The TEll// By Thrift & Tell
Welcome to THE TELL//BY THRIFT & TELL: a celebration of fashionable women who dress as smart as they shop.
This week’s guest on THE TELL// is Jenny Berger: style influencer and the woman behind Miami Style Mom. I absolutely love Jenny’s style; it is at once polished yet edgy. She believes in investing in quality high end pieces, but also shares lots of affordable “look for less” alternatives for her followers to achieve her look while staying within budget. As you will see below, Jenny’s beautiful aesthetic makes mixing ASOS, TopShop, Chanel, and Loveshackfancy seamless. Jenny, like many of us, also wisely consigns with The Real Real and Fashionphile to make money from the pieces in her closet that she no longer loves. As a long time follower of Miami Style Mom, I am thrilled to have Jenny be part of this series. Look forward to more inspiring women to come!
//Your style in 3 words: Edgy, Bohemian, and Fun!
//Staple Outfit: Jeans, Tee, Golden Goose sneakers, and a pop of color bag!
//Style Icon(s): I have always loved Sienna Miller!
//Your First Big Purchase: In 2010, I bought my first Chanel bag when I moved to Miami with my tax return from NYC:)
//Do You Still Have It? Of course- it's a black medium size classic Chanel!
//Best Fashion Advice You Ever Received: Wear whatever makes you comfortable.
//Types of clothing you invest in: I invest in pieces that I can wear over an over again. I also think it's important to own one really good leather jacket. Since I live in Miami, I invest in nice dresses that I can throw on and walk out the door and look cute.
//Types of clothing you save on: Pajamas- I’m not such a pjs girl!
//Your greatest extravagance: Bags and Shoes! I think at the end of the day as long as you have a nice bag and shoe you can wear whatever type of clothes; your look will look elevated no matter what.
//Brands That Will Stand the Test of Time: Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Ulla Johnson, Zimmermann, and Isabel Marant!
//Favorite High Street Brands: I love Top Shop - you can find such good pieces at great price points.
//Favorite Designer Brands: Isabel Marant Etoile, Ulla Johnson, Zimmermann, reht, A.L.C, Iro, LoveShackFancy
//Favorite High-Low Brands to Mix: Asos and Top Shop go with any of the high brands!
//Favorite Places to Shop Consignment: I don't really shop consignment but I sell to The Real Real and Fashionphile.
//Favorite Places to Consign Your Own Closet: The Real Real and Fashionphile
//Currently Collecting Dust in the Back of your Closet: My Chanel boy bag and my little Chanel crossbody classic bag got both of them in Paris years ago - do I sell?
//Your Closet Tried and Trues: Investing in a pair of denim that look good is very important- a staple in my closet has always been a good pair of jeans now i'm obsessed with high rise and a good white tee!
//Best investment you ever made in your style: Recently I purchased a red top handle Chanel bag and it goes with everything! From workout clothes to everyday dresses. such a good choice!
//Style Choice From Your Past That Haunts You: I would say when I would wear polo shirts! AHH!
//“It seemed like a good idea at the time” a.k.a Purchase you most regret: Any pair of super high heels that I can't walk in! I can't wear heels that are over 3.5 inches anymore- I just can't walk in them!
//Closet From Which You Would Like to Borrow: Laura Wills from the Fashion Bug Blog
//Last Time You Splurged? Recently with my red Chanel!
//Currently Saving Your Pennies For: Bottega Veneta Lauren clutch!
//A Deal for the History Books/Your T&T Personal Best: In May I went to the Isabel Marant store and got a bunch of cute tops on MAJOR sale that I wore all summer!
//Trend you wish would go way? Gladiator sandals that go up the leg!
//Advice to someone looking to define their own style: There aren't any rules- whatever you feel comfortable in!
//You feel great. What are you wearing? Jeans, tee, and sneakers!
//Occasions when you splurge: When I am going to a wedding and I need a new something I usually splurge on shoes and wear a dress I already own!
//Occasions when you save:When I have weddings I always re-wear dresses. I'm not a fan of spending money on fancy dresses that you only wear a couple of times.
//Most prized possession: My two kids and my husband!
//Home Decor Style: Simple!
//Favorite place to hunt for home decor: One Kings Lane and Cantoni!
//Go-to for unique items, whether it be clothing, accessories, home or art: I always loved browsing Barneys in NYC for inspo for everything.
//Your fashion motto: Splurge on items that will become staples!
//Your life motto: Don't sweat the small stuff.
Fill in the blank:
//A woman should invest in- accessories. //You’re never too old to— get dressed up! //A woman can never have too much— jewelry. //Bury me in- pictures of memories. // True or False: More is More- False. //Fashion is- everything. //Style is: unique.
Currently Loving:
//Music: John Mayer
//Print: Vogue
//Food: Sushi
//Drink: Iced latte with oat milk
//Film: When Harry Met Sally
//TV: Anything on Bravo
//Instagram Handle: @miamistylemom
//Designer: Ulla Johnson
ABOUT JENNY
Before launching the blog in 2013, Jenny spent ten years working in the fashion and lifestyle marketing sector for a diverse range of recognized industry leaders such as Perry Ellis International and Conde Nast Digital. Earlier in her career she represented emerging fashion designers and buyers at a leading New York City wholesale showroom and, during college, she served as a sales consultant at a fashion retailer in Denver. Ever since she can remember, fashion has been Jenny’s focus. Friends, acquaintances and family members have long recognized my passion and expertise and often ask her for advice and counsel on all things fashion.
Fast forward to early 2015, Jenny and her husband welcomed an adorable baby boy, Jake. Shortly after, she began hearing from many of her fellow new mamas that they felt they had fallen into a post-partum fashion rut and many asked her whether she had any insights or advice that could be helpful. Some told her they didn’t have the time to keep up with the latest trends. Others said they didn’t know how to pick stylish clothes or how to put together fresh-looking and relevant outfits that matched their new figure, life-stage and budget. Jenny is committed to help all women dress well and feel confident. That’s why Miami Style Mom was born!
FIND JENNY
Photos used courtesy of Jenny Berger.
