PICNIC IN THE PARK

By Caroline Edmondson / Photos Stevye Photography Hair / Jason Chambers, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427

Makeup / Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, YouNeedBlush2020@gmail.com

 When we met fashionista Jeanie Hope during the whirlwind season of Mardi Gras this past year, we were instantly enamored with her humor, fun-loving personality, and impeccable sense of style. Fun, classy, and just a little bit sassy, we knew this petite, blonde bombshell was the perfect fit for our retro picnic in the park.

Describing her own sense of style as a mix of sassy and fun while maintaining a polished look, Jeanie shares, “As I have gotten older, I would say that my fashion has become more mature and elegant. My style consists of more form-fitting clothes rather than flowy, just because when I have very loose clothes on it makes me look even more petite.” Jeanie takes inspiration for all her looks from Kate Middleton, saying it’s her effortless elegance and class that Jeanie hopes to emulate. Closer to home, Jeanie says it was her grandmother who inspired her love for jewelry — an essential she believes everyone needs in their wardrobe. “I think jewelry and a purse can always tie an outfit together,” Jeanie says. “I am such a jewelry lover, so I always think about the accessories I am going to put with an outfit.”

 When it comes to shopping, Jeanie admits that she prefers browsing in person, as it is far easier to find clothes that fit her petite frame and requires less returns and exchanges. “Some of my favorite places to shop locally are CK Collection, Hemline, Sadie’s, 7 South, SWAY, Debra’s, and The Holiday,” she shares. When it comes to her favorite items in her closet at present, Jeanie says it’s got to be the numerous cocktail dresses she purchased for the Mardi Gras season. “To the actual weekend of Mardi Gras and all other cocktail parties in between, I have loved them all,” she gushes.

 In a world where there seems to be a new “hit trend” almost daily, Jeanie says she tends to shy away from them as classic looks never die, but trends tend to fade over time. One trend she could never get behind? “Combat boots,” she jests without hesitation. “They are just not my style, but some people pull them off really well. I do really like the boyfriend jean style that is happening right now though.”

 Having spent a day donning gorgeous fashion pieces provided by our local boutiques, Jeanie admits it’s hard to choose a favorite look from the shoot, but says it has to be the pink shorts and blazer combo, as she loves anything in a fun, bright color. “The color was amazing and it made me feel like a Barbie doll,” she jokes. “The blazer and shorts look is just so in right now, and I felt like it was so me and my style.”

 Outside of the world of tulle and satin, Jeanie is wrapping up her final semester at The University of Alabama and is preparing to embark on a new chapter. “I’m looking forward to applying my hard work in education to find a new job,” she shares. “It is a sad and scary time that I am about to enter into in the real world, but I am excited and ready to start this new chapter of my life.” For now, Jeanie has plans to move back to her hometown of Mobile and eventually start her career in sales and marketing. We wish her all the best!