Fashionista - Staff Edition: Jamie Despres, Editor Photos by Dennis Yermoshin, southcoast247.com photographer
Name: Jamie Lynn Despres
Age: 27
Hometown: Dartmouth
Occupation: Designer and Editor
What are you wearing? The gray dress is by DKNY, the lace top is a $1 find at an Army/Navy store in
Boston, and the checkered shorts are from T.J. Maxx. The floral skirt was found for $3.99 in the bargain
bins at an Urban Outfitters in Seattle, the black halter is from H&M and the great blue wooden beads are
from a boutique in Madrid.
Favorite place(s) to shop? I can spend hours in T.J. Maxx, but also love calico (especially the shoes
and summer dresses), estate sales, and Target for their cheap, comfy basics. NB Open Market is my favorite
place to pick up unique jewelry.
Best thrifted item ever? I once scored a knee-length, three-quarter sleeved wool fitted jacket,
with a fur-trimmed collar and silk lining from Savers for $9.99. The style and tag on the jacket lead me to
believe that it is from the 40’s or 50’s, but it shows absolutely no sign of wear. It’s gorgeous and super warm.
Who’s your fashion icon? I’d have to say that a mix of the usual suspects influence my style:
Tori Amos for her effortless attempts at pushing the boundaries of what’s wearable, Audrey Hepburn and
Jackie O for their streamlined, polished looks, and Sarah Jessica Parker for well, being her.
Ideal Friday night? I love to cook and entertain, so firing up the BBQ
and inviting my friends over for a campfire is always fun. I also love Downtown at night during the summer.
Dinner with Nick at Cafe Belena, followed by drinks on the roof of the Catwalk is a good start. Then it’s
off to find some live, local music (usually at Bridge Street) or an amazing jukebox, such as the one found
at Paul’s Sports Corner in Fairhaven.
When I stay in for the night, it’s L-word marathons, good wine, tacos, and my partner-in-crime Kate Ouellette.
What’s your secret weapon beauty product? I work a bazillion hours a week and am always on the go,
so applying a shimmery white powder to my eye-lids works wonders for getting rid of that “I haven’t slept
in two weeks” look.
Your favorite article of clothing? That’s tough, but I’d have to say that it’s a tie between my
vintage green, brown fur-trimmed winter jacket that I bought at calico last year and my favorite pair of
jeans - skinny-fit Tommy Hilfigers that are so worn out they should probably be burned.
What book are you reading? Right now I am reading “!Yo!” by Julia Alvarez.
Why do you love the South Coast/NB? It’s home. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by all
of the beautiful old buildings that line the cobblestone streets of Downtown, New Bedford, on a beautiful
sunny day. I also have this strange connection to the waterfront; I think I must have been a whaler in my
past life.
Tan or no tan? I’m part Irish. We get more and more freckles as the sun beats down.
What’s on your iPod? Well, I still don’t have one, but my Shuffle currently has Small Brown Bike, The Hidden, Ani DiFranco,
Minus the Bear, and the Pretenders.
Favorite clothing line? I am an absolute sucker for Ralph Lauren (at a markdown price, of course).
I think the contrast of a pale blue yuppie polo on heavily tattooed, skinny white girl is quite amusing.
