Tysh Mefferd grew up with two sisters in Rockwall, Texas, when it was a one stoplight town. Her mother would drive for more than an hour to outlet stores to shop sales and find bargains for her and her siblings. 

“My mom taught us early on how to shop thrifty, which I still do today,” Mefferd said. “But, I do buy certain things at full price if it is justified. It’s all about cost per wear.”

Mefferd never thought of herself as a fashionista, but did keep up with trends and even bought her first pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans for $30 with her hard-earned baby-sitting money.

After going off to college, meeting her husband Jon and earning a communications degree, she still didn’t think much about fashion. She worked in pharmaceutical sales, owned her own wedding invitation business, had three great kids, and life was good.

In 2008, during a slump in the economy, Mefferd decided to change direction and got involved with Stella & Dot, a boutique-style jewelry and accessories company that offers home-based trunk shows. Now a diamond director and founding leader, she has won numerous awards and honors and has been featured in More magazine, Houston 002 and on ABC’s Good Morning America, among other publications.

Mefferd is happy to call herself an islander after a move to Galveston from Houston this past summer, and is amazed how much she has learned about fashion in the past six years, she said. She describes her style as “uniform” because she usually wears flats, jeans, a cute top and accessories that make a statement.

She likes just about anything by Tory Burch, Pleione blouses, Gibson tank tops, skinny jeans, maxi dresses and often shops online for them. She prefers patterns to solid colors, likes jackets and vests and dressing them up with scarves. Her jewelry wardrobe contains a variety of “statement” necklaces, but also delicate pendants and chains, and an assortment of bracelets and earrings.

What sort of accessories makes a statement? You will never find me without an “arm party.” I always have bracelets layered on my arm, even if I have on shorts and a T-shirt, because it makes me feel stylish. I also love to make a statement with necklaces, especially ones that are bold and add dimension to my outfit.

How do you accessorize with a scarf? Layer it long, double layer it, knot it or tie it on your handbag. I keep one in my purse at all times. If I’m in a restaurant and get chilly, I can throw a scarf over my shoulders like a wrap. A scarf also can be a bathing suit wrap.

What brand of jeans do you prefer? NYDJ and J Brand. I like skinny jeans and have them in all colors.

What about shoes? I am almost always in flats: flip-flops (Tory Burch), ballet flats (Tieks, Sam Edelman and Tory Burch), gladiator sandals (Dolce Vita) or short boots (Franco Sarto). I do put on heels if going to a formal event and have several pair of wedges, like my metallic gray Tory Burch pair. For tall boots, I like Old Gringo and Tory Burch riding boots.

Dresses or separates? I love maxi dresses due to comfort, especially the INC brand from Macy’s. I like Pleione blouses from Nordstrom and have them in all colors and patterns.

What about more dressy attire? I have a Kay Unger mint lace A-line I wear a lot and several things by David Meister. I typically shop at Saks for formal clothes.

What other places do you like to shop? Marshalls in Galveston, Nordstrom, Macy’s, White House|Black Market (for great jackets) and Bevello in Houston.

What fashion blogs do you follow? Sydne Summer (www.sydnestyle.com) and Sannam and Style (www.sannamandstyle.com).

Name a fashion item you can’t live without? My Avalon Tote by Stella & Dot. It holds my iPad, cosmetic bag, wallet, spiral notebook and so much more.

What colors and styles are going to be trendy this fall? Pops of colors, like fuchsia, orange, neon yellow; even mint, which is more subtle, as well as neutrals of beige, copper and gold. Skinny jeans tucked into boots and a long necklace, which helps elongate your body.

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Fashion Tally

Statement necklaces: 24
Earrings: 100 +
Bracelets: 100 +
Shoes: 75-100 pairs
Jeans: 24
Pleione tops: Several dozen
Fave color: Blue
Fragrance: Vera Wang
Makeup: Bella Terra
Eyewear: Dolce & Gabbana reading glasses