- lindsay094
Style Stories: Jen Worman of @redsolesandredwine
We're excited to share our new "Style Stories" series with you and to kick things off with Chicago-based fashion influencer, Jen Worman of @redsolesandredwine. The ongoing series will feature style influencers and bloggers giving insight on how their personal style is a reflection of them. We'll also dive into not only some of their favorite looks, but also how their style influences their professional life, gives them confidence, and expresses their individuality.
What inspired you to start a blog? What is your mission?
I started the blog as a hobby over 7 years ago when blogging wasn't a full-time job yet. I moved to Chicago for my ex and didn't have roots or a job here. I had hoped to meet friends and see more of Chicago (through events) by blogging!
Red Soles and Red Wine is the title of your blog, what’s the story behind it?
My sister who pushed me to start my blog came up with it! I loved shoes and have red soled bottoms and red wine is my favorite. It sounded catchy and stuck.
Who are your favorite fashion icons? And why?
There are a ton of fashion industry icons, but I love being inspired by different things. Instagram for my work (watching how people market themselves, to style), lately I've been obsessed with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the attire for the entire show is AMAZING, and I still love episodes of Sex and the City and feel like that show changed fashion and how the public viewed fashion. I think stylists can create fashion icons.
How would you describe your style?
Casual, glam, and girly. I tend to dress to how I feel, some days denim with a sweater and other days a dress with over the knee boots! I like to change it up.
You’ve lived in various cities, has this impacted your style?
So each city inspires me but my style has remained basically on what I like. I'm pretty much overdress so NY is probably the only place where I didn't feel too overdressed most of the time. I would say age, weather, and budget affects my style more as I have moved to different cities. I definitely have WAY too much heavy coats now!
What’s the one piece in your wardrobe that makes you feel empowered?
Heels! I feel taller, leaner and myself when I'm in heels which is 80% of the time.
You have over 200,000 followers, do you consider yourself to be a trendsetter?
Oh gosh, no. Is it strange I don't think about the number of people who see my photo? I love sharing, I love fashion and the fact that I get to do this full time is AMAZING. I see it as a platform to connect with people. I love DM's, the comments and the friends I have made and hope that those that follow me like my style but I am definitely not the most stylish or a trendsetter. I'm just me. Since I see it as my work I analyze #'s in order to grow, get collaborations, etc. but I don't think of myself in that way.
Do you have a starting point when curating an outfit?
Depends on my mood! Sometimes it is a top I start with, sometimes a skirt I want to wear. Honestly I have no formula, I pick one piece and then choose my outfit around it. Things that help are plain basics like a bodysuit or tank top that can layer well with a cardigan or jacket and a great pair of denim and over the knee boots.
What advice can you give to women who are trying to develop or elevate their style?
Try free stylist services at Nordstrom. You can learn a lot and there is no requirement to purchase anything. Style is knowing yourself and what looks good on you and what you feel good in. You have to practice. And it soon becomes easier.
What do you hope to accomplish next?
The past year was unexpected and so I've learned, be open, seize opportunities and don't plan on life going the way you think. I hope to travel more, hit financial goals, and maybe date more :)
