When assembling outfits for labels such as Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu and Adidas, freelance stylist Thalea Michos-Vellis chases juxtaposition. She embraces clashing patterns, colours, textures and “odd pairings”. She makes a strong case for teaming obscure, not-so-subtle accessories with easy staples such as denim or a neat slack.
Michos-Vellis finds inspiration for new outfits by poring over her collection of old fashion magazines, including Collezioni Donna and Dutch Magazine. Trawling online is also fruitful. The result is a “bourgeois or bizarre” way of dressing – a slogan she wears proudly on her jumper here.
Hair – Fur Hairdressing
Michos-Vellis likes to accentuate her hair’s natural curl and colour. She uses Kevin Murphy shampoo ($43) and Young Again treatment oil ($54) when she feels it’s losing its lustre. “My one and only beauty hack is using $5 sorbolene cream to enhance my curls.”
Make-up
“I’ll often only use two make-up products: Chantecaille Lip Chic lipstick in the shade tea rose ($58) on my lips and cheeks and RMS Un-cover Up concealer ($55) under my eyes and on any red areas. Recently I’ve introduced Glossier’s Cloud Paint gel-cream blush in haze, beam and storm, as well as its mascara.”
Skincare
Michos-Vellis’s daily routine includes Aliangé Daily Devotion cleanser ($55) applied with a Clarisonic brush, Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector ($34) and Dermalogica Active Moist moisturiser ($67). Occasionally she treats herself to a mask such as the pore-clearing Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay ($19) or the hydrating Lesse Bioactive Face Masque ($85).
Lucy Folk Divinity necklace – $945
Michos-Vellis prefers to pile on her jewellery for impact. “Wearing solid jewellery means you don't really need to take it off to sleep or shower. My favourite labels are Lucy Folk and Delfina Delettrez.”
Lucy Folk Studio 54 bracelet and rings – $1400 / $1120
When she’s not freelancing as a stylist, Michos-Vellis works as a sales assistant at Lucy Folk. “It means I have access to wonderful jewellery and have subsequently built up quite a collection. I love how bold these agate pieces are.”
Kowtow Stage Pant, classic denim – $179
“These are truly a go-to item in my wardrobe. They use really thick non-stretch denim, which is extremely comfortable.”
Aries Bourgeois Temple Crew jumper – $155
This UK label is one of Michos-Vellis’s favourites. “Aries uses amazing graphics on its sweaters and tees. This one reads ‘bourgeois or bizarre’ – I think this sums up my style.”
Prada slides – $78
Michos-Vellis stumbled across these slides at a consignment store in LA while on a recent work trip. “They were $US55, which is pretty good compared to prices on Vestiaire Collective or The RealReal.”
Prada bag – $1800
“I bought this bag in 2013. It was my first big purchase and it has probably been worn for 2000 of the 2190 days. I wear it a lot. I bought mine for $1800, which I later realised was half price.”
This article first appeared on Broadsheet on August 14, 2019. Some details may have changed since publication.
