A lovestruck interview with Jessie from
Jessie is one our favorite bloggers and a lovely stylist! We had the lucky opportunity to ask her a few questions and she even created a few Valentines Days looks for us with her signature taste! Without further ado…
Hi Jessie! Share a little bit about yourself.
Hi, F:S! Thanks so much for having me! I’m a stylist and fashion blogger here in Kansas City, Missouri, where I live with my husband and my sweet pup, Sadie. I love being a part of our budding fashion community here, and I am truly blessed to be doing my “dream job”. When I’m not working, I love making new friends, scouring my fave thrift stores for treasures, traveling to see our family, hosting dinner parties, reading memoirs, and doing pilates.
Tell us about the early days. How did the Concrete Catwalk begin?
I started The Concrete Catwalk about a year and a half ago as a sort of creative outlet. At the time, I was working at a corporate marketing job where I didn’t have very much artistic freedom. I have always been a big fan of many street style blogs, and I would always marvel at how many fashionably dressed people I saw around town, so I decided that I wanted to start documenting them. When I started the blog, it was only photos of other people, then I started including my own outfit photos because I didn’t have as much time to get out and hunt for pictures anymore. Now, mainly because of time constraints, but also because of reader feedback, I have really been focusing more on just putting up outfit posts. I wish I still had the opportunity to include both, but for now, my schedule just does not allow it. My favorite part about my blog has been the fact that it really launched my styling career and has allowed me to be able to do what I love every day.
Bring us up to speed, what are some of the Spring trends?
Vintage or vintage-inspired looks are going to be big, specifically from the 70’s, and I’m not just saying that because it’s my own personal style preference. 🙂 (Although, it does make me very happy!) Wide-leg denim, big floppy hats and caftans.
Bright, warm colors in unexpected combos, like hot pink and poppy orange, blood red and vibrant coral.
Still seeing lots of stripes and I think that the nautical influence is going to be very prevalent again this year.
Not as much of a trend, but still very exciting to hear the great buzz that has been growing around the eco-chic fashion movement. As your mission statement says, I hope that it becomes much more than a trend, but a lasting standard!
What one piece every closet can’t live without?
My personal favorite closet staple is a “statement blazer”. I LOVE the idea of throwing a super cool jacket over something as simple as a sundress or a tank and jeans. Definitely one of my go-to pieces.
Who’s your favorite style icon or influence?
I love seeing what other fashion bloggers are wearing, and I definitely have some favorites, but I count my 95-year-old Nana as the biggest style influence on my life. She’s the epitome of chic, but always willing to wear something unexpected with loads of confidence and class.
What’s a fashion risk worth taking?
They’re all worth it! I’m always encouraging my clients (and myself) to take more risks in what they wear. I think that more and more these days, people are getting used to seeing very unique and individualized personal style. There are so many different ways to express yourself with your clothing, and by taking risks, you can really set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd. Specifically, I recommend trying to come up with something that you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Gosh, I could NEVER pull that off,” and then give it a go! For example, if you love the trend of a bold lip, but are afraid of looking overdone – opt for a sheer lipstain or gloss in a punchy red color and let that be your stepping stone to the real thing!
Moving from CA to KC, does style translate from coast to coast?
I am still pretty surprised at the amount of differences that I see when I travel back and forth between San Diego and Kansas City. There are obviously plenty of fashion-forward people in both places (and of course, all over the country), but I am always made much more aware of the casual nature of the West Coast. Whether I’m visiting Portland, San Francisco or San Diego, I almost always feel WAY over-dressed. It doesn’t change the way I pack, but makes me realize how much the Midwest has affected my own personal-style. I have to say I’ve gotten rid of all but one pair of flip-flops and the only time I will wear them here is to the pool!
Give us your take on “ethical fashion”
I think that people may be intimidated or confused by the term at first, but there are so many different ways that you can take part in ethical fashion. I make my own little dent by being an avid vintage wearer/supplier, and by keeping lots of pre-loved clothing out of the landfills. That said, I always love when I find great stylish and chic pieces that have been produced in an ecologically friendly or ethical way, and that’s why I’m so excited about the launch of F:S! I think that the more opportunities that the fashion community can make for consumers to shop for “ethical fashion”, the sooner it WILL become the standard and the more we will continue to see the impact grow!
A standard you hold yourself to… Faith and family come first. 🙂
Are you in love with Jessie as we are? Catch up on her blog and check out her revolving styling looks on Polyvore.