J.Style Therapy

I first met Jennifer Resnick (personal stylist) at the S/S 2011 Vermillion fashion show in Raleigh.  I was there shooting pictures for the magazine.  Funny enough, I couldn't get my camera to cooperate that morning and I didn't get a single usable image.  I did manage to get Jennifer's card.  When I contacted her several months later and she agreed to sit down with me for my first Q&A I was thrilled.  Jennifer's confidence, natural sense of style and smarts were immediately apparent.  A mental and substance abuse counselor for 15 years - one can only imagine how that part of her career past compliments what she does today.  If you find yourself in need of a little style therapy (or a lot) or perhaps your closet needs some attention contact Jennifer and schedule your consultation today - www.jstyletherapy.com.  I promise you will leave with a smile on your face and feeling inspired!  Here are a few Q&A's from our get together.

HW: Who is your greatest fashion influence?

JR: My mom and my husband.  (Jennifer's mom was a talented seamstress and always encouraged her to follow her own sense of style and her husband who has a very genuine interest in supporting her love and appreciation of the world of fashion).

HW: Do you have any fashion muses?

JR: Yes, my six year old son who designs his own t-shirts.

HW: What are your must haves for Fall?

JR: Maxi dresses & anything pleated for Summer.  For Fall, I am loving all of the polka dots; a retro dress; a silky polka dot blouse and python.

HW: What's your top tried-and-true beauty product?

JR: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in a 4 or 4.5

HW: Describe your style in 5 words or less?

JR: Modern, bohemian with a little bit a classic mixed in.  I love color and I also like to experiment with different looks.

HW: Are you currently reading any good books?

JR: I recently finished Candace Bushnell's One Fifth Avenue,  Light & Funny!

HW:  Where are your favorite places to shop...Local and Out-of-Town?

JR:  I definitely like to support local businesses; like Scott & Molly's for their girly tried-and-true selections www.scoutandmollys.com.  Uniquities for denim www.uniquities.com; Vermillion www.vermillionstyle.com and Nordstrom for their rockin' customer service www.nordstrom.com.

Out-of-Town: Oak Street in Chicago and Kirna Zabete in SOHO for Lanvin, Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang www.kirnazabete.com. 

HW: Sweet or Savory?

JR: Oh, Sweet!  I'm talking hard core sugar.  Gummy bears, gum drops, all that stuff...

HW:  If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?

JR:  Italy.  My family is from there and it makes me happy to be there.  The people are fantastic!  Also, Playa del Carmen in Mexico - the people there are amazing!

HW: Favorite era?

JR:  late 60's, 70's

HW:  What's your favorite part of your job?

JR:  The moment that a women looks at me and knows that she looks beautiful and that she can be stylish and sexy.

HW:  What is your greatest extravagance?

JR:  It would be a tie between acupuncture & yoga.  Oh, and power naps in a little nook we have recently created in our house.

HW:  Do you have a favorite motto?

JR:  It seems a little cliche to quote Coco Chanel but this quote really does sum it up for me.  It really is so much about the person and little about the clothes.

"Look for the woman in the dress.  If there is no woman, there is no dress." -Coco Chanel 

jennifer resnick of j.style therapy

shopping with a client

Mission: INSPIRE!

the one & only Oprah!

If you missed the final farewell episode of Oprah on Wednesday - one word comes to mind, Incredible!  The following quote really seemed to stick as well.  The quote hangs in Oprah's office and is by Winfrey's friend Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor.  Oprah's farewell show was a beautiful and inspiring love letter to her viewers and all who helped make the show and her career what it became.  

"You are responsible for the energy you bring into this room"

- Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

You couldn't help but be inspired.  What an incredible force.  You can understand why the show was the success that it was.  She has the unique and incredible ability to truly inspire and guide people to their true selves.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!  I have lots of exciting things lined up for next week, including my first Q&A with personal stylist Jennifer Resnick of J.Style Therapy www.jstyletherapy.com as well as some beautiful images from Jack Morton of Mortography www.mortography.com.  Stay tuned and thank you so much for reading!

XOXO,

Helen 

Bedside Table

On my bedside table.

Cannot wait to dive into:

A much needed long, holiday weekend is upon us.  Pick up a copy of Jackie as Editor or Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother for your Memorial Day weekend.  Both - perfect beach reads.

Buy Local: Quail Ridge Books & Music 919.828.1588 and online www.quailridgebooks.com

or Amazon www.amazon.com

Meow!

Miss Moss (love the sweater) we will be watching you - come July - to see what fabulous designer you choose for your walk down the aisle to rocker Jamie Hince of The Kills.  I simply cannot wait! Stay tuned... 

jamie hince & kate moss

Prescription for Comfort

I am clicking my heels together this minute & wishing to be transported to the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Dr. Pitt sofa.  Oceanside locale, of course!  OK, back to reality...at least the weekend is only a few hours away.  Enjoy yours!

Seven pieces.  Twenty three fabric options.  Endless configurations, from massive to mini, to remedy all of your seating ailments.  Pull the pieces together for a slumber party of epic proportions or pull them apart to form a cozy space conducive to cocktails & conversation.  Available locally at Beyond Blue Interiors in Raleigh's North Hills http://www.beyondblueinteriors.com/ or http://www.mgbwhome.com/

mitchell gold + bob williams - dr. pitt sectional sofa - LOVE!!!

dr. pitt - photo courtesy of beyond blue interiors, raleigh, nc

photo courtesy of jeri koegel

Meet the Designer

You MUST plan on stopping by Beanie + Cecil on Thursday for the THREAD Social trunk show.  Meet designer Melissa Akey (she'll be there from 4-7)  I got an early peek at the collection and it is beautiful!  Melissa will have pieces from her fall 2011 collection too!  There is one long, white dress that makes me want to get married all over again as well as many versatile pieces that can be worn all year long.  If you are looking for the perfect cocktail dress...look no further!  Beanie + Cecil is located in Raleigh's Cameron Village - 412 Daniels Street - (919) 821-5455 or www.beanieandcecil.com  Owners Alex Long & Karen Lichtin do an amazing job keeping the store stocked with classics that you will wear long after the season has come and gone.

Beth Blake & Melissa Akey of Thread Social

 Beth Blake and Melissa Akey launched Thread Social in 2006, following the success of their fashion-forward bridal line Thread. A tribute to all things nostalgic and flirty, Thread Social is the New York girl's go-to design label for perfect party dresses and quirky separates.
Prior to launching Thread, Blake worked for Chanel and American Vogue, while Akey was at Barneys New York and Stila Cosmetics.
Both live in New York City.
 

black + white wave stripe - capelet easy dress w/ low back & front pockets

crinkle silk - off the shoulder balloon sleeve shirt dress, color: moss

liquid silk - ponti knit one-shoulder w/ oversize ruffle detail, color: ink

liquid ink slouchy short paired with striped denim tailcoat

gem print crinkle silk dress, color: multi

color blocked crisp cottons easy dress w/shoulder tie detail, colors: khaki, ivory & putty

Earth Mama

Hi!  I hope all the moms out there had a Happy Mother's Day!  I have missed writing.  We have been on deadline at the magazine and I have also been busy trying to convince my husband to let us get a few chickens.  I have a friend that has 7 chicks that she is willing to give us.  I have been talking about raising some backyard chickens for a year or more and this seemed like a good opportunity to get started.  I think I have convinced my husband...now, I have to find the perfect coop...or rather someone to build the perfect coop.  I came across Catawba Convertible Coops in Wake Forest, NC.  David Bissette has done all of the research for you in his DIY Chicken Coop plans.  You can purchase the plans for $20.  His booklet tells you all you need to know...down to every piece of material (measurements given) that you will need to build your own urban coop.  His plans are very similar to the British elevated backyard coops, which the Brits call an ark.  If you think you might be interested in raising some of your own chickens be sure to check out his fantastic design.  This coop will comfortably hold 4-5 large breed chickens or 6-8 medium size chickens.  Check out the design below and click on the coop to be directed to Catawba Coops website:

catawbacoops.com

chasing chickens

barred rock hen

 

hey, those aren't chickens!

I couldn't resist sharing...In my research, I came across an interesting article and this beautiful chicken "coop", although, I would definitely classify it just as the Crinklaw family has.  Their chickens' home...impressive! 

Jeffrey Crinklaw and Kathryn Tailey-Crinklaw raised their hens from chicks, making sure they held them and stroked them as babies to ensure a brood of tame, people-loving adults.

 

the crinklaw's dressed up their chickens' home with a bright red door and matching mailbox
photo courtesy of kathryn tailey-crinklaw.

"They run and greet you and want to be petted," says Kathryn. "They're very social."
She says no two of their chickens are alike, adding that the eggs from her fluffy-headed Polish chickens are her favorites, while Jeffrey prefers those of their red, buff and black Ameraucanas. "When you start learning chicken stuff, you start collecting."
So far, they've only gotten two roosters by mistake, and they made sure each went to live in "non-eating" homes. (A rooster's sex can be difficult to determine; the most common way is to wait until they're 4 months old, when they start to crow. And if you don't notice, your neighbors certainly will.)
Even without the rooster, there is still a strict pecking order. The Crinklaws' brood goes by seniority, granting the oldest bird -- a tiny Silver Sebright the size of a pigeon -- the honor of "alpha" hen.
"She's totally in charge," says Kathryn. "No one ever messes with her."  

Source: Ruth Mullen, The Oregonian  
Full article:  http://www.oregonlive.com/hg/index.ssf/2009/07/chickens_in_portland.html

beautifully, cool!

Anndra Neen's designs strongly stand alone and require no additional introduction here other than just an interesting bit to know about the sisters (actually half sisters) late grandmother, Annette Nancarrow, a sculptor and jewelry designer whose designs were loved by the likes of Peggy Guggenheim, Helena Rubinstein and Frida Kahlo.  The jewelry is simply stunning and includes beautifully, cool necklaces, bracelets, rings and clutches.  I have my eye on a particular piece at VERMILLION - http://www.vermillionstyle.com/.
Mother's Day is Sunday...HINT, HINT!

annette and phoebe stephens wearing anndra neen

anndra neen necklace

anndra neen cuff

michelle obama carrying anndra neen clutch

fresh, local, delicious

In celebration of Cinco De Mayo - one of my favorite holidays (it's up there with Christmas) I thought it very fitting to share with you the story behind Senora Dixie Salsa.  The yummiest salsa you'll ever put in your mouth!  This locally made salsa is home-made using fresh, local, all-natural ingredients, absolutely no preservatives and with the same love and tradition that Dioxana's "Dixie" mother used when she was growing up in Honduras.  The family had a jar on the table at every meal.  You can meet the lovely Dixie personally every Saturday at the North Hills Farmers Market from 8AM-12PM.  She is wonderful ~ always smiling ~ and always has plenty of samples.  Tempt your taste buds with mild, medium and hot varieties and decide for yourself which one you and your family will enjoy the most.  I would highly encourage the purchase of at least 2 or 3 jars - it's addicting and it goes fast...really fast!  If you can't make it to the North Hills Farmer's Market on Saturday you can find Senora Dixie Salsa at NOFO and Harmony Farms in Raleigh as well as A Southern Season in Chapel Hill.  Dixie is also working on product placement at Whole Foods & Harris Teeter so be on the lookout in your grocer's refrigerated section - or better yet put in a request at their customer service desk.
You can also order online - simply click the rooster below:
 

 

senora dixie - fresh, all natural salsa

Tortilla a la Diabla (Devil's Tortilla) is one of Dixie's favorite family recipes:

Senora Dixie Salsa
3 eggs
12 tortillas cut into strips

Tortilla a la Diabla (Devil's Tortilla)

2 tsp. olive oil
8 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili pepper
Salt + Pepper to taste

Place tortilla strips in a frying pan
Toss with olive oil
Stir until golden brown
Add scallions, tomatoes & fresh cilantro
Stir occasionally for 3 minutes
Add eggs, garlic powder, chili pepper, salt + pepper
Stir until everything is bended and eggs are cooked

This recipe is perfect for breakfast or breakfast for dinner with sour cream - YUM!

city to seaside with marie-chantal

OK - last reference regarding princesses and royalty, for a while, I promise!  But I couldn't resist posting these gorgeous photos of the exquisite, mother of five, Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece.  I have long followed and loved her sense of style.  Her children's clothing line - marie-chantal - focuses on classic and timeless designs for girls and boys.  Below are a few pictures of MC, some of her picks from her s/s 2011 collection as well as a Q&A from Caroline Stanbury of London's Gift-Library.com - a luxury online shop for women, men, baby, home, beauty & indulgence - http://www.gift-library.com/

What was the best gift you ever received?

For the birth of my babies my husband always gave me a beautiful piece of jewellery. I have a lovely collection now.

What is the most romantic gift you have ever received?

A weekend in Florence.

What would be your perfect dinner party gift?

A bag full of beauty essentials...

Do you have a staple gift for friends?

The Children's Diary by me of course!

What is your favourite Gift-Library item?

I love Dylan’s Candy Bar products.

What would be top of your Gift-Library wish list? 

I adore all the Kara Ross bags. 

As someone who is always on the move how would Gift-Library complement your life?

Web shopping for presents is a breeze in a hectic life!

princess marie-chantal of greece at the royal wedding of prince william & kate middleton

princess marie-chantal of greece & her husband prince pavlos during royal wedding festivities in london

princess marie-chantal of greece and zac posen

 





i love this photograph - beautiful!

princess marie-chantal and her children

marie-chantal spring/summer 2011

graphic t - octopus

boy's herringbone cargo short - gray mud

boy's new language jumper - gray mud/citrus

boy's striped polo - stone/citrus

herringbone cargo - available in off-white & gray

mc's pick

 

mc's pick - frill sleeve top in mc pastel flower

mc's pick - bermuda short in kaki

mc's pick - metallic sandal in gold