Jennifer Tom, Fashion Editor 303 Magazine

Our series Talk Shop is a career and style profile featuring personalities from various industries. They are shot on location in Cherry Creek sometimes wearing clothing from stores in the area. Esther Lee Leach interviews Jennifer Tom in Cherry Creek. Jennifer wears clothing from Covered.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINE MILLER // CLOTHING BY COVERED// MAKEUP BY ANGELICA MEDINA

Jaga Painted top, David Lerner Leggings, Michelle Brooks Rings.

Esther Lee Leach: Tell us a bit about yourself, your background.

Jennifer Tom: I grew up in northwest Indiana just outside Chicago. My mom fed my creative -- yet energetic -- spirit from a very young age. She used to cover the floor with sprawling rolls of paper so I could draw fantasy scenes all over them. I was very close with my grandparents and would spend a lot of the summertime there playing dress up. I remember these beautiful burgundy heels my grandma had that I believed transformed me into a princess so I guess my love of fashion started there.

ELL: How did you become a Fashion Editor?

JT: I actually started as an intern and fell in love with the publication. Looking around the room at my first staff meeting, I felt surrounded by some truly talented people and knew I wanted to continue to grow with the publication so I treated it like my full-time job. After about six months, I became a paid writer and continued to move up from there. Brittany Werges believes in her team wholeheartedly, so when I approached her about the opportunity of the magazine having a fashion editor, she saw something in me and made it happen.

Gold Hawk Long Dress, Blanc Noir Camo All Weather Anorak, Michelle Brooks Jewelry.

ELL: Describe your role as a Fashion Editor?

JT: I guide a team of writers who report on local fashion icons and thought leaders, as well as fashion trends. I help plan the fashion desk’s monthly content, supervise the preparation of each article and edit the writers’ work. It is my job to make sure the fashion desk upholds the standards of the publication and continues to produce innovative content. My favorite question to ask my squad is, “What are you going to do to continue to move the needle.”

ELL: How would you describe your style?

JT: My style is very eclectic. I love color, mixed prints and texture but I’m also a huge fan of the perfect little black dress and a sleek pair of heels.

dRA Navy Top, Greylin Omni Skirt, Michelle Brooks Buffalo Horn Bangles.

ELL: Where do you find your style inspiration?

JT: I’m blessed to have some incredible friends who love fashion as much as I do. They are my daily inspiration.

ELL: Who are your favorite designers?

JT: Right now, I love Raf Simons, Christian Siriano and Jason Wu.

ELL: What are your three favorite places to shop for clothing in Denver?

JT: I try to thrift and shop local as much as I can so Peak Thrift, Buffalo Exchange and Denver Flea -- now Fetch Markets.

Jaga Mauve Long Dress

ELL: Do you think Denver has a style language like New York or Paris? What is it?

JT: I do think Denver has a style language. It’s evolving and continuing to learn the art of expression. There is an openness, a fearlessness and a sense of community that I don’t think are as strong or genuine in many other places.

ELL: What are your five favorite pieces from your closet?

JT: A full-length leather coat from the ‘70s my mom gave me, my full pink tulle skirt, fuschia metallic d'Orsay heels, a black and white houndstooth coat and a vintage beaded clutch I got for Christmas this year.

ELL: Do you have any items in your closet that you regret buying? Why?

JT: No! Even the most odd fashion decisions I’ve made were for a reason at the time so in that way they’re silly reminders of styles passed.

Jennifer Tom: @jennifervtom

Photography by Caroline Miller: @carolinemillerphotography

In this week’s 24 Questions, Jennifer Tom gets personal.