BEAUTY EDITOR | Melanie Shelley

As a seasoned Beauty Editor, Melly produces boundary-crossing fashion and beauty shoots that push your brand to the edge. All below concepts, casting, art direction, wardrobe styling, interviews and articles written by Melly Shelley.

NATIVE Magazine \| Sept. PATTERN OF BEHAVIOUR Fresh prints hit the runway for fall, declaring grids and checkerboards back for menswear. “Stacking threads” is now a necessity - 2 or 3 patterns at a time - where your style is only limited by the temperature outside. But don’t forget your ‘do. “Guys are always looking for ways to personalize their look.” says award-winning barber Kevin Hagewood, “Adding that one extra detail to a classic cut makes it less retro, more renegade.”
NATIVE Magazine \| Aug. MORNING, FACE The alarm didn’t go off and first shift starts in 15 minutes. Same story, different day - what’s a girl to do? “Welcome to the new no-maintenance,” says TRIM eyelash extension guru Lindsey “Olive” Olivarez, “A great set of lash extensions adds darkness, length and thickness to the entire lash-line - you wake up wide-eyed and fresh every day, with a little air of mystery.”
NATIVE Magazine \| July IN THE NAVY NOW Every Southern girl knows, it takes a little effort to keep your summer look cool. "Heat, humidity and a full face of makeup don't mix," advises celeb makeup consultant Melly Shelley. "All you need is tinted SPF moisturizer and a strong pop of color." Since gel eyeliners glide on easily and dry waterproof, you can play on the lake all day and still be ready for fireworks back at the dock.
NATIVE Magazine \| June SHINE OF THE TIMES Metallic materials add an undoubtedly futuristic pop to even the most staid menswear staples, but how is the trend reflecting in men's grooming? "The matte hair regime has officially been overthrown by the high-shine movement," says style maven Melly Shelley. "Experiment with a strong side sweep. It's a great way to move your style forward and buck the hipster trend at the same time."
NATIVE Magazine \| May THE MODERN AGE “Gray hair isn’t really gray - it’s pure white, like a luxury accessory,” says special event hair hero Laura Beth Stephenson, ‘And once you’ve got enough of it, you can either run from it, or run with it.” Stephenson recommends getting a cut with customized layers “and a young attitude,” and investing in regular keratin treatments to “smooth the crinkle out.” A swipe of red lipstick punctuates the look with an air of confidence that only experience brings.
NATIVE Magazine \| Apr. THE ART OF THE PART Each new season brings a major color trend that inﬁltrates both high fashion runways and street style. For SS20, pink deservedly takes its turn. And with the softer hue comes a stronger movement in men’s hair. “The side part is associated with genteel masculinity,” says guys' grooming guru Melly Shelley. “To toughen up a look, part the hair on a strong diagonal—a little more rogue than vogue.”
NATIVE Magazine \| Mar. HIGH SOCIETY Every March, as the winds whip up everything from tresses to tornadoes, the perfect ponytail becomes a topic of important conversation. “The only mistake you can make with a ponytail is to let it become boring, ” advises street stylist A.J. Franking, “If you don’t inject a little whimsy, you risk being the girl in the blue cardigan and non-ironic glasses.” Add an on-trend tangerine lip, and this look will pack a punch!
NATIVE Magazine \| Feb. QUEEN OF HEARTS February is the month of conception as Mardi Gras ignites St. Valentine’s passions. When the two combust, fashion always springs eternal. This year, a decidedly Victorian theme emerges from the runways, calling for a little abandon. “When collars go higher and skin is under wraps, hair that has been wildly undone sparks the imagination,” muses sage stylist Michael Moorehead, “It makes you wonder ‘Exactly what happened here, and how can I be a part of it?"
NATIVE Magazine \| Jan. STATE OF GRACE Once the hallmark of great fashion, effortless style has become startlingly rare. Amongst the chaos of tweeting and twerking, the simplicity and elegance of Grace Kelly’s side-swept bob appears downright alternative. “2021 marks a return to classic lines.” says NYC session stylist Melly Shelley, “Ask your stylist for a haircut with a sharp, strong edge, and flick it up and over to one side to keep it fresh.”
NATIVE Magazine \| Dec. TAKE IT ALL OFF December is demanding. Late night parties, high alcohol intake and dry indoor heat leave skin depleted and mornings short. It’s tempting to try a fast shave, but this winter, leave speed to the professionals. “Three minutes of prep time saves 15 minutes on your shave, and completely eliminates razor burn.” advises shave master Nik Savage, who gives us his modern take on a daily necessity.
NATIVE Magazine \| Nov. DON'T FEAR THE BEARD “Even if you haven’t joined the Metropolitan Pogonotrophy Society yet, you can still grow an epic beard or moustache.” says male grooming guru Melly Shelley. “The key is bi-monthly beard trims, daily brushing and good conditioner.” Try Kevin Murphy Hydrate.Me Rinse to soften even the most wiry whiskers.
NATIVE Magazine \| Oct. THE GOLDEN GIRL This Halloween, your costume doesn't have to be defined by fangs or capes. Try something otherworldly, yet simple, and start with a fresh coat of paint. "A successful sci-fi costume relies on both a sense of the familiar and a sense of the strange," says supernova stylist Rhylie Crosswhite. "When you wipe away the definitions of the human face - brows, ears, hairline - the supernatural starts to unfold."
NATIVE Magazine / September PRETTY IN PUNK Crazy-colored hair is no longer just for street kids and circus performers. With fashion cycles twisting and turning, we realize that what's good for the goose is good for the gander. "In the animal kingdom, the brightly feathered birds are the most attractive to mates," says Alchemist's resident color mixologist, Laura Beth Stephenson. "It was only a matter of time before humans returned to their wild sides."
NATIVE Magazine \| Aug. WAVE COUNTRY Even the landlocked can make great waves when there's no surfboard in sight. "Authentic beach hair has waves, curls, straight pieces and lots of volume," says star session stylist Melly Shelley. "Because no one has a curling iron at the beach, identical curls are strictly forbidden." The trick? Prep wet hair with a salt primer, twist into 4 sections and diffuse on low heat while tugging at random strands. "Channel your young Raquel Welch," advises Shelley, "and wear a white bikini."
NATIVE Magazine \| June GENDER BLENDER As society's notions of gender roles shift and evolve, the dictates that makes a hairstyle masculine or feminine have nearly disappeared. Model/muse Heather Hayden refuses to consider the issue. "Faded cuts show off my bone structure - the tighter my sides, the better I feel." On the flip side - having sported every look from barbering to braids - Ranch Ghost drummer Tanner Lunn takes a more relaxed approach. "I get my hair cut twice a year. Long hair reflects who I am."
NATIVE Magazine \| July FREE BIRD With the '60’s Americana trend showing no sign of waning, every classic style rule is itching to be broken. “Putting long hair up is associated with being prim and proper,” says mega-watt hairstylist A.J. Franking, “but remember, the bee-hive was invented purely as a form of rebellion. Young girls always want something more extreme than their mothers.” Change one element of an iconic look - like adding this ultra-modern texture - and let your retro flag fly high.
BINX Walton / Campaign Long-haired Nashville-based model Leona Walton was scouted by super-stylist Melly Shelley for a hair product ad campaign in 2013. Leona watched with amazement as Melanie lopped over two feet off of her hair, and produced a shoot creating the now-iconic "BINX" name and haircut that launched a thousand runway shows, including Yves St. Laurent, Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs.
NATIVE Magazine \| May USE YOUR HEAD With playful, gamine cuts trending from Paris to Portland, the clear message in fashion is to cut your hair. And in the hands of Stephen Bertram, a short haircut doesn't just mean more layers; it's a downright celebration of the human anatomy. "Building shape by following the curvature of the head is just as much art as it is science," says Stephen. "When you cut to the bone structure, you highlight the eyes, cheekbones and lips. It turns your hair into your number one accessory."
NATIVE Magazine \| Apr. NATURAL SELECTION As the beauty industry moves towards all-natural products, parabens and sulfates have become dirty words. "It's no longer necessary to abuse your hair and scalp to get gorgeous hair," says Michael Moorehead, one of Nashville's top stylists. "My girls are wearing their natural texture, experimenting with sexy shapes, and coming in for chemical-free blowouts when the mood strikes. Real, healthy hair - with all it's quirks - is very now."
NATIVE Magazine \| Mar. HERE, KITTY KITTY This spring, sharp, graphic liner takes the stage, outshining the smudgy eye of season's past. "This look goes way beyond the classic cat eye," says celebrity makeup artist Melly Shelley, known for the looks of songstress Jewel and country breakout darling Clara Henningsen. "It's a futuristic nod to the past," Melly grins, paying homage to the signature looks of Cleopatra and Audrey Hepburn.
NATIVE Magazine \| Feb. ISN'T HE LOVELY Emerging EDM producer and model Dylan Stephens wears the boy/girl badge with style. "Being androgynous isn't about dressing up to be what you are not," he says. "It's about being exactly who you are and letting all the possibilities emerge. People see what they want to see, and you have to allow their perception to unfold."
NATIVE Magazine \| Jan. TURN OF THE CENTURY As festivities wind up and temperatures spiral down, we still have the romance of New Year past to stir our passions. "The Chanteuse is a recurring theme in fashion," says Elisha Holden, makeup artist and brow guru. "I love to make a smoky eye fresh by using antique gold instead of the kohl we've seen so much of." Polish your look with expertly tamed brows, and gather your closest friends for a night of absinthe and Downton Abbey.
NATIVE Magazine \| Dec. FORM + FUNCTION As a former military man, aeronautical inspector and dedicated pipe smoker, Homer C. says a fussy haircut can't be trusted. And according to celeb cutter Melly Shelley, "Style-wise, we're right back where we started. Rock & roll hair now has a cleanly barbered edge, well within the confines of the classic gentleman rogue." Ask you barber to blend your sideburns tightly to your beard to keep your look crisp and your mug warm for the holidays.
NATIVE Magazine \| Nov. Long considered "The Ryman of Style," TRIM Classic Barber & Legendary Beauty's hallowed barber chairs have seated more famous bottoms than the green room at Carnegie Hall. Here, TRIM founder and celeb stylist Melly Shelley puts her modern spin on a tried-and-true classic cut. "I revere a pure, Parisian bob," says Shelley, "but changing it up with a rounded, graphic shape instantly gives a girl that 5 Points edge." Add a neutral face and bold, red lip and you'll be leading the pack this winter."

MELANIE SHELL E Y

NATIVE Magazine | Sept.

NATIVE Magazine | Aug.

NATIVE Magazine | July

NATIVE Magazine | June

NATIVE Magazine | May

NATIVE Magazine | Apr.

NATIVE Magazine | Mar.

NATIVE Magazine | Feb.

NATIVE Magazine | Jan.

NATIVE Magazine | Dec.

NATIVE Magazine | Nov.

NATIVE Magazine | Oct.

NATIVE Magazine / September