It’s that time again…meet another member of the Winston-Salem team: Jaci (pronounced like “Jackie”). Jaci comes to bevello from the booming metropolis that is Clemmons, North Carolina, and most recently from the journalism school at Elon University. She’s a sweet girl, but don’t let her see you slouching!
Jaci Gentile, y'all
What drew you to bevello (why did you want to work for us)?
I loved the small company mentality and that I would be able to be involved in all aspects of the business (social media, planning events, etc.), not just standing behind a counter selling clothes. The fact that I love the merchandise that I’m surrounded by everyday didn’t hurt either!
Other than work/shop/play at bevello, what else do you do?
I’m a huge bookworm… I’ll read anything from Shakespeare to online blogs to the back of the cereal box. Right now I’m interning at John F. Blair Publisher, a small independent book publishing company here in Winston, where I get to read manuscripts all day and then send out rejection letters. I also love writing (I’ve kept a journal since I was 6 years old), making lists (mainly just crossing things off them), and pretending I’m a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance in my bedroom.
Describe your personal style.
For me, clothes are all about comfort. I’m obsessed with anything silk, cashmere, or soft cotton. I like slouchy sweaters and flowy tunics with skinny jeans during the day. When it comes to shoes, though, I adhere to the saying “beauty is pain”… my feet are going to hate me in a few years, but right now it’s worth it to be able to squeeze my poor feet into those blister-inducing 4 inch heels.
Jaci by Natalie
What is your favorite trend right now? What do you see being big for spring?
Right now, as North Carolina temperatures dip to their lowest levels of the winter, I don’t think I could live without a few cute, colorful scarves. They never go out of style and dress up even the plainest basics and coats. As for spring styles, I think metallics and sequin-covered accessories will continue to be big (what girl doesn’t love to sparkle?), as well as voluminous skirts paired with body-hugging tops (leotards, anyone?).
What do you think is the worst fashion mistake a girl could make?
Having bad posture (yes, I’m going to sound like your mother for a second… deal with it). I know it’s not exactly a ‘fashion’ mistake in the what-not-to-wear sense, but have you ever seen a slouchy, slump-shouldered girl whose clothes actually appear to fit her well? Nope. By pulling back your shoulders and standing up tall, all your clothes will fall better on your body and you’ll look so much more confident.
Jaci would totally wear this discrete outfit if it weren't for the posture...
What is the fashion staple every girl should have in her closet?
A thin, cotton layering tee… it can go under everything from jackets to sweaters, is appropriate for all ages and is never outdated.
Jaci's 5 year plan?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I’ve always wanted to have a column where I could write about whatever popped into my head that day with minimal editorial input (now that I think about it, I think nowadays that job title is ‘blogger’). I basically want to be Kate Hudson’s character in How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, minus the crazy fake girlfriend behavior. But if, for some crazy-strange reason, that doesn’t work out, I’d love to write for a fashion/travel/lifestyle magazine.
Who is your celebrity fashion icon? Why?
Definitely Rachel Bilson. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in a bad outfit. She somehow wears really basic, simple pieces and makes it look like the first time anyone’s ever paired them together. Effortlessly genius. Plus, she’s got a bag collection that is to die for.
Rachel Bilson, Jaci's Hero
What is your favorite item in-store right now and why?
C. Luce’s black faux-leather jacket… it’s really edgy (which isn’t my usual style in the least bit) and has just the right amount of embellishment so that you don’t look like a tattooed motorcycle babe. Now I just gotta work up the courage to wear it with some attitude!