This blog has been an open diary for my adoration of the polka dot. It has been weeks, maybe even months (gasp!) since the last dotted expression. You are welcome. Big Dot.
Author Archives: Jenny
Sail Away With Me
As earlier posts have declared, I recently returned to the island of Manhattan by way of the Caribbean Sea. During my petit voyage, I hopped aboard the Lady Lynsey for her sunset sail where Captain Frank greeted me with a glass of champagne and tales of the local high seas. The views were brilliant and the moment even inspired me to take a wind-surfing lesson the following day…
Inspiration also came in the form of maritime-inspired shopping. A few key pieces are keeping my nautical desires at bay while walking the streets of the Big Apple.
Image Credits: 1, 2 & 3: Jenny Graham 4: Ring 5: Scarf 6: Dress
Pin Up
The faux bob has been on the scene for a bit now, but I hadn’t tried the look until I was in the Caribbean. No rhyme or reason except to tame my naturally thick, long hair amidst humidity and beachy-ness. The pin up is stellar. I rocked it during the day on a boat ride around the Virgin Islands and during an evening under the stars with wine and sushi. Ready for summer or winter, you can spring ahead or fall back knowing your hair is at the height of chicness.
Give it a try like this:
1. Blow dry using a round brush. Once hair is dry, begin sectioning to create curls with a 1 1/2 inch curling iron. Or, if your hair is like mine (and you have the time), let a natural wave set in by letting hair air-dry. Pop a dollop of your favorite serum through hair to separate the curls.
2. Take your time. Create waves or curls working from back to front.
3. Tie a hair elastic at the end of your hair (long ponytail style). Roll this loose pony under the nape of your neck to create an even bob.
4. Let unfettered pieces fall to the sides of your face. Go ahead and pin in the bob with bobby pins – use as many as you need and be sure the pin color closely matches your hair color.
5. Hairspray lightly if needed.
JBDers…let me know if you try this at home and become of fan of the faux bob, too!
Image Credits: 1 & 2: Harper’s Bazaar Australia 3: Rodarte
A Blog Moon
I am back from the U.S. Virgin Islands. About three hours into my journey, as I relaxed on the beach of The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, I realized I was on my very own honeymoon. I quickly became known as the party of one: the girl who plays tennis with the tennis pro because no partner abounds, the lady who sails the Lady Lynsey amongst couples galore, the girl with the big toothy smile who enjoys the island drink of the day, the gal named Jenny who is writing a book. I collected friends like seashells. Swimming in the sea soothed my soul. Listening to Bert the bartender’s story of true love calmed my heart. Connecting with Erin, a mother-of-three-world-traveler-wife-and-cool-chick reminded me of the good fortune of making new friends. I sat in the white sand with the blazing sun above my body and thought about the unwrinkled future about to be birthed. It is Monday and everything is happening.
Image Credits: Jenny Graham
Personal Peregrination
A note to let you know I will be away the rest of this week. Life is so funny and unpredictable. You never know who you will meet until you meet them. Worlds become one after having been two parts for so long. I am taking an extended solo vacation. While I have had mini-journeys alone, here and there, I have never actually booked a flight and a hotel for a week-long stay, as a party of one. In a last minute gut decision, I chose two islands in the warmth of the Caribbean. This choice is made at a time of wild happiness and peace. Ah, the irony. Love life, kids, for it is a short little diddy. Have you been on vacation by yourself? JBD would love to hear more…
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. — Ferris Bueller
All Comes From Love
The past five days had me nestled within the San Juan Mountains to celebrate my best friend as she married her best friend. There are a myriad of photos to be shared with you, however the thing on my mind and in my heart today is the gift she gave all of her bridesmaids: a bracelet from Herşey aşktan. The label name actually means “everything from love” in Turkish. I spied the shop last year in Istanbul, while visiting the bride-to-be, but never went inside. Little did I know she had already discovered the jewelry designer and decided to gift her closest girlfriends with the unique bracelet. The logo is a calligraphic writing which uses a mirroring technique with love inscribed. The meaning of the logo translates as “all comes from love.”
Image Credits: Herşey aşktan
Denise Richards Dishes On Humor, Hair Care And Being Honored To Work With Charlie
Denise Richards has a delightfully contagious laugh, and I remember thinking this chick is funny after watching her as Cassie, Ross and Monica’s cousin on Friends. I am a new found fan in her hair care line, Denise Richards Volume Extend, which she created with world renowned stylist, Cristophe. The mother of three took time out of her balanced life to jump into a Q&A with JBD. Enjoy!
Was there a moment when you (and Cristophe) knew you had a stellar product?
I tried every formula. We went through 18 different ones for our shampoo. This one was perfect. It was exactly what I wanted and more.
What is your personal hair care routine? Daily or weekly washes?
I don’t wash my hair every day. I wash every other day. Most of the time, I’ll wash and condition my hair, then spray the volumizer or put in the volumizing cream and put my hair on top of my head. My hair is naturally wavy. When it dries I have nice soft waves…
I love that your hair care line is sulfate and paraben free. Was that an original intention? And, you didn’t stop there with doing good…to which charities do you donate a portion of your sales?
It was my intention to keep the products sulfate and paraben free. In the past when I’ve used products that are not free of those chemicals my hair didn’t feel clean and felt very flat. That was the challenge in creating this line, no harsh chemicals, and having my hair feel clean and thick, and ready to style. We are doing two charities, one for kidney cancer and one for breast cancer.
You are a well-rounded woman and seem to live all moments of your life fully. What keeps you balanced?
I have a positive outlook on life, and I’m very blessed. I feel very grateful to work in a business I love and to have healthy children.
Can you offer our readers three must-have summer items?
My shampoo Volume Extend, it will help with frizz in the humidity. A summer dress – one that you can wear to the beach or dress it up for night. A bikini.
What will never go out of style?
During the summer it would have to be my cut off jean shorts. They’re so easy to throw on over my bikini.
What is a must-have hair accessory?
Just a simple ponytail holder. I always have one on my wrist. I’m constantly throwing my hair on top of my head. Or, I’ll do a slick ponytail.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
The Caribbean…I love it there.
Do you have a golden rule in decorating? If so, what is it?
I just finished a big project on my house, remodeling and decorating my entire home. My style is always changing. My rule is to think outside the box and have fun with it.
You have a guest appearance on Anger Management with Charlie Sheen…any fun tidbits you can share?
We had fun working together…I was honored he asked me to be part of his show.
What quality about yourself would you never want to lose?
My sense of humor. Even during the darkest times I still can have a sense of humor about everything.
Each Friday, I select a fizz and a frock for our readers. Denise – it is five o’clock somewhere – what are you sipping? And, what is the dream dress draping you?
A blood orange martini and a white strapless sundress.
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Lovelies, I tried her shampoo, conditioner and volumizing cream. It really works. I have long, thick hair and the products tamed it while retaining the natural body. I rarely recommend beauty products, but this has my full endorsement. Give it a go!
Image Credits: Denise Richards // Volume Extend Products c/o Denise Richards
Modern Anthology
I came across Modern Anthology, a creative studio and retail store in Dumbo, Brooklyn, a couple of years ago while searching for the perfect gift for a then-boyfriend. While said boyfriend is long gone, this outpost continues to be a regular favorite of mine. Although it leans toward a masculine aesthetic, it inspires me to seek out curated gifts. I even repurposed a vintage dart board and turkey feathered darts as a pin board in my kitchen. I have found gems for all three of my brothers, at one time or another, at Modern Anthology. I’m telling you, you’ve got to check it out.
Image Credits: Modern Anthology and Jenny by design
Friday Frock and Fizz
A Frock and Fizz inspired by my recent interview with Denise Richards. The mother, actress and entrepreneur revealed her predilection for a Blood Orange Martini while draped in a white strapless sundress. I can’t think of a better combination as we head into a summer weekend.
P.S. Look for my full Q & A with Denise next week!
I think Martha Stewart is on to something with this Blood Orange Martini recipe. And, while Denise didn’t give an exact designer for a LWD (little white dress), check out Tibi’s Solana Eyelet Strapless for the embodiment of all-things-white-dress-delight. What do you think?
Cheers for a fabulous weekend, lovelies!
Colored Glass
My Mom gifted me with vintage 1960’s and 1970’s colored glasses a few months ago. Originally belonging to my maternal Grandmother, they provide a delightful visual pleasure, similar to a gorgeous rainbow or the discovery of a splendid piece of sea glass.
I’ve taken it upon myself to add to my Grandmother’s collection, hitting up the Brooklyn Flea on free weekends. Collecting different shapes, sizes and colors to create an eclectic set is easy, and I can’t say it enough: flat out pleasing. If you are a decor-lover, I encourage you to begin your own colored glass collection. Don’t put a limit on the glassware for vases come in all pops of color too.
Pair your collection by color-grouping or according to shape and size. I like what Mary McDonald did with her cabinet bar, as reported by House Beautiful.
Image Credits:
1. Jenny by design
2. In Style Magazine August 2012
3. & 4. House Beautiful Magazine July/August 2012