PETALUMA
Michelle // Co-Owner, Buyer, Stylist // Petaluma
A Bit About Michelle:
I'm a twin, but most of you know that. My sister Cristina and I practically grew up in our dad's motorcycle shop. We started our store in a 400 square foot loft in Petaluma, which is where our name came from. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, traveling, home design, and spending time with my friends and family--especially my new baby Harlow!
What's the best piece of advice you can give about styling yourself?
Assemble your outfit the day before and lay it all out with accessories and shoes to make sure it all goes together. The next day, your outfit is ready!Chelsea // Operations & Website Manager, Stylist // Petaluma
A Bit About Chelsea:
I do a lot of behind-the-scenes work--processing merchandise and working to ensure our customers are getting the quality products they deserve and love. I'm originally from the East Coast and love traveling and camping.
What's your favorite item you've bought in the store?
A silk Diane Von Furstenberg dress from our resale section. I wore it to a wedding and it was one of those memorable clothing moments. Our resale section in Petaluma is great for pieces like that!
Natalie // Floor Manager, Lead Stylist // Petaluma
A Bit About Natalie:
Traveling is my true love. I lived in London for two years working in and studying fashion. However, Bali is my favorite destination yet.
What's your favorite item you've bought in the store?
My turquoise squash blossom necklace from Natalie B--there are so many ways to wear it.
Marina // Stylist // Petaluma
A Bit About Marina:
I like to listen to good music and go on adventures with my friends. My favorite style is casual-cute because I believe you can still look trendy while still being comfortable!
What's your go-to look for a casual afternoon?
Our moto leggings with a nice, flowy top and a pair of booties. I love to accessorize with vests and jackets--especially leather or fur ones. I also really enjoy pairing knee-high boot with a dress or oversized sweater.
Serena // Stylist, Blogger // Petaluma
A Bit About Serena:
Before I worked in retail, I was a barista and my love of coffee hasn't diminished since. However, I was drawn to fashion because styling allowed me to incorporate my love of the arts. When I graduate college, I plan on moving to LA to pursue work in the film industry.
What's the best advice you can give about styling yourself?
Ask yourself if it looks intentional. The answer to this question tends to be in the details for me but involves simple changes like using a pretty bralette to dress up a neckline or open back. I think you can take most risks in fashion as long as you make its purpose clear.
Chantelle // Stylist // Petaluma
A Bit About Chantelle:
I love fashion, decorating, hanging out with my friends, and playing volleyball.
Who is your fashion icon and why?
Vanessa Hudgens. I love her boho-chic look and we share similar tastes in fur vests and sassy bodysuits.
SANTA ROSA
Cristina // Co-Owner, Store Visuals, Buyer, Stylist// Santa Rosa
A Bit About Cristina:
Before Ooh La Loft, we owned a drive through coffee business which put me through college and eventually helped us open Ooh La Loft. Away from work I enjoy interior design, hiking, crafts, traveling, antiquing, and spending time with my new baby girl, Summer. I love decorating the store, especially working with vintage items to create a fun and unique aesthetic.
What's the best advice you can give about styling ?
Try something new and step outside your comfort zone! If you love it, wear it.
Brandi // Manager, Stylist // Santa Rosa
A Bit About Brandi:
I love music and shopping for records to add to my collection. My favorite find is an original pressing of a Buddy Holly record I found at a local shop when I lived in New Jersey!
Who is your style icon and why?
Stevie Nicks is my biggest one. I love putting on a flowy, Stevie-inspired kimono over a basic tank and adding a few rings to it. I'm also inspired by Sienna Miller's take on boho in the early 2000s. I love print and I've never met a floral pattern I haven't liked. Also, anything Anna Sui creates (past or present) is such an inspiration.
Andrea // Lead Stylist // Santa Rosa
A Bit About Andrea:
I'm a coffee enthusiast, a flower lover, and a believer in good vibes. I find style inspiration all over the place, sometimes it's as simple as a texture, color, or feeling I want to re-create with fashion. Every day is different (which is the great thing about fashion) but some of my wardrobe staples are vests, distressed denim, and a good shoe with at least a three inch heel--I also always try adding a feminine touch!
What do you love most about being a stylist?
Making my customers feel good! I always want my customers to love what they're getting, but I also like to encourage trying something new! Photoshoots are also one of my favorite things to style. Just tell me what kind of look or vibe you're going for and I'm already off grabbing pieces!
Jacinda // Stylist // Santa Rosa
A Bit About Jacinda:
My personal style is fun and edgy. I love stepping outside my comfort zone by trying out different styles, but also incorporating classic pieces. Some of my go-to items are furry jackets, rompers, and distressed boyfriend jeans.
What's your go-to look for a night out?
I love pairing a body suit with a high-waisted skirt and a strappy heel. If it's cold enough, I'll add on a leather jacket to keep warm and give my outfit an edgy look.
Ciara // Stylist // Santa Rosa
A Bit About Ciara:
I love snowboarding and food.
What's your favorite item you've bought in the store?
My black fur vest--it's perfect for day-to-night looks and it keeps me warm.
Kayla // Stylist // Santa Rosa & Occasionally Petaluma
A Bit About Kayla:
I am currently studying Nursing at Santa Rosa Junior College. Also, I am extremely envious of Carrie Bradshaw's shoe collection in Sex and the City...but what girl isn't?
What's your go-to look for a night out?
While it's still cold out, I'm loving high-waisted black or light wash jeans. I pair them with black suede booties with a heel, and either a green bomber jacket or my vegan leather jacket from Ooh La Loft!
Kendall // Stylist // Santa Rosa
A Bit About Kendall:
I also work at Dutch Bro's Coffee in Santa Rosa and I love being able to bring that fun-loving and positive energy into my work at Ooh La Loft
What do you love most about being a stylist?
I love getting to know customers through their style--you simply cannot style someone without knowing a bit about them and who they are. It's great to be able to connect with customers and learn more about how I can help find clothes that fit their personal style.
I have been shopping at Ooh La Loft/Petaluma for years now! (I guess you might say I’m a regular). It’s my favorite spot to find that special something, and to chat with all the lovely sweet women who work there. I swear I find something unique and special every single time I visit. Love you guys!