Fashionista Feature: Keeping Up with Jasmeen

While magazines like Vogue and personal style blogs are great sources of sartorial inspiration for me, there is nothing better than having a close friend who pushes you to expand your fashion boundaries and try new things. The lovely Jasmeen of Keeping Up With Jasmeen is certainly one of those muses in my life; she constantly amazes me with the way in which she takes affordable fashions and transforms them into enviable #ootds! For this week’s post, I delved deeper into her style with this interview on life and forging your own brand of fashion.

Outfit Details:

Top, Skorts — Sirens  //   Boots — Forever 21 //   Bag — Prada //   Sunglasses — Spring //   Accessories / Rings and Earrings: Forever 21 — Bangles: H&M — Watch: Betsey Johnson

What made you first interested in fashion?

In Grade 9, I first discovered the fun of wearing high heels and putting together different clothes; however, let’s just say that my skills were not nearly as developed as they are now. In Grade 10, my first boyfriend was older and stylish; he influenced my knowledge of brands, styles, and my general involvement with fashion. I must admit that I was a “walking Nordstrom Rack” at first– I would buy expensive brands regardless of whether they actually suited my body type. Ironically, I would discover the benefits of cheaper clothing when I got a job and now focus on dressing well, rather than just expensively.  

What are your favourite stores to shop at?

I tend to look for deals at stores like Sirens, Forever 21, Urban Behaviour, H&M, Zara (especially the kids section), and Winners. For most of my wardrobe, I’m not concerned with price as I always try to take care of my clothing and make it last for as long as possible.

Celebrity style inspirations?

Kim Kardashian (if my blog’s name wasn’t enough of a clue) is one of my style crushes; however, I liked her fashion sense pre-Kanye better! I also adore Katy Perry’s ability to take ‘costumey,’ almost obnoxious pieces and turn them into fabulous outfits that could almost be considered as streetwear. 

What your best style tips for the rest of us?

1. My number one tip is to wear whatever you have on with confidence– you could have on the most stylish outfit and still look awkward if you don’t trust in your ability to pull it off!  
2. Always wait for sales. Never buy anything for full price unless you absolutely need to have it.
3. Buy pieces, not outfits. In other words, purchase clothing that suit the rest of your wardrobe so that you will be able to incorporate them into many other ensembles, rather than just the clothing you bought it with. 
4. Don’t go overboard with trendy items; just because an item is popular and everyone is wearing it doesn’t mean that it will suit your style.
5. I prefer to avoid pairing baggy tops with baggy bottoms; either have a more fitting top and looser bottom, or vice versa. 
6. For colour-blocking, choose opposite colours to create more interesting contrast.
7. Mixing prints can pay off; however, be careful to choose prints that are somewhat similar and have some sort of consistency.

What are your favourite trends of the moment?

I’m currently in love with neon everything: accessories, accents on my clothing, nail polish, you name it! I also can’t stop wearing (or buying) midi skirts, items with cutouts (dresses, t-shirts, etc.), and mesh. 

What are your favourite fashion-related quotes? –

I want to empower women. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress. – Alexander McQueen

A modern woman is not necessarily… someone who just buys expensive stuff… a modern woman is someone who buys intelligently. – Prabal Gurung

You can never be overdressed or overeducated. – Oscar Wilde

Life has to be accessorized. – Rachel Zoe

If you love Jasmeen’s fashion sense and want to read more of her fabulous tips on life and style, be sure to visit her Instagram account and blog!