Meet Jessica Schroeder: belle of the dazzling What I Wore brand! Jessica’s playful, romantic ensembles always incorporate her own distinctive nods to girlish elegance; a pair of long neutral gloves, antique oxfords, a dainty bow, or a floral hair accessory. Jessica is in the fashion industry; no surprise, as she loves to experiment with texture. Aside from her charming style, we love following Jessica’s site because she interweaves her own intelligent musings and experiences. Jessica is proof that style does not just emanate from what one wears; it can be a way of life, too.

TSM: Tell us about why you started What I Wore and how you’ve practically built it into your own brand! You’ve already been in Lucky Magazine, Glamour.com, and various newspapers!
JS: About two years ago I started to discover other fashion blogs and daily style communities, like wardrobe_remix on flickr. At that time there were 3000 users updating their daily outfits. I decided to try it and have been posting to the group ever since. Beyond the photographs, I felt like I wanted to go into more detail on why I was putting together my outfits - when, what, and where and so forth. So What I Wore was born a little over a year ago and the response has been wonderful! I feel like the fashion blogging community is really invested in helping one another out. And I am so honored to have worked with Lucky Magazine, Lucky Brand, Glamour.com, and other blogs and newspapers.

What do you do outside of being a style blogger extraordinaire?
For the past four years I’ve been working as a designer for a small company based in NYC. I concentrate primarily on juniors clothing for the mass market, but I’m also transitioning into doing What I Wore full time.

We love the girly, retro touches to your playful looks! How would you describe your style?
I love having a vintage flare and most of my clothes are second hand. I can get really into one style for a while - usually a 1950s housewife (think Betty Draper), 60s mod (Edie Sedgwick), or 70s disco or menswear (Annie Hall). I always like to give my look a nod to the past, yet still feel modern. I admit sometimes I do fall on the costumey side of things - but I love that! I love putting together outfits and feel so much better about myself when I make the effort to get ready in the morning.

Is there a particular style philosophy you try to follow?
My mom always told me it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed so I like to always add a little polish to my outfit. That’s usually a scarf or a bracelet or some small jewelry. And I love color. You can really be a budget shopper and then throw in some colorful pieces and look like a million bucks. I’m always trying to get a high-end look for a thin wallet price.

Who are your style icons? What inspires you?
Jump in my time machine!! I love looks from the past! In addition to the key players I mentioned above, I like reading blogs of other girls who have similar style to mine. Girls that put together editorial quality looks and also happen to live in the middle of nowhere. Some of my daily reads include Rockstar Diaries, Liebemarlene Vintage, Sally Jane Vintage, and Sea of Shoes. I love seeing the creativity of other ladies just like me. I also have the luxury of working in midtown Manhattan and the sidewalks are practically catwalks. Now that it’s spring there’s so much awesome style walking down the street.

What are some of your most beloved items? What pieces are you currently coveting for spring/summer?
Five things I cannot live without: oversized shades, belts, a pair of sky high heels, lacy knickers, and black eyeliner. Makeup aside, I just have too many sunnies, belts, heels and drawers to pick a favorite. They are my instant glam pieces and I can’t live without.

For spring, I’m all about high-waisted shorts and trousers, rompers, floral print skirts and dresses, and childlike accessories (think friendship bracelets, jellies and heart-shaped sunglasses).

I like different things about all of them (there’s a long list– I mention all of them in the side bar of What I Wore). I really just like to see how people put outfits together, but in terms of shape and color combination. Maybe a girl will be wearing something similar to an item in my own closet and that’ll be the inspiration for an upcoming outfit. It’s like reading fashion magazines in real time. It’s great.

How do your Mid-western roots affect your style as a New Yorker?
I’m not sure if it’s a Midwestern thing or a Schroeder family thing, but I am really thrifty. When shopping I always want to feel like I am getting value out of my purchases. So sometimes that means I spend a bit more if I think it’s really worth it in terms of quality and how long I estimate I’ll wear it.

When I lived in the Indiana I didn’t take a lot of fashion risks. New York has changed that for me. Now when I’m back home in Indiana, I’ll wear the same styling as I would in Brooklyn.

Are there any trends that you shy away from, but are trying to work up the gusto to tackle?
I’ve been thinking a lot about drop-crotch harem pants, I love them on other girls, but don’t know if it’s something I want to invest in, as I think it’s going to be a short-lived trend. And it doesn’t totally align with my personal style, but I think it would be fun. Oh! I am also working up the guts to wear a denim high-waisted, wide-leg vintage jumpsuit. It’s amazing but I don’t think it’s going to be an office piece — probably something for the weekend.

If you could invite any five people, alive or not, to a dinner party, who would make the list and why?
Yes! I love this one. Definitely President Obama and his wife for a million reasons, Bill Blass (we are from the same hometown), Angelina Jolie (I love her humanitarian work, plus she’s gorgeous), and my mom because I know she’d love to meet all of them as well!

Spill some of your best-kept style secrets!
Bangs changed my life- they are insta-chic. Same goes for big sunglasses. Never buy anything you wouldn’t wear that day. Shop vintage for low prices and high quality. Decide how much something is worth before you look at the pricetag. If it’s at or below what you thought, get it. Splurge once and a while.

Care to offer one of your much-adored Tip of the Days for TSM readers?
Being ladylike will never go out of style.

For more on Jessica’s charming style and insights, check out What I Wore.