JJess Dempsey from Whatwouldkarldo.com is one of Melbourne’s top fashion bloggers who is not afraid to stand out. She has a carefree, fun, edgy style which has made her very popular and has landed her invitations to lucrative fashion events. Here is another Fabulous Femme who shows that being a mum does not mean the end of your glamorous days!
We first saw Jess at the Melbourne Caulfield races and instantly liked her style. She loved the photos that we took there and asked us to photograph her at the Melbourne Spring Carnival. (See her blog posts here: Myer, Lexus & Emirates Marquee) What a fun event that was! It was lovely to catch up with Jess at Grapeseed – Armadale and chat about what makes her a Fabulous Femme.
What is your favourite quote?
I never had a favourite quote, I never lived by a quote, never one to be inspired by quotes. However, recently a good friend of mine (another fashion blogger – cecylia) told me that “Every day is worth getting dressed up for”. I think that’s really inspiring because every day is a new day. You have your days where you just want to be in your comfy clothes. Being in fashion, I like to dress up a bit and look my best, as each day is special. So yes, I find that quote inspiring.
[testimonials type=”small, large”]
[testimonial name=”Jess Dempsey” company=”” image=””]A woman should wear a smile and have the confidence to be proud of who they are.[/testimonial]
[testimonial name=”Cecylia” company=”” image=””]Every day is worth getting dressed up for[/testimonial]
[testimonial name=”Jess Dempsey” company=”” image=””]Be fashion confident![/testimonial]
[testimonial name=”Jess Dempsey” company=”” image=””]I like to dress up a bit and look my best, as each day is special.[/testimonial]
[testimonial name=”Jess Dempsey” company=”” image=””]I’m a Melbourne girl through and through. I love the races, I love Melbourne’s style.[/testimonial]
[/testimonials]
What is your occupation?
I am a qualified visual merchandiser. I worked for Hugo Boss before I became a stylist. I’m a stay-at-home mum, a blogger and stylist.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Jay Jays, working as a casual. It was my first step into fashion. I enjoyed my time there but the fashion is different from what I would wear now. It was my introduction to the retail and fashion world. Dressing the mannequins gave me a head start into styling.
How did you get into what you are doing?
I was a stylist when I went to Paris. I was inspired by what the Parisians were wearing every day! I was standing outside the original Chanel store and I was so in awe of the history of fashion in this one spot. I was standing on the same road that madam Chanel and Karl Largafeld have stood on! I made a few purchase while I was overseas and felt that I wanted to share my story, my clothes and my style with someone! So I started a blog.
Who do you look up to for inspiration?
Apart from Karl Largerfeld, it’s Anna Dello Russo. I have my own quote which is to be ‘fashion confident’. To me, Anna is the epitome of being fashion confident. She is so creative and wears what she wants to wear. She stands out and I think it’s really important to stand out. She’s inspired me to stand out, as you never know what opportunities will come your way because of your outfit.
What motivates you to keep going?
Seeing my readership grow. Yesterday, someone I didn’t know approached me and told me they followed my blog! Hearing that is rewarding to me. It tells me that I must be doing something right!
What is it that you love most about your job?
As a mum, I love being able to work from home. I love meeting new people. My confidence has grown so much through doing what I do.
What has been the highlight so far?
Two weeks ago I got to do a photo shoot with Candice Lake for Westfield! It was for the Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF). I knew that there would be pictures of me around town, but did not expect to be on a huge billboard down at the Docklands! It was as big as a house! That was special.
What was the worse and best fashion trend ever?
Worst: Tie dyed clothes in the 90’s! They tried to bring it back recently but I never liked that trend.
Best: It’s not a trend but I like the classics. I’m not known as a classic dresser but I do love a wardrobe essential such as the classic black blazer or pants.
What fashion faux pas makes you cringe when you see it out and about?
The wearing of socks with sandals! I saw a girl recently wearing socks with her Nike sandals!
What do you want to achieve in 5 years?
I’d like to build my profile as a Melbourne blogger. I’m a Melbourne girl through and through. I love the races, I love Melbourne’s style. I have family here and this is where I’d like to stay. I hope that my blogging will lead to an ambassadorship with a brand. I’d like to collaborate with a brand in their collections and campaigns. I’d love to do a collaboration with Jay Jays, as that is where I started. That would be cool. Just a little idea I had.
Where is the most fabulous place you have been to?
Paris! That’s where I started my blog. I went back last month for the Paris Fashion week. I felt so comfortable there with my style. I just loved it.
How long do you spend on hair and makeup daily?
Most days I’m a mum in my uniform – gym gear! Not a long time there with hair and makeup. When there’s something special on, I’ll probably take up to an hour. I’ve got long thick hair to wash and style!
What it your favourite mood lifter?
Seeing my son laughing and smiling. Just looking at him and appreciating what I have.
How would you describe your (fashion) style?
Creative and fashion confident! I like to stand out from the crowd.
Finish this sentence: To be happy, fabulous and successful, a woman should …
A woman should wear a smile and have the confidence to be proud of who they are.
Make sure you check out our snaps from the Melbourne Spring Racing – we met Jess Dempsey twice in some stunning outfits.
Location: Grapeseed, Armadale
Styling: Acne tshirt, Topshop jeans, Fiorina necklace, Isabel Marant sneakers and Chanel Bag
Photos: freshphotography.com.au