We’ve got to hand it to Jenny Graham. While a breakup would lead most to a pint of ice cream and a slew of sappy flicks, Jenny took her obsession with all things fashion and interior design and created the colorful, optimism-exuding blog, Jenny by design, after splitting with her boyfriend just a year ago.
So how did Jenny spend her time before launching the blog? As a U.S. senator’s trusted aide, a national TV news and radio producer and ballet teacher—not to mention, her current daytime gig as a movie studio publicist. Her well-rounded career is reflected in the site, which spotlights various interests, from fashion and food to travel, décor and design. It comes together beautifully, with Jenny’s effervescence always shining through.
Below, Ms. Graham spills her style story.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
Feminine, colorful and eclectic, always with a classic touch.
What are your top five rules to live by?
1. Decorate your home with things you absolutely love.
2. Keep your hair healthy—it’s a natural, malleable accessory.
3. Wear a gemstone earring that compliments your skin tone or hair color. The color will brighten up your vibe. (This works best with classic and refined apparel).
4. If you are going to splurge, splurge on shoes. Investing in a well-made pair will go a long way with any outfit you put together.
5. Really get to know yourself—confidence is your best accessory.
If you could lunch with any interior or fashion designer, who would it be?
In this moment, my instinct is to say Derek Lam. Aside from loving his design aesthetic, my first NYFW show was his Spring/Summer 2012. I’d love to chat about his musical taste, and ask him about his process of selecting songs (and choreography) because the soundtrack to that presentation was perfection.
If you were accidentally locked in Barneys New York overnight, what would we find you wearing in the morning?
No matter the season, a dress is my go-to attire. You’ll find me trying on this Dolce & Gabbana floral genius and no doubt this gorgeous bell skirt dress. The frock is to die for. I would have picked up a pair of Balenciaga’s cuffed ankle boots in black before heading over to collect an underpinning or two (take note of Cosabella’s lowrider hotpant in cobalt). It wouldn’t be a true Barneys sleepover without accessing Chelsea Passage. With skulls being one of my favorite jewelry and design accessories, Skull Style is a must-collect. And, I wouldn’t skip away without selecting the perfect El Casco pencil sharpener for my desk. Finally, no trip to Barneys New York is complete without satisfying my undying adoration of Fornasetti. You’d see me walk out with an Occhi wood tray for the home or office.
1. The Curated Collection Skull Style: Skulls in Contemporary Art and Design – Camouflage; 2. Cosabella lowrider hot pant; 3. Dolce & Gabbana floral long sleeve dress; 4. Dolce & Gabbana bell skirt dress; 5. Balenciaga cuffed ankle boot ; 6. Fornasetti Occhi wood tray; 7. El Casco pencil sharpener
Last minute travel plans before the summer comes to a close?
I just returned from a last-minute (and first time) trip to the Caribbean. I hereby endorse Trunk Bay beach on St. John. My last-minute local getaway is a day outdoors at the Brooklyn Flea. A woman named Helen sells the best collection of vintage Vogue magazines.
Images courtesy of Jenny by Design.
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