Street Style: Melanie Welles Creamer
Melanie Welles is the gardener we all would like to be in our minds. You know the gardener in our mind that we all are as we are buying the plants and pinning the garden ideas. But she actually germinated those plants; she conditioned the soil; she made those perfectly balanced arrangements- of course, don't beat yourself up too much; it is her job at George Washington's Mount Vernon.
You can tell it is also her passion. And that passion is so attractive, even when she is in a work uniform of khakis and a polo. Her hair and makeup, even in the greenhouse, always look great, probably due to the fact that she doesn't even really need makeup; her natural skin is beautiful. Her smile radiates. Outside of work, she has a unique style that reflects her self-assured nature and confidence. Just like the floral designs she creates for events, she knows how to coordinate just the right hues of color, how to layer texture, where to have a bit of pop, and where to be more demure.
She is so much fun to get to know, and if you haven't taken one of her classes, you should; they are a blast! She cultivates an atmosphere of fun but is so knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and charming!
Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.
Melanie’s hair and makeup done by Stephnia Johnson at Salon deZEN.
ABOUT YOU
Neighborhood: Clifton, Virginia
What is your hometown? Lebanon, Wisconsin
What would surprise people about you? I love wearing hats, I won first place for the most glamorous/elegant hat at the 2022 International Gold Cup Horse Race
Favorite book or movie: Book - Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Movie - Something’s Gotta Give
Guilty Pleasure: Spiked hot chocolate and chocolate filled croissants, really most things made with dark chocolate
Latest binge-watch: Bridgerton Season Two
Bucket list travel destination: Portugal
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Sophisticated, elegant, and fun!
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A tailored blazer
Favorite trend: Vintage glam
Beauty product you can’t live without: M-61 Hydraboost Moisturizing Cream from Blue Mercury
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? A fabulous pair of boots
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Yoga or weeding my garden
Most fun way to stay active: Dancing with my daughters
Wellness goal: Carving out some “me” time
Want to try: Archery or fencing
Proudest wellness achievement: Running a 5K nine months after the birth of my first daughter
HOME
Favorite room in your home: The outside, we have a beautiful yard surrounded by woods
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix
Last item bought for your home: Chandelier for our living room
Favorite way to entertain: Having friends over to hang out in our pool and my husband and I love to cook a delicious meal for everyone to enjoy afterwards
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Mostly clutter-free
Next planned purchase: Re-doing our deck and adding on a screened-in porch
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Learning interesting things about the people who make up the Alexandria community
Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Torpedo Factory
Your go-to shop: White House Black Market
Best food spot: 1799 Prime Steak & Seafood, IG: 1799prime_alexandria
Favorite local organization: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, IG: mount_vernon
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The Alexandria Scottish Walk Parade – my husband and I met at the Scottish Walk on December 3, 2011!
