Stylist Jenn Scott is a major style icon for us at May’s Place. Many moons ago, Elyse (our shop manager) worked with her in Kansas City where Jenn still resides. Since being introduced to our community several years ago, she’s been a constant source of inspiration with her unique personal style that’s both highly feminine and also utilitarian. We admire her sense of style, of course, but also her perspective on building an intentional wardrobe and staying dedicated to a slow fashion lifestyle. She is a shining example of our motto #begreenbuyvintage, and we think you should meet her!

Tell us about yourself and how you became a stylist.

I currently work as a freelance wardrobe stylist, residing in Kansas City, MO. I am a Michigan native, an art school dropout and have spent my entire working career vacillating between restaurant, retail and design jobs. My transition into the styling realm happened quite organically after a long stint in retail and interiors when I was hired on in a client relations role at a high-end women's concept shop here in KC. My position quickly evolved into more of a creative one and I began styling our e-comm and editorial shoots.

How can people learn to develop their personal style?

I think a good starting point would be finding people who dress in a way that appeals to you, and try out some of those styles. It could be a little trial and error until you find your niche. All that to say it is a journey, an evolution, to find a style that feels like an outward expression of you as a creative individual. Whatever style looks like to you, when it becomes your own, I believe that in finding it, you will feel like the best version of yourself.

Who are your personal style influences?

Some that feel relatable: Joni Mitchell, Diane Keaton , Georgia O'Keefe, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Stevie Nicks, Francoise Hardy, Jane Birkin, Anita Pallenberg, Kate Moss, Sarah Shabacon of Boheme Goods.

Aspirationally: I really enjoy following Reese and Molly Blutstein when I need some out of the box inspo.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Staples in my wardrobe would include a leather jacket (i like the moto style), denim chore coat, overalls, cotton shirt dress, clogs, pair(s) of cowboy boots, classic pair of sneakers, army liner, edwardian/victorian era blouses, high rise wide leg denim, silk slip dress, vintage threadbare tees, vintage crewneck sweatshirt, a good brimmed hat (both felt and straw) a variety of knit sweaters, white denim, birkenstocks, and linen anything.

What tips do you have for building an intentional wardrobe?

This is not the route for everyone, but I am a very calculated person when it comes to making decisions, especially considering purchasing clothing; i often think about it for days or weeks, sometimes months at a time. This approach isn't the best when it comes to purchasing vintage online, however, as things go quickly. I do keep an ongoing list of items I am searching for as a reference, which makes pulling the trigger that much easier when you do find a vintage item. I was recently introduced to an app called stylebook that helps too; it features photos of all the items in my wardrobe, and allows me to play around with pieces I am considering adding in to see if they would work with what I already have.

• Another big piece behind building an intentional wardrobe is the mindfulness in how we purchase. What that looks like for me is taking into consideration who I am supporting when I shop , and where my money goes. As we know, the last year has brought to light a lot of the issues with the fast fashion industry and the social inequalities/ injustices and the environmental impact of it, and I think that is worth considering when you choose where to shop. We've also seen a new wave of craftsmanship that has come out of the pandemic, which I think is a beautiful and somewhat of a dying trade, now being highlighted in a lot of the makers and doers creating or repurposing goods.

• Versatility or flexibility in a piece is something I consider, as well as cost per wear; is the garment made well enough to withstand wearing over and over again, or will it fall apart after one use or two? How many ways can I wear this? Stylebook app helps with both the above!

• Using what we have, repairing and mending when needed and loving it a long time are ways you can be intentional with your closet without necessarily even spending money.

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