Blogger of the Moment: Red Soles and Red Wine

By Catrina Gunter on January 6, 2012

As a Chicago-based fashion consultant, Jennifer Worman takes her city by storm with her personal style blog Red Soles and Red Wine. The Taiwan native shares her style secrets and gives her readers a glimpse into her daily fashion life.

With her career taking its first turn in San Fran and again New York, the blog maven now finds herself in Chicago, not only exercising her right as a stylist, but also collaborating with her sister on their jewelry line, t+j Designs.

Writing about styling, fashion and food for thought, Worman continues to engage her readers with a chic and classic approach to the World Wide Web.

Feather Magazine: In one word or short phrase, how would you summarize your personal style?
Jennifer Worman: I veer towards chic and glamorous looks but love to dress based on my mood!

FM: What are five items that you feel are essential to your personal style?
JW: A Burberry coat (a quality coat you will wear forever), a black blazer, skinny denim, a fabulous cocktail dress (it doesn’t have to be black!) and a sequin top (I love a piece of something fun to dress up or down).

FM: What’s your personal fashion rule?
JW: Invest your money into quality coat, bag and shoes and budget your money on clothes. Mixing highs and lows balances out your look and finances.

FM: What are three stores that you can’t live without?
JW: I like department stores as you can get everything there. For designer and affordable items I love Nordstrom for its selection. For stores that are my go-to’s, I love Forever 21, Zara and J.Crew.

FM: Tell us more about your jewelry line. What inspired you to start t+j Designs?
JW: I’ve worked for big box corporate retail brands for most of my merchandising career, and when I moved to Chicago I felt it was time to do something on my own. With my stylish sister, we came together and used our background to create t+j Designs. We both love fashion and accessories and wanted to create affordable yet glamorous pieces for women. Our goal is to create pieces that can be worn day to night for under $100.

FM: How do you tie your blog into your work life?
JW: I do some styling on the side and have always been asked about how I put my outfits together. Based on my sister’s encouragement and the success of her blog, I took the plunge and created my blog in May. The blog has transitioned well for t+j Designs as I not only show how I style myself but how to style jewelry into everyday looks.

FM: What color palette do you use most when it comes to fashion?
JW: I really have a wide range—it is good to have essentials in neutrals but I love a pop of color in every outfit. It could be in accessories or shoes or a bag, but a pop of color helps spice up an outfit. If I were to pinpoint where I wear color most, I would say in my tops and sweaters and I keep my bottoms neutral. I am loving the recent trends of bold colors and I always love leopard prints.

FM: Can you describe your closet using only three words?
JW: Organized, Versatile, Colorful

FM: How do you use social media to promote your blog?
JW: Twitter and my Facebook page are my main social media outlets. It gives my readers and followers immediate communication of what I’m interested in, what fashion trends, products, sales I’m seeing, and increases our traffic to my jewelry line. It’s been fantastic way of communicating with people I never would have met. It’s also great to learn about other people I’m following and up-to-date news on what’s going on in fashion. It inspires me daily.

FM: What advice would you share with someone who is pursuing a serious career in fashion?
JW: If you are really pursuing a specific career in fashion be open to moving. Different cities will open new opportunities and experiences that will enable you to grow in your career. In addition, be kind to those you work with, work for and manage. Networking is key and the fashion industry is smaller than you think; these relationships will not only create friendships but you may end up in the career of your dreams. Love what you do, worker harder and longer, establish yourself in your role and really show your passion for what you do. Being passionate about your job will shine through and bring upon success.

(images courtesy of Jennifer Worman)