Jo Davis is the founder of Black, White And Denim, a store and website dedicated to these three wardrobe staples. As a mum, Jo realised these were the core pieces for any stylish mum.
Jo has always loved fashion but the idea for a unique ladieswear store came unexpectedly at a friend’s baby shower in May 2009. Sipping non-alcoholic cocktails at Harvey Nichols in Manchester, Jo was asked, as part of a fun quiz, to describe the contents of the mum-to-be’s wardrobe. Her response was ‘black, white & denim.’ Jo left Harvey Nichols instantly realising that she had unlocked the DNA of any stylish woman’s wardrobe. Wouldn’t it be a joy to shop in a store that focussed on these key elements rather than being visually assaulted by a cacophony of the latest short-lived trends? Jo adds, “If I had opened a shop in my younger years it would have been filled with cutting-edge clothes that would be fashionable for a week before being sent to the charity shop. Understanding the difference between fashion and style takes experience, and that’s exactly why now is the right time for Black White Denim.”
Jo plans to open more Black White Denim stores in the future and has now launched online at Blackwhitedenim.com.
Where did the idea come from for BWD?
A life-long dream to open a boutique, a lightbulb moment at a friend’s baby shower, and a supportive partner who encouraged me every step of the way.
Did you find your style changed when you entered motherhood?
Hugely; practicality became the number one priority. Everything needed to be comfortable, hard-wearing, washable, and flattering. I always had a flat stomach and was so self conscious of its change in shape (and still am). I swapped heels for flats or wedges and kept my styling really simple: tunics over leggings, dresses, and opaques; jeans and tees or sweaters. I still invested in quality pieces but bought more daywear than occasion wear.
Who are your top three designers and top three high street stores?
I love Preen for mixing rock and roll with elegance, Carven for bringing back Parisian chic and making it affordable, and Acne for it’s effortless cool. On the high street I think Topshop, Zara, and Gap are all fabulous and despite having my own shop I buy fast fashion pieces from these stores to update my well-loved, ageing, die-hard classics.
Are there any mums out there who really inspire you?
Loads. Lorraine Candy (Editor-in -Chief): four kids, need I say more? Samantha Cameron for dealing with the the loss of her son in the public eye, supporting her husband who has a huge career, and developing her own successful career path at the same time. My Mum for balancing being a parent and my best friend.
What’s your failsafe look when you only have a moment to get ready?
I normally stick to all black with statement jewellery or contrasting accessories such as a great scarf. For my shape, I like skinny leggings in leather, an unstructured tunic that falls about 8 to 10 inches above my knee, 3/4 sleeves (shows off slim wrists and good jewellery), V-neckline (good for showing some decolletage), and some fabulous heels. I love a big bag for the day, a small clutch for evenings.
Any styling tips you can offer our readers?
Lots, but styling is such a personal thing as you have to understand the reader’s lifestyle, body shape, what they like and don’t like about themselves, how they see themselves when they look in the mirror, who they dress for (themselves, their partner, their job), their budget, etc. My overriding piece of advice would be to listen to others when they admire what you’re wearing and ask them why they are complementing you. That way we get to see our style through someone else’s eyes and not just our own; it’s very enlightening.
What beauty products couldn’t you live without?
Tinted moisturiser, mascara, and a nude lip gloss. I’m very low maintenance.
What book are you reading at the moment?
I don’t get time to read books other than to my son. My favourite is Topsy and Tim Go To School as we change the names of the kids to those in his class. Every day I read Vogue.com and Grazia Daily online; each week I read Drapers and Grazia; each month I read Vogue, Harpers, In Style, Elle, Marie Claire, Red, and She. All a bit predictable but as well as great research for BWD, they are fabulous reads.
Are you off on holiday soon? Is there one particular family friendly hotel you would go back to time and time again?
We are just back from France, where we have a house in a small working village called Vidauban in Provence. We go there are much as we can. The last hotel we went to which was fabulous for kids was Turtle Beach Resort in Barbados.
What’s your moto in life?
Don’t take your foot off the gas and enjoy the thrill.
We are always looking for new recipes on StyleNest; do you have a family dish you swear by?
Roasted chicken with lemon and rosemary. It’s actually a Weight Watchers recipe that I change slightly to make it more fattening! Simply stuff the chicken with two halves of a lemon and half a handful of fresh rosemary, place it in a roasting tin on top of chipped Maris Piper potatoes and sliced onion. Add some garlic and lemon wedges to the potatoes and spray with some olive oil. Squeeze the juice of a lemon over the top, sprinkle with more fresh rosemary, and season. Depending on the size of the chicken, cook in the oven for around 1 1/2 hours at 180 C. Check every half hour or so and give the tin a shake so the potatoes get evenly cooked. When it’s cooked, remove everything from the tin and then make a gravy with the juices by mixing in some chicken stock and white wine. Serve with steamed broccoli.
Do you have a particular restaurant that you love going to but is also family friendly?
We have brilliant restaurants where we live. The Hale Bar and Grill, Simon Rimmer’s ‘Earle’, and Piccolinos are all fantastic food and great for families.
Who is your style icon?
Debbie Harry, Diane Kruger, and my friends Natalie and Pam.