Going West

Jennie of blog Going West happily answered our questions all about living in California, her fashion influences and her top tips for dressing on a budget.

1. Introduce yourself...
My name is Jennie and I live in San Francisco and have the blog Going West.

2. How would you describe your style?
My style always has a hint of edginess but I think it always changes. I'm really into delicate fabrics in menswear styles right now.

3. Who is your biggest fashion influence?
I've always followed Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. They're 2 months younger than me. I also love Kate Moss because she has such a simple style that's effortless.

4. Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day involves a lot of being outside with friends in warm weather with lots of good food and a cold drink!

5. Where, how and with who do you like to shop?
I'm all over the place when I shop. I love following sellers on eBay and thrifting on Haight St at Goodwill and Wasteland. I also stop into my nearby Crossroads Trading Co. on a weekly basis. I keep certain things I need in mind, but it's usually a free for all. I like to shop by myself most of the time so I don't feel like I'm following someone else's schedule, but sometimes it's nice to get my boyfriend's opinion.

6. How do you put together an outfit?
Outfit ideas sort of pop into my mind at random times. Or I'll think about a certain item I'm anxious to wear and then work around it. And most often, I'm putting something together at the very last minute..

7. What are the most worn pieces in your closet?
I can't stop wearing my silky button up shirts like from Aritzia, American Apparel, and Plastic Island. And I ALWAYS wear a leather jacket..

8. What are your top tips for looking fashionable on a budget?
Know what you should invest in and what is just for fun. Do serious thrift days - but you need to be in the right mental state. You need patience, but it pays off!

9. Tell us your favorite things about San Francisco - where are the best places to shop, eat, relax, see?
I love that there are a ton of places to go in San Francisco. I visit my boyfriend at the salon he works at called Revamp. And while I'm in the neighborhood, I like to stop at this cute boutique called the Belljar and a popular thrift store called Thrift Town. I also love Goodwill on Haight St and Wasteland. And I always try to find excuses to eat at Millennium Restaurant for delicious vegan gourmet meals. I love their white Russians!

10. Three pieces of fashion advice you'd give to someone looking to reinvent their style?

• Make sure you have your foundation pieces first! I've caught myself plenty of times with interesting pieces and nothing to pair them with.
• Think about how you'll wear something before you buy it. Don't just buy it because it's cool. Is it you? Will you wear it and where?
• Don't NOT wear something because you think it's not "you" or it will look funny to others. If you don't have fun with clothes, then what's the point?