Style Insider - Model & Influencer Tess Montgomery

Tess Montgomery is a breath of fresh air; she’s bright, bubbly and exudes the kind of confidence that confirms she is in control of her world. Hailing from beautiful Sweden, she’s a model working in London with a fashion blog that has just reached the magic ten year mark. Her attitude is hardworking with a slice of fun and that shows in her style posts which are revered by her army of followers. We delved into the stylish world of Tess Montgomery.

Tess Mantgomery wears Army Green Parka 360 Sweater Knit IMG_0922ss

Tess Montgomery wears 360 Sweater Jumper, J Brand Jeans and ARMY Coat

DONNA IDA: Where are you from and where did you grow up?

I'm originally from the very cold and beautiful Stockholm in Sweden. It's such a pretty place, but I craved a bigger city, so that's when I decided to move abroad. At first, I headed to New York and then I spent some time in Italy before settling in London almost 12 years ago.

DONNA IDA: How did you get started in the fashion world?

I started modelling as a young girl and straight away I was thrown into the magical land of fashion.
My mother has always been a fashionista and used to own two designer shops in Stockholm, so I grew up surrounded by the most spectacular designs from brands like YSL, Kenzo and Gaultier.

Tess Mantgomery wears Army Green Parka IMG_0879ss

DONNA IDA: What inspired you to start your blog?

I started my blog 10 years ago, mainly as a way to communicate with my 4 younger sisters. I had such hectic days with castings and exploring London, that I didn't have the time to tell them about all my adventures. So I started blogging to let my family and friends know what I was up to. When I started there weren't a lot of blogs around, so there was no particular formula on how to blog. I did it all by guessing, it was truly a game of trial and error. It's really fun to look back at my old posts now, some of them are quite sweet.

DONNA IDA: Tell us about Fashion Week; what are your show highlights, what are you looking forward to and what are your survival tips?

I love Fashion Week and try to attend both Stockholm and London. It brings out the creativity in people and not only do we get inspired by what floats down the catwalk but also by what our friends and colleagues are wearing.It's such a fest of expression and beautiful design. In Stockholm Ida Stöstedt's show is always a highlight and in London, Burberry is my most coveted invite, (I'm obsessed with Christopher Bailey). My survival tip is to always carry water, blister plasters, paracetamol and a pair of flat shoes in your bag. And to eat whenever you get the chance!

Tess Montgomery Joie Blouse and J Brand Leather Jeans IMG_1110ss

Tess wears Joie Addie B BlouseJ Brand Jeans

DONNA IDA: What are your tips for taking a great photo?

Light is really important. Make sure you get loads of lovely natural light and try not to take photos of people when the sun is too high in the sky, it makes them look really tired. To look good in pictures you have to just be relaxed and if all fails - smile. At least, you will look like you had fun instead of a grumpy face.

Tess Montgomery Joie Blouse and J Brand Leather Jeans IMG_1150ss

DONNA IDA: Why do you think jeans are such an iconic item?¨

It's young, sexy and incredibly versatile. Depending on cut and colour you could wear it at almost any occasion. Jeans really have that "I woke up looking this amazing" feel about them.

DONNA IDA: Which are your favourite jeans from our shoot and why?

I really love the Current/Elliott jeans with the dots. It's such a great fun take on a classic jean and the fit is insane.

Tess Montgomery wears Current Eliott Jeans and DONNA IDA On Stage Jumper IMG_0943ss

Tess wears Current/Elliott Jeans & DONNA IDA On Stage Jumper

DONNA IDA: Who is your denim icon?

At the moment it's probably Farrah Fawcett or Claudia Schiffer in those Guess advert days. All flared, big hair and high waists.

DONNA IDA: Where in the world are girls best dressed? What kind of style do you admire?
It's so much fun going to different countries and watching what people wear. I love the unapologetic Italian ladies in Milan just as much as the grungy girls in Shoreditch. I'm not going to be a cliché and say Paris, but the French do know how to put together an effortless outfit. I really admire when people go their own way and do their own thing with clothes. Clever people who match unexpected items and wear their wardrobe in a hundred different ways.

Tess Montgomery wears Current Eliott Jeans and DONNA IDA On Stage Jumper IMG_0965ss

DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?
I don't really believe in style lows, it's all about the journey of experimenting and having fun. Saying that, I could possibly have done without my step mums old hand-me-downs in my early teens. My style highs are when I wear something I love, feel great and are going somewhere fabulous with amazing people. Like wearing floaty goldentrousers to a lovely dinner at Claridges recently.

DONNA IDA: Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
I really badly want to go to Japan. The culture is fascinating and the people seem so lovely and polite. I have also heard that the shopping is meant to be pretty spectacular.
Tess Montgomery wears DONNA IDA Sailors Bib Jumper IMG_1013ss

Tess wears DONNA IDA Jumper &  J Brand Jeans

DONNA IDA: What are your wardrobe essentials and how do you wear your jeans?

My wardrobe essentials are fun shoes and bags, then the in-between kind of comes and goes. As long as you wear one truly amazing piece of clothing, the rest of your outfit will come together around it. I'm always up for trying out different jean styles and right now I'm really into the DIY approach to jeans with interesting hems and customisation.

Tess Montgomery wears IDA Eliza Dungarees in Guilty Pleasure IDA Miss Maggie Blouse IRO Leather Jacket IMG_1048ss

 Tess wears IDA Eliza DungareesDONNA IDA Blouse & IRO Jacket

DONNA IDA: What’s your favourite restaurant?
There are so many! I'm a massive foodie and so is the hubby, so we end up eating out a lot.
I went to Sexy fish recently and the food, setting and the atmospherewas on point. We sat in the ‘Reef Room' downstairs and it's truly stunning.  The restaurant I go to most often is a Peruvian called "Mommi" in Clapham. The vegetarian set menu is to die for, if you are in the area you have to check it out. In Stockholm, my favourite restaurant is Tures, ever time I'm there I go for lunch and some people watching with my mother and we always have the steak tartar.  Tess Montgomery wears IDA Eliza Dungarees in Guilty Pleasure IDA Miss Maggie Blouse IRO Leather Jacket IMG_1059ss

DONNA IDA: Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
I really badly want to go to Japan. The culture is fascinating and the people seem so lovely and polite. I have also heard that the shopping is meant to be pretty spectacular.
DONNA IDA: What is your favourite fashion magazine?
I have to say Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. In my teens I bought them for the pictures, now it's more for the articles. I know that if I read a Vogue back to back, it will take exactly the 2.5 hours it takes to fly to Sweden.

Tess Montgomery wears Rabens Saloner Dress and DONNA IDA Hepburn Roll Polo Neck IMG_1209ss

Tess wears Rabens Saloner  and DONNA IDA Jumper Hepburn Roll

DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to a younger you?
Keep on believing in yourself and relax and trust that it all will work out. Don't listen to what anyone says, chase your dreams, work hard and it will happen. Oh, and wear whatever you fancy, you dress for you, not for anyone else!
DONNA IDA: What’s next?
There is so much I want to do, see and experience. But most of all I want to keep working hard on TessM.se

Follow Tess on Instagram




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