This week’s fashion idol is Jennifer from Sally Jane Vintage; a true inspiration for the vintage lovers as well as, fashion enthusiasts like myself. Jennifer manages to recreate extraordinary outfits from different fashion eras, mixing in her own modern twists and putting a new spin on old looks. In a way her blog is like a fashion magazine where she constantly posts beautiful vintage fashion editorials that prove that vintage clothes are both wearable and versatile. The clothes in the editorials are carefully selected from all kinds of vintage stores, thrift shops and garage sales by Jennifer and most of them can be purchased at her Etsy Boutique.

The Interview

La Mimi: Name, age, location

Jennifer, 34, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

La Mimi: When did you first fall in love with vintage fashion?

Jennifer: In high school I started shopping in thrift stores and have loved vintage ever since.

La Mimi: What is it about vintage clothes/accessories that you admire?

Jennifer: I like the quality and craftsmanship found in vintage clothes and the fact that you’re likely to find only one of each piece, making them unique.

La Mimi: What has prompted you to open up your own vintage Etsy boutique?

Jennifer: I was finding so many lovely vintage pieces that didn’t quite work for me.  I wanted to find new homes for them.

La Mimi: How do you select the vintage treasures you sell in Sally Jane Vintage?

Jennifer: I think the search for vintage might be my favorite part.  I’ve always loved that treasure hunt aspect of running a vintage shop.  You never know what you’re going to find around the next corner.  You’ll frequently find me at thrift shops, garage sales, church sales, estate auctions… anywhere I think I might turn up my next favorite find!

La Mimi: I’ve notice you have a fabulous hat collection ( especially berets).  I’m curious to know how many of them do you own?

Jennifer: Hmmm… good question.  I don’t think I’ve ever actually counted.  Maybe 25 or so?  There are about 4-5 berets among the collection that certainly get the most wear but there are also a few 30s cloche hats and a straw boater that I’m looking forward to wearing this summer.

La Mimi: Is there something you would never- ever wear?

Jennifer: I suppose there’s that old adage that goes “never say never” because in the past I’ve seen things that I thought I would never wear and then somehow they grow on me and before you know it, it’s my new favorite thing.  Like right now, I’m thinking I would never wear clogs, but I keep seeing them on street style site and they might be growing on me a bit.  But there are a few things I’m pretty sure I can say “never” about.  On the list would be Uggs, anything with words written across the seat (you know, “juicy”, that sort of thing), jeans with strappy high heels.

La Mimi: If you could share one of your styling secret, what would it be…

Jennifer: I suppose it would be to keep things simple.  I like that rule about looking in the mirror before you leave the house and removing one accessory (I think that’s a Coco Chanel thing).  Also, always mix decades so you never look like you’re wearing a costume.

La Mimi: What’s the biggest lessons life has taught you?

Jennifer: Work hard and anything is possible!