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    Style File: Fall Fashion with Jacob Taylor & Janelle Spoltman

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    The leaves are turning. The air is crisp. Fall is here− and along with this change of season comes countless clothing options.

    Two locals sure to be navigating fall fashion trends with ease are Jacob Taylor and Janelle Spoltman. But don’t take my word for it. Their friends −and retail right hands− heaped high praise on both the hometown boy and the Maria Stein, Ohio native.

    “Jacob’s style is classic with a fine attention to detail,” said Kareem Jackson, co-owner of Milk Bar, where Taylor has been shopping since his freshman year of college. “It’s a style most men should strive for.”

    Janelle has an easy, casual style that always looks on trend, said Maren Roth, owner of Rowe Boutique, which Spoltman has frequented since moving to the Short North.

    “Every time she comes in the shop, we always praise how amazing she looks,” Roth added. “She just knows how to put herself together in a way that you want to be wearing exactly what she is wearing.”

    As a middle school science teacher, Spoltman is especially thoughtful about her workday attire.

    “Before I get dressed, I always think about the lesson I am going to be teaching at school,” she said. “If it’s a lab or activity, my outfit needs to be something that I can easily move in. I also cannot go more than three days in flats. I love my heels!”

    Meetings with parents and district administrators, school sporting events, and after-work meetups with friends also impact her daytime clothing choices.

    Click images to enlarge and view more details.

    As owner of CivitasNow, an adaptive media and development agency that specializes in environmentally friendly messaging, Taylor’s workday duties can vary considerably.

    “Some days I’m building a garden and others I’m in meetings,” he said. “I always keep in mind to bring an extra shirt.”

    This fall, Taylor, who describes his look as “Midwestern with a little bespoke flavor,” will be sporting his trusted tweed. Meanwhile, Spoltman, who says she favors a boho-chic aesthetic, can’t wait to slip on her Cynthia Vincent booties from Rowe.

    “These shoes can take a casual outfit and make it pop, or they can accent a ‘going out’ outfit,” she said. “These are so comfortable that I will be wearing them to work.”

    Roth says we’ll be seeing lots of peplum tops, sheer blouses, fitted and boyfriend blazers, and printed pants for the ladies this season.

    “I am so excited about printed pants and pants in general,” she said. “I have been hoping that pants would have their day and finally it’s here and, oh man, are they making an entrance!”

    For the fellas, Jackson said we can expect camouflage on everything− jeans, shirts, shoes, you name it.

    “The club collar is making a big return as well,” he added.

    Earth tones, like browns, greens, grays and tans, will be prevalent in the men’s department, Jackson said. Oxblood, amethyst, emerald, cobalt, gold, black and cream are colors that will crop up again and again in womenswear, Roth said.

    Tailored suits and fitted blazers are fall must-haves for men and women, respectively.

    “Both of my grandfathers wore suits every day,” Jackson said. “Every man needs one for any occasion. You can dress them up and down. It’s time for men to make a statement, and a suit is one.”

    A blazer can take you from desk to dinner, and has a way of making even the most casual dresser look totally pulled together, Roth said.


    A wise woman once noted that fashion is what you’re offered four times a year; style is what you choose. To learn what Taylor and Spoltman have to say about both, keep reading.

    Favorite fashion trend of all time?

    Jacob Taylor: Everything Marty McFly wore in “Back to the Future.”

    Janelle Spoltman: Over-accessorizing.

    What are you most vain about?

    JT: My hair.

    JS: My outfit has to be appropriate for the event/occasion that I am attending while still complementing my personality.

    Who do you consider a style icon?

    JT: Ferris Bueller.

    JS: Maren Roth and Rachel Zoe.

    What are three items you can’t live without?

    JT: My APCs, pomade, and whichever pair of sunglasses I haven’t lost yet.

    JS: My Gilbert and Leona clutch, Hunter rain boots, and my oversized Coach gold watch.

    Your favorite local shop?

    JT: Milk Bar and Brigade.

    JS: Rowe and Ladybird.

    A style motto you live by.

    JT: The better you dress, the worse you can behave.

    JS: When you think you are completely accessorized, add one more piece.

    Photos by Adam Slane Photography.

    Click images to enlarge and view more details.

    What they’re wearing:
    Kareem Jackson:
    Shirt: Gant
    Polo: Gant
    Jeans: APC
    Shoes: Bass
    Pocket Square: BarbourJacob Taylor:
    Shirt:
    Gant
    Jeans: APC
    Belt: Brixton
    Boots: Wolverine
    Glasses: Warby Parker
    All items are Milk Bar merchandise.
    What they’re wearing:
    Maren Roth:
    Jacket: Smythe
    Top: Tolani
    Jeans: NSF
    Booties: Matt Bernson
    Rings: Her ownJanelle Spoltman:
    Blouse: Greylin
    Jeans: Mother
    Booties: Matt Bernson
    Hat: Hat Attack
    Cuff: Vintage
    Ring: Jenny Bird
    All items are Rowe merchandise.
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    Melanie McIntyre
    Melanie McIntyrehttps://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/
    Melanie McIntyre is a featured freelance writer for Columbus Underground who also writes about fashion, style and pop culture on her blog, Thoroughly Modern Melly. Melanie is an Ohio State University graduate, lives in the Short North, and enjoys reading and running.
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