I-ELLA: Please tell us a little about what you do.  

Marissa: I am the Senior Fashion Market Editor for People StyleWatch magazine. I cover the women’s clothing market, with a particular focus on contemporary designer brands and swimwear. I edit clothes, not words--and I think this is probably the biggest misconception about my job title that people outside the fashion industry have. Therefore, on any given day, you can find me visiting designer showrooms, participating in fashion run thrus or covering NYC Fashion Week. I take great pleasure in discovering new talent to feature in the magazine and therefore, I am always on the hunt for the latest and greatest fashion finds—often coveting many of these pieces along the way! In a perfect world, my NYC apartment would be a bottomless closet.

I-ELLA: What is your most memorable moment thus far in your fashion career?  

Marissa: My most memorable moment was definitely the first time I attended a Marc Jacobs show. I was an Assistant Editor so I was given a last row bleacher seat, but I was so excited.  This is what every young editor dreams of. I vividly remember flowers—thousands of flowers that set the backdrop before the show started. I also remember irritation because the show started more than an hour late. Then finally the first model walked the runway and what I saw took my breath away. It was color, it was feminine, it was magic. The next morning two planes hit the Twin Towers and the world changed forever…

I-ELLA: How would you define your personal style?  

Marissa: My personal style is probably fashion-forward, but with a bit of an ethnic twist. I definitely try and incorporate the latest trends into my wardrobe, but will always add my own spin to complete the look. For example, I’m currently obsessed with mixing my ikat-printed pants with glittered booties for an unexpected hint of glamour.

I-ELLA: What or who inspires you when styling or on a daily basis?  

Marissa: I probably get the most inspiration from Net-a-Porter and all the glossy British fashion mags. I am just obsessed with their styling and cool, fun layouts—they always get it right! The perfect mix of high fashion and street chic! In fact, it’s so visually stimulating that I line the walls of my office with these works.

I-ELLA: What always catches your eye when shopping?

Marissa: I’m a sucker for anything sparkly or embellished. If it’s got glitter, sequins, diamante or studding, I will take a second look. And of course, anything with a global, ethnic print—I never say no to ikat!

I-ELLA: What shows were you looking forward to for fashion week?  

Marissa: Michael Kors, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Alexander Wang and Elizabeth & James—it was their first time showing this collection on the runway.

I-ELLA: How often do you edit your closet?

Marissa: I edit my closet about four times a year—usually as the seasons change. And since I have the quintessential small NYC closet, this means it’s necessary to make some tough parting decisions—though there is always such a sense of freedom and reward afterward.

I-ELLA: Do you have any tips for our members?  

Marissa: Of course! First and foremost, most of us only wear (and rotate) 20 percent of our wardrobe 80 percent of the time. Then we get bored and either work in an oft forgotten item buried in the closet or we make a few new purchases and this becomes our new 20 percent.  Therefore, if you haven’t worn something for a season or two…please get rid of it! It will generally never make its way back into the rotation. Plus, the majority of the time if something comes back in style, you’ll want the new, updated version; and more often than not, your body shape changes and that once-flattering fit is no longer so flattering.

I-ELLA: If you could raid anyone’s closet, past or present, whose would it be?  

Marissa: I would love to raid Diane Kruger’s closet. She always looks great—so polished, so put together, so cutting-edge. Now if only we had the same figure, so I could really pull things off seamlessly.

I-ELLA: What is the most meaningful thing in your closet?  

Marissa: This is without a doubt a beaded Navajo fringe necklace that I took from my mother’s jewelry box years ago. It has an ethnic flair without being over the top, and I am obsessed with it! I wear it almost daily—either layered with other necklaces or on its own. I couldn’t imagine my wardrobe without it…I just treasure it!

I-ELLA: What are your three rules to live by?

Marissa: Dress for yourself—and the girl friends in your life. Don’t be afraid to wear color or print. And tailor, tailor, tailor.

I-ELLA: What’s next?  

Marissa: A much needed long weekend of rest and relaxation after the NY shows! And immediately thereafter, I start working on the Best Swimsuit Guide ever for our May 2012 issue…be sure to check it out!