The Great Gatsby

The character posters from The Great Gatsby have been revealed, and I am so, so excited! I have been looking forward to this movie since I first heard whispers about the project and ties to Baz Luhrmann, director of Moulin Rouge and Romeo+Juliet. I think he has such a unique, dreamlike visual perspective that will be perfect for helping to recreate the glorious jazz-age parties on Jay Gatsby's lawn. And the rest of the casting decisions have been equally exciting. I'm very much looking forward to the performances of Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Toby Maguire, and of course Leonardo DiCaprio. Are you guys looking forward to the movie? Any fans of the book? It's one of my favorites. I reread it this past fall, and I have to say that while I enjoyed it as a 15-year-old English student, I have a completely different perspective this time around. Perhaps you need to have lived some life to really understand where Daisy and Gatsby are really coming from? But these costumes can be enjoyed by just about everyone!

New York, New York

Illustration by Carolyn Gavin

I have spent this entire year crafting a post to accurately explain just how much my life has changed since I moved to this crazy, crazy place. It's been both the best and worst and most epically different year of my life. I never use this blog to complain, so I certainly won't do that. But when you think about starting over in a completely new place, moving in with 3 new roommates, making new friends and meeting new coworkers, starting a new job and then subsequently phasing into about a 60-hour work week in no time flat...it's made these nearly 365 days in the city go by in the blink of an eye! Take something similar to the fall semester of your freshman year of college and multiply it by 50x more stress and 30x more fun, subtract ALL of your paycheck when you realize that you will now burn through shoes at the rate that an F1 racecar burns through it's tires...and then add 25% homesickness and 25% friendsickness, divided by the square root of Pi, for good measure. That leaves you with a pretty strange equation that equals my new life in New York City.

I explained to my roommate once that I was a bit depressed that I never got to see or do the things I thought I'd certainly have crossed off my to-do list in the first year. Things like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, or eating a Nathan's Famous Hotdog at Coney Island, or freezing my butt off watching the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade live and in-person. But then, he said something that really got me thinking...Jenna, you LIVE here. And you've LIVED here for a year. And that doesn't mean going to tourist attractions or vacation spots everyday. It means going to work, sitting on the couch, watching TV and eating takeout. It means paying way too much for a cab home because there is now nothing at all whimsical about riding the subway after a long, hard day. It's not about going to the hottest gallery openings, or taking vacations aboard Ramona Singer's yacht. Because life in New York is not a TV show. It's just life.

And for those of you who are curious about what I HAVE done in my time here, below is a list of things I am incredibly proud to have done/seen/accomplished:

1. I took a surfing lesson on Long Beach
2. I drove an actual racecar (!!!) in New Jersey
3. I got to sit in a floor-level box to see Madonna perform at Madison Square Garden (where Psy also made a surprise experience)
4. I added Hellmann's Mayonnaise, American Express, Klondike, and Dove Style+Care to the list of clients I've worked with
5. I drank a Black & Tan in the same bar that Abraham Lincoln used to hang out in
6. I saw Bon Iver perform at Radio City Music Hall
7. I saw about a bazillion shows on Broadway. Some favorites include: Newsies, Anything Goes, Porgy & Bess, Bring It On! The Musical, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Heiress (Starring the dreamy Dan Stevens from Downton Abbey...sigh), A Christmas Story, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and maaaaany more.
8. I had visitors in the form of friends from high school, friends from college, friends of friends, my aunt, my parents, and friends of my parents...
9. I rode the Long Island Railroad and then took a train to Connecticut all in the same weekend
10. I got sunburnt to a crisp on the 4th of July on the beach at Fort Tilden Park
11. I danced the night away in a basement bar on Bowery street (a few times...)
12. I took the Chinatown bus back to Columbus for an incredible weekend
13. I made it through a major natural disaster relatively unscathed and sent many prayers to those who felt it's effects more closely
14. I have made incredible memories with incredible friends that I didn't even know existed only a year ago
15. and I have made an incredible, lasting bond with friends I did know existed but now I know them a whole lot better

It's been an incredible journey. One that I haven't been too communicative about...apologies about that. But while my plans of documenting my first year didn't go so well, I like to say that it's because I was too busy experiencing everything. And next year comes the writing!

A Christmas Story: The Musical

I don't think I need to tell you how magical Christmas in this city is...I've always thought that New York City was the setting of every Christmas carol from the chestnuts roasting on the open fire, to the city sidewalks, busy sidewalks all the way to the what are you doing new year's eve? But this season, I was happy to introduce a few original carols to my holiday season in the form of the show, A Christmas Story: The Musical. Of course it's based on the classic movie, and definitely sticks close to the plot (and the flagpole) for you die-hard fans. But the original songs and choreography add something even more special to this story. I've seen it twice now... And I highly encourage those of you near enough to the city to check out this Triple-Dog-Daring Musical!

1  Ralphie hates his pink bunny suit in the musical just as much as in 2012 as he did in the 1983 film.
2  The World Premier Cast Recording will definitely have you singing along.
3  The driving force of the show is Ralphie Parker's quest to unwrap a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun with a compass in the stock (and this thing that tells time...) this Christmas.
4  The ensemble of kids in this cast will impress even the most top-notch Broadway connoisseur!
5 The leg lamp gets the fanfares, accolades and (spoiler alert) KICKLINE it truly deserves in the show-stopping Act I number that would make "the Old Man" proud.

12.12.12

I feel a little sad thinking about the date today. Is that weird? It's the last time the date, month, and year will be the same number for nearly another century. And certainly the last time we'll experience it in most of our lifetimes. Yes, that's a little dark. Are any of you guys experiencing the feeling like you didn't enjoy the last decade as much as you should have? Just me? OK, haha. Moving on! Below are a list of lovely little things to commemorate the date!

1  Motorcycle Image pinned by Danny O'Connor on Pinterest
2  Number Twelve necklace by TwoReasons on Etsy. $18.50.
3  Vintage 12 billiard ball from amyquerin on Etsy
4  Vintage Hotel Number, including braille from vintageseas on Etsy
5  French  Crown No. 12 Pillow from WordGarden on Etsy
6  Old School Colorblindness Tests
7  An Imprecise Clock spotted on Clusterflock
8  Twelve O'Clock High poster starring Gregory Peck

Post-Hurricane Report: Jane's Carousel

Hello, friends. I wanted to report that I am indeed safe and well after Hurricane Sandy blew through Manhattan a week ago, leaving disastrous damages to the city in its wake. I am lucky enough to live way uptown on top of a big hill, so flood waters weren't a concern. We never lost power either, unlike many of my friends and coworkers who live below 40th street and dealt with wind damage, power outages, and serious flooding.

But, I am very happy to report that Jane's Carousel (which, like me, is from Youngstown, OH) survived the flood as well, and it is sort of a beautiful hurricane miracle. This carousel, built in 1922, lived in a beloved, local amusement park, Idora Park, that both my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles visited back in Youngstown, OH. It closed the year before I was born, after a fire swept through the park. Jane's Carousel was relocated, eventually, to New York City where it was housed in a glass pavilion in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This photo puts the hurricane into quite an eerily beautiful perspective.

Image by Koseli

Image by Door Sixteen

Naturals and Neutrals

I am usually quite a fan of color. This we know about me, yes? But I feel like as my style has evolved over the years, or perhaps becomes symptomatic of life in New York, I find myself gravitating quite a bit more to some lovely neutrals and chocolate browns, rustic woodgrain and chunky natural knits. I've assembled a little mood board of neutrality to explain just what I mean. Take a look!

Via They All Hate Us

L: Via Basics of Man   I   R: Via Sevier & White Interiors

John Derian's Apartment via From The Right Bank

L: Brianne on Pinterest   I   R: By Jared Fowler via HomeLife

Via Live from IKEA FAMILY on Pinterest

L: The Knot   I   R: Cha Cha Diaries

Barr-Co. Pure Vegetable products from Anthropologie

Chatelles

I saw these beautiful shoes over at Justina Blakeney's blog last week, and fell in love. First of all, they are so incredibly classic. And then there's the fact that I live in a walking city and flats are really the only option unless I want to cause myself some pretty significant pain by the end of the workday... But these shoes!! They are so fun and customizable (and colorful and tasseled and monogrammed) Also, did I happen to mention Justina and I have the same initials? So I knew I had to blog about them. Do any of you have a pair? I am busy pondering whether or not I can get them in the US...

Image via Justina Blakeny

Home Sweet Home

I just realized that I've lived in the city for 9 months now and still haven't shown you my apartment! Part of that is because I'm embarrassed to admit that it took me until about 3 weeks ago to finally finish it....but hey, hours are crazy and city life is a blur. And it's finally finished now, so I wanted to give you a little Instagram shot of my blogging headquarters, aka bedroom. The theme here is mixed patterns and textures, vintage flair, and tons of pillows. In my opinion, that's the secret to a perfect living space. What do you think goes into your dream bedroom?

City Showdown

Have you guys seen this adorable video comparing (in my opinion) two of the greatest cities in the world? I must confess, I'm a bit partial to bagels over baguettes, but I'll let you guys be the judge. Which one is your favorite?

     

J'Adore Jackets: 2012

The time for outerwear is back in a big way, so since I had so much fun scouring the shops for my top Jacket Picks of 2011, I wanted to do the same thing for this coming season. From faux fur collars to belted waistlines and 60s silhouettes, you can't beat a great jacket to amp up any outfit! I think my favorites are #1 and #2. How about you guys?

1  Morning Coffee Shop Coat from Modcloth
2  Stadium-cloth Boulevard Trench in Neptune Green from J. Crew
3  Meringue the Bell Jacket from Modcloth
4  Apt. 9® Boucle Wool Swing Coat from Kohl's
5  Plenty by Tracy Reese Undiscovered Tomes Coat from Modcloth
6  Women's Short Trench Coat from Uniqlo
7  Double Breasted Epaulet Caped Coat from ROMWE
8  Tall Tipped Peacoat in Black from J. Crew

A Rainy Day in NYC

I have been looking forward to Autumn in New York for basically this entire year. In fact, I have dreaming about it since I was a kid who watched way too many old movies with no idea about what life or this city would actually be like. I arrived in January, and saw the seasons change and build to what would no doubt be a sort of grand finale...And now it's here. And it apparently brings with it a fairly consistent downpour of rain. But, lucky for NYC, I feel about this town like Owen Wilson feels about Paris. So bring it on, New York. There's nothing you could ever do to really upset me.

Your Fortune

While I was sitting on a stoop in my neighborhood, enjoying the crispy Fall weather, I saw this fortune on the ground right near my shoe. It says "You can do everything you ought to do." Of course I snapped a picture. Really, I think we could all use a little positive reinforcement. An outside voice telling us we are doing a good job. Telling us that we can do anything. So I am declaring this a universal fortune for anyone who sees this photo. Sometimes the right fortune for you is on the ground instead of in the cookie.

JSQ Red Carpet Rundown: Highlights from the Emmys

When I say highlights, I mean, "Did anyone notice the overabundance of highlighter-yellow gowns on the red carpet??" I was a fan of some more than others... My favorite was definitely the sleeves and stunning silhouette on Julianne Moore, and the particular neon color on Julie Bowen was pretty as well. Hear why they chose their gowns here. But the problem is...with this many gowns on the red carpet, none of these ladies had a chance of being crowned 'Best Dressed.' Where's Rachel Zoe when you need her? She would never have let this happen...Or did she?

Christian Siriano: Spring 2013 RTW

I have spent most of the morning pouring over the beautiful lines, textures and embellishments of this gorgeous Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection by the already-iconic Christian Siriano. Since his debut collection winning Project Runway Season 4, he has proved time and again that he knows how to dress a woman and make her incredibly beautiful. This pastel, ballerina-esque collection is just another gorgeous feather in his cap. What do you guys think? Do you love the collection as much as I do?

This trio of finale dresses are my absolute favorite part of the collection.

Little Boy Blue

I am completely in love with this perfect bedroom for a little boy. It is colorful, stimulating, and styled to perfection. And of course it prominently features my favorite color...so there's that. The child that lives in this room is beyond lucky to have such a cool space with a place for everything and tons to look at... But, if the little owner of this room is anything like the boys I've encountered through being the oldest of a gaggle of cousins and a middle-school babysitting pro, then I just pray none of these beautiful things get destroyed in a child-sized maelstrom. Enjoy!

All images via Rafa Kids via 101 Woonideeën

GIRLS: Charlie's Apartment

Did you guys watch the first season of Girls? I have to say, it's proven to be pretty polarizing here in the city in which the show takes place. Some people say it's completely unbelievable and the characters are unlikable and not at all relatable...others, like me, say these people are exactly like myself and my friends. It more than resonates with me, so I try not to take offense when people dislike the Girls. I think it paints a fairly realistic picture of life as a twenty-something when you are definitely nowhere near as fabulous as you think you should be at this point. I highly recommend you at least check it out. If anything, for the "breakout star" of the show: Charlie's Apartment. While Charlie's girlfriend, Marnie, found it a bit...claustrophobic in the end, it's probably the most endearing piece of set design I've ever seen. I know every twenty-something apartment-dweller secretly wished their own studio or bedroom looked a little more like this. Check it out!

The entryway. Love the idea of overlapping rugs. Image via LA at Home

The stained Piet Mondrian-esque built-in storage unit. Image via LA at Home

An enclosed bed with storage stairs leading to a lofted living area. Image via LA at Home

A wire boxspring used to hang pots and mugs in the kitchen. Image via LA at Home

The concept sketch for this amazing set piece. Image via LA at Home

Songs of Summer: Some Nights

This album, Some Nights by Fun. is definitely on my "most frequently played" list this summer. My roommate tipped me off that the entire album is just as likable as that "We Are Young" song (before hearing it  eleventy-billion times, anyway) and it really is! The title song basically had me at hello. It's so multi-dimensional and harmonious, not to mention just plain infectious. The singer's voice has such a Freddy Mercury quality. Anyway, give it a listen. It's great on the iPhone, but I bet it's even better on vinyl.

Crystal Clear

I am a big fan of Warby Parker. In fact, I wear their prescription glasses almost every day and I get compliments on them constantly. Even from strangers! (If you're curious, I wear the Crosby Burgundy Fade.) Anyway, I was positively thrilled when the Summer Crystals line popped into my inbox. They are really something beautiful to collect for the season. And the photos are styled to perfection, in the theme of one of my favorite blogs, Things Organized Neatly. I wanted to share the pictures with you, in the hopes that maybe one of these delicious pairs will strike your fancy! They are like a cool, fresh popsicle on a hot, steamy day. I happen to have my eye on this pair...

Trilliny in Bellini

Rafferty in Aqua Tonic

Willoughby in Earl Grey

Preston in Bellini

Beckett in Aqua Tonic

Everett in Bellini

Ellery in Tidal Blue

Hair Brush(ology)

I saw this chart on Pinterest today, and it definitely got me thinking... I am pretty hopeless at styling my hair beyond it's natural tendencies and inclinations. I know how to straighten or curl it, and I can do a braided headband like a pro, but I never use a hairdryer so brushes aren't exactly the #1 tool in my arsenal. In fact, out of all of these brushes, I exclusively use #5, a wooden paddle brush, though mine is this one from Aveda. How many of these do you guys use? Do you use different brushes for different styling maneuvers? Fill me in!

Image via Latest-Hairstyles

Kate Spade Heels

I have been dreaming of nothing but shoes lately. I haven't bought a pair in...it seems like months. Who has time to shop, anyway? I haven't bought a pair of truly impractical pumps in even longer than months, but that hasn't stopped me from ogling these options from Kate Spade. Polka dots, stripes, ribbons, and glitter. I'll take one of each, please, but especially 3, 5, 7 and 8! Which ones are your favorite?

1  Reena in African Violet/Red
2  Bloom in Violet
3  Loire in Black
4  Sawyer in Multi
5  Lisa in Ink Blue
6  Corinne in Teal, Gold Glitter
7  Karolina in Black
8  Charm in Navy

Wonderful + Whimsical

I think I happened upon quite possibly the most amazing Pinterest account I've ever encountered! Will you get a load of these bright, cheerful, colorful interiors? I can't imagine better eye candy on a Monday... Thank you Pinterest, and double thank you to Live from IKEA FAMILY for a major dose of inspiration. Check these beauties out!

Originally pinned from Camille Styles

Original pin here

Originally pinned from Bungalow 5

Originally pinned from Éénig Wonen

Originally pinned from by.bak

Originally pinned from House to Home

Originally pinned from Coco+Kelley