Blogger Of The Moment: Jess Loves Fred
Much more clever—and thus, addictive—than the average personal-style blog, Jessica of Jess Loves Fred comes across as a writer first and a thrift store-addicted fashion girl second. She also happens to be very into photography, which is where the name of her whimsical website comes from. The "Fred" in her blog isn't a boyfriend or an unrequited crush, but rather a funny abbreviation of Frederick Hans Gutenburg, the dignified name of her very first DSLR camera.
Her style is every bit as entertaining as her blog posts. There's an abundance of bright colors, sparkly shoes, and splashy accessories, and there's no shortage of quirky puns, funny stories, and shopping confessionals. With Jess Loves Fred, you'll come for the style and stay for the substance.
1/11Get to know Jessica Tran, the college student and style icon behind the popular Australia-based personal-style blog.
2/11Name: Jessica Tran
Age: 19
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Blogging Since: August 2009
**Why did you initially decide to start a blog? **
I have been blogging since I was twelve, and that blog was reserved for things like swooning over short crushes and complaining about my parents. Starting a fashion blog was a natural progression of that—I've always loved to write and I decided to combine writing with photography when I ventured into my first thrift store and picked up an old Polaroid 600 and an old secondhand plaid skirt.
3/11What is the story behind your blog's title?
Frederick Hans Gutenburg was my bright idea, as a silly and strange fourteen-year-old, to name my first DSLR. With "Jess Loves Fred," Fred symbolized my camera and my passion for photography. Over time, I've broken that camera as many times than I can count on my two hands and the metaphor has shifted more to be a general and very vague representation of everything I'm passionate about—meeting people, eating good food, wearing gross thrifted clothes, appreciating beautiful pieces I can never afford, music, etc.
If your blog had a mission statement, what would it be?
To include as many nonsensical metaphors and similes as humanly possible in each post.
4/11How would you describe your style?
It was a bit volatile for a while but I think I'm heading towards a happy place where my garish and bright thrifted pieces can co-exist peacefully with beautiful, well-cut basics. I used to describe my style as a grandmother on a motorcycle, in a field of flowers. I would say the same thing now, except maybe a bit toned down and comfortable with being simple sometimes.
Who are your favorite designers?
I'm a huge fan of Givenchy, Olympia le Tan, vintage Versace, pin-up model-slash-designer Bernie Dexter, and then it goes right to the other side with a whole host of amazing designers based on Etsy.
5/11**What are your personal favorite blogs? **
Nini’s Style, Raww Blog, Atlantic-Pacific, The Man Repeller, Extra Petite—I think these blogs have incredible style but at the same time don’t sacrifice their unique writing voice in favor of mindless image after image. They all have their own voice on their blog, and their own character, and I think that’s so important.
6/11Any advice for anyone who wants to start her own blog?
Utilize social media to increase your traffic, which that means Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. But take care not to over-saturate your messages. It's so easy to over-share and get people sick of what you're saying and posting. Moderation is key.
What do you do when you're not blogging?
You can find me at one of my four jobs (Yep.), or at uni, slaving away. Or skipping uni to go to a shoe sale. That happens more than it should. You can also find me in bed, watching , swooning over Roger Sterling.
7/11What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects?
The best is definitely being exposed to amazing people and amazing opportunities you would not otherwise chance upon. It's also a stepping stone in a notoriously difficult industry. The worst would be the time it can take and the organizational skills you have to develop in order to balance a blog, uni, interning and work. Being organized isn't fun sometimes, when all you want is sleep in. (I haven't had one of those days in months. What are they again?)
8/11What type of camera do you use?
I currently use a Canon 500d, but am hoping to get back into film photography.
How do you capture your outfits each day?
I have trained my two sisters (aged nine and fifteen) to be tripods and photographers. They don't enjoy it but I bribe them with pocket money and sugary treats. It works quite well. Otherwise, I usually have my camera on me so I'll cajole whoever is next to me on that particular day to take snaps.
9/11Who inspires your wardrobe and why?
My wardrobe is a random mish-mash of things I pick up thrifting; nothing really makes sense in there. I do grab inspiration from the things I see on street-style Tumblrs, on fellow bloggers' blogs, on the viral machine that is Tumblr, and people I see on the street.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Thrift stores. There is so much character and a story behind every piece that's there. You never know what's on offer and everything is one-off. Also super cheap.
10/11Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
I'm rolling around on the bandwagon that is strappy sandals—hello elongated legs and faux poise. I'm also loving peplum and pastels. On the flip side, tribal is something that's getting me excited, too, and by the sounds of it, I'm going to end up dressing like the first lady on safari.
11/11What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?
Every trend! Thrifting is a testament to the circular nature of trends, as well as trends like neon, cropped tops, loafers, pencil skirts, etc. One thing I'd like to see more of is wearing one color for your entire outfit, overalls, bumbags (just kidding). I love '50s dressing, though, so cinched waists and flared circle skirts with funky rockabilly prints and gloves.
What clothing item would you say is timeless?
Denim cut-offs. I've had mine since I was thirteen. Otherwise, a good leather moto jacket and knee-high boots in any color.
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