The background: You might remember Jessica from her guest post on the old site last December. We’ve known each other since our days at Boston University, and then found ourselves living in the same building in Chelsea in the ‘90s, where our identical studio apartments were kind of like Mary Richards’, sunken living rooms and all. On hot, sunny days, we used to meet on the roof where we performed the triple sin of sunbathing, smoking Marlboro Lights, and drinking cold Diet Cokes (youth!). Jessica has always looked incredibly put-together but completely effortless, no one rocks a classic like she does, and I love her whole high-low aesthetic (she thinks nothing of mixing her son’s old sweats with a Chanel bag and Birks). Not surprisingly, she’s worked in fashion for years, and is now a personal stylist— here’s her IG and site— If you’re looking for some closet/wardrobe help, I recommend her highly. So now, all heed Jessica’s fall shopping advice. I know I’m listening!
Hometown: NYC born and raised
Self-described style: Functional-Tomboy-Mom-Chic. I took all my son’s clothes that he grew out of when he was about 14 -15 and have incorporated them into my wardrobe. His sweatpants with a ballet flat and blazer is my added twist of the functional mom part.
Style icons: I have a million, but I think the thing that shaped my point of reference and my style the most was NYC itself. Growing up here and shopping here was incredible. Style was everywhere and this city is THE ultimate style icon!! Also the magazines of that time—French Elle and Vogue were my everything.
Favorite thing about what I do: I pivoted back to styling during the pandemic, which I had done earlier in my career. I decided to focus on personal styling versus working for brands or magazines because the thing I have found that I really love is the service aspect of using what I know to really help people find or fine-tune their style. Many of my clients aren’t wearing the same things they did 10-15 years ago but they are still cool, chic people and want that reflected. Or they have questions about what still works in their closet. Hearing someone say how great they feel in an outfit or with looks we’ve put together is very gratifying.
Worst thing about what I do: Navigating the negativity people have about their bodies—not the worst but definitely challenging.
Dream project/subject: It's funny because I’ve sort of had versions of things I had thought about when I started doing this. A client that bought a pied-à-terre and wanted a capsule wardrobe to leave there—That was super fun!! And another who I got to really explore great designer vintage for, which was also a dream come true.
Three things I can’t live without: Avocados…I realized that I NEED at least a half an avocado a day— sometimes a whole one, My gold band pinky ring I've been wearing since the ‘90s. It’s the tiniest thing and one of my most favorite pieces I own, and mini legal notepads-- I’m old school, I have to write things down—it’s how I remember things or try to. Sometimes I try to use the notes app but its not the same!
Motto: Character is who you are when no one is looking.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to I Want to be Her! to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.