Style scout: Jessie Mitchell

Jessie Mitchell.

Jessie Mitchell

Age: 36.
Sign: Sagittarius.
Time in Lawrence: 16 years.
Hometown: Olathe.
Occupation: I’m a massage therapist by trade, but I’m really a mom and a traveler. I’m on the road all the time, so it’s hard to build up a local clientele. I have a 10-year-old son named Quentin.

What were you doing when scouted: I was complaining about the snow in my mind, but I’ve actually been enjoying this winter.

How would you describe your style: I would say Parisian pirate. Not Renaissance festival pirate. I like to do things like layer two dresses and tie them in a knot and wear lots of scarves.

Who are your fashion influences: Cleopatra, Louise Brooks and a little Thelma and Louise.

What are your favorite fashion trends: I love tall boots and cowgirl boots. I love scarves. Anything that makes you feel like yourself, makes you feel unique. Now I’m thinking of that bumper sticker, “You’re unique like everybody else.”

What are your least favorite fashion trends: Mom jeans. Unflattering jeans are my pet peeve. We have so many choices now for good fits and washes. There’s no excuse to have bad jeans anymore.

What would you like to see more of in Lawrence: I’d like to see more art galleries. I don’t get out much anymore, but I’m remembering Lawrence in the early ’90s. We had some really good all-night diners. I’d like to see one of those. I’d like to see more local businesses come in. There are so many talented young people in this town. I’d like to see them come up with more ideas for businesses.

What would you like to see less of in Lawrence: Corporations first and foremost. Don’t bring them downtown.

People say I look like: When I had longer hair, someone said I looked like Helena Bonham Carter.

What are you looking forward to wearing for spring: More flowy, airy things. More dresses and flats.

Tell us a secret: It sounds crazy, but I have a ghost who lives in my house. He’s very active at night. He slams toilet seats and rattles dishes. He’s a lovely ghost though. He’s sweet.

Dress: Dzhavael Couture, purchased at Nomads this winter.
Scarf: Pashmina, purchased at Nomads this winter.
Boots: Bjorn, purchased at Weavers last fall.
Jacket: Nicole Miller, passed down to me years ago.
Hat: Purchased at Urban Outfitters five years ago.
Gloves: Marks & Spencer, belonged to my mother-in-law.