Author Archives: Jenny

Home Tour: Long Beach, California

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Each time I visit my cousin, I cannot get enough of her Cal Bungalow. Built in the early 1940s, this Belmont Heights beauty is complete with a rooftop deck and lap pool. The recently revamped Long Beach abode credits the interior decor to designer Sasha Witte. A true home away from home, I couldn’t resist sharing some images of where I go to turn off the world and cozy into what matters most in life.

Carley LR After 2 L

 

Carley Crop 2 L

 

Carley LR After

 

Carley BRK After 2 L

 

long beach roof JBD

P.S. Later this summer, I’ll share photos of the soon-to-be Tuscan style outdoor dining experience which is currently underway at this lovely location.

Photos courtesy of Christine Carley

A Man of Style: Shawn Edwards

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Shawn Edwards is an award-winning film critic and entertainment reporter. And: he emanates an electric energy. From the moment I met Shawn, I remember feeling (and thinking) this guy has magic around him. Anyone would be lucky to count him as a friend, for his open mind, warm demeanor and intrinsic coolness make you want to listen to him all day long. Good news, kids. You can, even if you haven’t met him. The stylish Mr. Edwards can be found waxing poetic on everything from critically acclaimed films to what’s hot now. I can’t think of anyone more worthy to kick off JBD’s spotlight on men of style.

Shawn JBD1

How would describe your style and design aesthetic?

I’d describe my style as urban chic. It’s a bit over-the-top and a bit edgy, but always fun. I like to be just a step ahead and I’m not afraid of bright colors or crazy patterns. I work on television so I like to make visual statements.

Where do you draw from for style inspiration?

I get inspired by traveling the world, walking the streets, people watching and style checkin’. My favorite cities to peep gear game are Moscow, London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Madrid, Rio De Janeiro and Topeka, Kansas.

Any Hollywood style icons that stand out?

My favorite old school style icon is Steve McQueen. He was always fashion forward yet uniquely classic Americana while always remaining very manly. My favorite new school style icon is Russell Westbrook. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard don’t give a frack! He rocks what he wants with reckless but stylish abandon.

Shawn JBD2

Perfect menswear for the red carpet? Which male actor is killing it right now?

A black tux or suit always unless you’ve been nominated to pick up a surf board at the Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards. Right now my main man Justin Timberlake be red carpet fresh to death on the regular. His style game is winning.

What wardrobe piece should every man own?

A blue navy suit. Period. Point blank. End of story. For starters to affordable, check out J. Crew and Hugo Boss. And, if you’re ballin’, hit up Burberry.

If you are going to invest in something, what is it?

A timeless time piece. A nice watch makes a huge statement.

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You’re an on-air personality, interviewing Hollywood’s most famous faces. How does all of that influence what you wear?

First off, I want to look fresh to death. Most A-list actors and actresses have stylists and come looking super crisp and fashion forward. Secondly, I’m the fun part of the newscast. Gotta bring the swag. And, thirdly, if you look sharp, the talent will treat you more like an equal than some crazed fan or deranged blogger.

You call Kansas City home and spend a large part of your time between New York City and Los Angeles. Which city is your favorite?

I can’t choose! They all have so many positives and cool shop spots. I hit areas. Not specific stores. I love shopping in SoHo in New York and on Robertson in Los Angeles.

Shawn JBD3

When you aren’t interviewing movie stars, you are…?

Partying. I love DJs. They are the new rock stars. I’m always on the hunt to check out hot DJs. I also do a little DJing myself. I’m not that good but I entertain myself.

What is the best advice you received?

It’s always about the money. Thanks Grandpa. Great advice. And so true.

You never leave home without?

My American Express card.

What will never go out of style?

A buttoned-down white shirt.

What stands out in your mind as being a wow-that-magic-just-happened-in-my-career-moment? 

When I walked into a Blockbuster with my girlfriend to rent a movie and saw my name on The Ladies Man DVD. I was like, “OK, this is cool.” Been a wild and fantastic ride ever since!

Photos courtesy of Shawn Edwards

Note: this interview has been edited

Love Actually

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“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”


Quote from Love Actually

Kid President Positivity

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Surround yourself with positivity. I am regularly thankful for a stellar circle of true friends. Kate, a teacher and one of my dearest pals, emailed me a YouTube video a couple of months ago. All of her fourth graders were captivated, she said. I watched and smiled and utilized the magic of my day job to reach out to this Kid President, hoping for a sublime moment of agreement (to collaborate with him at a movie junket). The absolute best part of my job working for a movie studio and as a blogger is storytelling. Whether it is progressing because of a pep talk or traveling the world for a press junket, it is always about connecting with people. Kid President embodies and promotes compassion and creativity as a means to change the world. Check out his inspirational videos right here. Now go create something that will make the world awesome.

kid president JBD

Friday Frock and Fizz

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I was in California all of last week, soaking in rays of sun, sipping margaritas and spending time with some of my favorite people. The day I returned to New York City was the Big Apple’s first real hot note of sunshine this year. Subways sprayed air conditioning, single ladies sported sandals and the isle of Manhattan physically felt different. It always does, during the shift toward the sun-season. Let’s keep the heat and head over to one of Brooklyn’s best outdoor bars, Hot Bird.

hotbird jenny by design

The former auto shop turned spacious patio bar is a perfect pause while in Prospect Heights. Gather up your fun and savvy friends for a fizz or three.

bird

Keep calm and cool in the hippie-chic vibes of Les Nouvelles’ web offerings. One of my favorite frocks is the Embroidered Shirred Tank Dress. If we can’t leave the East Coast for Coachella, let’s celebrate in style nonetheless.

bandCheck out more bohemian accessories here. Cheers my dears!

Image Credits: Jenny by design and rewardStyle 

Exposed

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I have a creative compulsion. I was born with it. It means creating art in the dance studio, on set, in the kitchen, within a field of nature. Wherever a song can be sung. Up late or asleep amid dreams, ideas come to me. While I can’t yet reveal a big outlet up next on my resume, some recent work as a style and decor contributor to Brooklyn Exposed is shared below and a riff or two can be found on Thought Catalog. I express all of this to you today because 1) I’d love it if you want to read along on those sites and 2) I encourage you to expose yourself, to get to the ruby shining within you.

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Forget the yellow brick road. Click your heels along Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue and be carried away to home decor shop heaven. This east-west thoroughfare offers exceptional decor and design options for new-to-the-neighborhood dwelling or the Brownstone in need of an interior facelift. From antiques and Mid-Century furniture to creating an outdoor space and Jonathan Adler’s everything, our guide to Atlantic Avenue’s top shops will have you declaring there’s no place like home.

1. Circa Antiques
Antique haven Circa Antiques (374 Atlantic Avenue) has been on Atlantic since 1975. Featuring 19th century American and European furniture, owner Rachel Leibowicz’s knowledge abounds. Ask her about the exquisite mahogany dining table in the middle of her shop and you’ll learn it is just shy of 200 years old. Made in part from a 24-inch single cut piece, it is a rare find in today’s market and just one example of the unique nature of the items at Circa.

2. A Cook’s Companion
Decorate your dining table with dinner made in objects from Le Creuset, Emile Henry, Epicurean and more. The latest craze at A Cook’s Companion (197 Atlantic Avenue) is the SodaStream, a cost-effective seltzer machine with eco-friendly refillable exchanges available to everyone. Simmer and fizzle folks.

3. Sterling Place
Sterling Place (363 Atlantic Avenue) owner Shakoor Watson’s adoration of gift giving began while attending estate sales as a boy with his father. Fast-forward to the present day and you’ll find that love has blossomed into an extraordinary universe of vintage and modern day specialty items including home decor, antiques and an especially unique collection of male-focused gifts that make each day feel like Father’s Day.

4. Flor
Feel like reinvention? Look no further than Flor (307 Atlantic Avenue). Lay down lush, vibrant carpet design squares to create one-of-a-kind floor coverings. You can mix and match individual 50 cm (19.7”) tiles in any color of the rainbow and from an array of textures and patterns. This modular miracle is eye-catching innovation made easy.

5. Town and Country 352
Joe Giallo, the funny and charming purveyor of Town and Country 352 (352 Atlantic Avenue), exudes passion for pieces that look like they belong on the set of Mad Men. His knowledge of Mid-Century settees is second to none on this block. Treasures are tenfold, confirming his street cred. This shop uncovers a pirate’s booty of furniture and art made to landscape your home before ever walking the plank.

6. Jonathan Adler
No home is complete without a dose from design genius Jonathan Adler (378 Atlantic Avenue). Whimsical and modern furniture fill the avenue’s outpost. Like a kid in a candy store, it will be difficult to walk away with just one piece. Holly Resendes, Store Leader, led us around the visually pleasing parlor. We couldn’t stop staring at all of the classy and sassy accessories, especially the solid brass collection. Tic Tac Toe anyone?

7. Dig
A garden design company that specializes in extending your home to the terrace, backyard and rooftop, Dig (479 Atlantic Avenue) stocks a wide variety of plants, containers and accessories to create a home garden. This is the perfect spot to help spruce up your space outside just in time for spring and summer.

8. Greenhouse
Independently owned by two native New York women, Greenhouse (387 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn) gives everyone the option of eco-friendly decorating. Each product has been created through ethically and environmentally responsible manufacturing. From furniture to recycled wine bottle glasses, a stop in this shop proves going green is chic and not a sacrifice.

Note: Article and photo above first published here.