Jessica Bartlett is beautiful on the inside and out. She appreciates timeless fashions and has a big heart for working with children.

As a mother of four, she still finds the time to stay on trend.

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Bartlett: I graduated with a master’s of elementary education from Louisiana Tech University, but my real passions are mission work and aviation. I love flying airplanes and serving in orphanages in China. I do a little bit of both when I can find the time. My husband and I have four children ages 1-7 years so that keeps me very busy. Before having children, I worked with my husband in our business, Red River Pump Specialists.

Last year, I went on a mission trip to serve in an orphanage in China. It had always been a dream of mine to go and love on the orphans there. I am so grateful to have followed my heart and went because this is where I met our fourth child, Ava. As soon as I saw her in her crib at four months old, I knew she was my child. We are blessed to have just brought her home Sept. 2.

Q: What style secrets make you feel courageous?

Bartlett: I will wear my chunky necklaces and beautiful earrings any day of the week and not just on special occasions. I also love hats and scarves and have collected them from all over the world from trips I have taken. I love adding them to an everyday outfit to make it feel and look extra special. A little touch of extravagance can make an otherwise uninteresting look seem instantly smart and chic.

Everyday should be celebrated! Half the battle when it comes to dressing well is feeling good and confident in what you are wearing.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to shop?

Bartlett: I love to shop at the locally-owned boutiques in Shreveport-Bossier City. Each boutique has a different feel and clothing style selection based on the personality of the owner. Most locally-owned shops give you impeccable attention and can help to put together looks for any occasion. My favorites in town now are M. Clothes, K Couture Boutique and Simply Chic Boutique. I also love Anthropologie because the clothes are boho chic, comfy glam.

Q: What draws you to a specific item and makes it a “must-have” item: the fabric, cut, print or uniqueness?

Bartlett: I find myself drawn to an item of clothing based on these points: Is it timeless and classy, is it comfortable without being messy, will I feel like a million bucks in it and will I still love it next week?

It’s very hard to look spectacular in cheap fabrics and is much easier to look and feel your best in fabrics such as linen and cashmere. So I will spend more on an item of clothing that I know will be a favorite of mine for years to come. I think of my clothes as a collection of art. I don’t buy too many pieces that will just last one season or to fit into a new trend. My thoughts are to always leave the house ready to meet anyone because you never know what the day will bring.

Q: Tell me about your favorite item in your closet.

Bartlett: My favorite item in my closet is my BCBG Max Azria red berry colored dress. It is a cap sleeved dress that has scalloped lace through the bodice, sheer mesh through front center and a layered ruffle short A-line skirt made of tulle. I bought it on a shopping trip in Beverly Hills a few years ago and feel like a princess when I wear it.

Q: What do you get complimented on the most?

Bartlett: I love working out and practicing yoga, which has helped me keep toned and in shape. In the summer, I love wearing cute, colorful tanks that complement my physique. Right now, I’m into Sundry tanks and tees. They have the softest fabrics and are a little coastal casual with French chic. Pair it with cute shorts, wedges or sandals and a couple of bracelets and you have the perfect casual wear for summers in the south.

Q: Any advice to the new moms on how to juggle fashion and motherhood?

Bartlett: Being a mom to four little ones means our home life is busy, chaotic and wonderful all at the same time. It’s hard to find time to put forth the extra effort for myself to dress up and do hair and makeup. You just have to make the time. I do this by waking up an hour before everyone else. I have my coffee and prayer time before the sun even comes up. Then I will have a few extra minutes to spend getting ready myself. Wearing nice, neat and comfortable clothes helps me to feel more productive and energetic throughout the day, even as a stay-at-home mom. Our jobs as mothers are important as we are teaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders. So dress for success and never forget your worth as an individual.

Q: What fall fashion trends are you looking forward to?

Bartlett: The fashions of the ’70s are the inspiration for this fall’s new looks and that means that wide-legged pants are in this year. The skinny silhouette is great but I am ready to welcome in the cool weather in some flared jeans. I love to pair them with high heels or my suede boots.

Style Sense Jessica Bartlett attributes her style to local shops and pieces that are timeless.

Know someone stylish? Email brittany@theforumnews.com with more information. We might select you or your person of interest to feature in an upcoming issue of CityLife.

Brittany White is the art director for The Forum and CityLife magazines.

She has been a personal stylist for years and has contributed her style tips to local photo shoots and fashion shows.