Facebook Group Member of the Month: Jeannean Jenkins

When I think of Jeannean Jenkins, the first thing that comes to mind is colorful hair…and the beach. Any person who embraces their own path is someone to be admired and Jeannean has spoken in the past about living on an island off the coast of South Carolina, and every time she does I get totally jealous.

Jeannean is a staunch supporter and friend of the other members of the group and someone I thought would be nice to feature as a Facebook Group Member of the month. Let’s get to know her better, shall we?

Name: Jeannean Jenkins

Location: Edisto Island, South Carolina

Age: 61

Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group?

A: Observing all the outfits people put together and how positive and helpful everyone is.

Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member

A: Learning how to put different articles of clothing together, trying clothes outside of my comfort zone, and advice on cleaning and organizing my closet.

Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined the Group yet?

A: This is a positive group that is composed of real women from all different backgrounds, who really enjoy helping each other with fashion advice and where to find the perfect item.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Well, my daughter calls it aging hippy, but I prefer the term eclectic bohemian.

Q: How did you discover your style?

A: On the advice of a friend I bought a pair of flowy black striped pants instead of a pair of plain black tailored pants. She said the striped pair made me smile and I looked happy in them. From that day forth I started buying clothes that made me happy. And I still have the pants!

Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their style?

A: To find a style that makes you smile. To keep it so you wear the clothes and the clothes don’t wear you. And accessories are a must. A great pair of earrings or a cool pair of shoes can change an entire outfit and make it you.

Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with?

A: I am a plus size and it is hard to find clothes I really love in my size, especially since I am very particular about how something feels on my body. Spandex and I have a really hard time!

Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet?

A: Jackets and wraps. Because I live in the SC Low Country with the right jacket I can wear my sleeveless/short sleeves dresses and tops almost 10 months out of the year.

Q: If you could go back and change the way you dressed in the past, what would you change?

A: In the ‘80s/‘90s I worked in the corporate world dressed in really boring, almost dowdy outfits. I would up my accessory game, do something to make my shoes standout and brighter colors.

Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?

A: Black Gloria Vanderbilt pumps. They had the leather pleated in a fan shape right below the ankle. They went with jeans to cocktail dresses and everything in between! I had them resoled 3 times and all but cried when they couldn’t be fixed again.

Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?

A: Khaki trench coat with lining. I have bought and given away 2 maybe 3 of them. It just doesn’t do it for me.

Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?

A: In a bright maxi sundress with cute flip flops, great earrings, several bracelets, and rings.

Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?

A: To only have clothes in my closet that fit properly and I love that give me great pleasure to wear.

Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received?

A: To wear what makes you smile and only purchase clothes that feel good on your body.

Q: The first thing you take off when you get home?

A: I leave my shoes at the door.

Q: Favorite color(s) to wear

A: Turquoise blue, pinks, lime greens. Lots that scream summertime. My favorite neutrals are white, gray and navy blue.