Above & Beyond Style

As an intuitive stylist + home editor, I spend A LOT of time in people's homes and closets. This week, because of the nomadic life, I chat all about how someone like me lived over 2.5 years without my full wardrobe and the lessons gained from that. I became my own best client by editing and asking:What pieces serve me in this life and the life I'm building?What pieces no longer resonate anymore? How can I curb my own consumerism and shopping habits?How have my style preferences changed?How can I carry these lessons forward as my wardrobe evolves alongside me?To learn more about my work as an intuitive stylist and home editor, check me out ⁠⁠on the web⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

This week in our nomadic life lessons, I'm chatting about perhaps an obvious benefit of nomadic living: TRAVEL! And even more important than traveling to see new places and spaces, I also got to see people in my life. After COVID, I think I was craving more personal interactions. I wanted to SEE people in their everyday lives, how their homes looked, how it felt to be in their presence again, and I was able to successful achieve that over the last few years. A major added benefit to being on the hunt for a more vibrant lifestyle.If you are in transition, especially a physical transition like a new home or city, I recommend the added benefit of committing to seeing people you love. It will do wonders for your spirit, your motivation, and your prioritizing of relationships again. To learn more about my work as an intuitive stylist and home editor, check me out ⁠on the web⁠ or ⁠Instagram⁠.

Welcome back to this week's intuitive message and additional guidance to benefit you and the collective. We are welcoming the Harvest Supermoon in Aries on October 6, so this is a perfect time to release the past and embrace more courage for your personal needs in relationships. Please use your discernment as to where this message may best serve you and use your own intuition!1. Patience: where might you need to lean into the liminal space of something unfolding in your life with more patience?2. Carve out time for yourself: where can you prioritize time for yourself among your many competing priorities? For more intuitive guidance and support, explore ⁠The Clean Slate Intuitive Reading⁠ or ⁠The Big Leap Intuitive Reading⁠.

This week's episode is a deep dive into the redefinition of "home" and what I've discovered by relocating homes many times over the past few years.We discuss:How my nomadic journey began with a simple goal to "find a new home" Changing physical surroundings allowed me to look at my body, my spirit, and self-care more deeplyRedefining, tending to, and trusting my "new home"An invitation to pay attention to your own home withinTo learn more about my work as an intuitive stylist and home editor, check me out on the web or Instagram.

This week, the nomadic life lessons continue as I take a look back at self-employment, travel, and the emotional weight of not knowing where I would slept each night.This conversation allowed me to unpack:the status of living unhoused/homelessfacing the unpredictability for where I'd sleep each nighthow this tapped into my unspoken need for safetylearning detachment to my plans the importance of helpers!how to conjure up emotional safety withinTo learn more about my work, check out my website or follow me on Instagram.

I've been wanting to share more intuitive information from Spirit to benefit you and the collective, so I will share these short snippets of messages as they come! Please enjoy the messages and additional guidance I've received, too. Here's the messages for the week of September 21, 2025:1. Blessings! You are being showered with light. Your creativity is being stirred, activated and set alight! An endless stream of rainbow color stems from your heart.2. Enjoy the journey of life. Be not afraid of its mysteries. Take a chance and follow your heart. You are guided and protected by Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy, compassion and transformation. If you have been wavering about proceeding with something that is dear to you, then this is your confirmation: Just do it!For more intuitive guidance and support, explore The Clean Slate Intuitive Reading or The Big Leap Intuitive Reading.

We are back with Season 6, and I'm sharing my first-hand insights and stories all about living the nomadic life for 2.5 years. This has been one of the biggest and most transformational life experiences I've had to date, and it brings me great joy to offer you some life lessons for your own potential transitions.A little backstory: I sold my home in April 2023, and over the last 2.5+ years, I have been living in transition. Nomadic living has been my norm. Yes, I've had longer, more extended stays with people during that time, but I also have been in MANY different homes, cities, states and countries, too. This is has given me a new, deeply rich perspective to share on how the nomadic life shapes me personally and professionally as an intuitive stylist and home editor. This week, I offer you:What it's like to live with others for an extended period of time (both friends and family)What I may have done differently looking backA deeper appreciation for hospitality And how this informs my deeply intimate work of intuitive style and home editingFor more information about my work, you can find me on the web or send me an email. I would love to hear any questions you have about transitions, nomadic life, or following your intuition!

In this season's finale, Dr. Melissa Carrick sits in the host seat and continues a conversation with me about my path and right next steps (1, 2, 3, 4...5!). We discuss how I've embraced "spaciousness" in my life and how this might be an invitation to see where spaciousness could lead YOU to your right next step. To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

In a fun twist, Dr. Melissa Carrick and I flip the script, and she sits in the host seat to interview the interviewer! In part one of this two-part episode, we dig into my own story and "right next steps" as I began my style business and deepened my spiritual gifts. It is great fun swapping roles and sharing the details! To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

What if your right next step (in style, in life, in anything!) may be just...right...there? Sometimes when we set out to change something, it may feel like the step we need to take is way far off. But what if it's just shifting our orientation by one degree? That small step could take us out on an entirely new unchartered course. This week, Missy and I discuss magic starts, those one degree steps that are right there for us to take. Listen in to discover your own magic starts. To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

The feeling of having a pair of jeans that fit and feel *just right* is kind of magical. This is why venturing into new styles/shapes for denim can be quite the process, but oh so worth it. Dr. Melissa Carrick (a self-proclaimed denim lover) and I talk about a right next step with denim and if that effort could unlock your personal style. And now is THE time to try because so many old (and new) styles are available! Listen in as we share our shopping tips and a few recommendations to find your best pair of jeans. To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

Have you ever considered using a wardrobe item beyond its intended function or purpose? We are sold clothing or accessories typically in one specific way, but what if we wore them in a new or expanded way? This could be the right next step for you to unlock your personal style! Listen in as I give 5 examples of items you could wear in an expanded way. To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

"A style revolution happens through small steps of evolution!" In this week's episode, Missy and I tap into the inside out process of personal style by using words that describe how we want to feel in our clothes. Listen in as we challenge you to explore your own signature style words as the right next step. To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

Styling a third piece could be the perfect next step to elevate or customize your personal style. This week, I give you 5 examples of third pieces that I love to complete an outfit or make it feel more cohesive. As an added bonus, I curated some of my favorite options for you to shop directly! You can find them all here. To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

In this week's episode, I share some recent small steps I've taken and seeing how they might unlock the "next right thing". As we continue to explore the number 5's change energy, I wondered about how it might feel to take an intentional purchasing pause to look at my wardrobe with a new set of eyes. Could a shopping pause provide a useful respite to reevaluate my own style? Could this be the right next step? You might also like to listen to S1: E12 Curating a Closet You Love. I reference Emily P. Freeman's books The Next Right Thing and How to Walk Into a Room. To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

This week, we explore another next step in our style journey...what if we used travel as a mini-exercise to experiment with our style? In this episode, Missy and I provide you with 5 travel hacks to help you pack light and select clothing with more purpose. We guarantee you'll find some key takeaways to try for yourself! We also reference suitcase stackers (or packing cubes) in the episode; you might like to try these! To learn more about Maria and her work (which includes hiring her to help you pack!), follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

This week, Dr. Melissa Carrick (welcome back, Missy!) and I talk about signs and how we make meaning of them. After a recent style challenge, Missy came to a realization about her style (and life) through our work together! Then we chat all about Allison Bornstein's Wrong Shoe Theory, which opens up a new way of thinking about “right vs. wrong” and playing with an unexpected shoe choice as the right next step. You might like to read Allison's book, Wear It Well. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

The number 5 has to do with rapid change, and I take a deep dive into its meaning and what it has to do with this season's topic: how can the right next (small) step open the door to bigger style transformation? I give you 5 (of course 5!) examples of style rules we could let go of to take a small next step toward more authentic style. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

So good to be back with you all for Season 5, where we get to dig even deeper into conversations around style, change, and life decisions. In this episode, I share my story about why the number 5 has come to mean (for me!) taking the Right Next Step. Influenced and informed by the two books (linked below), I am excited to share how taking the right next step could not only change your style, but might also change your life. *Please note that I misname the title of Emily P. Freeman's book in this episode. It is correctly named and linked below! To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! Check out these two books that are referenced in the episode: Laura Lynne Jackson: Signs Emily P. Freeman: The Next Right Thing

To make way for big change, sometimes we have to clear a path for it to arrive. Dr. Melissa Carrick and I talk about "the purge" so we can clear the channel for those Yes + No messages to come in. Missy offers a great practice for us to try, and in turn, we discuss what to bring along going forward. This includes great packing tips! To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

After a brief break, Dr. Melissa Carrick and I are back with this week's episode about learning the language of Yes and No. We all receive various invitations from the Universe, and we owe ourselves an RSVP! This action step requires that we get clear about those responses that tell us yes & no information, especially when it comes to style! Listen in. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com).

We take a pause from our conversations with Dr. Melissa Carrick to bring you a real-time chat as I embark on a very big wave next week: traveling abroad to Europe! Listen in as I talk through this decision and the importance of trying things on (and I don't just mean clothing!) in the midst of change. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

This week, Dr. Melissa Carrick and I are joined by her husband, Zeke Phillips, to dig deep into entrepreneurship. Through their storytelling, we learn more about Missy's recent sabbatical, how to redefine success, and the power of trusting our inner knowing. You won't want to miss this episode! To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! To connect with Missy, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com). Zeke Phillips is a 3rd generation entrepreneur who has an extensive background in healing and culinary arts, working in many top restaurants in the Baltimore area.  In addition, he is certified as a health coach from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  He is passionate about supporting others to live a life of health and vitality.  He is the proud co-founder of Carrick Health, an integrative chiropractic clinic in Baltimore since 2009.  When not working, Zeke can be found surfing in his home state of Maryland or in his favorite village in Costa Rica.

This week's episode revisits our question around the big/little waves of change and poses the question: how did we know it was time to make a change? Dr. Melissa Carrick and I talk about about reading and interpreting signs and how pain can be a motivator for change. We further discuss the benefit of sharing these kind of stories together and with you. To connect with Dr. Melissa Carrick, you can ⁠⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com). To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

In this week's episode, Dr. Melissa Carrick and I explore our unique interpretations of how we feel with the "oncoming wave"- ironically, something we didn't see coming! We further discuss bracing vs. embracing a wave as we ask ourselves, is this wave for me? Listen in as we reconnect with a new definition of home as the waves come- both big and small. Ask yourself: what would it feel like to come home to myself through my style choices? To connect with Dr. Melissa Carrick, you can ⁠⁠⁠email⁠⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com). To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

"Would you learn the secret of the sea? Only those who brave its dangers, comprehend its mysteries." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow In this week's episode, Missy and I revisit this quote from episode 3, and we uncover the mystery, the whisper, the pause, the reimagining and the curiosity of change. This process, as we come to learn, is at the heart of what we are doing with our lives and certainly with our style evolution! Listen in as Missy tells the story of announcing her sabbatical to her patients and what it was like to enter into the wardrobe process with me. What would I love? What is charming? To connect with Dr. Melissa Carrick, you can ⁠⁠email⁠⁠ her (drcarrick@gmail.com). To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

In this week's episode, Dr. Melissa Carrick and I explore the idea "change is my natural state," which leads us into unpacking the world of surfing. By further exploring the metaphor around riding the waves of change, Missy helps us understand core surfing concepts and how those perfectly apply to transitions and change. We also hear the story of Missy's early love of the sea, and how powerlessness actually enables us to access our own power within. To connect with Dr. Melissa Carrick, you can ⁠email⁠ her. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

I am joined by Dr. Melissa Carrick to unpack this season's greatest metaphor and lesson: riding the waves of change. Change is at the heart of every style consultation I've ever conducted, and we talk ALL things change: our lives, our stories, and saying YES to the invitation (or soul imperative as Missy describes it) to do something unconventional. And the cherry on top? Our style and wardrobe choices have joined us alongside these major transitions. Listen in as we begin this new style journey together! To connect with Dr. Melissa Carrick, you can email her. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

Welcome back to Season 4! In this episode, I unpack why Riding the Waves of Change truly captures the conversation I wanted to have. Joined by a stellar conversation partner, Dr. Melissa Carrick (also known as Missy), you learn about her background as a chiropractor, educator, fellow change-maker, former style client of mine, and life-long surfer. Together, Missy and I will discuss our transitions with an eye and ear for style, spirituality, and surfing! To connect with Dr. Carrick, you can email her. We invite you to learn about The ONE Foundation (where Dr. Carrick serves as the president of the Board of Directors) and watch STRESSED: A Documentary Film, featuring Dr. Carrick. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

Last week, I posed the question: What are your style pitfalls? What gets you off track from authentic style? And you came back with some seriously good intel. In this week's episode, I recap your feedback and offer a few solutions along the way. This season gave us an opportunity to look at a variety of obstacles or challenges that can get in the way of our authentic style, and hopefully, you've found the encouragement, validation, and inner strength to take a step toward a style that is authentically yours! And when you need help, I'm just a message away. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

Back again with another update on my style resolution with vibrancy as I visited coastal Connecticut! Then, I take another look at these style pitfalls with a bit more focus on the psychology of authentic style. Maybe you've never really been on track with your style? Maybe there's not even been an opportunity to focus on authentic style? I also have a listener request: would you email me what your style pitfalls are, or what gets you off track, or maybe even why you've never even been "on track"? You can email me here. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too! You might also enjoy listening to this episode from season 1: The Secret to Authentic Style

Sometimes when we look at the extremes of style behavior, we can find clarity in the middle, which I argue is where authentic style lives. This week's episode looks at the Minimalist, the Maximilist, and the Moderate, and offers tips for how to orient ourselves toward a more moderate, authentic style. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

Let's take a brief break from style pitfalls, as it's been 5 months since I first discussed Choosing Entrepreneurism, and it's time for an update! I recently made a big life transition (sold my home + seeking where-to next!), and it felt appropriate to share more about my spiritual journey as I continue to choose entrepreneurism. I've had several great coaches, mentors, and friends to support me along the way, and this week's episode builds on the importance of a growth mindset and personal healing as business owners. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

This week's check-in on "vibrancy" comes after a VERY big shift I made last week (spoiler alert: I moved!). And it all got me thinking: While I am looking at settling into a new community or neighborhood, I'm curious about whether the pressure to belong is impacting how we get dressed. Does your neighborhood have a look? A uniform of sorts? Do you find yourself feeling the pressure to belong by wearing what's "acceptable" vs. what may be more authentically you? Listen in to see if this may be getting you off track from your authentic style. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

In this week's episode, let's think about those items in your wardrobe that are just too hard to handle or care for, i.e., may require dry cleaning or ironing. These can be reasons why we don't reach for certain items, and then they sit in our closets collecting dust! Consider how garment care may be a reason you get off track with your authentic style, and if there are any steps you're willing to take to get that item back into rotation. I referenced these specific items in the episode (if you shop from these links, I do make a small commission, so thank you!) Steamer Sweater comb Sweater shaver Natural stain solution Mesh garment bags To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠⁠the web⁠⁠⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

After a check-in on this year's style resolution with "vibrancy," we dig into yet another style pitfall I coin as the "reserved only" section of our wardrobes. It often feels similar to why we don't use the fine china or burn our best candles. It's as if we are reserving these items for special occasions, and yet, we aren't always guaranteed that future opportunity. What would happen if we actually wore the specialty items? Tune in for this week's dose of style inspiration! I also reference this episode from Season 1, Using Wardrobe as a Tool for Support. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠⁠@mfd_style⁠⁠ or on ⁠⁠the web⁠⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ to her emails, too!

Are you someone who is a repeat buyer of the same item? The "multiples shopper" can leave us with more than what we need and can even keep track of! Listen in this week to find out why we buy in multiples and how to this behavior may get us off track from our authentic style. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram ⁠@mfd_style⁠ or on ⁠the web⁠ (www.mfdstyle.com). ⁠Subscribe⁠ to her emails, too!

After a style resolution check in on "vibrancy," we tackle this week's pitfall: The "What If" Scenario. Do you have a disproportionate number of clothes in your wardrobe that are being reserved for the "what if" scenario? Listen in for a closer look at your wardrobe and explore why you're hanging onto clothes for the one-shot-wonder scenario that may or may not even happen! I reference two previous episodes you might also enjoy listening to: The Power of Color with Rebecca Reid and The Clothes We Keep. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web (www.mfdstyle.com). Subscribe to her emails, too!

Authentic style starts with YOU. And sometimes we (including me!) can get too heavily influenced by trustworthy outside voices to purchase items that maybe shouldn't have been in our wardrobe to begin with. With social media influencers and targeted ads on the rise, we can place too much emphasis on external suggestions vs. listening to our own knowing. This week, try to hone your own intuition and get clearer about the best choices for your wardrobe and style. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web (www.mfdstyle.com). Subscribe to her emails, too!

In this episode, we check-in about this year's style resolution with the word "vibrancy" and share how it has shown up personally and professionally over the last few weeks (which has been really fun!). Then, I continue our conversation around what gets us off track from a wardrobe we really love by addressing the shopping itch. It's a behavior many of us lean heavily into and can sometimes result in a closet full of clothes we don't want or need. Listen in for how to help scratch the itch more effectively! To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web (www.mfdstyle.com). Subscribe to her emails, too!

The allure of a sale can be quite tricky when we are trying to build a wardrobe we love. In this episode, I talk about the common pitfall of buying for a sale, and how we can create mental strategies to help us from succumbing to it and avoid having a closet of clothes we don't like or wear! Love to hear if you have any strategies you use to create some space between you and the urge to buy sale items. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web (www.mfdstyle.com). Subscribe to her emails, too!

I have a firm belief that our clothing choices are an extension of who we are, but sometimes we look in the mirror and feel unrecognizable in our clothes. You're not alone if this sounds familiar! In this new season, we are going to unpack those pitfalls and things that distract us, and shine the light on what gets in the way of building a closet we love. So let's orient ourselves toward a style resolution, which promises to keep you- and me- on track. You might also enjoy listening to S1, E12: Curate a Closet You Love. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web (www.mfdstyle.com). Subscribe to her emails, too!

Shame has a complicated hold on us, especially when we look in the mirror or get dressed each day. As a wardrobe consultant, I bear witness to many people's shame for themselves and for their bodies. I wrote an article in August 2022 about releasing shame and reclaiming self-love, and this episode is dedicated to 4 major wardrobe scenarios that have a spiritual opportunity for healing and transformation. I reference two former podcast episodes you might benefit from listening to: The Clothes We Keep and Shifting the Self-Talk Narrative. To learn more about Maria and her work (including how to gift her services this holiday season!), follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web (www.mfdstyle.com). Subscribe to her emails, too!

Women's apparel follows no standardization of sizing, which has left millions of women feeling confused, frustrated, and at times shameful about the size they have to buy. In this episode, I discuss the psychological game of women's sizing and how it's impacted our feelings of self-worth and value. I challenge us to be conscious of the more important factors when selecting clothes, rather than fixating on sizes that no one else can see! To learn more about Maria and her work (including how to gift her services this holiday season!), follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web (www.mfdstyle.com). Subscribe to her emails, too!

Those of us in the U.S. have a very big shopping week ahead: Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, NEW Secondhand Sunday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. Our consumer behavior really shapes so much of our economy, and this unique week is an opportunity to be intentional with how we shop and how we give. I tell you all about Poshmark's first annual Secondhand Sunday and why we should participate. To learn more about Maria and her work (including how to gift her services this holiday season!), follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web. Subscribe to her emails, too! You can also shop Maria's Poshmark closet to support secondhand gifting: https://poshmark.com/closet/mfd_style.

December 1, 2022 marks my one-year anniversary of leaving traditional employment to run MFD Style full-time. Entrepreneurism is a choice, and while not everyone's cup of tea, it opened up possibilities and a lifestyle that I have wanted a long time. Listen in to this episode where I look back at my decision-making process and choosing a mindset that ultimately would sustain me as an entrepreneur. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web. Subscribe to her emails, too!

Lindsay Morlock is a gifted intuitive, breathwork facilitator, hand analyst, and Spiritual coach. Her approach to healing is grounded in helping others to bridge the gap between the spiritual and practical realms. Through her work, Lindsay empowers her clients to understand that they already have all the answers they are searching for within themselves; they simply need to learn how to access it. She loves helping her clients connect with their own Spiritual Support Teams and ultimately to develop the most important relationship they will ever have in their lives – the one they have with their SELF. You can find Lindsay on the web (www.lindsaymorlock.com) or on Instagram (@lindsay_morlock). To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web. Subscribe to her emails, too!

Lisa McCrohan is an Integrative Coach, Somatic Experiencing Psychotherapist, author, and poet. She works with clients all over the world - both individuals and organizations - to follow what delights their hearts and lead lives they deeply love at home and work. She is the author of two books: Gems of Delight and Your Light is Rising. She recently started a podcast called Delightful - it's where science and psychology meet spirituality and creativity. Her whole intention for Delightful is to offer listeners a poetic experience for their nervous systems to be soothed and gently reinvigorated. Lisa lives in Middletown, Maryland with her husband, two children, and their dog, Sherlock, with the mountains outside their back door. You can find Lisa on the web (www.lisamccrohan.com) to learn all about her poetry, publications, and coaching. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web. Subscribe to her emails, too!

Kate Hammer is a business coach and consultant who lives in upstate New York with a family of four. She says, "Building a business takes courage, and you deserve to feel empowered in it. If you're feeling lost, unorganized, or maybe just plain overwhelmed, 1:1 consulting from someone who cares about you and your success just as much as you do, can be a valuable investment." She will work with you to develop short and long-term strategy, brand confidence, and creative solutions to sticky problems. Kate comes to work with a tool box packed with over a decade of experience, an advanced degree in Information Management, Data Science certification, and a long list of happy 1:1 clients. She is also the host of her own podcast, “You Know How to Live,” and Season 2 will be out soon. You can connect with Kate via Instagram (@_katehammer) with a voice DM (she loves those!) or set up a 15-minute discovery call from her website (www.consultwithkate.com). To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web. Subscribe to her emails, too!

Christina Ferguson is a writer, a speaker, and the Founder of Parable. From her work across the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Christina blends together best practices in strategy, communications, organizational change, and sales to paint new images of what is possible for mission-driven organizations and compel the action to get there. Christina holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Villanova University and a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University. She is a graduate of the Leading Organizational Change program through Wharton Executive Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Christina not only helped me craft authentic messages and language for my own website, but also she shares her virtual experience as a style client of mine. Make sure you listen for a special offer at the end of the episode! You can learn more about Christina and Parable on LinkedIn or on the web (www.findyourparable.com). To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web. Subscribe to her emails, too!

Janika (Jan) LeMaitre is a certified consultant specializing in personal brand strategy, business etiquette, and reputation self-management. She owns and operates the brand, The Better Professional. She guides her clients on how to build confidence when presenting themselves in their professional world online and in person. Additionally, Jan offers hourly advice and short & long-term project consulting services. Her clients are entrepreneurs, executives, and go-getters who understand that their brand is valuable. Like a rough diamond, her mission is to help her clients polish every facet; Her goal is to help you define the business of being you. You can connect with Jan on the web and do listen to her podcast Polish Your Persona. To learn more about Maria and her work, follow her on Instagram @mfd_style or on the web. Subscribe to her emails, too!