Jenny Graham
The in-between weather on the East Coast has me wearing a casual mix of dots and spots in malleable textures. The combination makes for a stylish first impression without compromising comfort.
Shirt: Bella Dahl / Pants: Free People / Shoes: Zara (old) but similar here
Image Credits: Joey Graham
I’ve been in California three of the last four weekends. The sun lures me in and I quickly find myself questioning why I moved to it-is-chilly-in-late-April-New York City! Seduced by the shine but back on the East Coast…finding solace in images of what will come…
Image Credits: 1. Vogue Thailand 2. Anthropologie 3. Pinterest
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Pastels, eggs, family and Springtime celebration. Let’s begin.
I fancy all three affordable floral options above, almost as much as the frosted goodness of Betty Bakery’s desserts. Happy Easter and happy weekend.
Frocks: floral #1 / floral #2 / floral #3 // Frosting: photo by Jenny Graham
Free People’s latest collection is just in time for Spring wardrobe updates, a trip to Coachella or a date in the park. The bohemian gypsy in me will never be tamed. Free up yourself in these feminine frocks and offbeat creations.
As the East Coast weather fluctuates, so does my mood. Today is all about unleashing Spring, hearing the birds sing and soaking in a citrus scent of style.
Image Credit: RCFA
Dolce & Gabbana never disappoints. The duo’s latest collection is a passionate fantasy, very much Catholicism meets 1984-Madonna while watching Coming to America, drifting in a mosaic sea of Sicilian religious iconography.
For more of the fantastic experience that is Dolce & Gabbana, click here.
The Barneys New York Spring collection hits right out of the ballpark. Especially with JC Obando, a designer known for his eveningwear, who is batting a thousand with his latest hardware. Saw blade cuffs and rings caught my eye, distracting me from Simon Doonan himself! Obando’s new jewelry collection is bold, raw, and reminiscent of industrial Brooklyn dipped in class.
You can wear JC Obando by clicking right here.
Image Credits: Barneys New York and Jenny by design
Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington is a lovely read, especially for the eagle eyes of style out there. Her keen spirit and yes, grace, remind me of the positive power of my wonderful mom and aunts. Everyone has a style. Everyone has a story. Embrace and enjoy.
I don’t mind to look older. I don’t have this urge that so many people have that they’ve always got to look young all their lives. I think you should be the age you are and enjoy it…But if you want to have it, go ahead and have it, but take a good look before you do because, just maybe, you look absolutely beautiful the way you are.
– Grace Coddington
(Thank you, Fallon Elizabeth, for the thumbs up)
(portrait by Donald Robertson)
I kicked off New York Fashion Week with a full-on love affair of Barneys‘ Spring vision. Tomoko Ogura and Simon Doonan invited a handful of their favorite online style writers to a dinner at Fred’s. The fun of it all was a jump up jump up and get down so get out your seats and jump around moment in my mind. Chatting with the voices behind Babe Walker and Honestly…WTF, a posse of editors from Fashionista, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour + more, and the fabulous Barneys PR team was a delight. Almost as delightful as the final course, a hot fudge brownie sundae.
Actually, I take that back. Having a moment with the hilarious, dapper and charming Simon Doonan really melted the chocolate. Forgive the red-eye-photo-on-the-fly, but it must be shared for Simon and I discovered a mutual adoration of Poitiers, France, French tunes, and a joke about being Charlotte.
Stay tuned for near future posts of industrial vibe jewelry, hand-dyed creations and pieces inspired by comic book heroes, nature and cashmere blankets. Oh, and p.s. you can peek in person as items are in stores now. Remember these three themes, kids: Neo-Modern, Desk to Dinner and Malibu Nation. Now, without further ado, feast your eyes on a Saint Laurent frock fest.
Images via Jenny by design, Barneys New York and BFA