Nouvelle

Friends of JV: Lovely Alice

Posted on August 06 2018

Alice says that she has been steeped in the tea leaves of Jane’s Vanity. That is how she describes her time behind the counter at Jane’s bricks and mortar store in downtown Portland (now replaced by the JV website). Alice’s background in New York’s design world, and her love and knowledge of fabric, made her a natural to make the transition from customer to employee. That was in 1995. For seven years she assisted in creating the world of Jane’s Vanity.

Your Little World

Posted on July 28 2018

No vacation this summer? Say a fond driveway farewell to all the neighbors as they back out of your life for awhile. Seems quiet. Peaceful. Like your own private island. A place to make your dreams come true. The possibilities are invigorating. Dive into the unknown with Jane’s Vanity by your side.

Gardening in Emeralds

Posted on July 22 2018

Picture it. You in wellies, driving the pickup truck to the garden store, sheepdog at your side. Under that mud-flecked straw hat, your earlobes sparkle. Emeralds, darling. Where else would you wear them?

Set the Scene for Your Party Moment!

Posted on July 21 2018

Set the Scene for Your Party Moment

Swinging London: Picture it. A house party, circa 1965. David Hicks decor, lots of of color and pattern, which he always trimmed with white. Flip the concept with Olivia Von Halle’s black-trimmed Coco Oyster Silk Pajamas. Soigne and timeless, like the man himself.

The Mighty Duster

Posted on July 15 2018

A glance at the spring offerings from Jane’s Vanity shows the duster as a fashion star. What is it? A longish robe, worn open (hint: casualness is key). This handy garment sails behind you as the ideal frame for whatever you wish to wear underneath. It looks cool with skinny pants or a little summer dress. A duster wards off air-conditioning, nudges your look into cocktail time, and allows you to rethink your prettiest coverups.

Seven Days A Week

Posted on July 14 2018

Drift into your mental boudoir and imagine a glamorous seven-drawer semainier. Cute in French Provincial. Suave in mirror-front deco. So useful, not as a calendar cue, but as a co-conspirator. Together you cultivate your mutual obsession for seven pretty JV tableaus that offer lingerie surprises from top drawer on down: lovely scent, amazing colors, tiny momentos.

Ziggy Suggests

Posted on July 13 2018

Meet Ziggy, a dapper canine “Friend of Jane’s Vanity.” Ziggy Suggests… A walk! As a chihuahua-mix about town, I want to look sharp on the sidewalk. I tap my nails to the beat of summer as I accompany E. on parade. I admire her choice of Meng’s Blossom Stripe Silk Pajama Set. And her strappy heels that click along to my rhythm section.

“On Location”

Posted on July 08 2018

Your agent called. Filming starts next week. Whether you are joining the crew on a mountaintop, a steamy city street, or an endless beach somewhere, Jane’s Vanity is at the ready to helicopter you to a world of stylish movies. Here, a few inspiring cinematic possibilities to give your lingerie wardrobe an “extra” boost. Be a star!

A Change in the Air

Posted on July 07 2018

What could be more luxurious than an enveloping layer of cashmere to protect from the chill of a summer evening? Hard not to feel exultant as you reach into your bag for the delicious wrap that will keep you out a few more hours--at a beach bonfire or an outdoor wedding banquet. Your nomadic spirit embraces the night.

Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Posted on July 01 2018

Six Impossible Things

Are you up on your “Alice?” Then you know your crazy life out-distances the Red Queen on any given day.

Allen Toussaint of My Dreams

Posted on June 28 2018

Let your sweet dreams show a bit of New Orleans magic, à la Toussaint. Compose that special nighttime look with flair and fun. Layer it up with Jane’s Vanity’s excellent building blocks.

Defining Style

Posted on June 26 2018

"Maybe that is the essence of style,” Haslam suggests, “--making whatever one has, or can afford at the time, attractive at that very moment." Be yourself, only better. That’s a good definition of style. Cultivate your look. It doesn’t just happen overnight. Enjoy the ride.

Highest Joy

Posted on June 17 2018

Do you know that feeling, of being really good at something? Perhaps you would prefer not to brag. But, it is, indeed, exhilarating to work hard, do something your own way, and achieve success. The creators of the exquisite garments at Jane’s Vanity are cases in point (as is Jane herself).

How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Posted on June 16 2018

Tired? Wound up? Overworked? You need a rest. You know the formula for blissful sleep: long walk, opened windows, clear conscience. Or, in extreme circumstances, substitute the muffled world of an elegant hotel with its perfect bedding, anonymity, and blackout shades. Yet, something is missing. Oh, yes, the latest silky nightwear from Jane’s Vanity!

This Cat’s Pajamas

Posted on June 13 2018

(A Father’s Day Tale.) I was sartorially prepared, with a tall stack of freshly laundered Derek Rose Men’s Pajamas. I like the Bari Navy, slim cut in finest cotton jersey. Or the fashion-forward Nelson 43 Patterned set in natty cotton weave. Many more to choose from. In a moment, I was neat, clean, and didn’t care who knew it. Display handkerchief at the ready (never a bad idea). Time for Sesame Street!

Instant Dress Up

Posted on June 09 2018

For a festive summer afternoon, look city slick in pared-down classics from Jane’s Vanity. Enjoy the freedom of a breezy dress, the sleekness of a silky jumpsuit. Or consider a floaty JV top over trim pants/short skirt. No complications. Just add some sparkle and your grooviest sandals. You are ready to be cool!

Dreaming of F.R.S.

Posted on June 07 2018

Lake Como is the spiritual, and actual, home of Francesca Ruffini Stoppani’s monogram-inspired lingerie business F.R.S., or “For Restless Sleepers.” On its shores the first European silk production took place. And here Ruffini grew up and attended Como’s unique high school dedicated to fabric design. The elegance and subtlety of her lakeside world combines with her love of flowing silk garments, especially pajamas, to create the sophisticated F.R.S. sleepwear that can be worn all day. This spring, Jane’s Vanity shares the pajama attitude by offering these lovely and versatile designs.

Friends of JV: Fumerie

Posted on June 06 2018

Come along to SE Portland to visit Fumerie Parfumerie, a tiny shop that would be at home in Paris’s Saint Germain district. Enter and be enveloped by the magic of fragrance. The owner, Tracy Tsefalas, has created a world apart that is based on her knowledge of and passion for the art of perfumery. Jane’s Vanity showcased Fumerie at one of JV’s recent winter events. Both businesses share a commitment to bringing exquisite, unique products to their customers.

Eminence Grise

Posted on May 23 2018

How I love grey. The heathered grey of a tight little GAP tee shirt. The inky blue swirls of a tube of Payne’s Grey watercolor. The grey violet mocha shade that could color lace or a wall. The faded ribbon that ties old love letters. Eminence Grise originally meant a cardinal’s grey presence behind the 16th century French throne. This spring, grey is abundant in lingerie design.

Savvy Hotel

Posted on May 08 2018

Travel is in the air this time of year. Hotels whisper promises of indoor adventure. Jane’s Vanity makes sure that you are prepared, worldwide. The Coconut Hotel, somewhere in the South Pacific: An unexpected layover presents hospitality at its quirkiest. Test your metal in clothes that make you happy wherever you go. Allow yourself the freedom of the moment in a Marjolaine half-slip, worn as a skirt on a sulty night.

About Town: The Honorable Freddy

Posted on May 06 2018

Monday: Paint Aunt Sue’s Doghouse. Her pooch Monty is going to be a father, and Sue gets one pup. Meet X for martinis after. Wear Meng’s Blossom Stripe Kimono for an artistic touch. Tuesday: LED dress class. New way to light up my lingerie. Especially the Gilda & Pearl peachy Gina Peony Silk Slip. Perfect for registering voters or celebrating Jane’s birthday!

Transformers

Posted on May 05 2018

Does clothing transform the wearer? Miuccia Prada thinks not, as quoted in the March 2018 issue of British Vogue. Power, sexiness--it is all in the mind, says the famed Italian designer. Well, maybe. What is transformative? A sunny day, falling in love, helping others, a good class, making a commitment. But also, beauty. And, in my mind, beautiful lingerie does transform Try it. Give your secret self a nudge, with a happy assist from Jane’s Vanity.

The Mystery of the Mother’s Day Gift

Posted on May 02 2018

As Lady Pamela gazed from the window of the drawing room, a delivery van eased into the courtyard. “Mother will love it,” she sighed. Parker, the butler, drifted to the door to collect the inviting package. In just two hours he would be free to see Madeleine, the French maid. He burned at the memory of their last encounter. Distracted, perhaps, he tripped over the mat. The package flew out the door and was caught by Nellie, the playful sheep dog. Nellie scampered down the lane with her trophy. Parker and Lady Pamela gave chase.

Opera To Go

Posted on April 29 2018

Opera by the sea--glamour by moonlight. Opera in the city--glittering lights, dress circle. Opera in the park--power to the proletariat! Jane’s Vanity offers a chorus of dramatic garments to suit every opera mood. Bravissima! Standing ovation for you and Jane’s Vanity!

Fantasy Overnight Case

Posted on April 28 2018

Grace Kelly inspires with her “Overnight Case” scene in Hitchcock’s 1954 film Rear Window. She is a totally modern woman who can suit up in the most sophisticated manner and carry along a negligee in her serious-looking Mark Cross case. Totally Hitchcockian, yet uniquely, stylishly, teasingly Grace. Take a starring role in your next investigation. You provide the case. Jane’s Vanity will provide the contents. What will you choose for a special little overnight? There is room for just one item, so plan carefully.

Dreamy Morning

Posted on April 26 2018

An hour to yourself to greet the day? Intoxicating! Start with music: a mix of Italian pop divas such as Ornella Vanoni and Annalisa. So romantic, so tragic, so sexy. Draw back the curtains, open a window, just breathe. Wear a coverup from Jane’s Vanity. The Bianca Linen Robe with Raspberry Piping from Morpho + Luna enhances and elevates your sensuous morning. Off to your closet. Imagine dressing for an engagement later on. Or, possibly, undressing. Take pleasure in each seductive layer of lingerie.

Meng: “One Breath”

Posted on April 23 2018

Meng’s fabulous designs return to Jane’s Vanity this spring. The young British label, in business just six years, bowled us over with its latest collection of robes and kimonos. The floral prints are exquisite. The fluid, easy shapes offer lovely possibilities for wear at home or on the town. The intricacy and depth of this work marks a pinnacle in Meng’s creative thinking. It calls to mind the Chinese concept of “one breath.” Breathe in the enveloping luxury of everyday elegance from Meng.

Recherche

Posted on April 22 2018

The French word recherche is a lovely way to say special. As in rare, exotic, desired. The recherche mismatched drop earrings. The recherche vintage bomber jacket. It could also mean a little contrived, but, so what? The recherche over-the-top embellished kitten heels would work for me. Even the sound of this word implies something curatorial. I think of the way Iris Apfel might dress. Studied, but with creativity and joy. My Jane’s Vanity wardrobe allows me to compose my own recherche look every day.

Little Darling

Posted on April 21 2018

This spring Jane’s Vanity says hello to Violet & Wren, a newly-discovered UK lingerie line, and its breathtaking English flowers. The hand-painted fabric designs recall traditional botanical prints. The silhouettes are sports-inspired, suitable for home and beyond, layerable in that special English way. Another English friend, Morpho + Luna, continues to celebrate florals in its ongoing collaboration with artist Tom Gallant. This season, his limited edition deep blue and gold print takes inspiration from the tropical island of Reunion.

The Post Office Test

Posted on April 20 2018

If I’m in doubt about an outfit combo, I wear it to the Post Office. My local USPS is a safe place to experiment. While no one comments on my appearance in the line for stamps, somehow I sense either admiration or careful eye aversion. Often I head gratefully home to add, subtract, start over. Saved by the Post Office. No regrets for the bold and beautiful wardrobe staples from Jane’s Vanity!

Avedon and Seymour

Posted on April 18 2018

I can’t get past Richard Avedon’s description of model Stephanie Seymour. “She has something the others don’t have. She has humanity. Once I shot her while she was lifting her skirt, and underneath she was naked. It was a strange image. She’s not puritanical, but neither is she seductive. She’s not offering anything, just affirming herself. That’s why Stephanie interests me.” Lingerie could be your secret collaborator, your Avedon. No need to go commando into a challenging world.

Play Clothes

Posted on April 17 2018

Never mind athleisure, loungerie, swimtimates, shapeletique, or lingerie-to-wear. Think instead of play clothes. Best friends, ready to stay out ‘til dinner, maybe sleep over. Modern lingerie can take you anywhere. Don’t wait. Make every day a romp with a mix of your newest, happiest, most comfortable clothes from Jane’s Vanity. The JV team emerges from the clubhouse to offer strategy.

Lingerie à Go Go

Posted on April 13 2018

À go go is just what we want in lingerie. Skeptical? A little background.* A common term in 15th-century France, à go go meant “in abundance” or “galore.” It fell from use for a few centuries, but resurfaced in 1947 when an English book title was translated into French: Whisky Galore became Whisky à Gogo. Catchy. Fast forward to the 1960s, when the eponymous LA rock club, and its go-go dancers, redefined the term. From then on, à go go meant hip.

About Town: Swing into Spring

Posted on April 07 2018

Monday: Support group for jeans nerds. Bring all the pairs that need to be shortened (terror!). Underneath it all, wear the excellent Morpho + Luna Bina Cami and Tap Pant Set from JV. Salad rolls for dinner. Spring is coming.
Tuesday: Map Club to retrace Gertrude Lawrence’s steps as she entertained the troops in post-D-Day Normandy. Bring the Calvados and the Noel Coward playlist. Dinner will be kippers.

Millefleurs

Posted on March 25 2018

Barack Obama’s new official portrait by Kehinde Wiley puts me in mind of the historic tradition of floral backgrounds. Long ago, at the Museé de Cluny on Paris’s Left Bank, I became so transfixed by the floral tapestries at the entrance, that the museum closed before I got any further. The freshness of the colors and design reached out to me across the centuries. It is a thrill to see millefleurs used in this new work of art to such beautiful effect.

A Little Something

Posted on March 24 2018

My wardrobe needs a little something. Not too much. Just a special item to spark up the basics. Jane and Emily to the rescue with Cadolle’s Burgundy Velvet Robe. It will give me a happy feeling just to know it is there: a show-stopper, fun to accessorize, packable, ready for anything.

Perhaps you need a little something too. You know...

That Provençale Touch

Posted on March 20 2018

La Mousmé, VIncent Van Gogh’s 1888 portrait of a young Provençale girl in striped bodice, shows the strong influence of Japanese art, especially in the mix of color and pattern. Belle Epoque Europe had become enthralled with Japonisme after several exhibitions revealed its previously unknown styles. Van Gogh, working in the sunshine of Provence, would have found the fabric combinations worn by the locals a happy echo of the bold designs of the East.

The Lingerie Lifestyle

Posted on March 19 2018

Cheers to Linda and Stephanie, who are living La Vida Lingerie by posting their daily Jane’s Vanity ensembles on Insta for a year, starting March 1! This is truly taking mindfulness to a new level. (Click here to see images from Linda and Stephanie's posts in #JV365). Having just read Jacques Helleu’s giant photo essay on his life at Chanel, I am trying to imagine his admonition to pursue a “seductive lifestyle.”

Hotel California

Posted on March 18 2018

Reservations at Hotel California? Such a lovely place. Better pick up a few things at Jane’s Vanity. Oregonians have a fascination with wicked California. The joke is that, when the 19th century wagon trains arrived on the West Coast, all of the cool people turned left. Yet, Oregon’s dorkiness, slower pace, and even its inclement weather hold an attraction for us, and even for some of our southern neighbors. That is, when we are not fantasizing about mythical Cali.

Devoré

Posted on March 17 2018

Devoré, or “burnout” fabric, has been hip since the 19th century. The original idea was to economically simulate lace. The technique, developed in Lyon, chemically dissolved the surface of a fabric such as velvet to achieve semi-transparent designs. Devoré means to devour, and that is exactly how it works. The magical result of this alchemy quickly took on a life of its own. The creativity, sophistication, and delicacy of today’s luxury devoré fabric makes it ideal for loungewear.

In the Soup!

Posted on March 16 2018

Starving for style? Dive into the media soup. Savour the following delicious suggestions to spice up your life. Emerge, hours later, transformed--late for everything, but revitalized, inspired, and refreshed. Three documentaries, two films, two blogs, and two instagram accounts that are sure to inspire you.

Comrade!

Posted on March 03 2018

If you wish to consider the political ramifications of French lingerie, look no further than the Ernst Lubitsch 1939 film Ninotchka starring Greta Garbo. This gentle send-up of post-Revolutionary Russia finds a Soviet trade delegation no match for the temptations of Paris. Ninotchka, a sober functionary, is sent from Moscow to straighten things out. She quickly succumbs herself--to love and lingerie.

Outpost Oregon: Misty Chic

Posted on February 28 2018

In Oregon, style is just a state of mind. We leave the weather behind and reinvent ourselves every day. The influences can be cowboy, fisherman, hipster, preppy, Californian, athlete, sexy librarian, English villager, or even European. Or all at once. Wherever you take it, fabulous underwear is essential. It is the details that keep Misty Chic interesting: a pair of beautiful string and leather gloves in cognac, a special cashmere poncho from Zynni for inside and outside, a brightly patterned Klements silk scarf. As with other aspects of Oregon, they challenge the viewer to take a second look.

WCG: West Coast Girl

Posted on February 25 2018

West Coast Girl. An inviting concept. What defines her style? Freedom, simplicity. It is a friendly look, that doesn’t mind showing a bit of skin, or a pretty strap. The WCGs at Jane’s Vanity are ready to help us figure it out. Where to start? Artists help create the vibe, even those just passing through. Their daring reminds us to be our passionate quirky selves, inside and out.

Persona

Posted on February 24 2018

The gold hoop earrings, the haircut, the white collar. Special items can define you. The best ones redefine you. Let Jane’s Vanity take you to a new place. One special garment could make all the difference. A perfect black coverup is all you need to pull your loungewear together and keep yourself toasty in the process. Try Christine Vancouver’s Diva Velvet Kimono. It’s ¾ length sleeve and upper thigh length are so versatile, so packable, so alluring.

Private Lives

Posted on February 21 2018

Let Noel Coward pull you into the mood of 30s glamour. Cast yourself in his wickedly sophisticated play “Privates Lives.” The action begins as divorced couple Amanda and Elyot unwittingly check into adjoining honeymoon suites following their second marriages. The flame is quickly rekindled. Jane’s Vanity is waiting in the wings, ready with appropriate wardrobe.

Your Slip Dress is Showing!

Posted on February 17 2018

Slips are so timeless. Think of Botticelli’s Primavera. Or the Empress Josephine’s ethereal gowns. The slip dress of the 20th century first signified the liberation of the flapper, then the glamour of 30s movie stars. After a bit of a rest,* it reappeared in the 80s and 90s, perfected by designers such as Alberta Ferretti, Gianni Versace, and Calvin Klein The line between slip and dress has been permanently blurred by the likes of Kate Moss. Or you, as you choose from Jane’s Vanity’s selection of the very prettiest chemises, slips and gowns.

Friends of the Soul

Posted on February 14 2018

It’s nice to have a real friend. The ancient Romans totally got it. They spoke of “Sodalis Pectoris.” Yes, pectoris means bosom. Picture Joan Fontaine charmingly explaining “friend of the bosom” to Laurence Olivier in the Hitchcock film Rebecca. But, for the Romans, the concept went deeper--in their minds this phrase meant “friend of the soul.” One is fortunate to have that sort of understanding personage at hand. Someone with whom you can be your true self and vice versa. Together to laugh, cry, chat, scheme, go shopping. February’s celebration of love should also include a warm embrace of friendship.

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