Q&A: Victoria Mesenbrink

We had the pleasure of meeting Victoria recently and are excited to have her here today. Her energy is nothing short of positive and genuine. She knows her stuff and is always on the pulse. Check her out over at scenepdx. Thanks for the inspiration chica!

photo by Patrick Wright

Hi Victoria, can you please tell us a little about yourself and how you got started as a stylist? 

I've always been interested in fashion since I was a kid. My first job in the industry was at Nordstrom, the beginning of my sophomore year. My mom was a single parent of three children on a teacher's salary so I needed a job to afford the clothes I wanted to buy and what better place than Nordstrom. The discount also added incentive. After high school I went to college and studied Fashion. The highlight of my college experience was living in Florence, Italy and attending Lorenzo de Medici for a semester. Post college I worked as an assistant / stylist and eventually moved to Portland and opened a Men's and Women's clothing boutique. I sold the boutique after about a year and a half to pursue styling as a full-time career. Currently I work in Portland as a stylist and fashion blogger. 

What most inspires you?

Thrift Stores!!!!!

Where is your favorite place to travel? Any recommends here?

Spain! Barcelona in particular. The city is so amazing! Beautiful people, amazing fashion, architecture, food, night life, colors. Sadly, I haven't traveled since I have moved to Portland, other than for work. I'm definitely overdue for a vacation.

If you're in Barcelona don't miss the works of Antonio Gaudi, famous architect, and check out Las Ramblas Street.

Your travel music playlist must include:

Hmmm. I would need some Aloe Blacc, Black Keys, Typhoon, The Antlers, El Michels Affair, The National, She & Him, and Yeasayer.

Is there anything that you can't travel without?

A comfy pair of flats.

What item(s) would you put in a time capsule?

A list of all my secrets entitled "To Whom It May Concern".

Can you recommend your favorite spots in Portland?

Your really putting me on the spot! Here we go...Frances May, Little Edies, Rock-N-Rose, Tiga, Clyde Common, Spirit of 77, Olympic Provisions, Ace Hotel, Stumptown, The Lady Cave, Big Egg, Porque No, Navarre, and The Bins just to name a few. I could go on forever with good places to eat.

What's your motto?

Get Fly, Stay Fly!