Just the other day I was at an event at the new Vici Capilli Salon and School in Bayshore Town Center, where a young woman wearing a beautiful sequined and jeweled headband caught my eye. I liked the way it wasn’t too over the top but still had some razzle-dazzle and class. I knew it was from Jaxie because I had just done a segment on Fox 6 and had used pieces she sells at Luci Boutique. She confirmed my hunch. At that moment, I had the feeling that we had a new designer/entrepreneur/trendsetter here in our midst.
Whimsical, romantic, classic with a twist, any of these adjectives could describe Milwaukee accessory maven Jackie Barutha’s personal style. This lady does everything for her high-fashion yet totally accessible line. From sourcing materials to doing the craftsmanship and design, Jackie is in it to win it. A savvy businesswoman and mini mogul, she is the reason I love to profile local people making an impact on the way we dress on a daily basis. She’s focused, fierce, and I 
think she’s spot on with what she’s doing here with accessories, a smart style investment in this economy. It’s sort of like the old movies of the ’40s when a woman bought a new hat. She knew that one accessory could change the look of any outfit and make it into fashion. I caught up with Jackie and asked her some probing questions to try to gain some insight into the way she comes up with her classic but not stuffy design philosophy for www.shopjaxie.etsy.com.
Where are you from originally?
Born and raised in Mil Town!
How long have you been in Milwaukee?
Since the womb.
How did you get into fashion?
I have always been obsessed with fashion, even at a young age. I played with Barbies for hours on end and couldn’t start playing until each Barbie was styled with the perfect outfit and hair. Ask my dad about how many Barbie shoes he has stepped on with bare feet!
Which came first designing or running the business?
Designing. It started with hair accessories. Everything I was buying from mass retailers had the overseas factory quality, so I whipped out a glue gun and some thread and made my own. A couple months later, multiple people in L.A. were stopping me and asking where I got my headband. When I said I made them, they told me all 
about the glorious Fashion District and that I needed to start a line. So on the streets of L.A., Jaxie was born!
How long has the website been in existence?
It will be two years in January. You also can find me in 14 stores across Wisconsin AND in Florida!
What keeps you motivated to be in the fashion business?
Honestly, my amazing customers who love my product and all of the business owners who believe in my vision and continue to support me. My family is also extremely supportive and keeps pushing me to pursue my dream. It is a reassurance that I am in the right business.
What are your inspirations for design?
My friends have tons of opinions… and I LOVE IT! I also follow WWD a lot and stay in the loop on trends. And most importantly, I always plan an L.A. trip in the winter for supplies. The bright sunlight and warmth refresh my design outlook.
What is your favorite accessory and why?
I have to pick just one? That is a tough call. I would have to say hair accessories, simply for the reason if you are having a bad hair day, throw in a fabulous headband or adorned bobby pin and you go from drab to fab. I can’t tell you how many compliments I get when I throw my hair up with a statement headband. I am thinking: Honey, if you only knew I haven’t washed my hair in two days!
What is the one accessory that every woman must have for the holidays?
Cuffs! Cuffs are so hot and a classic piece that you can wear with a killer dress or throw on with jeans to jazz it up a bit.
Holiday parties fashion tip?
One of my favorite trends right now is sequined pieces. Whether it is a top, dress or blazer, you can definitely turn heads with this ultra glam look. The days of sweatshirts are over ladies! Just mix up sequined tops with your winter grays and blacks to make sure you shine this holiday season. Or, pair a sequined blazer with a fab pair of jeggings, a killer boot and an amazing top. Don’t over do it with statement jewelry with this particular look. Toss an adorned bobby pin in your hair and you will be sure to glitter with style.
How do you fashionably survive the winter while looking great? Any suggestions?
My most important tip is: Get a FABULOUS pair (or five pairs) of boots. I just hit up Nordstrom Rack and got a killer pair of Naughty Monkey fur-lined boots! Hello, toasty toes. Get a stylish boot that won’t leave your feet cold and damp all day. Hypothermia is NOT a fashion statement.
There you have another interview with yet another Milwaukee tastemaker. I also second her motion of the statement cuff as a great way to make any outfit stand up and be counted! I love the white accessories for winter parties and play; it just pops with anything black, which everyone has in his or her closet already. What an easy way to spiff up so you can welcome the holidays with spirited glamour. Behold the power of accessories!
The design denizens of Mil Town really do make our city’s style statement happen. People like Jackie help me understand the enormous value of having a plugged in, fashion-forward crowd of movers and shakers to keep us all in the loop of all the exciting ideas they present to us on a daily basis! Cheers to Jaxie and all the other hometown fashion heroes who I will continue to profile at least once a month in this column!
All photographs are by Britt Lee Photography, http://brittleephotography.blogspot.com.
