Main Street: Dechel Mckillian
"And remember, your style can evolve. Let it reflect who you are right now, not who you used to be or who you think you need to become."
Welcome to Main Street, the place to bump into perspectives on style from Land of Oaks and Roses readers and friends.
One of the highlights of my fashion founder days was having my clothes in a store called Galerie.LA. It was a gorgeous, light filled space dreamed up by the incredibly talented stylist, and sustainability champion, Dechel Mckillian. So much has changed for both of us since those days, which is why it feels special to be reconnecting here today.
What I’ve always loved about clothes is that they create a visual for something you might not otherwise get to see. When something inside us changes, our clothes usually do too. Dechel’s perspective on style today is an external representation of an internal reset. And that’s something I really relate to.
Her credits throughout this story are a true testament to shopping sustainably, and a good reminder to support the sustainable brands you love!
Here she is…
Olivia: Tell us about you and what your life looks like right now.
Dechel: I had to spend some time with this question. I used to introduce myself as the Founder and Creative Director of GALERIE.LA, the sustainable fashion concept store I built with care and intention. That chapter shaped so much of who I am, and it is also how I first connected with Olivia. Since closing GALERIE.LA, I’ve entered a different season of life—one that’s slower, grounded in nature, healing, and focused on personal alignment.
Today, I lead the brand marketing team at Airweave, a Japanese sleep technology company, and consult with wellness-focused brands. My work remains creative and purpose-driven, but it no longer defines the full picture of who I am.
I recently moved to Orange County, where I spend my time at the community garden with friends, frequenting the beach for morning yoga and meditation, hiking nearby trails, studying Ayurveda, and cooking something nourishing from seasonal ingredients.
This season feels like a reset. I’m learning to honor the quieter parts of life, to reconnect with what inspires me, and to give myself space to grow into what comes next.
Olivia: What’s your perspective on getting dressed in this era of your life?
Dechel: My perspective on getting dressed has changed in this phase of life. After spending over 15 years working in fashion and obsessing over personal style, I now approach dressing with more clarity and ease. I used to spend so much time curating unique pieces, hunting for the perfect vintage finds, and experimenting with how I expressed myself through clothing.
I gravitate toward a simpler, smarter kind of style. I’ve built a wardrobe that feels dependable with pieces I can mix and match without much thought. Most days, I’m in some version of a uniform that feels effortless but still intentional. I’m guided less by trends and more by how I want to feel.
I’ve been leaning into a business casual, slightly preppy look with button-ups, jeans, and pleated skirts. I found a great resale shop near my house that’s become a bit of a treasure trove. The shapes are classic, but the way I wear them still feels personal. It’s pared back, but still expressive.
At this point in my life, getting dressed isn’t about making a statement for others, it’s about feeling grounded, present, confident, and ready to move through my day with clarity.
Olivia: What pieces are you wearing over and over again that we should know about?
Dechel: I have a handful of pieces I return to again and again, many from sustainable brands I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. One I’ve been reaching for lately is a pair of wide-leg cropped jeans from Conrado. They’re lightweight, perfectly broken-in, and seem to pair effortlessly with just about everything, whether I’m tucking in a crisp button-up or wearing something softer and more flowy.
I’ve had them for a few years now, and while Conrado no longer carries this exact style, their collections are always thoughtful and well-made. It’s one of those pieces that reminds me how good it feels to keep things simple and wear what truly works.
Olivia: Any advice for someone struggling to figure out what to wear?
Dechel: If you’re feeling stuck with what to wear, start by tuning in rather than reaching out. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what we think we should be wearing, but true style begins with how you want to feel. Try noticing what colors, shapes, or fabrics you naturally reach for when you feel most like yourself. That’s often where your style is already living and it just needs a little more attention and permission.
As someone who worked as a stylist and advocate for sustainable fashion, I believe in building a wardrobe slowly and intentionally. You don’t need a lot. Focus on finding a few pieces that fit well, feel good on your body, and can be worn a dozen different ways. It’s less about following rules and more about building trust in your own taste.
And remember, your style can evolve. Let it reflect who you are right now, not who you used to be or who you think you need to become. There’s something powerful about dressing for your present self, with softness and care.
Olivia: Who do you look to for inspiration?
Dechel: I’ve never been one to look to trends on social media, magazines, or brands for inspiration. After years of working in fashion and helping others find their style, I’ve shifted toward something more inward. I took to heart the same advice I now give which is dress for how you want to feel.
Inspiration for me now comes from within. I pay attention to what feels good on my skin, what helps me move through the day with ease and confidence. Natural fabrics like organic cotton, linen, and hemp have become my go-tos. For me, there’s luxury in wearing something breathable and well-made that supports both your body and the planet.
More than anything, I dress for myself. I let the vibe I’m feeling guide what I reach for, and I take comfort in knowing that style doesn’t need to be loud to be expressive. It just needs to feel true.
Olivia: Let’s dream a little… Imagine the thing in your life you’ve been hoping for came true. What would you be wearing as this next version of yourself?
Dechel: The next version of myself lives a little more quietly, in a place just outside a major city and closer to nature. I’ve been longing for that shift, and when I imagine it becoming real, I see myself dressing with even more intention.
In that life, I’m drawn to clothing that feels soft on the skin and moves with ease. I imagine a wardrobe built around natural fabrics, simple layers, and timeless silhouettes that reflect my personal style without needing to speak loudly. Each piece would be chosen with care, something I could wear for years and still feel like myself in.
It is not about creating a specific look, but about honoring the person I am becoming.
For more from Dechel, learn about her work here or find her on Instagram here.
One Last Thing
Here are the sustainable brands I love most. Some I’ve worn and loved for years, some I’ve just discovered: