Interview with Jill Carin Adams

20/05/2011

Can you introduce yourself briefly?

I'm Jill Carin Adams: NYer, married to a Brit, living in London. Photojournalist, screenwriter, graphic designer. I shoot stylish people, and have a blog, StreetStyle London: Pics by PolkaDot

What is your style?

Clean and classic 60s, lately veering into 70s territory: always with a slight twist.

What is your favorite outfit and what is the outfit that you can never wear?

Favourite: one a handful of simple, sleeveless, Jackie Kennedy fitted shift dresses that I had made for me by a dressmaker in Herefordshire. I chose the fabrics, she made them to order, and I can never tire of them. I wear them bare legged or with tights, with flats or court heels, layered under jackets, cardigans, coats, or bare arms. What I can never wear, and what I keep forgetting that I cannot wear, is the fifties tight waist/wide skirt silhouette. I have thin legs and don't have an hourglass figure - I've got slim legs and a pretty straight torso - and when I attempt that 'New Look' (circa late 40s/early 50s) I feel like a giant popsicle on two stick legs.

What are your favorite brands?

High Street: Topshop, Cos, Zara, H&M.. the usual suspects. High end: Chanel, Burberry, McQueen (really proud of Sarah Burton: great job on both Kate's dresses!), but really inspired by the whimsy of Ashish, especially his latest collection (the sequins, safety pins, and huge 'moth holes' in the jumpers!). My favourite newcomer from the LFW shows this season, hands down, is Corrie Nielsen: born & bred in Florida, mentored by Vivienne Westwood.. I predict she is going to be a huge star.

What inspires you when you give fashion advice?

I don't give fashion advice. I am not an 'industry insider', I'm just a girl on the street with a camera. A roving reporter, just observing the trends.

What is your favorite fashion icon?

Of all times, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn (it's a tie). Currently: Alexa Chung. She has taken geek chic to a whole new level. And she's true to her own style: too many public figures these days rely on their stylists, not their instincts, IMHO.

What is your monthly budget for shopping?

Funny you should ask: since I got married, my husband has me on such a tight leash! (Bit of advice, girls: stay single long as you can, you might get yourself in debt but at least your shopping choices are your own). Luckily, I'm a real hoarder, get the odd bits on the high street but mostly, it's thrift shops or shopping my own closet these days.

In your opinion, what is the color for this summer?

I know everyone's saying yellow - and I'm loving the combination of really intense bright colours - I've always loved and worn hot pink/orange/lime green (especially paired with neutrals) but I feel we're still going to see a lot of nudes/pale greyed down pastels: palest pinks, blue greys, faded turquoise, still lots o' beige.. if I had to pick one colour, for me THE colour will be the non colour: white, white, white.

What fashion advice would you give to LooknBe members?

Be yourself. To thine own self be true. Be brave, be bold, go forth and multiply! And don't take any of it too seriously. As a young French friend and sometimes model told me recently (with a Gallic shrug): it's only fashion, it's meant to be fun.