5 local fashionistas share their closet must-haves + what’s going to be hot in Spring
Reading time: 8 minutes
How would you describe your style? Classic, retro, chic, ever-evolving? If you need some wardrobe inspo, meet these five Birmingham fashionistas and clothing stores that have the “It” factor to see their must-have items for any closet.
1. Aisha Taylor, Owner of Bridge and Root
Photo provided by Aisha Taylor 
Photo provided by Aisha Taylor
Meet Aisha Taylor, lover of fashion and the owner of a men’s boutique coming this spring to Downtown Birmingham called Bridge and Root. Her goal is to inspire others to reach for the stars as she has as an entrepreneur and mother of two boys.
How would you describe your style?
“EDGY AND CHIC. Juxtaposition is my thing. I wear things together that most people don’t think about pairing. It’s not necessarily on purpose. That’s just what works for me and what makes me feel most like who I am as a person.
According to Aisha, the trend we should all have our eyes on for this spring is the monochromatic look and I couldn’t agree more. We saw this trend have a major role in the inauguration with Michelle Obama’s purple number and Biden’s granddaughters who rocked the neutrals and pinks.
What is a must-have item that every closet should have?
“Definitely a blazer. For both women and men. There is so much you can do with this piece. It can easily be dressed up or down. So many people are working from home right now. Having a blazer within reach for a quick Zoom call just helps make life simpler. For versatility, I would opt for navy or grey but plaid blazers just add that special something to a look.”
2. Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, Styling Coach Extraordinaire
Photo provided by Megan LaRussa 
Photo provided by Megan LaRussa
Get to know the name Megan LaRussa. This Birmingham native and Birmingham-Southern College grad (Go Panthers!) is a style coach who empowers, educates and inspires women to dress for the life they desire. After training in New York City as a trend forecaster, she returned to The Magic City where she found her passion of working with clients to help them develop their personal style.
Megan would describe her style as always evolving, but some factors that will always hold true are her love for anything feminine, effortlessly French and a touch of edginess. You can always find her with a pair of classic hoop earrings and she loves a sophisticated leopard print.
What trend are you looking forward to trying this Spring?
“I am currently putting the finishing touches on my Spring Trend Guide for my Style Coaching clients, and am loving the optimism we are seeing in the spring collections! I think my favorite trend has to be what I call ‘ladylike sportswear.’ This is where designers are tossing a bomber jacket over a feminine dress, or wearing sneakers with a skirt. I personally love this unexpected mix of high-low elements!”
What is a must-have item that every closet should have?
“If I had to narrow it down I would say a flattering white v-neck tee. This one garment can go with anything. Finding one that has the right amount of stretch, thickness and the perfect v shape for you can be like finding a needle in a haystack, but when you find it it’s a workhorse!”
- Interested in working with Megan? Check out her website + Instagram for more details on her process, services and style blog.
3. Randall Porter, Brand Strategist + Style Enthusiast
Photo provided by Randall Porter 
Photo via @randallporter on Instagram
There are two Randalls in Birmingham—Woodfin and Porter. Let’s meet the Porter. Y’all know we couldn’t do a fashion piece without including him. If you’ve been following us on Instagram, you may recognize him from our Now the Weekend videos. Besides being a star on camera, he’s a brand strategist and style enthusiast with a blog called Stylishly Social on his website.
“My goal is to bring people together and expose them to unique places and experiences in Birmingham. If I had to put a title on it would be Cultural Curator. At the center of it all is Fashion. I am huge advocate of how your personal style carries more power than people realize. “
He would describe his style as “Everyday Chic” with a modern twist, but keeping things classic. His outfits start with a classic staple item, but he’ll add a unique touch for some intentional flare.
What is a must-have item that every closet should have?
“Honestly a good pair of leather or canvas white pair of sneakers and a Khaki Double Breasted Belted Trench Coat.”
4. Mary Fehr, Photographer and Mid-Size Style Queen
Photo via @confidencecurved on Instagram 
Photo via @confidencecurved on Instagram
Meet Mary, a full-time wedding and commercial photographer here in Birmingham. If you haven’t found her Instagram account on your Explorer page, let me do it for you. Like many of us, Mary has been learning to love her body over the past few years and shares advice, mid-size style and day-to-day life on @ConfidenceCurved.
My style has no real definition! I wear what I feel good in, and that’s everything from thrift store finds (mostly from Sozo Trading Co.), to higher-end items. I can go from bold and edgy to sweet and comfy. I do mostly shop on a budget or sale pieces to get a great deal. There are only a few splurge items that I have.”
What is a must-have item that every closet should have?
“Fun pieces. You have to have some items in your closet that are for special occasions, for photos, or just simply to lounge around your place in! I don’t care if ‘I’ll only wear it once.’ I’ll enjoy it while I do. Especially fun dresses! I have a lot of ‘oh that would be great in a photo’ pieces that I probably wouldn’t wear to the grocery or to work, but they do look great in the pic!”
- Follow along with Mary and her superb style on Instagram @ConfidenceCurved.
5. Kameron Monet, Attorney + Content Creator
Photo provided by Kameron Monet 
Photo provided by Kameron Monet
Kameron Monet is a powerhouse—licensed attorney, content creator and social media strategist. She began her career as an Associate Attorney, while simultaneously using social media to share content regarding fashion, beauty, lifestyle, female professionalism and career building.
“After realizing my social media expertise and license to practice law could provide value for aspiring ‘Lawyer Influencers,’ as well as educate content creators about the power of contracts when signing brand deals; I quit my 9-to-5 law firm job to live what I call the best of both worlds.”
She would describe her style as classic, neutral and chic. These three factors make for a sleek closet and items that can be worn in more ways than one.
As for her must-have item that every closet should have, Kameron is torn between a good-fitting white button-up and a black blazer.
What trend are you looking forward to trying this Spring?
“I’m obsessed with wide-leg pants! They give me classic, neutral, and chic vibes while also super comfy and trendy!”
- Follow Kameron along as she balances being a lawyer as well as an influencer: Website | Youtube | Instagram
6. Gus Mayer, Your One-Stop-Shop to Shop the Latest Trends
Studded bag by Cult Gaia. Photo provided by Gus Mayer 
Sweatshirt by Brightly Twisted and bag by Hammitt. Photo provided by Gus Mayer 
Dress by Staud and bag by Cult Gaia. Photo provided by Gus Mayer
Exclusive shoes, clothing, accessories—you name it! Gus Mayer makes sure to keep up with the hottest trends and specializes in luxury items. This Spring you can catch trends like:
- Structured handbags + clothing, like Cult Gaia and Staud
- Feminine florals like LoveShack Fancy
- Elevated athleisure + loungewear like P.E. Nation and Aviation Nation
- Chunky boots + sneakers
- Tie-Dye knits
- Spring Sweaters
What is a must-have item that every closet should have?
“Invest in a great pair of jeans – Mother, AGOLDE, Frame, Lafayette 148, L’AGENCE are all great options. While we know that skinny jeans are ‘out,’ I think it’s also important to wear what is most flattering for your body type. A blazer that you can dress it up, or pair with a graphic tee and leather leggings or a jogger.”
Kelsey Alexander, Assistant Store Manager + Social Media Manager at Gus Mayer
Mark your calendars and keep your eye out for the latest trends at their upcoming trunk shows that showcase a specific designer. Here are the deets:
- Hilton Hollis, Feb. 25-27
- Kevan Hall, Mar. 2-3
- Rebellion, Mar. 11-12
Following someone local that inspires you with their fashion sense? Shout them out to us on social @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.
