I know this month’s Facebook Group Member of the Month really well. Jamie is a client, and, let me tell you something, I love Jamie. LOVE her. I call her Jameleh, which is a cute diminutive with Yiddish roots commonly used at the end of names to show affection towards a person, most often used with children.
Ethically, there are some boundaries I can’t cross in terms of what I can say about my work with Jamie. But, really, there is no need for me to say much. Jamie is going to share about herself as this month’s featured member. And, thank God because I completely forgot I needed to pick someone after returning from our hiatus and I texted her at the last minute to do me a solid.
Jamie and I have been doing such great work together, I am just thrilled that Jamie can share how absolutely stunning she looks, how hard she has been working, and, being the amazing person that she is, share a little about herself.
I have so enjoyed working with and getting to know Jamie, but most of all, I am happy for having had the benefit of being a witness to her style as it blossomed big, bold, and beautifully. Now, I’d love for you to have the same opportunity. Let’s get to it.
Location: Oakland, CA
Age: 54
Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group?
A: I love seeing everyone’s ideas and fashion aspirations. It is particularly exciting to see women who are willing to step out of their comfort zones. I think is possible to take risks in this group because the members are always kind to each other, but also willing to provide constructive feedback.
Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member
A: Meeting Bridgette! Getting ready for my first in-person work conference after Covid cancellations made me realize that I was not happy with my work wardrobe. From seeing the transformations of members in this group, I knew I could do better. But I also knew that I did not have the patience to do it on my own. So, I asked for and got help. Additionally, I’ve got much more creative with color and color mixing. Turns out, I really don’t want to wear black and gray all the time, now that I have other ideas.
Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined The Group yet?
A: Join! It’s exciting to see how the members transform their styles with help from each other. You are guaranteed to learn something and get introduced to new brands.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Modern classic, with a touch of creativity. My work often requires conservative clothing but, in my fashion dreams, I’m bohemian. These styles don’t play well together without a ton of supervision. Over the years, I have learned that scarves and fun jewelry with simple clothing are the best way to both appear professional and express myself. I’m also starting to incorporate more colored shoes.
Q: How did you discover your style?
A: Trial and error! I readily admit that I’ve made some mistakes and that I am grateful I could shed them all at the end of the day. I’ve spent a lot of time in recent years consulting blogs and looking at other people’s posts in this group. But, I’m sad to report that, for me at least, the hard work needs to be either in the dressing room or with piles of potential new clothes in front of a mirror at home.
Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their style?
A: Really pay attention to what works for you. Examine what you wear the most and why. Try on a ton of clothes. And, don’t be afraid to ask for help, as it can be hard to see ourselves objectively.
Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with?
A: There are really two. I mentioned the first above – I am drawn to bohemian clothes that simply do not serve my actual needs as a professional. I travel a lot, so having entirely different wardrobes for work and play isn’t practical. The second problem is more about the fashion industry than me. I wear a size 16, on average, and I have the gall to be smaller on the bottom than on the top. Many brands stop making tailored clothes at a size 12 or 16, which really limits my choices.
Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet?
A: Jeans, cardigans, metallic flats, and really good t-shirts. I don’t know why it’s taken me this long to discover the value of a great t-shirt, which can be worn with everything from suits to shorts.
Q: If you could go back and change the way you dressed in the past, what would you change?
A: Nothing! I always look forward, not back.
Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?
A: A belt. I shied away from belts for most of my life because I thought that they drew too much attention to the fact that I don’t have much definition at the waist and I don’t have a flat stomach. A salesperson convinced me to try a belt and – who knew? – it turns out that they hold up my pants too. And, with a half tuck, actually flatter. So, I should probably change my answer to the question above. If I could go back, I’d wear belts more and trip over my pants less.
Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?
A: I don’t rely on fashion to solve my problems. I have a dog for that. I did once think better jeans would solve my fashion problems, and that largely turned out to be true. However, buying more and more better jeans, which I did with reckless abandon, has had diminishing returns.
Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?
A: I envision myself looking successful and fashionable. I definitely use clothes to give me a confidence boost when the imposter syndrome tries to convince me that I am not these things.
Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?
A: My absolute biggest goal is to clear my closet of things that don’t serve me, and sell the best of the pieces that might excite someone else.
Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received?
A: Treat clothes shopping like art. You can’t and don’t buy every piece of art that you admire and you shouldn’t buy clothes just because they are pretty. If it doesn’t suit your budget, lifestyle, and body, admire it on someone else.
Q: The first thing you take off when you get home?
A: Anything that requires special care or that won’t benefit from the addition of dog fur.
Q: Favorite color(s) to wear
A: I love color! Blue, green, olive, red, and I recently discovered coral and camel suit me too.
Q: Favorite stores to shop?
A: MM LaFleur, Nordstrom, Neiman-Marcus, M Gemi (thanks, group!). I enjoy consignment shopping and have had some good luck lately with Poshmark.
Q: What makes you happiest?
A: Time with my friends and family, my dog, travel, art, theater.
Q: What inspires you?
A: Basically, the same things that make me happy: my family and friends, my dog, travel, art, and theater. Additionally, I’m inspired by the success of other women.
Q: Use One Word to Describe Your Style
A: Evolving
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