Style File: Jane Green Warburg
by allthebest • 22 Apr ’09 • Jane Green Warburg, the list • 27 Comments
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
Dear Ronda,
Wow, this book looks like it will be amazing!
Also, I was so excited to see your images of your time spent with Ruthie Sommers, Mary McDonald and others. I can’t wait for Ruthie’s book to be released and I was thrilled to read about the progress of it in your post.
Hope you are well. I haven’t touched base with you in so long. Actually, it’s been too long.
All the best! Pardon the pun!
xx
Anna
Thank you Anna! I know it has been too long! Oh how I would love to come to your little corner of the world and meet in person!
LA was so much fun and everyone was so friendly!!
Great to hear from you!
xoxo
Well I would throw a dinner party or luncheon for you Ronda if you did ever decide to visit my part of the world.
xx
Anna
I have been a fan for years! I can not wait for the new book!! Thank you Ronda.
Ronda,
I have read her work and she is great….thanks for sharing a bit of her life with us! I look forward to the new read.
I enjoy all that you do!
Blessings,
Renae
what a thrill to find my favorite author on my favorite blog. you are both 2 talented and stylish women.
Renae and Anne I too cannot wait for her new book! Always love a good summer read!
Thank you Amy! What a kind thing for you to say!
Best,
Ronda
I’ve been a fan of Jane’s for quite a while. I have to thank her for telling us about this wonderful blog. Great interview.
Wow, reading this I feel like I found a long lost relative in Jane Green Warburg. I can’t wait to read her new book! Thank you for posting this. I thoroughly enjoy finding your posts in my inbox in the mornings.
Sincerely,
Shani
Anna this is chance we MIGHT be coming your way next July or August. My husband needs to do some research with the Queensland Parliament. I will keep you posted!
Thank you Dawn for leaving a comment and stopping by All the Best!
Camille don’t you just love finding a kindred spirit!
Ronda,
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your blog.
Since I also live in CT. I was wondering if Jane will be making any appearances for the new book?
Many thanks!
Kerry
Thank you Kerry!! I will ask Jane about her upcoming appearances!
xoxo
Dinner with Anna Spiro?!? Another favorite blogger! I want to trade places with you for just a while. All of these fun little parties and dinner. Next you will be having dinner and drinks with Jane!
Thanks for all you do. I love reading your blog each day.
Carol Anderson
Thanks Carol! I won’t deny that it’s great fun to travel and meet so many great people, but most days I am sitting at the computer living an uneventful life!
Thank you for you kind words.
Ronda
Excellent interview Ronda. These little snippets into the lives of such admirable people is truly wonderful!
R,
wonderful post !
thank you
xx
Hi – Jane’s sparkly assistant here.
Firstly, thanks Ronda for a wonderful site!
Also, I just wanted to let everyone know that there
is a list of local ‘Jane Green’ events on her website.
Please visit http://www.janegreen.com
Thanks
How wonderful – I’ve been a fan of Jane’s for some time now. Great interview!! Thanks for this!!
Wonderful interview. I loved the shoe question.
Which of her books should I read first??
Ronda,
I just LOVED this post!! I have wondered for quite some time who this chic lady was on your “list”. You are so great at bringing your readers into the lives of such interesting people. I can’t wait to start reading her books now!!! Maybe good material for all my upcoming plane rides! See you really soon!! Tobi
Ronda,
I always enjoy your interviews, but it is certainly a treat when it is one with a favorite author. I look forward to the new book release.
j.
Pamela try are all really great. The first book I read was Jemima J.
Jane was one of the founding writers behind ‘chick lit’ genre. She now writes novels that reflect the lives of real women today, with all the trials and tribulations that come with real life: from in-laws, motherhood, mid-life crises and loss.
Oh I love her! I’ve read several of her books. Thank so much for letting me get to “know” her. Looks like it’s time to order up a few more of her books!
I first found Jane Green through her book ‘Jemima J’ – the wonderful sentiment and heart of the book hooked me right away. I have since read all of her books, and look forward to the release of her new one!
What a treat to read a little bit more about the author behind the pages. I share her love of fresh flowers, although I am not particularly adept at flower arrangement!
I loved this interview, and now excited to read her latest! I love how she describes her day and her assistant. Sparkly!
pve