Conversation Series - Interview With My Favorite Fashionista

It's time for a new Conversation Series post! So excited to share this interview with my favorite little fashionista - who also happens to be one of my best friends! Jen was one of the first friends I made in New Jersey when I moved here almost 15 years ago and her family has made me feel at home for the Holidays and sleep-overs ever since!

If you ever need to find the best deal on an over-priced outfit, don't know what to wear to an upcoming event, or simply have no time to shop - Jen is your Girl! I constantly lose my patience with shopping and get too overwhelmed by choices, so I often drag Jen with me and end up leaving the store happy.

Last weekend I sat down with her to talk fashion, personal shopping, the inspiration behind her new blog, and latest Spring Trends.

Lena: You not only stay on top of all the latest styles and trends, but you also shop for other people. You've done this for me plenty of times and this is something you actually really enjoy doing. What about styling others, do you enjoy the most?

Jen: I think the first thing for me is getting to know my client, building a relationship, acting as if everyone is a blank canvas - Which gives us so many opportunities to see what it is that they are looking for, because everyone is sort of looking for something different. The most important thing is building that relationship. 

L: And that you do really well! The dress you helped me pick out for a wedding last year - something I would have never thought to put on - ended up being one of my favorite pieces in my closet to date!

J: Oh great!

L: You also recently incorporated your passion into a creative project which is your blog called "A Little Untucked"...tell us a little bit about this new venture!

J: So "A Little Untucked" was a long time coming...I just wanted to have an outlet that allows me to be creative and to demonstrate different ways to wear different clothes and just how to be yourself. 

L: What inspired the name?

J: I named it "A Little Untucked" because that's what I am - just a little untucked - in my every day life; just a little all over the place, trying to find my way (in life), but also in my look. I think it's like a very casual, chic look - that's what I like to think any way. And I actually like when clothes are a little untucked. An effortless look that looks like you didn't put a lot of effort into it. SO I just wanted to talk about that and the real things that go on in a girl's life - not just the look of a typical blogger - which I love, but...

L: The prefect look, you mean?

J: Right - the perfection. Just more behind the scenes of a girl like me, you know the every day girl. And show that it isn't always as glamorous as we think. And there are things bulging out and you gotta suck in and you have to wear things underneath...

L: And I love that you show those real moments on your blog, too. The trial and error pictures as I like to call them. So cute and funny. Definitely shows your personality!

L: Well, let's dive in and talk fashion!

J: Yes, let's
***And I swear, I saw a twinkle in her eye***

L: What are the three "must have items" for this Spring?

J: This Spring is definitely all about Athleisure - a casual and effortless look. You see white sneakers in all different types of styles. For example, paired with little cut-off jeans and a cute top. Or comfy jeans with a white T. 

J: I would also say that the "off-the-shoulder" look is so big right now - shirts, dresses - anything to show off those toned shoulders!

J: Athleisure is great for throwing these pieces on after your work out or yoga class. Leaving the shirt on that you wear to your class and just adding cute shorts and some white sneakers...

L: So you can even wear the sneakers to the gym and then change into a cute little summer dress.

J: Yes, exactly!

L: Besides Athleisure, any other trends that are really sticking out for this Spring and Summer?

J: Denim! Denim is everywhere! Patchwork denim, restructured denim shirts that are worn as a dress - either off the shoulder or asymmetrical. Also, Embroidery, although I am not a huge fan, but you do see it all over. Pink is really popular, too - that blush color or dusty rose.

L: What is your favorite trend right now?

J: I don't know if I have a favorite...I tend to gravitate towards everything 'cause I love everything...but right now I am picturing a dusty rose colored dress with an olive green jacket on top and a cute wedge...that screams spring for me!

L: Ok let's go shopping!

I also asked Jen some personal questions to showcase her style and personality a bit better:)

L: What do you consider a big "fashion faux pas"?

J: OHHHHH so many haha...but the first thing that comes to mind is that when something is trending and we want to wear it, but it doesn't necessarily look good on us...Advice: Don't wear it! I know it sucks...there are things that I want to wear that I can't because I am petite, but sometimes you just have to walk away from it. We are all different so make a trend work for you even if it is not exactly the way you see it on the runway or magazine.

L: What is your favorite fashion advice your mom gave you?

J: It really started when I was young...she always dressed us so well. Without even realizing it, that's probably when my love for fashion began! When I was a little girl, she said, I'd go to the dentist at age three and I would wear a dress, hat, white gloves, little white heels, and a little white purse! She used to also make my clothes. 

L: She taught you to really put care into what you wear when leaving the house.

J: Yes! And being Portuguese...that's huge...if you iron your clothes you end up looking so much better..even just a T-shirt! Ha - even the shirt that I have on right now...it would look so much cuter if I had ironed it before I left the house!

L: What is one item from your closet that you bought within the last year you can't go without?

J: A pair of high-waisted skinny jeans - they help elongate my legs and give me a bit of a waist. I give credit to Kourtney Kardashian for that...I'd always see them on her and then one day I tried them on and they weren't even that high-waisted because I have a longer torso...so they worked!

L: Who is your favorite fashion icon or person who's style you admire the most?

J: Wow that is tough...I always talk about a Blogger I really like - Andee Layne - I just really like her style, as well as Catt Sadler from E! News. But it really varies and it also has a lot to do with who is relatable (at the time). Or someone I could resemble...if I lost a couple pounds haha....And then I am also thinking about Jennifer Aniston...she's just always had such an easy and effortless look. She's always stayed classy and true to her own style

L: Last but not least - describe your style in three words.

J: Casual, Chic, Easy

If you are interested in finding out more about Jen's style, check out her blog here: A Little Untucked

And if you would like to talk to Jen about booking her for some styling and/or personal shopping, email her at jenpmendonca@gmail.com

Hope you enjoyed learning about this little fashionista!
Love,
Lena