Styled by Jessica | What I Wore

As long-time fans of What I Wore, when Molly had the pleasure of spending time with Jessica at Alt Summit it was wonderful to know that the sweet and gorgeous girl from the blog is not only as sweet and outgoing as she looks, but also incredibly down to earth and humble for being such a successful name in the fashion blogging world.  Her friendly nature and true-to-self style is what initially drew us to her blog and her love of beer (like us), small midwestern college towns and nail polish is what will always keep us coming back for more.  We adore that she tweets through The Bachelor (hysterical comments) and has never met a retro or lady-like dress she didn’t like…  Just don’t be fooled by her lovely looks and perfectly chosen outfits – the girl is also a tough cookie business lady!  Guess you have to be when you have your own book: What I Wore: Four Seasons, Once Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style  We can’t wait to see what she does next but for today we are thrilled she’s here sharing what She Wishes She Was Wearing!

QUESTIONS of STYLE:

.Describe your personal style in five words or less:  Colorful, classic, vintage, quirky.

.Who/What inspires your personal style, influencing what you’re drawn to and what you end up wearing?  Lately I’ve been really influenced by what I can make, rather than what I can buy. I’m at the fabric store once a week (or ordering online from Fabric.com) and dreaming up ideas for new dresses. I really like sewing with vintage or vintage reproduction patterns. Here’s a recent favorite project. 

.What is an item you cannot live without or what are some of your wardrobe essentials?  As much as I like my retro dresses, I cannot live without a good pair of jeans. I have two favorite pairs – a lighter wash from Tory Burch (from 2 years ago) and a newer dark wash pair from Rag and Bone. For my closet, it’s essential to have a cute pair of flats and a nude pair of heels (those two alone go with almost anything).  I also like colorful skirts and loads (and loads!) of striped tops.

.What is your most recent purchase?  A Tinley Road black maxi dress 

.What is your go-to jewelry routine?  Most of the time, I don’t wear much! I always have on my gold wedding ring and sometimes wear my sapphire and platinum engagement ring. I like that they don’t match. I almost always wear a watch – a men’s Timex I bought from Target a year or so ago.  I like a simple gold necklace (I rotate between a gold anchor necklace from Elma Blint or a gold medallion that reads ‘Dream Bigger’ in braille from Jess LC). Sometimes I’d do a big statement necklace. 

.What are some of your make-up must haves?  I wear Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, liquid black eyeliner and Maybeline Great Lash mascara. I love NARS lipsticks.

.If you could meet any designer who would it be and why?  Although she’s no longer behind the label, I would love to have tea with the real Kate Spade. 

.What’s the best style advice you’ve ever given or received?  My style philosophy is that getting dressed is like cooking. You don’t have to be able to whip anything up from scratch, but if you can rely on a couple great recipes – you’ll be set. 

We’re so jealous of Jessica’s comfort in front of a camera and knack for picking out perfect outfits – but her four years (!) of fashion blogging has made her an admirable pro!  And did we already mention how humble she is?  Well she’s downplaying her sewing skills, people – make sure you frequent What I Wore to keep up with all her amazing projects (they’ll make you call your mama and beg for her sewing machine!).  Thank you again for sharing your quirky, cute and downright darling outfit and style with us, Jessica!  xx

(Images: 01. J.Crew Crystal Cupcake Necklace // 02. Milly Carolina Indigo Roses Dress // 03. J.Crew Viv Stripe Flats // 04. Zoya Green Mint Cream Polish // 05. Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair Bag // 06. Karen Walker Number One Sunnies)