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An Ode to Jenna Lyons

An Ode to Jenna Lyons

The image smack dab in the middle of my inspiration board happens to be from a 2011 J.Crew catalog. Jenna Lyons took on the creative lead at J.Crew in 2008, so I imagine she had something to do with the ballerinas that flank the page. For a long time, I saved every J.Crew catalog that came my way. I wore sequins during the day because Jenna did. I toyed with the idea of dark-rimmed glasses. I tried (and failed) to learn the art of the messy-yet-perfect undone bun. I smiled when Jenna painted her son’s toenails pink and I was beyond flattered when, upon meeting her some seven years ago, she told me she thought I had pretty hair.

Jenna Lyons isn’t the only J.Crew icon that I’m inspired by. I almost fainted when Mickey Drexler was in my Soul Cycle class (the time I went to New York City to go wedding dress shopping). We were both sweaty, so I didn’t say hello. I still regret it. But Jenna. Jenna seemed (and was) so approachable. An article profiling Jenna in the May 2013 issue of Fast Company is still something I keep at my desk and reference from time to time as she shared her wisdom and a glimpse inside her to-die-for office. Jenna is the dream. Jenna is the goal.

Why? I think it’s because she started from the bottom and now she’s, well, here. She worked hard (26 years with the company). She had a vision (high/low, bold accessories, design clothes you want to wear yourself). Her bosses recognized her talent and eye and perspective and they listened. To me, this is exactly what success looks like. I fancy myself an ideas person and Jenna is someone that so wonderfully put her ideas into motion. Made her point of view (and herself) a brand. So, Jenna Lyons, thank you for the inspiration and best wishes as you embark on the next great chapter.

In Case You Want To Shop

Did this post inspire you to run to J.Crew like it did for me? I just bought these workout pants, this summerweight sweater and these earrings. The whole site is up to 30% off with code MOREISMORE.

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