Pumpkin spice

Halloween, c. 1986

(That's me, in the middle, with my siblings.)

Last year, I had quite ambitious plans for Halloween.  Pierce was eight months old and this was my first opportunity to dress him up in costume.  I wanted him to be a little Greek in a toga (read: pillow case).

Not only was I a Classics minor in college (though it sounds so...um, minor, when I put it that way), but I loved the idea of making my own costume- original, inexpensive, and easy.

And yet, I was having difficulty finding infant gladiator sandals in late October and worried that the toga might get cold.  It was standing in the fake plant aisle at Michael's, holding up the jagged plastic ivy I was considering for his headpiece, that I decided to take a trip up the elevator to check out the costumes available at Marshall's. 

 The selection was very picked-over as it was only a day or two before Halloween, but I did spot this cute pumpkin costume for about $15.  Sold!

(2010)

It was size 2T which was way to big for Pierce but was that much cuter being so over-sized, especially as he was not very mobile at this time anyway.

Lucky for us, I still love the costume and it fits him perfectly this year.  I opted for leggings instead of tights as they are warmer.

(2011)

Jack is going to wear his black tie dress pants with an orange shirt and green sweater.  

Don't hate me because I coordinate.

Pierce reminds me of Luigi running round in his leggings and onesie.

He is napping now, but we are going to hit the neighborhood when he wakes up.  My mom bought him a pumpkin bucket for candy, which will look cute next to himself, the larger pumpkin, and will be helpful for gathering sweets to bring home for yours truly.  I doubt Pierce really knows what is going on, but he always loves a party and seems to enjoy being in costume.

That's my boy.

Happy Halloween!

Xox,

Jenny

Wall to wall

Yesterday I was at one of my favorite local carpet and rug sources, Home Carpet One, a retail store with a trade program.  I find a lot of overlap here with the stores at the Mart, plus their prices are competitive.  I also love that they will do everything, including take up and install.

I instantly fell for this medallion pattern that somehow avoids being too sweet even though it is basically made up of pink hearts.  'Clovers' By Concepts International...

These color combinations are great, too.

With carpet on my mind, I am compelled to share a few ordering tips:

Request a sample or borrow a few 

Carpet manufacturers will usually send this directly to you, but if that is not an option, take a few home.  Always best to see them in the space.

Schedule a site measure 

For wall to wall carpet, request that the installer measure the space as soon as possible so the estimate is accurate.  (Some companies won't do this until you have placed your order.)  This is especially helpful when you are laying carpet on concrete or tiled floors.  Often, the installer will have to "skim" the floor to smooth it out so the carpet will lay properly.  A necessary step that will cost extra and should be planned for in andvance so it does not hold up the job.

Then, once you have placed your order...

Request a strike-off

(This is sample of the actual goods they are going to install)  

Dye lots vary, especially for natural materials like wool, and you want to be sure you get what you want.  The carpet will usually work even if the color it is slightly different.

Request a seaming diagram

(This is a floor plan of the room showing where the seams in the carpet will land)  

If the room is wider than the carpet (standard is around 12'), there will have to be seams.   Ask them to  run the carpet in the most cost-effective way. However, sometimes that will mean a seam running through a noticeable, high traffic location, OR will change the direction of the pattern (say, a stripe) and it may be worth spending a little more for a more discreet seam or desired pattern.  

Request a seaming sample

(This is a sample of the carpet sewn together) 

If the goods are narrow or the room is very large and you may have a lot of seams.  Seams should be discreet and often will disappear.  If the product does not seam well, you may consider re-selecting.

Paint, Install Carpet, Touch up Paint

It is much easier paint a space, especially baseboards, before the carpet is installed.  If this is a high traffic area, ask the installer or your contractor to protect the installed carpet with paper, and bring the painter back for touch up work as needed.

Stick around and supervise

If you don't have a decorator who can oversee the work for you, try and resist the temptation to have work done in your home while you are away.  Things always go wrong, even with the best planning, and it is much easier to correct any problem or miscommunication before the carpet is installed.

Most importantly, always ask if something looks off and don't worry about being high-maintenance (though always be gracious).  You are the one who is going to live with the carpet and you will get better service if they know you are paying attention.  

Xox,

Jenny

Sweat shop

J. Crew is making clothes for baby!  Love the colors and wish the green, red and blue were available in larger sizes, like, 2T.  Despite my aversion to sweatshirts, I like this "luxe" style.  And while I don't see myself shelling out $125 for an infant's cashmere sweater, if I were in the market, I would probably spend a little more for a cable knit cardigan:

By Ralph.  Of course.  

Baby cashmere- completely impractical or a necessary luxury?

I know what Suri would say...

Xox,

Jenny

Animal Kingdom

Growing up, my parents got creative when it came to our pets.

Sure, we had hamsters, like Nibbles, and countless goldfish, but we also had a duck, Quackers, and a french lop bunny named Flopsy.

I would spend my babysitting money on fish tanks, and cages for the various birds I brought home from Woolworth's.  I miss Woolworth's.  For a ten year old me, this store was Heaven.

Please tell me the name of a single store where I can buy a parakeet, pinking shears, Pop Rocks, Peaches 'n Cream Barbie, and a can of Pssssst at the same time?  

Sorry, T&A, but you don't sell pets.

We did venture into the more "traditional' route with our allergy-friendly poodles, Kermit and Arthur.  Hair, not fur.  Ill trained and yappy, they assaulted our guests, annoyed our neighbors and wreaked havoc on the few rooms they were allowed to enter in our house.  But I needn't get into that here.  

Jack and I have no plans to adopt a pet any time soon.  Our first and only attempt, of the Chia variety, ended in disaster.  That being said, we have managed to amass quite a menagerie over the years...

This lion resided in my grandmother's living room.  I love his eyes.

Also of the feline family, and inherited, this Lalique cat sat on our back deck in our old apartment.  It now lives on our mantle, away from Pierce's grasp.

My dad picked up this well dressed pitcher on his trip abroad out of college.  It lived on his dresser, collecting change.

I could not resist this duck pitcher when I saw it a few years ago at Anthropologie, on sale.  I envision him as a planter, filled with Ivy.

We received this leather horse as a wedding gift.  His name is Poncho.

Someone needs to make these in other colors, like white or pink or green.  I'm looking at you, Jonathan.

Howdy was a gift for Pierce's first birthday.  Poncho hates Howdy.

  

The newest member of our family is this spectacular peacock lamp, a prototype that never made it to prime time.  I saw it while touring a lighting company's warehouse and was instantly taken with it.  With its fate unknown, they graciously gave it to me.

It needs a new shade or a lower harp, or something.  But I love him, and some day, he will be perfect for my Florida room.

Xoxo,

Jenny

Step off

(My other favorite wedge)


Last weekend I was strolling around the new Topshop when I spotted a girl in black suede round-toe wedge heels.  I usually have no problem complimenting strangers on their bags or shoes or dresses, and often they will tell me the source, which I think is a nice thing to do.

But I was racing out the door, and didn't stop to inquire, so I will have to start my search from scratch.

Perhaps these are them?  I'm not sure.  

I think the key is making sure the heel is wrapped in suede too.

A few weeks ago I mentioned that my winter uniform usually consists of black tights with patent leather heels. However, I developed a fondness for suede shoes a few years ago, when I saw a chic older friend of the family sporting maroon opaque tights with matching suede shoes. The matte of the tights with the matte of the shoe made her legs appear to go on forever (like a nude shoe against bare legs), and I instantly went out and bought a few of my own pairs, in varying heel heights, all in black.

Now that I think of it, I might attempt to sport the new shoes with my equally matte Lululemon pants that appear conveniently trouser-like when paired with a normal top (as opposed to a tank top and running shoes).

I like that the wedge is more casual, as sometimes a high heels feels a tad formal for daytime errands.  Also, in my experience, wedges are so much more comfortable than heels when you are walking any distance.

I have never really understood the upturned-sole thing but I kind of like these.  Update- said sole style is easier to walk in, my dear.  Still though, I'm concerned that the extreme platform might make me look, and feel, a bit silly...

Fashion roadkill

So, I am on a quest.
A quest for the shoes that the girl at Topshop was wearing.  

I love Kate Spade, but I think my TS girl's were higher, if slightly chunkier?

If I really commit myself to the wedge, may need to invest in this pretty, pricey and practical number.  Not likely.  Though v. curious as to why Mr. L chose to call this snappy black style the endearing name of "Peanut".  It is hardly brown, cheap or salty. 

I quite like the subtle obscured-platform of this shoe, but have a general dislike of ankle straps, on me.  And hardware.  With a few exceptions:

Like the raddeling of spurs, the horsebits on these loafers alert everyone to my urban cowboy's arrival.

I actually have a pair of horsebits that were my Grandfather's- what a fun bracelet they would make!

Can I afford not to buy these? 

All of this feels like progress, too, as I developed a slight bias when I was in 7th grade.  My mom was driving me home from school and mentioned casually that she did not like the suede loafers I was wearing.  As my mother was not overly critical, I took this comment to heart and asked her to pull over on a bridge we were crossing.


In a dramatic act of solidarity (and littering), I threw the shoes into the ravine far below.  

Image via Google Maps

The scene of the crime.

Lets just hope mom approves this time, and my soon-to-be new shoes do not meet the same fate.

Xox,

Jenny

Puddle jumpers

It was rainy yesterday and after a very active morning at home, a delicious lunch and nap, Pierce woke up with a bad case of cabin fever.  He needed to get out of the house.

There was quite an aggressive drizzle at this point, and park was without another soul in sight.  Pierce donned his raincoat and made quite a mess of himself and, as my sister pointed out, learned the cold hard truth about the discomforts of wet denim.  It's a cruel world.

He was wearing his Crocs and socks which were muddy and soaked by the time we left so now I am on the hunt for toddler wellies in tangerine to compliment his raincoat.

Because of course they have to match.

I found this cute orange pair by a company called Bergstein based in Holland. 

After a little searching I discovered that they are available stateside at a store in New York, just not in his size...

I love all of their fun colors, as seen in the photo above, and the simple and timeless design.

Also quite like this version by Aigle 

and, of course, Hunter's wellies, but I am really digging the white sole.

Okay, this pair by CeLaVi might be my favorite.  Having trouble locating a retailer of this style though...

Starting at $50, these are all a bit of an investment.  Yet worth it if Pierce can play in the rain with warm dry feet.

That being said, these less expensive versions are well reviewed and come in a bunch of colors (just not orange):

Crocs Jaunty Rain Boots.  I love this springy green.

And this simple happy little frog version by Uda won me over with his sweet smile.

Not sure which boot I should go for yet, and will have to consult my team of experts this weekend.

Thankfully, though, the sun is shining today.

Xox,

Jenny

Pumped

On Tuesday, Annie, Pierce and I went to breakfast at the newly refurbished Pump Room.

I had to run a quick errand first, and when I arrived they were waiting for me near our booth, chatting with a chef who was sitting nearby.  But not just any chef.

The chef- that even the other chef, Mario, hailed as the man who "invented America's answer to nouvelle cuisine".  Yes, Mr. Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who Ian Schrager brought in to revamp the Pump Room, sitting alone at a long table, preparing for the official opening day of the hotel and restaurant.

After breakfast I could not resist going and introducing myself to Mr. Vongerichten- who, my waitress had informed me, goes by Jean-Georges.  Whew!

He could not have been nicer, and we started talking about the fabulous hotel and what a gift it is to the city and especially the neighborhood.  

We cooed over 19 month-old Pierce (he has a grandchild around the same age) and I was about to leave until I thought to inquire about the day's activities.

Jean-Georges explained that the mayor was showing up any minute for a breakfast, and then there was an intimate dinner for 150, followed by a private party-- and would I like to come?

Why, I'd be delighted!

You know I love a party.

He suggested that I bring Pierce, while his aide scribbled down my name.


I informed him that Pierce would unfortunately be fast asleep come party time.

Later that night I convinced by brother to come with me, and zipped into a dress that my mom and I had uncovered in our family storage locker. Some mothers and daughters bond over lunch and shopping.  We go to our storage locker. 

William Travilla, aka, Travilla.  From I. Magnin.  





One of his more recognizable designs, I just learned.

The dress belonged to my grandmother and she wore it well into her 70's.  Now, while Granny was très chic, I had doubts that the dress would look so on me.  The stars were aligning-- it fit like a glove.  And, while its long black lacy sleeves were a bit confining, they felt very current.  





Don't you know.

Decked in black and gold, I arrived at the hotel with David by my side, and told the woman with the clip board my name.  She looked up apologetically and informed me that I was not on the list.

"Oh... well, I was just invited this morning."

"Who invited you?"

"Jean-Georges," I answered.  


She shot a quick look to her supervisor, who gave her a nod, and we were graciously invited in.

The party was a hit.  It was such fun discovering new things I had missed on my first visit, like this swanky lounge off the game room:

(Fully tufted sectional available here.  Who knew?)

When I arrived home, I found Pierce awake. I learned that he had woken up screaming soon after I left, and would not go back to sleep.


I suspect that he was furious to be left behind.

You know he loves a party, too.


Xoxo,
Jenny

Just snappy

Image via Pinterest


I love photo booths.  I can never resist them, and thus opted not to have one at our wedding as I would surely have spent the entire night in it.

So you can imagine my excitement when I walked by Judy Maxwell, a new store at 1151 N. State Street, and saw this in the window:

Named for the character Barbara played in the movie, What's Up Doc?, and less than a week old, this quirky little store sells a mix of everything.

(Yes, that Barbra.  Was there any question?)

Apparently we all need to watch this movie right now.

Ms. Maxwell's inventory includes, but is not limited to...

Toys:

These cars were a hit with PKB and the parts are interchangeable.

Furniture:

Quite like this settee. And how fun would that lemon Popsicle painting be in a playroom or kitchen?  It kind of reminds me of a Wayne Thiebaud painting...

Cakes, 1963

(Like all desserts, the bigger the better.)

Along those lines...candy:

Jumbo dots and gummies.  How have I missed these?

Art:

Like these colorful little rocks carved out of books by a local artist.

Vintage kitchen wares:

Stage sets:

Along with this cute wagon filled with bouncy balls (also a hit with the mister)

And old records:

I would have bought this if I wasn't certain that my mother already owned it.

The counter was salvaged from an old ice cream parlour and the floor is covered in astro turf.  What's not to love?


You can be sure Pierce and I will be ducking in for a quick pic every time we pass by.  Those vintage booths take the best photos, no?


Xox,
Jenny