{image1}Does my butt look big in these? Does this match? Is this out-of-date? When these questions plague your daily dressing routine and you would rather stay at home in your robe, then maybe you need a stylist.
Michael Haessly of M Style brings to Milwaukee what big cities like New York and Los Angeles have had for years. He's the man who will help you look your best in the best look for you.
Haessly doesn't want to criticize you; he wants to support you. He is not here to be a critic, but rather help make you confident in your fashion decisions.
"You should feel good in your clothing, whether it is for a special event or just day to day. A stylist like Michael makes it so simple for you. He saves you time and money," says Jennifer Hemberger, owner of J.Bird Boutique in the Third Ward. "He can help you clean out your closet. You get rid of the things you never wear and fill it with items that you use again and again. It is almost like adult Garanimals,"
"Stylist should not be a scary word. A stylist should not criticize you for a lack of fashion sense, he or she should educate you to make wiser future decisions," says Haessly. "This is not Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, it is educating."
With a background in advertising, Michael embarked on M Style due to the encouragement of friends. Since his childhood he has had an interest in clothing and fashion. After advising friends for years, it just made sense and the business took off.
Haessly offers a few current fashion tips OnMilwaukee.com readers to think about. He identifies three current trends to keep an eye on. The western look --yes that's right ... giddy up partner -- is on the scene. This isn't just a touch of the west; it is the full-fledged cowboy boots, flared pants and tight cowboy shirts. If you want to do it right, a head to toe ensemble is required.
If the Wild Wild West just isn't your thing, than grab those Izods and argyles as the preppy look is back. Tie that argyle knit sweater around your shoulders and dress up in plaids, stripes and polka dots.
Or give the free flowing gypsy craze a whirl. Raw silks with a delicate feel are another fashion trend option.
And if the hottest trends aren't for you, then never fear because you always have your blue jeans. According to Haessly, "Jeans have gone from a necessity to a luxury. Jeans can define your socio economic status. Let me look at your ass and see how much you spend and what you do."
Are you buying Oprah's fave Gap Long and Lean or splurging for some True Religion, Seven, Lucky or Versace Couture? If you thought people were admiring all those squats, well they may be, but they also might just be checking out the label.
Men, Haessly wants to speak loud and clear when he says, "Khakis need to be buried in hell. Get rid of the khaki and let the jeans in." And as long as we are on the subject of men, Haessly hates to break the news but the fitted shirts for men are a fashion trend that he believes is here to stay. "If you have a potbelly, you better get to the gym because it is not going away," advises Haessly.
Haessly finds that fashion is being dictated but what he calls the 3 S's: single, skin and sex. Men and women ranging in age and sexual orientation are out and about living the single life. Your body and the way you dress it is your greatest marketing tool. Your fashion decisions are your brand.
"I enjoy helping women, but I would like to increase my male clientele," comments Haessly. "What I can teach them is not scary or critical, it's updating."
Haessly finds that men have a hard time listening to their girlfriend or wife's fashion tips. They end up falling victim to the male peer pressure of the work environment dictating their wardrobe.
"I could have a man transformed in a department store in 20 minutes," describes Haessly. "Milwaukee's attitude needs to change. All men can dress well. We need to ditch the word metrosexual."
Being a male stylist has two advantages according to Haessly. One, women would rather hear the opinion of a male rather than a female. Secondly, men would rather hear from a male to receive professional or peer advice rather than from a woman.
Haessly not only helps clients with their own wardrobes, but he also enjoys helping spouses with holiday shopping. He knows their look and what they like so who better to pick out just the right gift?
"There is a market for stylists here in Milwaukee," Haessly says. "People just need to get accustomed to it. It is just like having a personal trainer. People will soon see the need and the value."
"Milwaukee will catch on," believes Hemberger. "It's effective and fun. Michael is warm and genuine, so he makes the experience fun and enjoyable. People deserve to look great and feel great. Why spend a lot of money on something that only looks good on a hanger? Wouldn't it be better for someone to tell you up front?"
Want a second opinion? Call a stylist. Too busy to shop? Call a stylist. Need the perfect gift? Call a stylist. Milwaukee, Michael Haessly is waiting for your call.
Reach M Style at (414) 967-9369 or m-style@earthlink.net.
