Way back in the day, Hush Puppies literally invented the comfy-casual shoe with the idea that bright colors, soft leathers and suedes, and fun and funky patterns would give people a better way to express themselves. So, now, to celebrate our heritage and the idea of individuality, we’re re-releasing some of the original styles that made us famous and talking to people whose individuality and original style inspires us.

Meet Jamie Hamilton a plus size style aficionado, midcentury décor and architecture nerd, and content creator based in Tuscon, Arizona. You can follow Jamie on Instagram @jamie_jetaime.

How do you describe your personal style?

Colorful. Fashion forward with a nod to vintage

How did you become a content creator and what inspired you to start sharing your style online?

When I began creating content in 2016, I rarely saw fashion editorials featuring plus-size people. Editorial photos have always been my favorite! Growing up in the middle of nowhere – getting lost in fashion photos was my tool of escapism.

I thought I could use my background in art and photography to add to the lack of representation of plus-size bodies. I gave my camera to my husband and decided to be in front of the camera. He calls himself my walking tripod.

Ultimately, I want people to be able to see themselves in fashion regardless of their size. I want plus-size people to know we are worthy of expressing ourselves aesthetically! We can be taste-makers too.

Do you have any style tips for making an outfit more original?

Add at least one vintage or handmade element; this will make an outfit feel more personalized.  Jewelry, sunglasses, bags, and hats are perfect for this!  My favorite bags are colorful plastic woven handmade bags I bought at a market in Nicaragua. People are always asking about those bags!

You like to do fresh takes on vintage aesthetics, what is your favorite way to do this with your outfits and your home décor?

I consume a lot of fashion and décor content, but I never think I need to go out and buy an entire look or copy it exactly. Instead, I meditate on it and allow myself to become inspired by the proportions, the color, the texture, or whatever else I like to set the tone.

I keep this in mind while shopping for new or thrifted items.  It keeps things fresh and personalized.

How do you incorporate color into your wardrobe?

Any color or pattern can be viewed as a neutral color if you choose to see it that way. Lol I don’t overthink it. If I like a color, I wear it. If I want to pair it with another color – I try it on and see if it works.

What is your most prized vintage piece?

I have a 1960s French gilt metal glass-top Maison Bagués coffee table that I found at a thrift store. It was made famous by Coco Chanel. She owned a table just like this. I didn’t know the history when I purchased it. I just thought it was striking and was a great example of Hollywood Regency.

Where do you go to get inspired?

I live for fashion weeks! I’ve only attended a few, so I generally rely on the footage from NY, Paris, London, etc. Not only on the runway but the street fashion too. I’m also greatly inspired by 1960s-80s photos and advertisements.