Thursday, June 18, 2009

Fashion-Forward Femme



Jennifer LaMore is one of those women that when you see her you automatically compliment her on what she’s wearing—although it’s probably not a question where she got it. Friends, she probably got it from her store, J LaMore, named after—naturally—herself. LaMore’s been sharing her trademark style with our city for ten years. Her mix of west coast, easy-breezy chic (tie-dye, bright sundresses, embellished tops), upscale, more conservative work attire (wool pencil skirts, blouses, trousers) and dash of sex appeal thrown in (sheer blouses, sassy cocktail dresses, sky-high heels) easily captures the many facets of a Madison woman’s life—from work to play.
As a multiple-year Best of Madison winner, I asked LaMore a few questions about her store’s success.

How many times have you won Best of Madison?
I think it’s seven times!

Why do you think you’ve done so well in the Best of Madison?
I think that people that shop here know how much we love what we do. They get such a positive vibe when they come in—and find product in here that they don’t see everywhere else. It’s such a friendly, easygoing place; there’s no pressure. We go to the east and west coasts to make sure we have the trends featured in magazines but interpreted to what people can wear here in Madison.
We try to participate in as many fashion shows and fundraisers as we can. It’s really about being relentless, and working at it, and doing everything we can to stay in front of the customers.

You said you interpret the trends from the coasts to the Midwest buyer. How do you do that?
On the west coast they tend to be on the trendier side. There are things that I see that I might love, but I’m not really certain that everyone’s going to “get it.”
Being in business now for ten years and knowing the customers as well as I do, it’s such a natural that I can’t even really explain it.

What’s your personal style?
My style is kind of definitely trend-driven in everything I choose to wear. It’s kind of free and a bit eclectic. I’m loving all of the maxidresses; I probably own five. They’re so comfortable and look cute—every time I wear them I get tons of compliments!

What trends should we look for this summer?
I don’t know if this has to do with the economy, but people are buying things that they can get more use out of—like dressier tops paired with jeans.
I’m seeing lots of plaid cotton shirts, and color in dresses and tops. Look for bright pink, orange and tie-dye.
And of course maxidresses!

Photos above courtesy of J LaMore.

J LaMore, 2701 Monroe St. 238-2119. jlamore.com

Look for LaMore at the Encore: Madison's Premiere Fashion Show at the Orpheum Theater Friday, June 26 at 8 p.m. (See event listings, below for more info). Want more Best of Madison? I’ll write more about more winners next week! In the meantime read the July story here!

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