“When women succeed in the workplace, the world becomes a better place.” This motto from CEO Sarah LaFleur rings powerful and true. As the founder of M.M. LaFleur, Sarah has built a company based on women’s empowerment by giving the gift of confidence through clothing. An inspired wardrobe can go a long way. I had a chance to do an M.M. LaFleur try-on session and tap into the mindset of the popular women’s store. Which leaves me with a question for you: are you dressing the way you want to feel?
To be honest, when I asked myself this question my instant thought was: no, absolutely not. I’ve been in a fashion rut for the last year, and didn’t feel like there was a way out. Full disclosure, a LOT has happened this year and reconnecting with a routine has felt hopeless. From my dad’s surgery last winter to moving into a new home, I haven’t felt the desire or inspiration to dress up. From missing sessions at the gym to living in yoga pants, the last six months have felt like a fashion dead zone. Even getting dressed to go out with friends has been perplexing!
Earlier this fall, I was invited to M.M. LaFleur for a complimentary styling session at their Houston location. Admittedly, I was nervous at first. Here I was, a style blogger who felt like she didn’t have any style. My body has also fluctuated with the stress of the year, so I was feeling self-conscious about staring at myself in the mirror and trying on clothes. I’m happy to say my fears dissolved as soon as I walked through the door.
The In-store Experience
M.M. LaFleur’s showroom is aspirational, chic and everything a woman could want in her own closet. I loved the pops of color and structural pieces draped across racks. Before arriving, I filled out a questionnaire with some details on my style and my current job. As a freelance lifestyle reporter and blogger, my job requires me to be creative and put together. When I entered the doors of the showroom, my stylist introduced herself and began to show me a wide selection of outfits she’d chosen just for me.
If you know me personally, you know I REALLY struggle with decisions. I liken my personality to Chidi from “The Good Place.” I’m not an expert on moral philosophy, but I am extremely paralyzed by my inability to choose what I like. My stylist made choosing so easy because she had already narrowed down specific options to complement my shape, style, and career.
My sizing was pretty true to other stores. Some outfits ran larger than others depending on the piece. I didn’t have to look at sizes or ask for anything larger or smaller. My stylist just KNEW by looking at the outfit which size would work and how we can style it best to accentuate my features. We played with heels for height and belts to add variety as well as a more defined waist.
Meet Marilyn
Dress // Belt // Bag // Necklace, Earrings and Ring c/o Deutsch Fine Jewelry
When it came down to picking a final piece, I was really torn but ultimately opted for the Marilyn Dress in Adobe, a burnt orange color, with the Crossover belt in mahogany. There were so many great options, so let me take you through the fitting room to see for yourself. I like that you can dress it up for work, but also through on a denim jacket and make it casual. Here were some of the other options I tried on that are still SO cute. (Adding a few of these to my holiday wish list for sure!) And the sizes range from 0-3+, so M.M LaFleur carries a range for all shoppers.
My M.M. LaFleur Try-On Session
This jacket was SO fun because I could wear it two ways! I love the pop of burnt orange the Peggy Top incorporates into the look. The Shaw Pants are the most comfortable thing. My stylist said she once wore them as PJ bottoms on a trip!
On Instagram, you all let me know this little black dress was your favorite! I really love the Shirley Dress because of the way it feels and how it accentuates my curves. It’s in the fabric “scuba” because it feels akin to a scuba suit and fits like a glove! Definitely a winner!
I adore the color of this Annie dress!
The Lenox skirt didn’t photograph as well as I hoped it would, but it looked really cute in person! I think it would look great for an office meeting, and I would definitely wear the top on its own with a pair of jeans for a casual date night.
OK, so what if I look like I’m straight out of the Von Trapp family? I LOVE THIS OUTFIT. It was definitely in my top 5. The original Jaycie dress was a bit too low cut for work, so we paired a beautiful cream-colored blouse under it. I feel like this is a little too buttoned-up for my blogging life, but I would definitely wear this out with a vintage-inspired satchel and channel Zooey Deschanel 500 Days of Summer.
This beautiful dress had a handpainted fabric with brush strokes. I love that you can change up the look by adding a belt or opting for the sash that comes with it. Unfortunately, the Jessica dress is sold out online but you can always check the showroom.
I never thought I could pull off culottes, but the heels really help me here! These pants were very comfortable and I would definitely wear this to a meeting. I, personally, look for things with more shape and structure but I was surprised by how much I liked these pants and the top that matched.
If it were up to me, I’d visit a personal stylist at M.M. LaFleur for all of my wardrobe needs. The price point is higher than what I’m used to, but the quality is impeccable and the pieces are timeless. I know my Marilyn dress will still be in style for years to come. Rather than opting for fast fashion, an M.M. LaFleur dress is an asset to your wardrobe that you’ll wear time and time again.
Visit the Houston Showroom
There are only seven M.M. LaFleur showrooms in the country, and Houston is home to one of them! Book a stylist online or call the store.
1990 Post Oak Blvd, Suite D
Houston, TX 77056
(346) 320-275
Visiting the Houston showroom? Use acupofcharisma50 to get $50 off your purchase of $250. Note: this code is only valid in the showroom!
Shop the Post
