Interview: Jennie Going West

With a knack for dressing up simple and still looking uber-chic, we dig Jennie of Going West. Why? The 25-year-old Iowa native makes getting dressed to the nines look like a ten minute job – basically, she’s the poster child for effortless style. Jennie has the kind of look that doesn’t make a big deal about itself, yet she looks fantastic regardless of if she’s going out for the night or running some Sunday errands. While we all can admire the sometimes avant-guarde nature of fashion, you don’t usually want to make a spectacle of yourself. Maybe it’s because Jennie, as a person, is really down to earth and seems to be pretty laid back. We wanted to learn more about unassuming fashion maven, and I was of course complete stoked when I got her answers. Read on.

If you could take a road trip anywhere, gas paid for, where would you go and why?

I would definitely do a road trip through the Southwest. It’s always been a dream. I love driving down desolate desert roads, car seats cooking in the summer sun, and having great conversations with friends along the way. I would go thrifting like a madwoman!

How do you spend your time when you’re not shopping or blogging?

I just finished getting two degrees, so I’m still trying to figure this out. I’m picking up drawing again – something I’ve done all my life and then put on hold when I started college 7 years ago.

Why did you decide to start a fashion blog?

I decided to start blogging after joining Chictopia almost three years ago. I thought it would be a fun way to push me to style myself more and also serve as an outlet where my family back home can see what I’m up to.

Say you’re invited to a Sunday afternoon picnic. What would you wear?

I’d have to go with my favorite go-to’s: Cutoff shorts, a shredded old band tee, Raybans, my vintage Harley Davidson hat, and a big chunky sweater. I’d have to walk in the park barefoot because I would probably wear my platform Jeffrey Campbell shoes there. I wear tall shoes for ALL occasions.

What are three things in your closet you can’t live without?

I simply cannot live without a leather jacket. Hands down. I also can’t live without all of my rings. They have such sentimental value – I feel naked if i leave the house without them. And of course, platform shoes. I think I have a Napoleon complex…

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

I probably have around 25…and counting… Which I don’t think is many compared to other people. I probably only wear about half of them regularly.

The weather in San Francisco is crazy! One second it’s bright and sunny, next it might be drizzling. How do you dress yourself for the day knowing this? Do you think living in a certain place influences style?

I like San Francisco’s weather for how it affects my style. Weather in the Midwest is always to an extreme, so I get to play with layering here, which I love. I’m almost always cold, so I generally wear pants with a cute shirt and then always pair with a leather jacket or big cardigan. I think living in certain places can be a benefit or a challenge to one’s personal style, but you can always manage to make it work.

Do you think the rise of fashion bloggers has changed the way fashion industry works?

I don’t know if it’s necessarily changed it. I would say in general technology has changed it. Everything is instantaneous and of-the-moment. Bloggers have added another element to the fashion industry – giving a new perspective.

What do you think “personal style” means? How would you define your own?

Personal style means dressing the way you want that makes you feel like you’re showing who you are. It doesn’t necessarily mean you wear the latest trends and high-end brands. You just know what you like and go with it. My personal style always errs on a simplistic side with some edge to it. I don’t like to look too fussy. I like to show that I care about how I look, but I don’t let it take over me.

Where are your favorite places to shop? Who are your favorite designers?

I’ve been moving towards vintage and local shopping lately. And I’ve become obsessed with online shopping too. I always stop in to the Belljar in the Mission, Crossroads on Market St, and Goodwill and Wasteland on Haight St. And I check in on Nasty Gal, 80′s Purple, Need Supply, Pixie Market, and eBay religiously.

Most of these stores carry my favorite brands like Plastic Island, Funktional, Insight, LowLuv x Erin Wasson, Style Stalker, and Mink Pink. I also love to swoon over Alexander Wang bags, shoes and clothes. Same goes for Elizabeth and James.

What  are a few summer trends you are excited about working?

I’m giving in to pops of color. Why not? It’s fun to play around with new things. At the same time, I’m falling for a lot of white pieces.

How do people react when you take your blog photos in the street?

Haha! People just look awkwardly or try not to look. And guys drive by and say stupid things. It’s a pretty funny show…

Who are some fashion bloggers you admire?

Liz from Late Afternoon is one of the first blogs I read. She nails that sweet look that still looks grown up – and she herself is just an amazing gal. I’m also loving B. Jones Style. She’s so laid back and perfectly put together without any fussiness.  And Jean Greige. I love her IDGAF vibe. I wish I could meet her one day.

Is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you’d like to add?

Fun fact: I’m part of a small percent of the population that has an extra vertebra. Yet I’m still short.

Thank you for your time, Jennie!