FP Me User We Love: FPKellyWalnut

You know when you meet someone for the first time, and within just a few minutes of interaction you know you and that person would be good friends? That’s exactly what happened to me when I first saw the senior store stylist, Kelly, working at Free People Walnut Street. With this being the go-to Free People store for all of us who live in Philly, I’ve frequented quite a time, and Kelly just always looks amazing. She’s got a layered up cool girl look that inspires me every time I’m there to shop. It’s no question why her FP Me account has such awesome pictures. If you have that kind of eye for style, an eye for capturing and presenting it should come just as easy.

I did a little shoot with Kelly last week around Center City and had her style 3 different looks to her liking. Evey time she came out of the dressing room I was just like, “Girl, please let me get all of those things because you know how to sell them.” Check out her awesome style below, and read up a bit more about this FP Me user we love.

kelly on step

Where are you from? How did where you grow up shape the person that you are?

I was born and raised right outside the city, so my whole life growing up was Flyers games, cheesesteaks, and birch beer. I love Philly and the rough and tumble reputation it gets, and it’s definitely shaped me as a tomboy from the start.

How long have you lived in Philly? What neighborhood?

I moved into the city nearly 5 years ago, and have been living in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood for 2 years and hopefully for a long time to come. My neighbors all love fairy lights and flowers hanging from homes and decorating stoops, and I get to pet a lot of dogs on my walk to work.

kelly standing on bench

Shop this look: Park Slope Sweater, Melrose Swing Tee, High Rise Roller Skinny, Wanderlove Ankle Boot

How long have you been working at Free People Walnut Street and what is your favorite aspect of your job?

I’ve been working at the Walnut Street store since it opened just over 2 years ago, and prior to that I worked at both our King of Prussia and Ardmore locations. The best thing about my job is that my biggest concern is to make sure everyone is having a good time and feels taken care of. Whether or not I’m the one styling you for the big date on Friday or whatever it may be, I just want to make sure that when you’re in the store with us, you’re enjoying yourself.

kelly in store

Which Free People girl do you relate the most with?

My childhood definitely shaped me into a Lou; my summers were always spent swimming in lakes, exploring wooded areas, I even had an amazing Backstreet Boys skateboard. Lately I’ve been inspired by Ginger looks, especially with our newest trends and focus on intimate layers. So lately, in small doses, I’ve been discovering this cool new way to express femininity without needing all the lace and ruffles.

I heard you have gone “no ‘poo” for 6th months now. How is that going?

It’s been the best adventure. I had tried everything to get healthy hair, from horse shampoo to expensive masks and became hopeless until I experimented with baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Now that, mixed in with milk & honey washes, is all I use and I couldn’t be happier with how giving up shampoo has affected my hair! It definitely makes you more aware of your hair’s needs but forced me to pay better attention to my body and what it was asking for and I’m excited to see how it looks in another 6 months.

kelly on wall

Describe your style in 3 words…

Layers, textures, comfortable.

back jacket shot

kelly on wall

Shop this look: Easy Breezy Crochet Slip, Stand Behind Me Vegan Leather Jacket, Elle Printed Skinny, Quartz Ankle Boot, Dripping Coin Pendant, Ebony Coin Layering Necklace

What blogs are you into at the moment?

I’ve been really into The Floral Coat and Viciously // Cyd (from the major babe behind Stone Cold Fox) for a while now, and just recently started getting lost on Humans of New York – the stories of strangers are so incredible it makes me feel small but still connected.

What inspires you the most?

Adventure. Whether it’s a road trip with my best friends to the beach or a flight halfway around the world, I never come back exactly as I was.

pink accessories on wall

3 Instagram accounts that you are really digging right now?

jassettiva is the perfect surfer girl that leaves me endlessly inspired and envious, carolmahonillustrates‘ sketches are like little treats I get to see throughout my day, and the freepeopleshowroom account has been a lot of fun to look at lately!

Favorite hidden gem (or gems) in Philly?

La Citadelle is a teensy coffee shop in my neighborhood I mostly like due to the sweet man with a thick French accent who works the counter and always calls me “mademoiselle,” and Thai Singha House To Go in Rittenhouse has the best Thai food in the entire city and the sweetest people to say hi to when you pick up your food!

kelly side shot

Your FP Me pictures are always well captured and thought out. Any tips to fellow users out there at achieving great images?

Use your location to your advantage. Outdoor shots are always so interesting because it sort of helps the clothes tell a story based on where you are. I’m always on the hunt for a new backdrop, whether it’s in a park, down an alleyway, or on an interesting street corner. It urges you to see things in new ways!

What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Work hard and be kind.” It’s not always easy, but it’s always right.

kelly walking away

What FP Items are currently on your must-have list?

The Essential Lace Bandeau in every color (I love that strappy back), Ride The Rails Maxi Slip, and the Victorian Lace Pullover.

What does being “free” mean to you?

Being free means being true to who I am, and developing a sense of self in the process. You can’t spread love if you can’t first love yourself. It means going to bed at night knowing I had a positive affect on the things surrounding me, and letting that shape me.

kelly walking away

Shop this look: Free Swing Cami, Low Rise Relaxed Skinny, Right Direction Poncho, Trinity Hip Belt, Embellished Band Brimmed Hat, Stone Cluster Hard Bangle, Mixed Metals Cuff, Truemay Lace Up Boot

Be sure to follow Kelly on FP Me and Instagram for continuous style inspiration.

View more FP Me users we love.

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Kaeli
10 years ago

Kel- you look amazing and are so inspirational! Keep up the good work :)

10 years ago

Kelly is always so sweet and helpful….she has styled me a few times, and is always spot on! Glad to see she got a feature post! :)
xx
~Taylor
http://awakeningbohemia.blogspot.com

10 years ago

This girl is so fresh. I am feeling a little bit of a girl crush, tbh.

http://lamentinglizzie.blogspot.com

Lana
10 years ago

Always have been an inspiration. Working by this girls side is a certain sort of magical. I miss it every day. Spot on style Kel! As always. :)

10 years ago

I LOOOOVE this post. FPKellyWalnut is always one of my go-to’s for styling tips. She is as sweet in person as in pictures, and inspires me in many many ways. Super pumped reading through this feature!! xxx

http://www.madisynavenue.blogspot.com

Madisyn

10 years ago

LOVE her style. Whatta fox!

SJ
10 years ago

Love this post, kelly’s style is all kinds of amazing xo

Natalie
10 years ago

I don’t know if it’s possible but I have fallen even more in awe with Kelly!! There is not better example of a free people girl!! From my first day at Free People I have always been inspired by how effortlessly cool she is :)

10 years ago

Thank you for sharing your wonderful philosophy on life and style! Such gorgeous pictures too. Thank you Kelly! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWeaverOfWords

Milka
10 years ago

All the looks are amazing but that look with the poncho… perfection!

Cara
10 years ago

Kelly is the a true Free People gal – she has always inspired me – from her clothes to her outlook on life. Keep killin’ it fellow Lou =) xx!

fpcarrie
10 years ago

you did such a great job at the all-company meeting yesterday – you and your co-workers are super inspirational. :)