if you catch them they’re yours

February 6, 2013 by Jenny

I’ve been dancing almost as long as I’ve been alive. From childhood tap class and performing with various dance companies to teaching ballet and competing in Latin ballroom, dance is sewn into me. Seeing Trisha Brown Dance Company at Brooklyn Academy of Music made me want to bring out the sewing machine. The final piece, “I’m going to toss my arms — if you catch them they’re yours,” is a long work with original music by Alvin Curran, and it was my favorite. The eight dancers offer up full moments of happiness and lightness. As Alastair Macaulay of The New York Times expressed: “The transience of this work is its beauty. Here today, gone tomorrow.”

Images via Trisha Brown Dance Company

Carrie Bradshaw’s Apartment

February 5, 2013 by Jenny

I ducked out of a Super Bowl party to sift through fabric and a wonderland of sites as I redecorate my Brooklyn abode. I felt slightly un-American for not really caring about Beyonce and the bowl, but I told myself I automatically score points having a football-coach-father, three alpha brothers and a pop culture day job. As I settled into One Kings Lane, West Elm, ABC Carpet & Home, Lulu & Georgia…I popped on the television for background noise. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Carrie Bradshaw. I never did watch the episodes in real time. In my late twenties, while preparing to move from LA to NYC, I caught some reruns. And now it’s just a sweet surprise when Carrie’s on the screen, showing off her style. From original decor to revamped post-Big blue walls, the refinery of Bradshaw is timeless.

Images via Fashion Foie Gras and HBO

Tree of Love

February 4, 2013 by Jenny

Spread the love…

Give the gift of nature by dedicating a tree in the name of love. Show your adoration by clicking here. Sign up on or before February 8th to see your name of choice in branches of growth.

Friday Frock and Fizz

February 1, 2013 by Jenny

Hi, JBD’ers. I’ve always been that girl, the one who wears bold color on a cold winter’s day. I hope this frock brightens up your moment, wherever you are…

Pair it with a Tequila-Thyme Lemonade for maximum viva-la-viva-ness.

3 thyme sprigs

1 teaspoon superfine sugar

2 lemon wedges

3 ounces silver tequila

1 ounce cold water

Ice

Muddle the thyme sprigs with superfine sugar and lemon wedges in a glass. Add silver tequila, cold water and ice. Stir.

Frock: Zara & first seen here // Fizz: Martha Stewart

Drawing Surrealism

January 31, 2013 by Jenny

One thing I am making time for is the Morgan Library & Museum’s current exhibition “Drawing Surrealism.” Not only does the New York Times call it sensational, I am a forevermore fan of Dali. The curated observation of the role drawing played on the development of surrealism promises a poignant perspective from 160+ works on paper by iconic artists including Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, and Joan Miró. William M. Griswold, director of the Morgan, shares: “The show breaks new art historical ground by demonstrating the fundamental importance of drawing to the surrealist movement on the worldwide stage.” Here’s to dreams, happenstance, ingenuity and glimmerings into everything.

“Drawing Surrealism” is on view through April 21 at the Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, at 36th Street; (212) 685-0008, themorgan.org.

Images via the Morgan Library & Museum.

The New Romantics

January 30, 2013 by Jenny

Free People frocks are making me want to sing a song of style. Easy, enchanting, feminine, comfortable and whimsical. Yes, please.

Image Credits + where to buy each piece: One / Two / Three / Four / Five

My Sharona

January 29, 2013 by Jenny

Troy Dyer. Remember him? You know, the only real thing Lelaina had. The man-child who professed: “There’s no point to any of this. It’s all just a random lottery of meaningless tragedy and a series of near escapes. So I take pleasure in the details. You know, a Quarter-Pounder with cheese, those are good, the sky about ten minutes before it starts to rain, the moment where your laughter becomes a cackle…and I, I sit back and I smoke my Camel Straights and I ride my own melt.”

Ethan as Troy (and in general) is still sexy as ever, but I let out audible laughs upon recollection of just how much I watched a VHS tape to hear his voice cover Violent Femmes songs in a band called Hey, That’s My Bike! Sweet goodness, I fell for a hipster before hipsters existed. Whether or not we single out out-laws in the wild west of dating or not, Troy, Lelaina and their crew knew how to hang out and have a great time. Ah, life. Isn’t it fun? Does reality really bite? I don’t think so, not one bit. Stick to your sharona, you’ll be alright.

A Print Shop

January 28, 2013 by Jenny

I successfully broke yet another iPhone case last week. As per usual, I began the hunt for an aesthetically pleasing cell shelter. I could go on and on, but really all you need to know is I discovered decor plus protection via the brilliantly beautiful designs by Sarah of NOTE TO SELF. If you’re in the market for charming art, look no further than her Print Shop. Ciao!

Image Credits via Note to Self: The Print Shop

Friday Frock and Fizz

January 25, 2013 by Jenny

The idea of Spring is a far skip from freezing New York City. Ah, but Raf Simons pressed forth a Printemps in Paris with Dior Haute Couture Spring 2013. Let’s leave the frigid air and stroll a garden of persuasion.

Florals for the body evoke a romantic spirit and make me want to sip a fizz that comes from mother nature. A lovely lilac concoction is a perfect pairing.

A lilac cocktail can only be made with real lilacs, of course. Check out this wonderful homemade recipe for making a lilac simple syrup and then follow this mix for maximum taste: muddle 1 tablespoon of lilac syrup with 2 ounces of gin, top with sparkling water and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve with lilac ice cubes.

Frock via Women’s Wear Daily // Fizz via She Is Red

Kindling Quarterly

January 24, 2013 by Jenny

Sometimes, even when blogging about beautiful things, a gal can have a rough day. My mind’s eye reminds me that everyone is fighting some kind of battle, but there are days when one’s own battle is at the frontal lobe. Know that it is okay to sit and be with it. See it through. There is gold in that process. And, while you may have the bestest of friends, a stellar mom or a circle of siblings who rock more than a marshall stack, the remedied words in a call or an email from a father can immediately lighten a daughter’s dark moment. As I sat down to create today’s blog post, I happened upon Kindling Quarterly, a new Brooklyn-based publication which explores contemporary fatherhood. Essays, photography, art, editorials and interviews come together to highlight creative individuals whose work and lives are inseparable from their role as a parent. While the subjects of their stories are fathers, anyone interested in creativity and community will enjoy this slice of life.

Image Credit via Kindling Quarterly