Jenna Made Me Do It...
Desk Note 09 - consider me #influenced by Jenna Lyons
Dear Readers (you charming city intellectuals who blindly decided to go on this summer desk note journey with me),
I have a confession to make…
…it makes me cringe and laugh with excitement at the same time…
…it’s something I never thought I’d do, but…
…tomorrow I will watch The Real Housewives of New York.
Ok, I’m sure some of you are not surprised (maybe even you’re relieved) as you’ve only been begging me to watch the BRAVO franchise for years now. But tomorrow is different. Tomorrow is the release of a new season and cast; someone different has enticed me to try it.
Enter Jenna Lyons. Former J. Crew President. Forever a Tastemaker. An Underrated Master of Modern Eclectic Interior Design according to moi. Currently the CEO and Founder of LoveSeen. And to many, an unlikely housewife as put by our friends over at The New York Times.
I highly recommend reading the Times’ editorial piece by Jessica Testa. It sums up everything in a fabulous thought-provoking style that I can only hope to write in someday. Not to mention the stunning photos by Yael Malka that accompany the interview. Indeed, Jenna already appears comfortable at home as a new housewife. But beneath the sequins and blazers, however, Jenna is real about her vulnerability.
She was the same when I met her a few months ago: down-to-earth, kind, and unafraid to talk about her insecurities.
On an overcast December morning, I attended a casting day for LoveSeen, Jenna’s brand of natural-looking false lashes. While a makeup artist and photographer swirled around us, I was interviewed by Jenna to potentially be cast in their new campaign. I was extremely nervous as I had never done modeling before. I was immediately relaxed once I got to the hot seat, though. Her warm smile made me feel welcome and present in the moment. When it was my turn to ask questions back, I wanted to get to know what was really behind those seriously natural-looking fake lashes. Why did she make this company? What was her inspiration? I was not expecting the vulnerable, personal story that she shared with me in response.
And it’s exactly that unexpected authenticity behind such a well-known figure in Jenna Lyons that convinced me to tune in to RHONY this time around. I’m sure she will share both her personal and professional life this season. You’ll have to watch it, too, to find out her answer to my question - they were filming her work and our conversation that day for the show. Let’s see if it made the cut. :)
So, here’s to firsts!
Whether it’s applying your first set of false lashes and attending a LoveSeen casting call, or deciding to watch The Real Housewives for the first time tomorrow night, let’s all follow Jenna’s lead and push ourselves outside of our comfort zones. Open up to vulnerability and be unapologetically yourself!
Thank you, Jenna, for your kindness to me that day and your constant inspiration. I’ll never forget it.
P.S. - maybe one day I’ll have similarly chic pink velvet couches.
P.S.S. - I’m sorry for my messy hair that day! I was waiting on a color touch-up from my stylist that weekend. LOL!
Now I’m going to play a mixture of Amy Winehouse and D’Angelo, turn on the sconce lights above my bed, and make tacos in my underwear…idk it feels like something Jenna would do.
ECF
MORNING, NOON, NIGHT – inspired by the title of one of my favorite coffee table books, each desk note ends with something interesting for you to see, do, read, and/or wear as told through the lens of a day’s journey from sunrise to sunset. This week I’m sharing some things influenced by Jenna Lyons’ je ne sais quoi.
MORNING – Tata Harper’s hydrating floral essence is already on my birthday wish list. It would make a nice addition to my morning skincare routine.
NOON – Lunch meetings should be held at Sant Ambroeus. Not only are the food and espresso of exceptional Italian quality but the fabric and branding are in pink velvet colorways. JL approved!
NIGHT – Can’t go wrong with a classic white shirt to dress up or dress down for dinner. Linking a J. Crew version here.
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Congrats on your first casting call!!!!