All Things Jenna Lyons

Jenna Lyons’ name has been the catch phrase of the day as of late, and while I’ve been a fan of J.Crew for quite some time, I have never been more of a cheerleader for the company since their creativity and style has been taken up more than just a few notches with the imagination of Executive Fashion Director Jenna Lyons.

I can still easily recall ordering my casual attire in college from J.Crew (mind you, this was ten years ago), and now, fast-forward to present day, my closet is dripping with the revamped fashions - many of their feminine silk camisoles, extra long favorite merino cardigans, dresses, and belts.  Needless to say, I am thrilled with the direction of J.Crew and am even more impressed with Jenna Lyons each time I learn something else about her. 

Full disclosure:  the simple fact that a woman who gracefully and fashionably at 6’0” wears heels day in and day out and looks as stunning as she does, had me from the first few pages of Domino.  After all, I too am a bit on the tall side (5’10”, some argue 5’11”), so it is with admiration and adoration that I write this post. 

I have tried to bundle photos of Jenna’s effortless style, along with her beautiful home and magazine covers that she has appeared upon.  A tremendous thank you to Habitually Chic’s post back in August who included images from Domino and Livingetc magazines as well as photos from Levinson David Architects . Click here for a direct link to Heather Clawson’s post on Habitually Chic.  She does a fantastic job of detailing the interior design choices regarding furniture, paint and photography angles. Also, I’ve included a handful of other posts that include interviews and even more photos.  

Photographed for the Huffington Post by Brandon Perlman. Click here to read more.

At her home in Brooklyn– a conversion of an entire extra bedroom to a closet – I could waste many hours dreaming and creating my own fashion show in a room such as this.

Early in her career.

On Oprah recently (April 21, 2010), Jenna shared a few of the fashion rules she lives by that everyone could benefit from following.

• Make a statement with jewelry.
• Balance feminine pieces with tomboy accents, like a military blazer.
• Wear opposites. If you're wearing something tailored, sprinkle in some sequins.
• Mix textures—pair tweed with silk, for example.

"I'm in heels 90 percent of the time- I wear them with sweatpants. Being tall is fun, and there's something nice about not only being tall but then making yourself appear even taller."  from post on J.Crew Aficionada

This particular setting is what grabbed my attention above all else in her home – so serene, the abundance of light and calming colors with the use of white and cream.

An overwhelming amount of images, but inspiring to know that by continuing to following one’s passions and loves, dreams can become reality.

If you would like to learn a bit more about Jenna Lyons,  below are a few articles I have collected:

*Article from Fashionista in May 2008
*J.Crew Aholics post “Read up on Jenna Lyons from J.Crew”
*Flashback: Jenna Lyons in 2006 via JCBelleMarie
*Yesterday, Jenna appeared on Oprah and generously allowed cameras to film A Day in the Life of Jenna Lyons. Have a look.


I fell in love with Jenna’s choice of top for both her video on Oprah as well as her appearance on the show, and I couldn’t have been happier when I found it was only $36 - Vintage Bateau Top - J.Crew. (shown above)

She also paired this top with a fantastic pair of gold sequin pants.  Sounds insane, but if you had seen it (click on the video link above to see for yourself), you would have been impressed.  The combination worked perfectly on her lanky frame. Thanks to a heads up from a reader, I learned that the gold sequin pants are only available in the NYC J.Crew bridal boutique and not online – so if you’re interested, pack up and head to the Big Apple!

To my favorite day of the week – Thursday – may it be as lovely for you as it has been for me.  Enjoy your day!

Images: (1) L.A. Story (5) - J.CrewAholics (6) - Guest of a Guest (7) – Source (8) - The Iconic Blog (9) – Source (23) Domino

A Quick Peek – SJP in Vogue

   
I will happily admit that I am a fan of the lovely Sarah Jessica Parker. While I know she is a bit ubiquitous, I’d much rather have someone of her work ethic gracing the pages of magazines such as Vogue, than someone who  . . .  well, you probably know what I’m getting at.

This week, thanks to the heads up of Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic, Vogue’s May issue will hit newsstands and with it the beginning of the promotion of the upcoming Sex and the City movie (released May 27th). Mario Testino took these photos as well as a handful of others at The Beacon in Jersey City.  Click here to read more about Miss Parker.

All Images Courtesy of Vogue & Just Jared– May 2010 issue

Weekly Cups of Tea (2/21-2/27)

This past week my blog dashboard was overwhelmed with inspiration, gorgeous photos, dream vacations, and uplifting thoughts.  With that said, I had to extend my typical five cups of tea, to six.  The first four cups are filled with an abundance of images that will make you swoon whether it be because of the creative home decor or fabulous fashion. The last two are certainly not least.  Both brought ideas to my attention that I had never seen before and couldn't get out of my head, so therefore, I'm sharing them with you, my readers.

I hope you're enjoying your Sunday immersed in your favorite activity, pastime, or hobby, and easily losing track of time. As we say goodbye to February, I would like to welcome my new readers who have recently come across my blog - I hope you find inspiration and a few more smiles than you already had in your day when you read any given post.  I'm thoroughly giddy that you are here and hope you return.  And to my steadfast readers who have been with me for some time, thank you for finding something here that you enjoy and choosing to continually come back.  I can only imagine how hectic all of your lives are, and the simple fact that you choose to come back says so much.

Here's to a fantastic March - thank goodness it brings spring with it!

1.  Home of My Dreams

Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic repeatedly shares beautiful images of well-known talents and this particular post was no exception.  Last week the theme focused on homes of fashion designers, and Kate Spade was included.  Simply put - Kate's exquisite fashion taste carries over into the interior design of her apartment shared with her husband Andy.  Creative tastes, wonderful color choices and an eye for creating a welcoming, yet sophisticated abode. Click on the heading above or the photo below to enjoy the rest of the gallery.

2. Pretty in Pink

If you love pink or can appreciate what the color pink can do in an outfit, room, bouquet, what have you, you will certainly appreciate Gwen Discoll of Raghill Social's posts this week.  A multitude of delicious images involving home decor, gorgeous dresses and wardrobes, and flowers that all have a touch of pink displayed somewhere. Click on the header above or the photo below to become inundated with rosy images; I have a feeling you will enjoy yourself.

3. Tale of Turquoise 

Sometimes all that is needed to inspire is a single image.  One image that is simplistic, yet so complex at the same time that one must keep gazing at it to grasp its beauty.  That was the case for me with this particular photo posted by girl, inspired with the post title "Turquoise Waterfall". All of the elements are mind boggling - the spiral staircase, the doorway, the architecture, and of course, the dress and the model's pose.  Thank you for finding this gem and sharing it with us.  Click on the the link above to view more of her beautiful images.

4. Leave Them Wanting More 

Sogni e Sorrisi is a blog that I have been frequently following for a couple of months now, and am continually enjoying.  The attention Connie pays to the detail and choice of images is evident in each post.  Stop on by, if you haven't already, and enjoy a wonderful site.   This particular post focuses on beautiful designs that highlight the one feature of a woman that I feel often gets overlooked  much too often - her back.  I have always gravitated to fashion that highlights this particular feature.  The recollection of Hilary Swank in the plunging navy blue dress for her night of success at the Oscars for Million Dollar Baby is something I'll always remember. 

5. Sexy Spatulas 

I have to begin by saying thank you to Emily of Splendid Market for drawing my name randomly out of the hat for the recent giveaway. I genuinely appreciate the mention and the gifts. Okay, look at this photo below.  Who would have thought spatulas could conjure up such amazing emotions?  Seriously, aren't they gorgeous? Almost makes you want to display them as art, especially with the creative arrangement in the brown sugar - I love this idea!  Throughout the week Splendid Market shares posts involving cooking, gardening and simply delightful ideas on how to brighten you or your neighbor's day.  A beautiful blog and worth checking out, if only to find out where to purchase these spatulas! Click on the header or the photo to find this and more information.

6. A Note of Inspiration

I came across this print posted by Franki Durbin of Life in a Venti Cup and I couldn't help but think this would be wonderful framed above a desk, office workspace or even in a college dorm room. Beautiful thoughts to always keep in mind. Click on the header or photo to read her post and find out where you can purchase it.

Weekly Cups of Tea (1/11-1/17)

The week in review. I enjoy soaking in all of the thoughts, information, inspiration, and motivation that my favorite blogs have to offer. It really does feel like a community. So I’d like to highlight this week’s favorite posts. There are many, but I’m forcing myself to stick to five each week, after all, there are so many blogs, and so little time. Hopefully you too will be able to find something that catches your attention, makes you ponder a little more deeply, or simply brings more peace to your day.

1. Ruffles Everywhere

Ruffles are definitely “in”, and I for one am very thankful for more feminine styles. Bring on more great dresses! Thanks for bringing this to our attention Sogni e Sorrisi and A Life More Fabulous. (P.S - check out Sogni e Sorrisi for a free giveaway of two books - The Gospel According to Chanel and You Know You Want It)

(Courtesy of MaryRuffle)

2. Habitually Wonderful

Habitually Chic’s Heather Clawson recently was interviewed by The Neotraditionalist, and it certainly allowed a bit more of a peek into a very creative and inspiring interior designer’s life. Her blog never ceases to disappoint. Below is a picture of her desk. Who wouldn’t be inspired working at such a beautiful, organized and yet, in its own way, simply elegant desk?

3. Email Propriety

It doesn’t hurt to be reminded of proper e-mail etiquette and Classy and Fabulous’ Karla does a nice job of highlighting the major pet peeves that people may have, all the while stating it in a very eloquent fashion. Thank you for the reminders, it never hurts to take a refresher course.

(Courtesy of Classy and Fabulous)

4. Paris Anyone?

The Beauty File posted some beautiful pictures of Paris. Paris in the spring is just around the corner . . .

5. Staying Positive

The Happiness Project’s Gretchen Rubin has tips galore on generating a life full of happiness, but this article in particular made a great point regarding shifting one’s opinion in order to improve your mood. Worth a quick read.

Sun Shining on a New Decade

The sun decided to greet 2010 and welcome it into being this morning. What could be a better comfort than sunshine on a January day? Wanting to get the year off to a great start, I took my dogs on a walk this morning, and they too seemed to love the sunshine. I've always been a morning person and seem to be much more productive in the am hours, so when noon arrived and my "to do" list was all checked off, I was a very surprised, but a very thrilled worker bee. There are not too many days when this occurs. It always seems I'm adding more than I'm check off as the day goes along.

Along my walk, my mind kept contemplating my resolutions. Upon arriving home, still not sure which ones I wanted to add to my list, I came upon a book mentioned on Habitually Chic's blog today that I thought would be a great book to investigate:

If anybody out there has read it, I would love to know your thoughts and whether or not it was a good book to purchase.

Anyway, back to my resolutions. These are the other few that I am determined I want to accomplish. Just a warning, I may periodically add to this list as my mind continues to wander.

#3 Complete at least one marathon this year.

#4 Decide to make happiness a habit. As Mary Engelbreit quotes in one of her books, "Happiness is a habit, cultivate it."