WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN ?????
Back in the summer of 2014, my wonderful photographer Della Bass helped JR to select our model for our photo shoot. Gorgeous, extremely likable and humble Emma arrived at the shoot. Little did we know that she would go on to star in STITCHERS and become an overnight superstar !!!
One thing is for certain, Emma can act ! She is also GORGEOUS !!!!
Married to Daniel McCabe since 2012 and a brand NEW mother as of less than 2 months ago, Emma was unbelievably REAL and quite likable. Talkative, funny and an expert at Instagram ! She continues to be so as she shares her life on her Instagram account... talking about motherhood and showing her gorgeous figure right before her delivery ! @emmaishta
The role of Kirsten in Stitchers came along in 2015.
Kirsten Clark (Emma Ishta), who has been recruited to join a covert government agency, has a special ability. Kirsten is able to be "stitched" into the minds of people who have recently died to use their memories to investigate murders. Taking advantage of Kirsten's ability is Maggie Baptiste, who leads the secret program in which Kirsten works alongside neuroscientist Cameron Goodkin, who is passionate about the work the group does. Other members of the team include socially awkward communications technician Linus Ahluwalia and Kirsten's roommate, computer science grad student Camille Engelson. When things go well, the team is able to use the "stitching" to solve mysteries that otherwise would have gone to the grave with the victims. GO EMMA !!!!!
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For those of you who are JUST learning about Imperial Black and feel the LOVE like we do, they offer The HEIST COLLECTION.
It's the group of shirts that almost didn't see the light of day. 3 luxurious men's shirts in some of the most beautiful fabrics they have ever produced ! It's worth a look at these splendid shirts and even more, to own THREE of these jewels!
The chance to finally shoot a collection in my most favorite place came with excitement and adventure as Teggy French and I settled down in Palm Beach to WORK, PLAY, EAT, and.... of course SHOP.
The new IKAT TRAVEL COLLECTION fits perfectly in this idyllic setting of luxe greenery and architecture. Teggy and I loved collectively choosing the locations for each style to be photographed. The old world, colorful ikat textiles mixed well with the iconic glamour of Palm Beach. We were able to turn this whirlwind photo shoot into a mini vacation that led us to some of the best places to find vintage clothing and furnishings on the East Coast. And, as always, staying at The Colony Hotel is glorious. In these photos below, Teggy models 3 main styles in 10 different authentic and original IKAT fabrics. The Montauk top is back by popular demand after it made its debut in the July 2012 issue of Town and Country. The Beatle dress is a new addition to the JR line. Meant to be worn in many varying ways, the Beatle dress has become my MOST favorite piece! Whether it is to a football game with Valentino gladiator knee high sandals, to a luncheon with 3 inch Aquazzura heels, to my son's soccer game with jean shorts hiding underneath or paired with the Wyatt ikat pants to a dinner party..... this dress has traveled !
Teggy's signature bouffant hairdo and her ability to wear a turban or a head scarf is amazing. She has sincere confidence in her styling, and this is why she has become an icon on Instagram and in the Fashion world. @teggyfrench Can't you just see her as one of THE Astronaut Wives on the new ABC television series? ( you just MIGHT ! ) It was so refreshing to be with someone who made me feel like I barely take risks ! She is confident, well studied, refreshingly REAL, and a wonderful friend to share and enjoy this ongoing JR brand creation.
Once we felt we had captured the look we wanted in the photography, it was time to take Teggy to some of my favorite shopping spots!
First stop, Groovy Palm Beach to visit the quirky and most knowledgeable vintage collector around ! If you want THE best vintage Emilio Pucci collection to choose from, look no further. We tried on and we tried on, and we bought and we bought ! Another favorite stop is Jacki Mallick Designs along Antique Row on South Dixie Highway. A mixture of mod furniture, spectacular artwork and framed photography and chic vintage accessories, this boutique is filled with eye catching treasures. Not forgetting a new find for me, Paula Roemer, in West Palm Beach. Paula had the best batik fabrics and Turkish umbrellas, not to mention a fabulous personality and a history with Carlton Varney himself !
Palm Beach is a mixture of the most beautiful outdoor scenery, treasures from the magical past of some of the best designers in the world and has an unmatched feeling of calm, selective and unique choices found in such a small but exclusive town.
Ron Galella was always the man behind the camera, capturing photos that we all recognize. He created for many of us the image of celebrity America in the 1960 and 1970's. His work was revolutionary and iconic. He is certainly the most famous AND the most controversial photographer in the world.
Ron Galella single handedly created what we now know as the paparazzi. His bodies of work have been on display at many museums including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and The Tate Gallery in London.
The photographs he captured with his camera, live in the minds of many of us today; and yet, some of us do not even know him by name. Let alone by face.
I was fortunate to be able to meet this aging artist in Manhattan last week. He was in town promoting his newest book,The Stories Behind the Pictures: A Guide to the Paparazzi Approach . Many of his black and white images were on display at the ever chic Clic Gallery located in Nolita. It is one of his more notable coffee table books that I was in search of. Jackie, My Obsession was published by Galella in 2012. www.rongalella.com
This huge hardcover book of incredible photography spans 12 years of Jackie Kennedy Onassis' lifetime.
Galella devoted his life and career to photography. It was October 7, 1961 when he captured the most famous shot of his career~ "Windblown Jackie" walking across the street in New York City.
I sat down with Mr. Galella to hear his story. He told me of crouching down in a taxi cab with his camera lens up against the window and asking the taxi driver to honk the horn just as Jackie was crossing the street. One second in time, and he captured an everlasting image.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was NOT a fan of Ron Galella. She felt she was not a celebrity but just a normal mother and woman whom should have her privacy. Two separate lawsuits were filed by Jackie O, and Galella was forced to remain at least 50 yards from Jackie and at least 30 yards away from her children. Despite her dislike of him, he was so endeared towards Jackie that he destroyed any negative photo film that was unflattering to her. He presented her to the world in a gorgeous and dignified way. He called her " the most glamorous woman in the world."
As many American women would admit, I fell under the Jackie O spell at first glance as well. Her mystique attracted our curiosity. Her large wide-set eyes and slim figure made her a fashion icon the moment she walked into our lives as Mrs. John F Kennedy. Her style leads me daily to design ideas and aspirations I will never certainly never achieve.
She hid behind those big black sunglasses and rarely gave interviews. She was admired and emulated like no other woman in history.
Whenever I put on various pairs of my big sunglasses, I am reminded of Jackie and her unmatchable style. Ron Galella was fortunate to photograph many celebrities including Elvis, Andy Warhol, Marlon Brando... to name a few. But it is Jackie to whom he remained obsessed ;and thus, created a photographic history that is unparalleled.
Photography is the only way to capture a moment... a feeling.
One look at a photo brings memories flooding into your mind. And for that, I am a most devoted fan.
Bye for now,
Jules
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It has been the most interesting past 2 months ! This has not just been about selling clothing. This has not just been about color and design. This has not just been about women and our figures. THIS HAS BEEN A STUDY of our great country and of people. A snapshot of the differences in culture and in the varying states in The United States.
What an honor it has been to be able to visit such lovely towns and hostesses.
I began my travels close to home in Richmond, Virginia. It was the kickoff to the JR SUMMER LINE. Hosted by 2 of my most favorite friends, we learned about the infamous Miraval Rose from Cote de Provence, a winery recently purchased by BRAD and ANGELINA.
It was the perfect rose wine to enjoy as we welcomed the end of April. Richmond ladies were fond of the Parisienne dress in our Silver Moon Brocade and the Charlotte top in Orange Kiwi. And, next, a day at Saint Catherine's Girls School as the girls celebrated the May Day dance. Inspiring colors and ribbons fit the bill !
Onto Raleigh, North Carolina. Wonderfully upbeat women with gorgeous children and homes. Truly one of my most favorite stops! Discussions of college applications, lacrosse games and upcoming trips to Wrightsville Beach. Many of these gorgeous ladies had grown up together, and their children following in their paths. It felt welcoming and very southern.
Jules in Raleigh, NC wearing the Emma blouse and Harbour Island pants in Brown Peace print.
And then the rain in North Carolina and Virginia started. We were bombarded with torrential rains for 2 days straight. Driving to Northern Virginia for a trunk show that was never to be..... the JR green BARBIE DREAM VAN had a BIG issue along 95 North, and unfortunately the show never happened. This was a big disappointment. Rain pounded the Virginia beaches until we thought we would never see the sun.
The following week involved a week long journey to Tennessee and Georgia. The JR van headed to Chattanooga, Tennessee to have a 2 day Trunk Show with my most cherished, old friends. 2 girls I met 10 years ago at The Breakers in Palm Beach who have become important figures in my life as well as the life of my sons. Kim hosted a gorgeous show in her newly designed Italian Villa in a neighborhood near Girls Preporatory School in Chattanooga.
We had fun greeting new and old JR friends. We ate delicious cheeses and drank red wine and mostly just talked. Our showings are not pushy. In fact, the worst feeling I could have as a designer and company owner would be if our clients had any buyer's remorse. We ALL know that feeling, and it is one I dread myself. At this age, I KNOW what I like and what I want to own. Many ladies who have attended our shows comment later that they loved the laid back feeling we create. I hope this is ALWAYS the case. Chattanooga talks were of upcoming days on the lake, the last days of Finals at McCallie and GPS, and Mother's Day.
And it was then time for SEWANEE graduation to see my goddaughter graduate! A place I have wanted to visit for a long time. What a gorgeous campus. The architecture is breathtaking! This school's traditions run deep. Graduation gowns passed down through families with custom embroidery on the back right shoulder signifying other family members who have also graduated from College of the South.
It was a beautiful couple of days filled with exuberant graduates, celebrations at the Greek houses, and a time of honor for my BESTEST friend EM. The Monteagle Sunday School Assembly community established in 1882 served it awesome purpose of housing the students family and friends. The feeling of relaxing on the screened porches covered with tall trees and shade and feeling the Tennessee breezes was amazing. Lucy Hebb is going to reach for the stars!
Next came a literal one day stop in North Augusta with Tara Simkins and 2 of her cronies. Tara is one of the most inspirational women I know. She amazes me with her spirit, her gratitude and her endurance. She is featured in a great book by her coach and mentor Meadow Devor who created the women's group~ The Rowdies. I encourage you to read Tara's story. I left Augusta feeling reenergized and grateful.
And, onto Alpharetta, Georgia! While driving from Augusta to Alpharetta, I felt the need for ONE glass of red wine and a good, quick, gourmet dinner.
As luck would have it, I stumbled into a private wine tasting hosted by Matt and Danielle Garafalo, owners of Oconee Cellar at a fabulous restaurant called Da Corrado.
Matt and Danielle, residents of Cuscowilla, could NOT have been more welcoming to a random woman walking into a private event by mistake. A 2 day extravaganza of a wonderful Trunk Show. Ladies attended in support of their dear friend Diane Geier, a new major part of the JR business. Diane opened her gorgeous home and we all had a ball trying on every outfit that we produced for this season! The fave JR SUMMER pieces in Alpharetta were by far the John John and the Hunter shorts. Diane introduced me to THE style maker in Atlanta, Danielle Rollins. Here is her gorgeous coffee table book. I love this shot of the back of her in the red dress, her hair up in a gorgeous bun. She is so inspirational with her out of this world table decor and party settings.
I had a 2 day hiatus and was able to fly into Richmond, Virginia to watch my sons play in their travel team lacrosse games. There is nothing better than watching your boys getting into a sport that is taking over the SOUTH ! Teams of all ages gathered for competition at a LAX field to play the game, run around on a gorgeous day, and JUST BE BOYS! www.hrlax.com
Wait~the travels are hardly done yet! Left is one THE BEST CITIES IN THE WORLD in my humble opinion. I was lucky to be at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach for 2 glorious evenings among friends and good food at The Palm Beach Grill. A good friend and editor of MVMagazine, Amy Lagae, hosted a lovely show in her home along with children's clothing designer Marie Chantel. The setting was a lovely home in EL CID complete with a relaxing, couture pool ! A trip to Palm Beach is never complete for me without a trip down Worth Avenue to the Eres boutique for a special, everlasting bikini.
As I reflect upon the first part of my SUMMER 2014 Trunk Shows, I do so with great regard for the women who graciously opened their homes, invited their friends and WE HOPE fell in love with the JR line. It is amazing how these towns are quite different in many ways~ the climate, the neighborhood feel, rural or urban, the accents to name a few. But it is REMARKABLE how as women and mothers we are all splendidly doing ABOUT THE SAME things as our days pass~ going to school events, juggling our children's sporting schedules, carpooling, filing our forms for schools, making dinner, having a glass of wine, talking with our best girlfriend over the phone, wondering ( or worrying) about this whole aging process, making time for our significant other, finding time for our spirituality, TRYING to do our daily exercise choice and JUST BEING FEMALES.
Traveling is the best medicine!
Bye for now, Jules
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A true treasure of serenity. Tulum is a place of long, lost days…. full of relaxation and Old World mystique. I learned about this special place several years ago from a friend in NYC, and knew that it was a spot I wanted to explore. I have spent a week during the last two Christmas’ in Tulum and have found myself thinking of this place almost EVERY DAY in some manner since my feet hit the sand. Travel to the Cancun airport, grab your bags and a $10 sidewalk Marguerita as a car picks you up and whisks you away to paradise. The immediate feeling is one of PEACE….. a feeling of days past~ before we relied on constant minute to minute communication with our children and friends, or our businesses. The air of Tulum begs you to relax and to fall into its lazy days, complete with a beach walk, laying in the sand, daily yoga by very distinguished teachers and finally ….wonderful, gourmet food found almost at every turn. This idyllic town is located on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The climate is typically ideal- offering sunny skies year round and spectacular sunsets. You will find a natural breeze in the evening as well as the sound of waves crashing along the shore. The options of where to rest your head are plentiful with small boutique hotels lining the beach for 3 or 4 miles.
This is a place for those who are well-traveled but yearn for the past~for relaxation, for the feeling of being out of touch with daily activities back home. Tulum calls out to those who appreciate the old, the less traveled, and the simplicity of a day. I favorite spot to discover is Coqui Coqui Tulum. A chic, small bungalow hotel complete with its own restaurant, women’s boutique and perfumerie. The feeling is romantic and yet rustic. I found myself walking there along the beach after a delicious lunch at Hemingways. This boutique hotel has an upscale feeling while still being extremely laid back. The sand covered floors in the boutique speak to this effect. For those who want to learn about the Mayan ruins, a short trip into the main part of the city awaits. Tulum is a walled city that served as a major port as early as the 13th century and inhabited by the Mayans. Tulum survived 70 years after the Spanish settlers began occupying Mexico. The ruins of this city are located on 40 foot tall cliffs lining the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Taking in the history of this Old World township offers a short respite from beach and the sun, and a chance to see unique and lasting architecture. I admit I lost my sandals at one point during my stay, and didn’t realize it until it was time to get picked up for a ride back to the airport. Tulum is an idyllic place where you CAN leave your shoes behind as you shed the typical elements of our fast paced lifestyle back home.
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The largest collection I have ever produced…. SUMMER 2014 has landed!
It feels reminiscent of waiting, and waiting, and then waiting….. and FINALLY having my firstborn son, Teddy. It is the anticipation building for months until finally you see a result. I felt this experience again 3 weeks ago as I flew into NYC to see the SUMMER 2014 collection for the first time IN ITS ENTIRETY …… as we prepared for the photo shoot the next day. It felt like Christmas to me as I tried on style after style and print after print in my newest collection.
The colors and prints for this season that I designed fill me with extraordinary pleasure. It is so much fun to NAME each print with a thought out descriptive wording to bring each season’s print to life. This season, the names range from Dr. Suess’ World, to 50′s Rose and to Daisy Love. You will discover pastels as well as vibrant reds and blues. A mixture of graphics as well as florals, this collection is very MOD and also feminine with a newfound feeling.
With our new model Emma who is from Austrailia, we pulled off our photo shoot in NYC, revealing the Summer line in a festive and fun way. As the images go live onto the website and we begin to see your favorites, I will continue to wear my most cherished new pieces wherever I go. I am most excited to travel the country, meeting new women who bring to life the JR brand in a whole new way. We have added a whole line of necklaces and bracelets to round out the collection.
Inspiration comes from everywhere, but it is most fruitful for me to travel and to see Spring coming into bloom around our country. I hope you will find inspiration in this line and ways to wear the styles and prints in YOUR OWN WAY.
Bye for now, Jules
]]>Jules Reid and Company is going on the road! We have A BUNCH of fabulous trunk shows planned around the country… and we could not be more excited. With our first BIG BRAND NEW COLLECTION debuting at the end of April, we want to spread the JULES REID WORLD around the country.
The iconic JR sprinter van!
The lovely ladies of Buckhead (2012)
Miami/Coral Gables at its finest!
JR in Vintage Pucci and Miu Miu shoes
A lot of new and exciting changes have been going on in our company. Jules and her team have been reaching out to friends and clients..… and our April, May and June schedule is packed full of wonderful events and cities to relish. As we spread our clothing line around the country and introduce a full new line of accessories, we felt that it was important to travel TO YOU ! Our jewelry line is an exciting new part of our company, and we cannot WAIT for you to see it!
This is a summary of our schedule that begins just as our SUMMER 2014 line debuts. We are excited for the clothing and accessories to be seen and be worn! Two photo shoots are planned to showcase our signature new prints and styles in the coming days!!!!! There has been a lot of FUN and HARD WORK going on around the Jules Reid office!
THE JR calendar:
Shows coming near you in early June:
If you would like to be invited to a show in your city, please email us at info@julesreid.com for additional information. Our hostesses are so gracious and have a lot of fun turning their homes and/or boutiques into a JR wonderland for the day! We are so thankful for the grassroot support of our loyal friends and fans!
Sassy Boutique, Vero Beach, Florida.
Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jules’ most cherished friends.
The younger girls get into the line!
Southhampton’s best Boutique! Summer 2012
If you would like to HOST a show or be involved in our SUMMER TOUR … please reach out to us. We look forward to seeing you around the country!
Until then, let’s enjoy SPRING ! Jules
Jules unloading the van in NYC.
Braided pigtails are a constant look!
Louisville hosts JR. October 2013.
Cherry Creek, Colorado! The hostesses with the “Mostess.”
Jules’ son loves to help too!
Michelle Farmer Boutique in Palm Beach.
Jules and an entire family. Mother and 4 daughters! (Georgia) 2012
]]>There is nothing like an escape to Palm Beach when the weather along the East Coast is at its worst! I have been frequenting Palm Beach since my early 20′s, and it has been a love affair since my first visit. How can one not love the manicured lawns and the gorgeous homes along North and South County Road? The town feels old school and idyllic.
The Colony Pool- its blue water sprinkled with leaves from the bougainvillea bushes
Jules in her favorite vintage Pucci standing under the Clock Tower at the end of Worth Ave. The BEST vintage Emilio Pucci can be found at Groovy Palm Beach Vintage on North Country Road.
A pink ceramic elephant found at one of the many shops along West Dixie Highway. This one had to come home with JR !
A handmade basket from Christa’s South Seashells on West Dixie Hway.
A an outside framed poster along Northwood Road in West Palm Beach.
Times have changed a bit however, as the bigger chains have come in and paid higher rents ….causing the unique boutiques to close up shop. Some of the best finds can actually be found in West Palm Beach along Dixie Highway. Vintage stores full of pieces from the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s are frequent finds… and some of the best framed artwork, ceramic garden pieces, bamboo chairs and thick lucite are abundant.
Many of the best interior designers in the world LOVE to fly down to West Palm Beach, pick their finds and fill a truck for a long ride home to the North. A great vintage curator who has collected some of the best designers from the past is EJ at Groovy Palm Beach Vintage.
Jules wearing her 1960 huge and ROUND Emilio Pucci sunglasses.
He can be found in Palm Beach on North County Road. Be prepared for a funny gentleman with tons of knowledge and Pucci to “break the bank”! Some of my favorite finds are from his shop, including an enormous pair of round Emilio Pucci sunglasses that could almost be called comical and a brown velvet printed skirt by Mr Dino.
The one-of-a-kind Colony Hotel, situated near Worth Avenue on Hammond Avenue, has hosted too many celebrities and Presidents to count. It is a wonderfully private and calm setting~ great for an early morning coffee or a relaxing lunch by the pool. Recently redecorated by Carlton Varney, the walls are bright and quite preppy. The pots of bougainvillea that outline the gorgeous pool extend a welcome that stays with you a long time after a visit.
The Colony Hotel. Its gorgeous terrace with the pots of blooming bougainvillea framing the pool.
Gorgeous balconies line one of the Via’s along Worth Avenue.
3 sons in a row.
My son playing in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Colony Hotel, taking a break from the sun.
Nothing better than dinner at the Palm Beach Grill. Jules and her 3 boys on Spring Break.
If you are looking for a refined vacation that echoes the past… look no further than Palm Beach. Many of my inspirations and designs have come to fruition by plodding through hours of vintage pieces in this iconic American town…. Florida’s CROWN JEWEL.
M&V Magazine. It’s 3rd issue featuring Mary McDonald, and a piece on Jules’ beach house in Virginia. @magazinemv
Jules wearing the Lilly orange embroidered jacket and a vintage Whiting and Davis silver top.
]]>I have always had a love for Virginia basketball. Due to my height, my father encouraged (dragged) me to UVA basketball camp at age 12. Being the mother of 3 boys , it’s a good thing that I enjoy the sport ! One of my favorite past times is attending UVA basketball games in Charlottesville.
Virginia defeating Boston College. Make no mistake, this season has been “Cinderella-like!”
Everyone’s favorite, Joe Harris! “Show me the ROCK , Joe!”
Remember the movie Hoosier’s ? Tony Bennett and his team have created the sequel !!!! Not since 1981 (the Ralph Sampson era) has UVA won the ACC regular season championship. And, not since 1976, with the inspiring play of “Wonderful” Wally Walker, has the team won the ACC conference tournament!
All eyes are on UVA, the #1 seed in the East Region, as they begin NCAA tournament play TONIGHT at 9:30 EST against Coastal Carolina. This cohesive team of players and their “nice, boyish” coach, Tony Bennett have redefined UVA’s basketball history!
What has been the secret to their success? It warrants a deeper look…..
Recently, Tony Bennett shared the “backbone” of their program -
THE 5 PILLARS:
Talk about inspiring! Aren’t these beliefs what we all should strive for?! Check out Tony’s philosophy in more detail here: Coach Bennett’s Five Pillars of Success
As it turns out, JR and Tony Bennett have something in common. We both launched our “brands” at the exact time…the Spring of 2009.
Jules shopping at her favorite place…And George in C-ville.
As founder of JR, I have tried daily to incorporate Tony’s philosophy into growing my brand and culture. And, please know, without the key people on my team the past 5 years, Jules Reid would still be a mere dream.
Here’s to the underdog, the valiant, and the ” David” in the fight ! Go Hoos!!!! Keep the dream alive !!!!
]]>N E E D L E P O I N T. N E E D L E P O I N T. What a way to relax. A way to create art and still be present with your guests and family. Who feels guilty when you have company but are DYING to read a book or watch something on TV?
My first needlepoint kit. Completed in 1976.
Needlepoint is something I learned from my mother, my aunt and my grandmother when I was 10 years old. We were vacationing on Crystal Lake in Michigan when they taught me to thread the needle, learn the continental stitch… and away I went. My first creation still hangs in my library. How appropriate and sooooo 70′s.
One of the most influential needlepoint women of the age, I believe, was…. Maggie Lane. Her first book Needlepoint by Design published in 1970 really brought the past time the the forefront. The genre was Variations on Chinese Themes. Maggie’s idea was to pick a central motif and then pick and interchange the border. This allowed the reader/needlepointer to essentially create a one of a kind piece. Maggie Lane was born in China and came to the US right before Pearl Harbor. Maggie believed that needlework was not WORK for her, but her main outlet of creation as well as recreation. A HA~ a pleasing past time! Maggie Lane lived and worked in New York City.
Maggle Lane Needlepoint books from the 70′s.
This piece has the most varying stitches. The bandit fish and the sewn on jewels were my first try at anything other than basketweave.
There are so many various stitches you can learn to do in needlepoint, but the easiest and the most common is the traditional basketweave stitch. It keeps the canvas straight and doesn’t allow it to get out of center as you complete your work. Also, the back of the canvas looks like a piece of art as well… This is the stitch that we see most often when we find needlepoint belts, pillows or coasters. www.jonathanadler.com
An owl pillow I did while pregnant with my 3rd son.
For me, needlepointing is easier AND more relaxing than cross stitch. The main difference being that in cross stitch, you have to count and start with a completely blank canvas. With needlepointing, the artwork is already painted onto the canvas before you begin. One of my favorite needlepoint shops is in NYC on the Upper East side called Woolworks on East 81st Street. They do custom canvases and have a variety of choices to select. If you purchase a canvas with them, the wool is handpicked and comes with your needlepoint.
I completed this is 2000, heartbreakingly right before 9/11. I found this in a great needlepoint shop in Naples, Florida and completely changed to colors… making the 2 Twin Towers metallic pink.
On my kitchen wall at the beach house. I try to remember this every day, even those days that we do’t feel so good.
A chair in my little boys room which holds many of the pillows I have made. The ottoman is covered in a large turtle by Maggie Lane. The alphabet pillow I made during my first pregnancy.
When I go into someone’s space and find needlepoint pieces, it makes my feel more at home. I love the chance to look at someone’s unique work and think of the hours they spent completing their project. The best projects are one’s that stand the test of time, and become pieces in your children and even your grandchildren’s homes as time goes by.
This door stopper is my children’s favorite. It has the wrappers of the best candy bars on all 5 sides. Finished with a red velvet base and covering a brick, it makes you happy when you see it.
Probably one of the most rewarding pieces I have done. I had fun changing the colors the ladies wear and the patterns as well. I thought a lot about Maya Angelou when I was working on this.
Some needlepoint “ladies” in shops can be a bit intimidating, to say the least! I had to learn to get thicker skin as I came into the store after doing part of a project, only to have an employee scold me for not consistently using the same TYPE of thread on a canvas. The excitement of it to me… is changing the type of thread from regular DMC, to metallic threads, to wool, to silk/wool. Picking varying types of thread as well as changing the colors of the painting canvas is what makes this pastime FUN. You can make your piece completely original by choosing to use colors that are not shown as the original painted colors on the canvas.
SO dive in and create a something original~ a lasting heirloom for your boyfriend, husband, children or even your best friend!
Bye for now, Jules
You can SEE everything with lucite pieces. You cannot hide. Lucite is airy and light, and it creates an open, alive feeling. A feeling of extra space and of clarity. I believe, as we grow a bit older, this feeling is PERFECTION.
My beach house is almost completely decorated in lucite. I have searched high and low for these vintage pieces that have found their way back to the beach and to the 1930′s cottage that I have redesigned.
I also love to wear lucite. Vintage pieces of jewelry that were created in the 1960′s or 1970′s are true treasures.
They are unique finds that carry memories of the former owner as well create new memories for me as I pair them with JR pieces from my wardrobe. I believe it is a true gift to be able to style an outfit in a completely new way and to create a following.
Check out my Signature Jewelry in the online store.
The first trip I made to Paris to showcase my SPRING SUMMER 2010 collection, I was determined to find a source to bring my own lucite ideas to fruition.
I had my first samples made of the Lucite Rock ring, the Jackie-O lucite choker necklace, and the Comet square lucite bangle bracelet.
A year later, we added the colored lucite in hot pink, bright blue and purple. There is rarely a day that I do not put the clear Lucite Rock on my middle finger as I walk out of the door, no matter what the occasion.
Check out my Signature Jewelry in the online store.
One of my boys on the 1960′s huge lucite coffee table.
It is harder now to find the THICK lucite furniture pieces that truly make a statement and add such grace to one’s home. I scour vintage shops and flea markets to find vintage lucite.
My best finds have been a sturdy lucite stool… perfect for my little boys to step onto in the kitchen, thick round lucite shelves that hang individually in my living room with real coral pieces on top of each, and an enormous lucite coffee table from the 1960′s that was the focal point of my family’s library.
A Hermes scarf I received as a gift framed in heavy 1 inch lucite.
Framing handmade needlepoint pieces or vintage Hermes or Emilio Pucci scarves are truly one of my favorite decorating techniques. The vivid yet clear look that LUCITE provides is unparalleled in my every changing, color hued world.
Chairs from the 1stdibs.com showroom in NYC and a bubble chair I found in West Palm Beach.
Lucite side tables from Plexicraft that I had custom made for my bedside tables. And, a 1960′s very thick and chic lucite ice bucket. A TRUE treasure!
A vanity lucite mirror and an Allan Knight round lucite/glass cocktail table.
Here’s to your future lucite finds!
Bye for now, Jules
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Roger Vivier IS a girl’s dream. What a wonderful creation by a master French Designer. Roger Vivier ( 1907-1998) is credited with the design of the first Stiletto heel in 1954. Ava Gardner and The Beatles were all Vivier fanatics.
He designed shoes for the coronation for Queen Elizabeth II. His designs are classic, extravagant~ silk and jeweled!
His designs have forayed into handbags, jewelry, boots and sunglasses. Finding a piece of Roger Vivier is a true, lasting treat. His first boutique is on the Rue St. Honore in Paris and was inspired by his apartment, designed by Lena Pessoa.
There are now 3 flagship boutiques in the US. If you are just hoping to LOOK at some of his designs,,, go to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Vivre Vivier!
The new coffee table book pictured above right is frivolously bold and fun. Published by Assouline. www.assouline.com
One of my favorite Roger Vivier gems is the large Caba bag in green suede. I am happily carrying this bag on a recent trip to the city.
The iconic buckle
His iconic symbol and logo is found on most all of his pieces and help create a lasting look!
Check out these fabulous low heeled blue and green shoes from the SS2013 Collection.
LOVE TO YOU ROGER! Your style and your ideas!!!!
Bye for now, Jules
]]>Vintage Jewelry is all about the FIND, the rarity, the feeling of finding a needle in a haystack. My love of vintage pieces began in my early 20′s. Living in Soho, NYC and walking the streets among the wonderful shops…. my eyes spying a rare, spectacular piece that I had never dreamed of seeing. Researching the designer, learning about its history and dreaming up the ways that other woman had worn the piece became my hobby.
To me, it is frivolously fun. Building an outfit around a necklace, or a bracelet or earrings…. it is playful and artistic. In my photo shoots for my collections, I have constantly shown the clothing with pieces from my personal vintage collection along with pieces I (sadly) offer to our clients. Finding that special piece is a gift.
The two pieces below were available on my website!
Vintage Judith Hendler Pink Lucite Choker Necklace
Vintage 1970s Lanvin Cream Teardrop Pendant Necklace
Carol Tannenbaum of Canada also has a stunning collection. www.caroletanenbaum.com
The the left is one of my favorites, a Green and Diamond Choker Necklace
House of Lavande in Palm Beach has one of the best collections of vintage jewelry I have ever seen. www.houseoflavande.com
A Lanvin cream colored teardrop pendant necklace from the 1970′s – This is one of my most cherished finds.
At a trunk show in Alexandria wearing one of my faves! A thick gold chain necklace with a bar of tassels dangling down.
It reminds me of a Whitting and Davis small clutch purse- yet it is hanging around the neck.
I love embracing the past. Paying homage to those designers before who have stood the test of time and years later excite us as we create an outfit.
Bye for now,
Jules
]]>It is the perfect time to launch my blog.
Summer is the season of living: outdoor time. A season of sand, children playing in the yard and on the beach, sandcastles, long walks along the ocean, bright colors, peonies, large brimmed sun hats, reading a great book under an umbrella, visits from family and friends, snow cones, pink paddle boarding, sunscreen and white covered noses, big black sunglasses, a gin and tonic with extra limes, dancing under the stars, the smell of chlorine, wet hair, braids, bright Hermes and Pucci towels, sun kissed cheeks, big gold hooped earrings, no homework, freckles, sleeping in, mosquito bites, and an overall feeling of relief.
Having 3 younger boys who love the ocean, living right near the beach is our perfect solution. We surf, skin board, paddle board, play LAX in the yard, ride bikes, take long walks on the beach… and hopefully enjoy many visits from friends afar.
Bye for now, Jules
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