Shecky’s

Fashion is a fun way to add variety and express our personalities, but what if it was also your day job? Such is the case with Mary Alice Stephenson, a veteran Fashion Director and now Style Ambassador for MyHabit.com, Amazon.com’s new flash sale shopping site. Here she dishes on her best style advice, her fave fall trends and the items in her closet she simply can’t live without!

Mary Alice Stephenson Style Ambassador MYHABIT New York, NY MyHabit.com

What do you love most about working as a Style Ambassador for MyHabit.com?

It’s a fashion dream! I love representing what I believe to be the best fashion site out there and getting to talk about the coolest clothes, accessories and home décor for my job. MyHabit.com has become my weekly habit, whether I’m shopping for back-to-school clothes for my son, décor for my Brooklyn brownstone, or finding apparel for fashion week and red carpet events. I am addicted and you will be, too!

How did you become a stylist? When did you know you had a flair for fashion?

Lucky for me, I had a mother and father who taught me that anything was possible and supported my dream to be in fashion. I started as a magazine baby; my career began at 22 working at Vogue and then it was off to Allure. I went from there to being Fashion Director at Marie Claire and then Fashion Director at Harper’s Bazaar.

I really paid my dues at magazines on all levels. It was such an honor working for great editors like Glenda Bailey, Anna Wintour, Polly Mellen, Liz Tilberis and Linda Wells. I essentially grew up in the fashion business with these women as my mentors.

What was the best piece of style advice you’ve ever received?

I once heard it said and believe it wholeheartedly: mean girls don’t look good in anything! The best piece of style advice I like to give to others is that fashion doesn’t look good if you don’t feel good. I like my fashion happy—style should make you feel great, not the opposite!

Pick things that make you feel your best because when you do, you make everyone else around you feel good, too. Also, be brave and wear your sequins in the sun and always remember you need to look the part to get the part.

What fall trends are you most excited for?

I love all of the gorgeous ankle boots out there for fall because they give an instant edge to any outfit. I’m also excited about ponchos and capes this season, I think they’re great worn on their own or as a way to top off a look.

Also, the bright-colored pants are fabulous. They have so much more personality than neutral pants or jeans, and they’re a great way to add some fun to your wardrobe!

What are the items in your closet that you just can’t live without?

Dresses—a feminine dress that can transition from day to night is something I can’t live without. Every brand has dresses for fall that can be dressed up or styled down, making them appropriate for any event you’re attending, from a BBQ to a boardroom meeting. A great dress that fits perfectly can be the foundation for a week’s worth of amazing outfits as you add sexy knits, belts and statement jewelry to change up your look.

I also couldn’t live without my jewelry collection that I’ve amassed over the years. Adding a piece of jewelry is a quick and easy way to get your glamour on. And if you can’t afford the designer clothes, costume jewelry will instantly make any outfit look fashion-forward and ready for fall.

GIRL TALK TIME: What do you think of Mary Alice’s job as a Style Ambassador? Are you going to be shopping at MyHabit.com? What job would you like to see here next?