Style File: Jane Green Warburg

I have long been a fan of New York Times bestselling author Jane Green (now Jane Green Warburg). Born and raised in London, it was Jane’s Englishness, wit and style that first drew me to her books. Jane found fame with her first novel, Straight Talking, thirteen years ago. Since then she has written ten novels as Jane Green.

Jane is one of those special writers who you feel you come to know personally through her writing. And, as luck would have it, I have come to know Jane through emails and phone calls. It goes without saying I admire her as a writer, but I also adore her sense of self and style. Jane’s passions include food, gardening, decorating, throwing parties and writing. A kindred spirit indeed.

Early this year Jane married her soul mate Ian Warburg. The two live in Connecticut with their blended families of six children. When not attempting to juggle the lives of small people, a household and a career, Jane says she can usually be found either cooking or covered in dirt planting vegetable seeds.

Jane’s much-anticipated book Dune Road will be released this summer (June 2009), just in time for a poolside/beach read. It is the story of life in an exclusive beach town after the tourists have left for the summer and the eccentric community sticks around. I will keep you posted on the release.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Simple and classic.

What items are a must for air travel?
Ear plugs, Dramamine, thick socks and three good novels.

What accessories can you not live without?
An old orange lizard planner – I still have to write everything down or it’s gone, a bunch of Helen Ficalora alphabet charms with the initials of our children on a leather cord, and my wedding bands: a beautiful Jude Frances and a tiny Cathy Waterman heart wedding band.

Which pair of shoes do you wear most often?
Running around during the day, ballet flats from J Crew or London Sole or the dreaded fuzzy Merrell clogs (it comes with living in the suburbs I’m afraid – sometimes you just have to choose function over form), and at night, Henry Begeuelin boots with jeans.

How would you describe your morning routine?
Frenetic. I try and grab time on my computer in bed before the children discover I am awake, and then it is downstairs to feed four Smalls, make snacks, find coats, before a Smoothie and very large mug of coffee while I retreat to my office. Once washed and dressed, I take my MacBook down to the library to work. Am always done by lunchtime, and back to being Mummy for the rest of the day.

What is your favorite indulgence?
Fresh flowers. I am obsessed with flowers and arranging. For my wedding I wrapped simple low glass straight-sided bowls with vines of twigs, and filled them with hyacinths. We are about to build a house, and I am desperate to cut straight from the garden again.

What is your most prized possession?
A pair of very old and beautiful Topaz earrings, and matching necklace, which belonged to my husbands Great-Grandmother, and have been passed down through the generations.

Who are your style icons?
I am fascinated by the look of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy – so simple and elegant. And Nan Kempner was amazingly stylish: I love that on Sundays she had wonderfully informal dinner parties: buffets and balancing plates on knees. ‘The secret to a great party, she once said, is not lavish menus, place settings and flowers, but "imagination and great friends." She was comfortable enough in her skin not to have to try too hard, and that, for me, is true style.

What is your favorite luxury in life?
My sparkly assistant, Elise. Without her there I would still do events, give readings, sign books, run my life, except I'd do it all on the wrong day, at the wrong time, and send everything to the wrong address...

What is your all time favorite handbag?
I couldn’t possibly choose just one – too much of a handbag addict for that. I have a series of clutches for evening that I love. My first was a Nancy Gonzales bright pink crocodile, and have picked up various others, in different leathers, along the way.

What handbag do you carry most frequently?
A brown Hermes Paris Bombay tote.

Profile by Ronda Carman
Photo Credit Chris Floyd