Black with Envy

Do you know how when something catches your eye, you start to see it everywhere?  First I found that J. Crew was way cuter than I had recalled, then I actually started shopping there with some regularity, then I kept seeing items in magazines and then I saw that Michelle Obama loved it with some fervor.  So I suppose it logically follows that the woman behind it all would be the next "thing" to catch my eye.  Supported by the legendary retailer Mickey Drexler, the incredibly J. Crew looking Jenna Lyons, as Executive Creative Director, is seemingly the woman behind the relatively recent cuteness, and she's out and about these days touting the line.

photo via Forbes.com

First I began getting "Jenna's Picks" emails every so often, telling me which 10 J. Crew things I simply could not live without.  I managed to live without most of them, but would have enjoyed purchasing the vast majority of them had I the luxury of unlimited buying power.

Then I began seeing her in various press blurbs.  Her easy smile and flowing hair were not easily forgotten.  And then she showed up on Oprah in the absolute coolest sequin jacket and my cyberstalking began in earnest.

Although from what I can tell she seems like a poised, talented and kind woman, I have to admit that it really was her house that had me transfixed.  And I am clearly not the only one (although this obsolete magazine title alone should tell you exactly how behind the 8 ball I am).

There are many would be designers to seem to like to do these pops of color, but so rarely does it look quite as chic as this yellow couch I think.

photo from Domino

So often the style just ends up looking like a Jonathan Adler store but Ms. Lyons has really made it feel quite natural and inviting.

And who knew that such a perfect color of black (blue? grey?) existed?

photo from Domino

In combination with the natural light and the light linens it seems incredibly inviting rather than gothic (as it so easily could have been) to me.

And I have to admit that I thought Cortney Novogratz of Bravo fame had perhaps gone off the deep end a bit when she recommended to a hotelier that he put his bathtubs in full view of the bedroom but clearly she's onto something.

photo from Domino

But just as any incredibly stylish woman knows, enough is enough.  No need for dark throughout the home.  Breakfast nooks should be lofty and light, perfect for your first peek of a new day and a steaming cup of something.

photo from Domino

I could quite enjoy my PG Tips here I think.