The Simply Luxurious Life®

Style Inspiration: Blazers & Pastels

The thermometer is creeping ever upward which calls for more cool attire that reflects the sun and keeps the fashionista cool and comfortable; however, evenings can still be chilly, so having a blazer handy is a perfect way to layer and maintain a chic look. Pastels tend to be ubiquitous this time of year, so mix them up with classic basics to remain on trend, but still adhere to your own signature style.

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Labels: blazers, Jenna Lyons, olivia palermo, pastels, Spring Style, summer style

Ideal Closet Decor – May’s Houzz Ideabook

I mentioned this week that last weekend you would have found me in my closet, tossing, deliberating and eliminating anything that did not fit my signature style.

My goal was to pare down to in order to create a 10 Item Capsule Wardrobe, and while I am not at ten yet (per season), I am much closer than I was. What was reaffirmed through this task was that quality is something to pay attention to. And as Jennifer L. Scott states in her book Lessons from Madame Chic, if you keep less in your closet, only shopping for items that adhere to your style, flatter your skin tone and figure, you will find that you buy less which means you save more. So when you do go shopping, you can invest in quality pieces that will last.

For this month’s ideabook for Houzz, I shopped around and gathered together twenty items to help create and decorate an ideal closet that would not only look chic and stylish, but would also properly take care of the investment items in your wardrobe. From a garment steamer, linen organizing trays, customized hat boxes for storage and beautiful French benches and chairs, have a look to see what you too might want to incorporate into your closet, no matter what the size.

~Posts found on The Simply Luxurious Life for closet inspiration:

*A Luxurious, Yet Simple Closet (essential items for an ideal closet)

*A Tailored Shop at Home (images to inspire)

Image: Jenna Lyon’s Brooklyn townhouse closet

Labels: Houzz, Ideal Closet Decor, Jenna Lyons, organization

Jenna Lyons Townhouse Reportedly Sold

Jenna Lyon’s expert eye in the world of fashion is something that I continue to be impressed with, and while I have shown images of her former home in Brooklyn, with the announcement of it being sold recently, images are surfacing that I hadn’t seen before.

Having purchased the Brooklyn Park Slope Townhouse with her former husband Vincent Mazeau for $1.3 million in 2004, it is being reported that while they were asking $3.75 million, they sold it for $4 million to a couple named Vincent and Tracy Martin. And where might Jenna now be living, many may be wondering? Well, her new address is listed as being in the Tribeca area.

Have a look at the many images of this townhouse decorated by Jenna Lyons herself (no decorator was commissioned as she proudly reminds us.)

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Labels: decor, Jenna Lyons, townhouse

J.Crew Fall 2011 Ready to Wear Collection

With a step up of sophistication, a la The Great Gatsby some may say, J.Crew’s president and executive creative director Jenna Lyons and the head of women's design, Marissa Webb revealed gorgeous bags, stylish, yet somewhat classic coats and capes, along with some footwear that are worth paying attention to for it’s Fall 2011 collection. However, there were many classic J.Crew-isms with the creative accessories, dark rimmed glasses and the mixing of masculine and feminine pieces. Have a look.

Marissa Webb and Jenna Lyons

All images Style.com and Habitually Chic

Labels: Fall 2011 collection, J Crew, Jenna Lyons

Rules Of Style – Jenna Lyons

Tall and lanky, motivated and loyal, casual, yet very stylish, Jenna Lyons is at the top of my style icon list. Being a woman myself near the 6’0” mark, I admire how self-assured Lyons carries herself in her 6’0” frame. And even more reassuring is how she owns her style. Never does it appear that she is imitating someone else’s suggestions or ideas (although I’m sure she has many inspirations). She consistently strides in heels, sometimes sequins with a mixing of masculine boyfriend jeans to major events in New York City being the Executive Fashion Director for J.Crew, and for these reasons I applaud her and continue to be inspired.

Not only does she demonstrate her eye for beautiful style in fashion, but her home as well in Brooklyn is stunningly casual, yet sophisticated (click here to see inside).

Elle and Elle Decor have also taken notice of Lyons knack for style as is demonstrated her list of the 12 Things She Can’t Live Without and a party she threw in her home – Jenna Throws A Party.

With her style in mind, let’s take a look at her rules.

Tights & Heels

One signature piece of Jenna’s wardrobe that always catches my attention is her choice to wear tights (usually grey) with open-toe heels. Instantly her confidence and creativity are revealed, and she demonstrates how you can dress such a look up or down (and stay a smidge warmer at the same time).

Feminine & Masculine

What you will notice in almost all of the photographs taken of Jenna is her ability to mix feminine pieces (heels, fur, sequins) with a touch of masculinity (collared shirts, trouser pants, camouflage, etc). She stated on her interview with Oprah last season that one of the rules she lives by is to mix tomboy touches with feminine pieces, and she demonstrates regularly, she does it very well.

Sequins

Another one of her fashion favorites is sequins. The idea of wearing sequins during the day is gradually become more acceptable, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Whether it be a blouse, a cardigan, harem pants, or a clutch, sequins make a confident feminine statement.

Red Lips

In a word – gutsy. In the same breath, however, I would say Hollywood glamour as well. There is something regal, stunning and at the same time commanding about a woman who wears red lips well. They can almost be an accessory all on their own.

A Bit Bohemian

Jenna’s typically loose tresses and fashionable layers reveal her casual side, yet at the same time upon closer examination, it all works perfectly. While it may seem a bit more casual than one would expect, she owns. A bohemian blouse? Cinch it with a belt. A classic blazer? Add a faux fur skirt. Attending Fashion Week in New York? Wear jeans, but with fabulous Stella McCartney heels. You get the idea.

A Blazer

Even during the day, Lyons demonstrates that a woman can look feminine, but still be in command while in the office. Wearing a three-quarter length blazer with a skirt and tights is a fantastic way to bring balance and professionalism into the working day.

As shown above, Jenna Lyons creates her own rules of style and reveals to everyone why confidence in knowing who you are, what looks best on you and what works well together can be a very successful combination.