MelissaMiles (1)
Melissa Magsaysay is a fashion journalist and author contributing to numerous lifestyle publications and websites as well as the co-founder of new lifestyle website, The Hive. She was most recently the Style Editor for the Los Angeles Times, a position she held for 5 years. Prior to the Los Angeles Times, she was the West Coast Fashion Market Editor at Women’s Wear Daily for 3 years, producing and styling fashion stories for one of the industry’s most informative and influential publications.
As a trusted voice in the fashion industry, Melissa also consults for several luxury and contemporary clothing brands, providing editorial direction and creative content for a variety of different companies.
Melissa currently writes for The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Hollywood Reporter, Glamour, Angeleno, C Social Front and Foam.
Her best-selling book, “City of Style: Exploring Los Angeles Fashion from Bohemian to Rock”, was released in May 2012.
1. How many children do you have? What inspired their names?
1 boy, Miles Henry. We wanted a cool, classic name. Nothing trendy, but certainly not too boring. My husband and I kept saying it and both smiled every time. We sort of just knew. It felt right and Miles certainly fits his name. He is cool, funny, sweet and smart. Henry is a family name on my husband’s side.
2. What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
Any and all ways! We take what we call “family walk” to the beach near our house and let Miles out of the stroller on the boardwalk to run wild. He loves running up to his shadow, knocking on gates and watching all the dogs that go by. We go just before the sun sets and it’s beautiful, relaxing and really quality time for all of us.
3. Are there any children’s brands you find yourself buying over and over again?
Crewcuts, Zara, Boden, Adidas, Natives, Petite Bateau and Baby Gap.
4. How has motherhood affected your personal style?
It hasn’t really. If anything it’s made me edit my closet more and think harder about what I buy to ensure I’m buying pieces that are real workhorses.
5. What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
Watching Miles grow and develop a personality, interests, a sense of humor, compassion…and just into a real and wonderful person! It’s surreal and rewarding. Motherhood goes up and down and it’s happy and sad, but it’s always an adventure that forces you to go with the flow and let it all happen and try and enjoy it while it’s happening.
6. What’s the hardest thing about being a mom?
Trying to remain patient, trying not to be too hard on myself about everything and trying to draw boundaries around my work and being with my son. It’s all pretty hard, but all very much worth it.
7. Has your beauty routine changed at all since you’ve had kids?
Yes, because I’m older and just look more tired from lack of sleep! I have always tried to use healthy, non-toxic and safe products and have found several lines and items that are safe, but effective. I like Beautycouter, Ren, Caudalie and Koh Gen Doh concealer under the eye – lot’s of it!
8. What have you learned from your kids?
How to slow down (a bit), try to be more patient and that life is not as much about to-do lists as it is spending time enjoying what Miles is enjoying and excited about.
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