handpicked just for us and delivered to our front door, we have endless options! Yet these options can become overwhelming. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about subscription services like Stitch Fix and what I recommend as a stylist. Because every person’s situation is different, not every type of service will be the right fit for everyone.

Inside this blog, you’ll find a comprehensive list of advantages and disadvantages to every type of personal styling service, from working in-person with a Nordstrom stylist to hiring a virtual consultant…

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

5 Things You Can Do NOW to Improve Your Professional Image and Personal Style

If you’re like me, I start getting bored with my wardrobe towards the end of the season. It’s the end of July, and I’m pretty sure everyone in Denver has seen me wear pretty much every summer outfit I own. What are some things you and I can do to switch things up and keep it fresh?

Here are five ideas for improving your professional image and personal style when you feel stuck in a rut...

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

The Style Shop by Sandi Mele's Pricing: What’s Included in My Personal Styling Services

I couldn’t be more excited to announce that I’m rolling out some big upgrades in the way I service YOU, my client! These changes include processes that will benefit you long-term, keep us both organized as we work together, and make your life SO much easier when you approach your wardrobe and style. I’ve created materials for our sessions that summarize your goals, schedule, and overall vision as we tackle your wardrobe. I'm excited to wrap even MORE value into my services, and I've been working hard behind the scenes to develop materials I know you’ll love.

Here’s what’s included in each session...

Read More
The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele

My Visit to the Dermatologist...and Why I Left Fuming

The first time I noticed the wrinkle was in a selfie. “Wait what is that!? What’s wrong with my face??” I couldn’t seem to disguise my newfound flaw. This was a month or so before I called the dermatologist to schedule an appointment for a bump on my leg. It had been bugging me for a long time, and with a tropical vacation coming up in just a few weeks, I was tired of looking at it. Perhaps you can relate. Do you have a physical flaw you can’t seem to get past?

Read this blog for the lesson I learned after leaving the dermatologist fuming…

Read More
The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele

The Hard Truth from a Girl’s Night Out

Do you put your worth in what you look like? I know I do. I have for years. I’m reminded of it when I go to the mall, gazing up sheepishly at the giant posters of beautiful women. I wander inside a store, unconscious of the desire the image has sparked inside my heart. I want to look beautiful…to captivate an audience. I try on clothing in the dressing room and begin to feel anxiety when I don’t measure up. I stand in line at Victoria’s Secret and wonder if it’s possible to actually have a body with such perfect proportions. The women look so happy, so fulfilled. Their radiance speaks of the worth they must feel. The value behind their beautiful face.

All of a sudden, the comparison game has started. And it really has nothing to do with clothing…

Read More
The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele

The Struggle Is Real...The Real Reason You Don't Like Shopping for Clothes

This week I went shopping for jeans (for myself). I haven’t bought denim in a couple years and was due for a year-round pair I could wear with flats or tuck into boots. I thought I’d find what I needed at The Limited, where pants have worked well for me in the past. I tried on a couple pairs, but found the styles at The Limited more jegging than jean, and I needed something more sturdy. I moved on to Macy’s and tried on just about every affordable pair I could get my hands on. Lucky, Levi’s, Bar III, Free People, and Maison Jules to name a few, without any luck. 

I began to think I wasn’t going to find denim today. I was looking at myself different in the mirror…

Read More
The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele

5 Things You Never Knew About a Denver Personal Stylist

Whenever I introduce myself as a personal stylist, I always get the same follow-up question. “Sssoooo, what exactly does that mean?” I’ve come to expect it every time I talk about my business, and I’ve gotten rather good at a response. “An image consultant provides closet cleanings and shopping sessions. I find flattering clothing for a client based on her body type and personality. I also shop for women who hate shopping.”

Here’s five things you may not know about working with a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant…

Read More
Styling Strategies Sandi Mele Styling Strategies Sandi Mele

The Style Shop Denver's Exclusive Look at the How-To of a Closet Cleaning

Wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly where each item of clothing hangs in your closet? To rid yourself of clutter and eliminate last-minute burrowing? Whether it’s a beginning-of-the-year project, spring cleaning endeavor, or spontaneous urge to organize, giving thought to your functional wardrobe can make all the difference in the time you spend getting ready every morning.

Here’s an exclusive look at the method The Style Shop uses for every client Closet Cleaning…

Read More
The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele The Truth Behind Style Sandi Mele

Why I Support Your Grungy Get-Up Every Day of the Week

This isn't something you expect to hear from a stylist, is it? You should see the reaction I get when I tell people what I do for a living. Their expression often changes to one of insecurity. They look down…they make excuses for what they’re wearing. I’ve realized this is the #1 reason I’ve avoided talking about my business in the past. It’s like people expect I’ll think less of them if they’re dressed casually!

Read my reason for supporting whatever you choose to wear inside this blog…

Read More