Classic Rock

Originally Published on March 15th 2008

Stylemaker

Classic Rock

By Maisy Fernandez
mfernandez@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

Photo (C) Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

As an image consultant and stylist, Merika Rock must keep up with what's chic from season to season. But don't expect her to always follow suit. "I know vibrant colors are hot for spring, but the stylist uniform is to kind of wear black. It's a power color," she says. Combining it with her taste for classic pieces makes her feel "classy and sexy and sophisticated. Especially in pencil skirts or a nice pair of slacks and a button dress shirt, tightened with a belt -- I'm good to go for the day."

At 30, Merika is the name behind M. Rock Style, an image consulting, styling and photography business. Her studio/office is located in the 100-plus-year-old farmhouse that she is renovating with her husband in Jeffersonville, Ind. The studio is filled with lighting, backgrounds, whimsical props and a makeup table, but the rest of the house is a developing mix of the couple's distinct styles. Husband Todd Fischer likes country decor, "but I've always liked Asian influence," says Merika, who regularly cooks on her 50-year-old stove.

Photo (C) Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal

But the best thing about the home isn't the look, she says. It's the feel. "I like the fact we have 2¼ acres here. It's like we're in town, but in the country as well. It's peaceful and tranquil."

Merika Rock
Age: 30Hometown: Lafayette, Ind.Family: Husband, Todd Fischer, and their Persian cats, Neko and Tenchi.Going "under cover": Merika is into role-playing games on her Xbox, comic books, fantasy art, Asian cinema and Japanese anime. "I'm a bit of an undercover nerd." How to improve your image: "Updating your haircut is always important. Nothing can make you look more dated than a haircut that hasn't been in style for the last decade. And while trends change, there are always classic pieces that can keep you in style, like pencil skirts, white button-down shirts. You can take those pieces from season to season and update them with trendy accessories."Cheaper chic: "I love bargains. You don't have to spend a lot to have good style.

But the best thing about the home isn't the look, she says. It's the feel. "I like the fact we have 2¼ acres here. It's like we're in town, but in the country as well. It's peaceful and tranquil."
Merika Rock
Age: 30Hometown: Lafayette, Ind.Family: Husband, Todd Fischer, and their Persian cats, Neko and Tenchi.Going "under cover": Merika is into role-playing games on her Xbox, comic books, fantasy art, Asian cinema and Japanese anime. "I'm a bit of an undercover nerd." How to improve your image: "Updating your haircut is always important. Nothing can make you look more dated than a haircut that hasn't been in style for the last decade. And while trends change, there are always classic pieces that can keep you in style, like pencil skirts, white button-down shirts. You can take those pieces from season to season and update them with trendy accessories."Cheaper chic: "I love bargains. You don't have to spend a lot to have good style.