I remember, when I first opened Phlox 5 1/2 years ago, Marjorie was the FIRST person from the press to contact me. I think we were both sorta new to our respective jobs. In case you don’t know, Marjorie Skinner is the Managing Editor and Style Columnist for the Portland Mercury. When we first met, she was very polite, a little reserved (journalistic integrity) and excited about fashion. I liked her instantly for her enthused yet cautious nature.
Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon
As for me, I was a tiny bit nervous about the press, as they could write whatever they want. I, of course, wanted to make a good impression. Luckily, it all turned out just fine and five years later, we have both grown in our respective professions, share a mutual respect and are still excited to be working in Portland’s small but blossoming fashion industry. If you haven’t already, check out Marjorie’s column, Sold Out, and blog, MOD (Mercury on Design). Her dedication to Portland’s designers and boutiques has helped elevate the whole industry. Thank you Marjorie!
Name: Marjorie Skinner
Age: 32
Occupation: Managing Editor and Style Columnist for the Portland Mercury.
Any Pets/Kids? Two cats, Bruce LaBruce and Valentine
Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon
Hometown: I grew up on the San Francisco peninsula, in a tiny beach town called Moss Beach, but went to school and basically lived my life in the city. Town and country, y’all.
What are your go‐to accessories? Persol sunglasses. I’m a freak about sun protection. I wear them in the rain.
What splurge are you saving for right now? I loved the dyed canvas bags that Carly Mick and Susannah Hohmann showed at Content, but I’m having them make me a custom one that’s larger, more of a weekender instead of overnight sized. Their price point is really reasonable though, so I don’t know if that qualifies as a splurge. The list of items I want Adam Arnold to make me from his Fall collection definitely will be, though.
Has anyone in your life influenced your personal style? It’s hard to think of one individual, but the older dancers at my ballet school growing up were a big influence, as were the limitations of school uniforms and a high school dress code. I tend to pick and choose rather than subscribe to any one person as an icon.
What 3 things from your wardrobe do you wear most often? Since the weather’s turned so cold, I’ve been wearing the hell out of this crazy Frocky Jack Morgan coat I found at the Portland Design Collective. It’s textured velvet with giant sweater sleeves and (vintage! repurposed!) mink trim, with a panel of haphazard beading down one side that’s kind of melting. I also depend a lot on that one plain versatile black miniskirt that constantly needs replacing, ditto that my skinny black J-Brand jeans.
Photo: Lavenda Memory, Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon
What is your most prized possession? A diamond pendant that belonged to my grandmother and hangs on a gold chain that was a gift from my fiancé. That and these awesome studded lace-up boots by Calleen Cordero, which are my favorite shoes I’ve ever owned, and that is saying a lot.
What attracts you to Isaac Hers? Flattering cuts, particularly in the dresses, and the fact that they have a personality on their own but invite you to use them as a canvas.
What are you wearing? I was wearing the Isaac Hers Broken top coat, a top by Velvet, skirt from Pendleton’s The Portland Collection, and black tights. My fiance bought the Pendleton skirt for me at the friends and family sample sale this past fall. I was really glad to have been able to score something from that collection. Not only do I feel a connection to it because I know the designers, but it wove its way into my professional life quite a bit—not just as a journalist covering Portland fashion, but I was also able to help produce the Portland premiere runway show in September, and make my first appearance on OPB’s Think Out Loud radio show to talk about it. The bag was actually made for me by my fiance Jesse Champlin ( rushaccessories.com). He got the idea while he was making himself a motorcycle seat, did some research on Chanel bags, and bam—happy birthday to me. It’s a one of a kind piece, and even though I’ve used it loads over the past two and a half years I’ve had it, but there’s hardly a blemish on it.
To get Marjorie’s style stop in and try on the Isaac Hers Brokentop coat! They are on sale now, only a few left!
Photos: Lavenda Memory
Hair/Makeup: Prima Salon
