I've been reading this thread and I've registered to be able to reply.
I have to start by saying, I like her videos a lot, and I am half way through her book. She has inspired me very much in many ways when it comes to wardrobe. I think she is quite consistent with her clothes, I have seen her audits quite a few times and know her clothes by heart, and apart from a few pieces like a denim jacket and blue dress (which she had after a year of not doing any audits on youtube whilst writing her book) and also some leisure wear pieces (which I imagine come in as gifts) her wardrobe has remained pretty much the same. She is certainly not afraid to repeat wear certain items to death, which had to be admired. I used to watch "asmallwardrobe", which with time I just got so annoyed with I had to unsubscribe. Because it was a small wardrobe of 30 and so items that got changed so many times she must have had 500 pieces in the last 5 years! Then again, with time and perspective maybe I'll think the same about Jessica, I dont know! I think what I learn through myself and others is that you make a lot of mistakes while learning about your style and wardrobe, and that you also get sick of items too. I maybe need a few more years of seeing Jessica to get a final opinion there. Oh and one thing that has annoyed me a lot, are two pairs of wool trousers, that she said would be altered, and then finally concluded should be sold. They seemed to be object of debate constantly, and I couldn't believe it when she still had them in her last audit! I don't think she even remembered, which is sad, because I do (me being the sad case)! How can I know so much about her wardrobe seriously lol Honestly, as a recommendation, my other favourite minimal closet youtber is "vested interests". She is completely different from Jessica in every way, but I do like them both. Well, I find Vested Interests to be more of a role modal should I choose one I suppose (and someone I admire a lot as a person).
As for neglect. Yes, you can be neglected and left to fend for yourself whilst having horses and so on.(That has been my case and I've seen more severe cases of very rich parents that sent kids unkempt and neglected to school because they had no time or wish to give them their time and care) I have no idea if that was her case, I imagine her mum was doing what she thought was best. Her family always seem lovely to be honest, very caring and doting, or at least that is what comes across on the videos. I agree with what users say about how her mum and family could feel bad after reading her book. I agree! I could never do that to my parents for sure. And also Jessica comes across to me as I read the book as self centered, in the sense I don't think she is very self aware of herself and others. Referring quite a lot to how her family never understood her, or other people to that matter, it honestly comes across as quite mean a lot of the time I think you have to stick up for your own pain and injustices but with deep compassion to those around you that you feel have wronged you (especially as they are people that love you dearly).
I too think the books a bit of a rehash of old ideas that are out there in a better format, but having said that, I do think she writes well and has a nice way with words and how to put things. I am still "a fan" of Jessica, but I have her on no pedestal. I can see her faults. There are people that are "better" at being sustainable and vegan and so on, but are not so much to my taste. I honestly don't watch her to be advised on such topics either. I have no idea what she was like as a teenager, obviously, but I think we all deserve a chance to be a better person in the here and now. All I know is that I always enjoy watching her videos a lot. That could change, time will tell!
