street style: jenn barger
Photography Credit: Sarah Marcella Photography
I remember the day Jenn Barger and I met. It was more than 11 years ago. I had just started my first business — a boutique on 17th street in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC. I had my shop-girl hat on, futzing around with some new dresses we’d just gotten in.
Jenn walked in and I liked her immediately. She had this enviable eclectic, funky cool style. I remember thinking, “How is she pulling that off? She is TOTALLY pulling that off.”
At the time, she was a writer for Where magazine and was working on a roundup of local boutiques. We got to chatting immediately and I remember thinking, “This is my kind of girl. Smart, stylish, but so funny and warm.” She gave us our first piece of press as a shiny, new business. We became colleagues and friends.
As my business grew and we moved to 14th street, Jenn — now working for The Washington Post as a fashion editor for FW Magazine — would stop in to interview me and to shop. She was one of my business’s earliest and most consistent supporters. I will never forget that.
Fast forward to a closed boutique and Jenn leaving FW. I had started my own personal styling business, trained/worked with with Stacy London, and been steadily growing my clientele for about five years. Jenn approached me, interested in working together. I don’t know that I was necessarily thinking of adding another stylist at that point, but I knew I wanted to work with Jenn. Hands down, one of the of the best decisions I have made as a business owner.
It’s going on two years now since Jenn has been a DC Style Factory stylist, and I honestly can’t remember when I didn’t have her to bounce business ideas off of, commiserate about the hunt for the perfect black cigarette pants, and lean on when I have needed a friend to listen.
She has brought style knowledge and expertise to DC Style Factory, including vintage shopping and styling know-how. She also is still the style guru around town as well, writing for DC Modern Luxury, Washingtonian, The Washington Post, of course here at Stylebook, and more.
Her clients love her. They tell me that they never could have worked with a stylist that was “too fashiony.” That Jenn is the perfect mix of having unbeatable style chops and being really down-to-earth. She’s like one of your best girlfriends — with amazing style advice. And that feeling is exactly what I got the first time I met Jenn in my shop over a decade ago.
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? During the day, I run around DC and Northern Virginia helping clients shop for clothing and organize their closets. By night, I’m a huge theater and movie buff, so you’ll find me in a seat with popcorn or a program.
Neighborhood: As a stylist, I hit a lot of different hoods, including Alexandria and Arlington. I love Alexandria’s indie shops and ye olde feel. I also spend a lot of time in Adams Morgan in DC, where I live.
What is your hometown? San Antonio, Texas
What would surprise people about you? I can make great enchiladas.
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? Ability to make everyone happy
Favorite cocktail: Manhattan
Last book read or movie seen: “Carol”—the 1950s costumes were fantastic.
Guilty Pleasure: White wine and chocolate.
Facebook or Instagram? Insta, baby.
Latest binge-watch: “Jessica Jones”—she’s so foul-mouthed and good-hearted. But I’d love to reform her wardrobe..she wears nothing but ratty jeans and a black leather jacket.
Bucket list travel destination: Southeast Asia, and I’m headed there later this month.
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Please, that’s like “Sophie’s Choice.” I can’t decide.
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Colorful, rocker, classic.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Vintage jackets
Favorite trend ever: Booties
Favorite current trend: Fur anything
Beauty product you can’t live without: Eyeliner from Bellacara
Heels or flats? Flats—I run around after clients all day!
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Our living room—it’s got 1920 crown moldings and high ceilings.
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix. I love pairing old furniture with modern fabrics and sleek modern pieces with family antiques.
Last item bought for your home: Reupholstered a French chair.
Next planned purchase: Blue velvet Chesterfield sofa
Favorite way to entertain: Old-fashioned dinner party with placecards and flowers.
Wallpaper: yes, totally modern or no, so dated So modern, but my husband disagrees.
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Spinning and yoga
Most fun way to exercise: Hiking in Rock Creek Park or by the water in Old Town
Proudest fitness achievement: Can do 15 boy-style push ups, but badly.
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Mischa’s Coffee.
Last purchase in Alexandria:Fur vest from Shoe Hive
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Blackwall Hitch is fun!
Mischa’s or St. Elmo’s? See above.
- About the company
DC Style Factory is a personal shopping and styling service for men and women looking to add polish and individuality to their wardrobes. We believe personal style is for anyone who wants it — regardless of age, size or budget.
