Jen Hammer

Super lovely blogger Jen of Jen Hammer was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Here she talks about how she looks after her hair, what's on her reading list and things she wishes she'd known when she was younger.

1. How would you describe your style?
Thats so hard to answer! Lately I guess I would say...sweet. I mostly stick to neutral colors, and love pretty dresses. I'm also a fan of basics and loose fitted tops (think dolman and batwing type shirts). So maybe a mixture between girly, breezy, and simple. But like I said, thats lately! I like to change things up pretty often.

2. What/who/where most inspires you?
Like most people, I love looking at other bloggers and street style. But I also get a ton of inspiration from movies. Some of my favorite movies as far as fashion inpiration goes is The Virgin Suicides, Almost Famous, Big Fish, Walk the Line, and Ever After.

3. How often do you shop, where do you go and who do you go with?
I'm not a person who shops and buys things in bulk. I usually just buy one thing if I'm out somewhere and I like it enough and just add to my wardrobe little-by-little that way. I like H&M, but I'd say I'm more into thrift and vintage stores. I enjoy going with my friends but preferably like to go alone.

4. What is currently on your reading list?
I actually have a list of 50 books I want to read by the end of the year, but I haven't been too good with it. I'm about to start re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows before the movie comes out in November!

5. What are your 3 most worn items in your closet?
My heather grey dolman top, sheer white lace tank top that I put over a cami or dress, and my grey skinny slacks.

6. What's your favorite outfit you've ever worn?
It's a perfect mix between this one, and this one.

7. Describe your perfect day...
Well it would be spent with my husband, of course! Waking up and going to a cute little cafe thats on a corner outside for breakfast and sip coffee and people-watch. Then going over to Disneyland on a day that it's not crowded (we have passes!) and going on every ride we could. Then leave around dinner time and eat at a restaurant that has huge windows and a beautiful view of the ocean. Afterwards grab some ice cream cones for dessert and browse some shops along the beach, before going home and snuggling up and falling asleep to a movie!

8. Your hair is absolutely gorgeous, so long and so shiny, what are your secrets?
Well thank you! Unfortunately I cut my hair all off in February so it's not as long anymore. I cut it right above my collar bones and now it's past my collar bones and reaches juuust above my chest. Well lets see..I wash it about every three to four days because it's so thick and wavy and can essentially stay dirty longer. I prefer to shower and wash my hair at night, too. I hardly use products, but when I do I use Garnier Fructis Surf Hair (in pomade, not spray) and put a dime sized amount in my hair, scrunch it a little, and go to bed. Other times I like to just put my hair in two loose braids and take them out in the morning. I don't get it cut very often at all, to be honest. I don't have a specific salon I go to. For a long time one of my very good friends who is a licensed cosmetologist would cut and dye my hair whenever I wanted, which even then wasn't often! I don't have many style tips, really. But I do think if you're trying to achieve an effortless wavy look to your hair, sleeping with braids in is the best way to go. I also love the braids I've done in the past but I have to wait until my hair grows back!

9. What are your favorite things about the area you live?
I'll answer this about my hometown. What I love about Whittier is that it has somewhat of a small-town feel without actually being a small town. It's in the Los Angeles county, but the next city over is in Orange County so I'd say it's pretty much on the border. I loved that I could walk or bike to the nearest thrift store from my house, and get lunch across the street. Everything was close by. Even the church I went to was biking distance! I've known the people that live there for years, and of course they're all amazing. I don't mind that I see someone I know pretty much everywhere I go. I just love it there and miss it so much sometimes! As far as places go, well my favorite Coffee shop is called Java Co. I have so many special memories there. :)

10. 3 style tips you wish you'd known when you were younger?
Well this one is more makeup-related than fashion related but I'll say it anyway. I went a little overboard on the makeup when I was in high school so the first one would definitely be, if you're going for a dark lip, have little to nothing on your eyes. and if you're going for smokey eyes, little to nothing on the lips. I learned that the hard and embarrassing way! 2 is, if you wanna wear black with brown, or black with navy, do it. Don't let "fashion faux-pas" get in your way if you like it and feel cute in it! and 3 is, if something looks good but isn't comfortable, don't bother. Something I've also learned the hard way ;)