FP Me Stylist Of The Week: MegEve
FP Me Stylist Of The Week: MegEve
It always a pleasure to meet people who have worked with our company for a number of years. They know our brand well, really well, and I love getting the chance to hear about their early experiences with Free People.
Megan is on her 7th year with us, and she’s gained experience in many channels of our brand. She’s currently the district manager for the Midwest, and I met her on our trip out to Chicago. A natural beauty who’s driven and extremely down to earth, Megan is one of those girls who is inspiring to have around, the essence of the Free People brand. I sat next to her at lunch on the day of our FP Me shoot, and it was so fun to hear about her history with Free People. Learning a little bit more about the retail side of our brand and all of the things she works on day to day was really interesting. Kind of like blogging, no two days are the same for her. You’ll be able to tell from her pictures below that she travels quite a bit, and loves any chance to explore the world around her. Read on to learn more about our FP Me stylist of the week, MegEve!
Above: Cassie Kimono, Double Banded Embossed Fedora
Get the Look: Voile and Lace Trapeze Slip, Boyfriend’s Embrace Cardigan
Where are you from? What was your favorite part about growing up there?
I grew up in a small town in southeast Michigan. Our house was on the Huron River Chain of Lakes. We spent all summer outside; water skiing, jetskiing, tubing, swimming, or drifting down the river from lake to lake on the pontoon, stopping to hang out with friends at the sandbar. In the winter we would set up an ice skating rink out front and warm up by the campfire when we got cold. Lake life is one of those things growing up that I definitely took for granted; it’s so serene + rejuvenating, like living in a permanent vacation. I hope to buy a house on a lake someday.
Get the Look: Journey Embellished Slip, Slouchy Boyfriend Jacket, Raw Destroyed Boyfriend
Where do you currently live? Can you tell us a little bit about your neighborhood?
I moved to Chicago about 10 years ago. After living in Lakeview for the first 7 years, we migrated to Uptown. It’s a quiet neighborhood on the north side of Chicago that sits between Wrigleyville and Andersonville. Our condo is sandwiched between two of the city’s train lines, and is about a mile from Lake Shore Drive and the beach…. so everything is really accessible. My favorite neighborhood spot is a little coffee shop called Baker & Nosh. I love spending my Sundays in the summer out on the grass lawn reading a good book.
Get the Look: Awesome Destroyed Baggies, Classic Biker Jacket, Long Coin Layering Necklace, Cold Elbow Cami
How did you first get started with Free People, and how long have you been working for the brand?
I started with free people as the store manager in our Chicago Wicker Park location in 2007, back when we only had 11 stores in the company. Time flies when you love what you do! I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of so much company growth over the past 7 years and dabbled in many different aspects of the brand; I moved to NYC to oversee our first Manhattan store, then spent some time as a field recruiter, and also worked in the Chicago wholesale showroom. I’ve since found my true passion managing our retail stores and mentoring people in building their careers with us. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey.
Get the Look: Victorian Lace Pullover, Easy Breezy Crochet Slip, Classic Biker Jacket
What’s a day in the life look like for you while on the job?
As I write this, I’m currently on a plane headed to Minneapolis to visit our store in Mall of America where I will meet with managers, assess the store, and game plan ways we can continue to enhance the store. No two days are alike, which keeps things interesting! I spend most of my days meeting with managers (whether in person or on the phone) discussing all sorts of things from store environment to manpower to systems to merchandising to product assortment to social media and so on… I get to collaborate with so many talented, inspirational people on a daily basis.
Get the Look: FP ONE Tie that Binds Blouse, FP ONE Battenburg Bralette, Strappy Front Bra
One thing that I love about your FP Me profile is how different one picture is from the next. From your style to the locations, you put forth an incredible variety. What do you think makes a great FP Me picture?
Thanks! I have the benefit of being surrounded by so many creative people at FP that inspire me. I love getting hot tips from the store teams for best backdrops in their neighborhoods. If they’re headed out for a quick photo shoot, I always go with them and have them snap a picture of me too. You see a lot of variety in my photos because I travel so much. Whether for work or for vacation, I have to admit sometimes I pack my favorite new outfit just so I can take advantage of the new scenery.
The trick is in the photography… we take about 10 quick pictures so we can find the one that looks most natural/candid. I also have a funny thing about feet; I always make sure to ask the photographer to include my feet in the photo so it’s not cropped in too close. The background makes the photo come to life; it tells the story.
Get the Look: Boyfriend’s Embrace Cardigan, Verona High Crown Hat
How would you describe your personal style? Do you have a main goal in mind when you get dressed every day?
I try to go for a look that’s casual but polished. Easy dressing, not too fussy. Lou, through and through. I love a good stripe or plaid. I love everything slouchy or oversized right now; boyfriend jean, loose fitting tops. I have a major weakness for jackets and coats; I think of the outer layer as completing the look when I leave the house in the morning. Scarves and hats are my favorite accessories (can you tell I live in the Midwest?). I love to finish it off with a good ankle boot because it gives me confidence and adds and edge while still being comfortable.
Get the Look: We the Free Boxy Crop Stripe Tee, Bandit Denim Cutoffs
Of all the places you have traveled, where has been your favorite place?
I fell completely in love with Colorado the first time I visited and now consider it an important piece of me. Every time I go there I get this overwhelming sense that I’m home. My sister lives in Denver with her family; my parents live in Summit county in the winters and work at a ski resort. I crave the sun, which Denver has an abundance of. I also love hiking, climbing, and skiing. And everyone in Colorado is just so happy and welcoming, it’s the easiest place to meet new friends. Honorable mentions are Hawaii, Ireland, and Nashville.
Get the Look: Washed Denim Overall, Oversized and Plaid Boyfriend Shirt, Reminiscent Motorcycle Leather Jacket
What are three songs you can’t stop listening to at the moment?
This is tough, Pandora is my go-to source of music these days, so I get a lot of variety but don’t always know the artist.
I did pull out some old cd’s on a road trip I took to northern Michigan last weekend and replayed these 3 albums… they will never get old to me:
Bright Eyes / I’m Wide Awake it’s Morning
Neko Case / Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
Matt Pond PA / Emblems
I guess my go-to music is pretty mellow.
Get the Look: Stephens Relaxed Overall, Classic Biker Jacket, Charlie Cuff Beanie
What has been the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Lead with your heart. Good intentions and open/honest communication are the most effective way to foster a mutual respect. That advice has served me well whether at work or at home.
Get the Look: Infinite Arms Lace Tunic, Harpoon Wrap Sandal
What does being ‘free’ mean to you?
I have an Emmerson quote tattooed on my back that I think represents my thoughts on this … “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment”. To me it means letting go of what you think people expect of you, and making choices based on what you want out of life.
Get the Look: Destroyed Muscle Tee
Follow Megan on FP Me and Instagram!
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