I didn’t know Jenica Haldeman all that well before she became a Facebook Group Member. Her presence in the community has always been friendly, upbeat, engaging, and often funny. It wasn’t until she dropped in for my weekly Saturday Knitting Bees, which are Zoom video chats I set up for group members to get together and chat for an hour during the pandemic, that I really got to know her.
Jenica draws you in immediately with her bright eyes, quick sense of humor, and authentic, bubbly personality. She’s fun and someone you would totally want to get to know better over a bottle of wine. While we’re all social distancing, wine is out of the question, but we can get to know Jenica Haldeman as this month’s Facebook Group Member of the Month.
Name: Jenica Haldeman
Age: 43
Location: McKinney, Texas
Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group?
A: Bridgette is welcoming, warm, and offers her fashion advice in a way that never makes you feel stupid or like you’ve been doing it wrong. That feeling spreads to its members and how they also offer advice and encouragement. The advice isn’t just offered to those that are thin, tall, and young – it’s offered in a way that everyone can use it.
Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member
A: I love having a sounding board: Should I tuck this shirt in or leave it out? Which shoes look best with this outfit? Where can I find the best work pants?
Q:What would you tell women who haven’t joined the Group yet?
A: If you already follow Bridgette’s advice and her blog, you need the group for the finishing touch. She and everyone in there are very helpful in helping you to find what works for you, your style, your shape and your lifestyle!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Simple, classic with a hint of edgy. And bright – I like hues rather than shades or tints.
Q: How did you discover your personal style?
A: Trial and error?! Also, it has changed many times over the years as I decide suddenly there’s something I don’t like about my current style and then try to figure out what that is.
Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their own style?
A: Buy the correct size. Don’t wear over-sized or undersized clothes. Correctly sized clothes always look the best on every body.
Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with?
A: As my body ages my skin sags more and I want to cover more of my body up.
Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet?
A: Jeans, always. Dress them up with heels and a silky shirt. Dress them down with a casual tee and sneakers.
Q: If you could go back and change a way you dressed in the past, what would you change?
A: Oh, the 90’s!! My kids saw a picture of me the other day and asked why I had HUGE shoulder pads!! I’m not sure I’d necessarily change it though, just take it less seriously. I was always so worried about what everyone would think about my clothes, the brand, what was cool, etc.
Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?
A: Off the top of my head I can think of a pair of shoes I bought last year. They were slide sandals from Toms. I bought them on a whim but ended up wearing them most of the summer. They were dressy yet casual (which is a hard line to find!), and yet comfortable. They seemed to go with everything and I wore them a lot. I bought another pair for this year.
Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?
A: The white button down. Everyone says you need one and I’ve bought a ton but they never seem to fit right and I never seem to wear them.
Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?
A: Hair not too frizzy. Simple makeup. Jeans. Nice shirt. Maybe low heels. Bright color that flatters my face. Not too constrictive clothing. Simple accessories. Comfortable.
Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?
A: To wear more than the plain tee and jeans rut I seem to have fallen into.
Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received?
A: That clothes (and makeup) are meant to accentuate you, not hide or change who you are.
Q: The first thing you take off when you get home?
A: Probably bracelets, they tend to annoy me by the end of the day. It used to be shoes but now I live in an all tile house so walking around barefoot makes my back hurt.
Q: Favorite colors to wear
A: Red, black, green, white, coral.
Q: Favorite stores to shop?
A: J Crew, Express, Loft, Madewell, American Eagle, Nordstrom.
Q: What makes you happiest?
A: Sunshine, puppies, laughter, hanging out with friends, late-night deep conversations, sewing, reading, coffee, snuggling up by a fire when it’s cold.
Q: What inspires you?
A: Women who have overcome hard things in their lives. I’ve faced some adversity and I don’t feel I’ve done the best I could through it, so it inspires me to see women who have some through bad times stronger. I’m still trying to get there.
