Melissa and Joey is in it’s final season with only 10 episodes remaining. The show’s a family comedy, but one major aspect we get asked about is Mel’s (Melissa Joan Hart) clothing on the show.  Heather Pain, the custome designer of the show kindly answered our questions about Mel’s style, the brands she is dressed in and the awesome custom pieces Heather has designed for her this season. We also have information on some of the outfits Mel Burke will be wearing during the following episodes, information on these outfits can be found here.

How did you get into costume design for Melissa and Joey?
I actually thought I wanted to be in the fashion world. I went to college for Fashion Design at VCU, and one summer landed on a movie shooting locally, which lead me to working in the costume department while living in Richmond, Va. So I packed my bags and moved to Los Angeles. I’ve had the opportunity to work many different positions in the costume department (set, shopping, assistant costume designer) over the years and eventually moved up to Designing. I was given the opportunity to design Melissa and Joey end of season 3 and go on to do season 4.

Do you have any advice for people who are looking into costume design as a career?
Do some research through books and the internet on what a costume designer’s job is. Consider taking a few classes on costume/theater design, or fashion design classes to see if it’s for you. Reach out to your state film office to see if you have movies or shows shooting in your area and ask to intern on them. Never be afraid to ask for advice, if you don’t ask you will not get the information. Lastly, If you are lucky to know someone who works in the business, ask someone to mentor you.

Mel is always impeccably dressed. What are your favorite stores for Mel? How would you describe her style?
Mel has a fun, flirty, but professional look. She plays a councilwomen so she is impeccably dressed, looks good and ready to go wherever, whenever. Some of my favorite brands for Mel are French Connection, Ted Baker, Karen Millen, DVF, Reiss, Zara, H&M, AG jeans and Tory Burch jeans. I always had great luck with a lot of Mel’s dresses at Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.

In the promos for the rest of this season, the emphasis on a “baby” is a definite highlight. How will pregnancy effect’s Mel’s style?
We don’t know that Mel is or is not pregnant, only that they’ve been trying. Fans will have to tune in and see what happens.

What are some of the original pieces you have created for the remaining episodes of the show?
I had so much fun creating original pieces for Mel. As a designer, having the trust with your actor and creators to have things built, opens up a world of possibilities. Melissa has this great curvy figure and looks good when things hit her at her natural waist line and looks great in fit and flare. She also rocks a peplum really well so I had several tops made along with an orange jacket that had contrast trim and zipped in the front; I paired it with a pair of her AG jeans to give a polished casual look. In “The Book Club” episode Mel wears a flower print dress [I designed] that was a big hit.

Lennox’s style has evolved dramatically since the start of the show. How would you classify her signature look? What are your “go-to” stores for Lennox?
Lennox’s look has evolved. She started out as a young, sweet, smart high school girl and involved into an amazing, smart, passionate, slightly edgy, college women. The thing about Lennox is she really embraces fashion and makes it her own. So I would call her style the Lennox style. She can pull off mixing bohemian, rock, femininity, and current trends beautifully. My go to stores are Top Shop, Urban Outfitters, Free People, Zara, and Waste Land. I did a lot of small boutiques to find unusual jewelry pieces and interesting tops.

What is your best memory from working on Melissa and Joey?
I have so many! Getting to dress the cast in 1800’s clothing was a blast. Not sure Mel and Lennox liked wearing the corsets, but they did, true troopers! The show really was a family, the cast and crew shared so much together and I will always have fond memories.

Final thoughts:
I just want to add that a costume designer gets inspiration in many different ways. Magazines, the internet, Art museums, music, movies, books and nature. I love Instagram. I’m a very visual person, so I follow artists, jewelry makers, fashion designers, other costume designers, musicians and even National Geographic! I love the ideas and inspirations I get seeing life through other people’s photos.

We would like to thank Heather Pain for talking to us about costume design on Melissa & Joey.  Along with her custom pieces, information about outfits worn on the show will be added to our archive weekly after each episode has aired.  Click on the link below to view all the outfits: