We got together with Oakland resident Jessica De la Cuadra to see what's blooming in her spring wardrobe.
Whether dressed up or down, Jessica's signature style include high collars, great fits and mixed layers.
Jessica works as a visual merchandiser and social media coordinator at Nida boutique in Hayes Valley. After studying fashion design at FIDM, she's looking forward to starting her own line of contemporary women's wear and even shows off one of her designs below.
What she wore: Vintage pink dress, purchased from Reliquary; Forever 21 necklace; American Eagle cardigan, purchased from the Crossroads Pop-Up Shop at Treasure Island Music Festival; Kate Spade patent leather bag; J.Crew strappy buckle heels; Chanel Rouge Allure 93 "Exaltee" lipstick, purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue; Clinique eyeliner, purchased from Sephora; Self styled and cut hair.
In her bag: phone, wallet, keys, lotion, lip color of the day and a reusable canvas bag.
"Don't make excuses to not dress up," said Jessica. "And wear what you love."
What she wore: Vintage Lanvin button-down shirt, purchased from Mars Mercantile in Berkeley; Onassis tie; Boyfriend's tie bar; Polka-dot blazer, green pencil skirt and Cambridge Satchel Company cross-body bag, all purchased from J. Crew; Glory Chen cork heels.
Jessica's tip: Always moisturize your lips before putting on lip color. And for the perfect cat eye, use a clean, angled brush and an eyeliner pot–make small strokes at first and then define with long strokes.
What she wore:J. Crew striped button-down shirt; 10 Crosby by Derek Lam striped sweater jacket, purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue; I Love H81 coral suede jacket, purchased from Forever 21; Metro Park necklace; Zara scarf; Black Levi's skinny pants; Leather penny loafers, purchased from G.H. Bass online.
What she wore:Self designed grey convertible short-sleeve jacket and mini skirt; Armani Exchange button-down shirt; Jessica Simpson patterned tights, purchased from Macy's; N.Y.L.A. boots, purchased from DSW.
Seven questions for Jessica:
1. What's one thing most people would never guess about you?
People that meet me now wouldn't know that I was a super band geek in high school. I played the flute and I was Color Guard Captain.
2. What products do you swear by?
Living Proof Shampoo for hair, Armani Maestro foundation for makeup, and Peter Thomas Roth's Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel for skincare.
3. How much time do you spend getting pretty?
One hour, honestly. Most of that time is spent on putting on make-up.
4. What's sexy?
Confidence and a well put together outfit is sexy! Ladies, sexy does not mean showing off skin.
5. What's your signature dish?
I make a really mean fried chicken with panko-curry breading.
6. What do you do to de-stress?
I drink tea from Teavana and watch The Mindy Project on Hulu.
7. What's your Bay Area Top 5?
Mau in uptown Oakland, Chop Bar in Jack London Square, Hayes Valley, Japantown, and Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley.
Lily Ko (lily7x7 @gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is on the creative team at Pottery Barn, and works as a freelance stylist, writer, and designer.
