I didn’t know Michelle Cohen well before she became a member of my Facebook Group. However, there are members that are the glue of the group and Michelle is one of them. She’s helpful, engaging and really funny (Michelle has a burgeoning career in comedy.) My most vivid memory of Michelle has to be the time when she was physically recovering from a pretty horrible accident. I was doing a live video and she mentioned it. All the other group members rallied around Michelle in the thread with good wishes and even asking how they could help. When the group found out Michelle has a career in comedy, they asked for show dates. These small gestures are so symbolic of how this group has become more of a place to chat about fashion and get advice, it’s a community where members genuinely care about one another.
That said, I thought it would be fun to get to know Michelle better by featuring her as this January’s Member of the Month.
Name: Michelle Cohen
Age: 50
Location: Bronx, New York
Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group?
A: I love that everyone is positive, helpful and nice. Even if they don’t like something, they are kind about it. It’s like having your best friend sitting there with you when you’re unsure about an outfit.
Q: What are the biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member?
A: So many!
- Seeing how others put things together, some in ways I might not have thought of.
- Seeing styles, I might not have tried myself, on real people and many times have had it change what I thought of the style.
- Seeing how people do their comfortable and casual looks (to me dressy is easy. It’s the “every day” that can be tricky)
- When I’ve been unsure of a new outfit their positive feedback helps me when I go to wear it.
- Connecting with Jona and getting a new hat!
Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined the Group yet?
A: You’re missing out!
I’ve never been part of such a supportive group. Most of the time when you join a Facebook or in real life group there’s a lot of complaining or nastiness. Not here! Everyone is nice to each other, even if we’re saying it’s not the best look. And if you’re unsure of something and can’t reach your friends – someone is always online to help.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is a mix of funky and classy. I love bright colors, patterns, statement jewelry, and funky shoes. I love to wear things like a classic pant and sweater with funky Jewelry and shoes. A lot of times I’ll wear a simple outfit (I will confess sometimes a lot of black) so that my shoes or jewelry stand out.
Q: How did you discover your personal style?
A: It’s just always been what I’m attracted to. I’ve always loved color, patterns, jewelry, and classic looks. I think my style shows my personality. It shows who I am and fits me.
Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their own style?
A: Let you shine. Don’t wear something because a magazine says to. Wear it cause it makes you happy, makes you feel good, and look good.
Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with?
A: I have a few.
- I am forever in the hunt for a cool, stylish, pretty, comfortable shoe that I can walk around the city with and not have to bring shoes with me.
- I have an issue finding things that fit but aren’t too tight around my middle, or so big I look like a homeless person.
- I’m on the shorter side so finding things that don’t make me look short and wide are a challenge.
Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet?
A: A simple black sweater I bought at target. It falls in just the right spot. I can wear it with skirts, jeans or dress pants. Just change my shoes and jewelry and I’m all good. A very “architectural” olive skirt. Depending on the shoes I wear it can be dressy or casual. My sparkly, leopard flats. You can’t always see the leopard print and depending on the lighting the color changes. I wear them with jeans, denim skirts and dressy outfits.
Q: If you could go back and change a way you dressed in the past, what would you change?
A: I had a time where I wore very plain, colorless, boring black, cotton/baggy pants and long tops. No color on fun jewelry. My roommate made me nuts if I wore something “ fun” and I just wasn’t being me.
Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?
A: Blue suede booties. I wear them now with jeans instead of black ones and love them. Now I’m looking for a lower heel so I can wear them when I’m walking around the city.
Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?
A: Any sort of shapewear. It hurts me
Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?
A: Looking put together, happy, confident.
Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?
A: Making an effort when I go out. Since I work from home and am usually in leggings or activewear, I want to dress up a bit when I go out dinner and out with friends.
Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received?
A: Spend on classic pieces, not trendy ones.
If it makes you happy wear it.
Q: What is the first thing you take off when you get home?
A: Shoes
Q: Favorite stores to shop?
A: Lord and Taylor, Macy’s, Chico’s, Ann Taylor/Loft, target, Alice and Olivia, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, White House-black market.
Q: What makes you happiest?
A: When some on compliments my shoes, or jewelry. I take time thinking about those and when people notice it makes me very happy.
Q: What inspires you?
A: It’s hard to say. I like how people used to dress up to go out, even to the store. So sometimes I try to emulate that, but with a modern twist. I like to get dressed up to go out. I love sparkle and color.
