Jessie Bush, is the ultimate minimalist style icon. She started out running a New Zealand based street style blog, We The People Style, and has since evolved it into an incredible mix of personal style, travel, beauty and street style from around the world, with an impressive following! We can't get enough of her signature bleach blonde bob (which sometimes sports a cool tinge of pink) and her chic Parisian life, all documented on her super-stylish blog and inspirational insta-feed.
We caught up with Jessie during Paris Fashion Week, to get a real insight into her style rules and those all important secrets behind those perfect 'grams.
Grazia Daily: What is the inside of your wardrobe really like?
Jessie: All over the show. I attempt to organise it by colour and item (e.g. coats, black pieces etc) but really it’s more a case of hanging multiple items on one hanger and just pushing it in wherever it’ll fit. Parisian apartments are pretty skimpy on storage space sadly.
Grazia Daily: How do you take such beautiful instagrams - do you take them on your phone? Use any editing apps?
Jessie: 95% of my Instagram posts are taken on my iPhone. In terms of editing, I’ve come full circle - I used VSCO religiously and now that Instagram has upped its game I actually just use their editing tools. Generally, I steer clear of the filters - or just use them then 10-15% strength, which is plenty.
Grazia Daily: What are the five wardrobe staples you think everyone should own?
Jessie: A cropped pair of tailored black trousers, a pair of jeans that you love to wear, a leather biker jacket, a slouchy white tee and beautifully made coat that you can pull out every winter.
Grazia Daily: What are your favourite Parisian hangouts?
Jessie: Hanging out along Canal St Martin with friends and a bottle of wine would be my favourite thing to do in Paris (when the sun is shining). I also love Cafe Oberkampf for friendly service and a killer shakshuka on the weekends. Sunday picnics with friends at Buttes Chaumont is pretty much the perfect way to relax. When I’m in need of a classic Parisian view, nothing beats Le Perchoir’s rooftop courtyard for drinks with friends. Ob-La-Di does an excellent flat white and perhaps the best vegan burger you’ll ever find. Plus its interiors are all kinds of cool - think marble counters and blue tiled floors. And lastly, Season cafe in Le Marais is a regular haunt of mine. Delicious, healthy food, great drinks, and best of all it’s open all day, 7 days a week.
Grazia Daily: How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Jessie: Minimal, uncomplicated and relaxed.
Grazia Daily: What is on the top of your shopping wish list from all the amazing street style you’ve seen over fashion month?
Jessie: More denim. Particularly anything frayed. Marques Almeida knows what I’m talking about.
Grazia Daily: What would you never blog about?
Jessie: A lot of things! My talented other half/business partner Sam and I just redesigned the We The People website and moving forward the focus is going to be all about interesting people, their stories, spaces and their style.
Grazia Daily: What makes a good OOTD backdrop?
Jessie: Either a clean, minimal wall or a classic city street. It can go either way.
Grazia Daily: What do you wear when you’re off duty that would never be on your Instagram/blog?
Jessie: I do love a good track pant. When I’m at home it’s bra off, track pants and socks on. Not that I’m adverse to sharing my track pants on Instagram.
Grazia Daily: How should we wear our shirts now? (We’ve noticed you wearing them in a multitude of ways over the last few weeks!)
Jessie: I’m a big fan of shirting. Where it every which way, nothing is off limits. Oversized with denim. Back to front. Unbuttoned to show off some skin. It’s all about experimenting.
Grazia Daily: What’s the one main thing you don’t think your followers know about you?
Jessie: A lot of people don’t realise I’m from New Zealand (everyone assumes I’m Australian). But I’m a small town Kiwi girl.
Grazia Daily: What has been your biggest pinch-me moment?
Jessie: I’m often in a constantly surprised state at where my career (and life) has taken me. I’m always thankful that my job allows me to meet so many interesting people, travel regularly and have so much creative freedom.
Grazia Daily: Have you had an embarrassing fashion moments you haven’t wanted to share?
Jessie: Nothing too horrific comes to mind. However growing up I had my fair share of hair related incidents (yellow, grey, streaks, you name it).
Grazia Daily: How much do you think about the Instagrams you post?
Jessie: A fair amount of time and effort goes into each post. Of course sometimes (very rarely) I’ll take one photo and like it, so I post it. But often it’s a case of planning the shot, biking to the location, taking multiple options and then deliberating over the caption with Sam. Ha. To be honest I’m looking forward to a good social media detox once Fashion Month wraps up.
Grazia Daily: Who do you like to follow on Instagram?
Jessie: @amy_stone for dreamy travel pics and plenty of pastel hues. @mell0wfell0w for witty (if not slightly scathing) captions. @georgeeats for straight up food porn.
Grazia Daily: What’s been your favourite fashion month moment so far?
Jessie: Shooting backstage at Acne Studios this season was cool. Although I have to say the Simon Miller presentation was pretty incredible due to the fact it was right on the Hudson river with rooftop views over NYC (and amazing cocktails) just as the sun was going down.
Grazia Daily: Which SS16 trend are you desperate to start wearing now?
Jessie: I’m pleased to see super-sized sleeves are still gaining momentum. The bigger the better I say.