Woman of Substance: Jen Hunter of J + G Design.

Resuming our women of substance series, I’m so excited and honored to feature Jen Hunter of J+ G Design.  Jen is an interior designer, businesswoman, wife, and all-around bad-ass.  I met her over the wedding weekend of our mutual friend Alison Kenworthy (another WOS! — and P.S. her wedding was covered by the NYTimes) and we clicked immediately.  Somehow, over the course of a lovely bridal luncheon, I found myself confiding in her on topics as disparate as motherhood, entrepreneurship, and all-girls schools (which we both attended).  She was a gracious and kind recipient of these personal musings, affirming whatever miscellaneous and ill-formed thoughts I put on the table, in the way good girlfriends do.  You know how it is: you go to your girlfriend complaining about something and she instantly, unquestioningly springs to your defense.  “Oh, I know, that’s horrible.”  “You’re so right.”  “Yaaaaas.”  This, then, is my first recollection of Jen: serious long term friend material.  When we discovered we were seated next to each other at the rehearsal dinner later that evening, I admitted that I’d already told Mr. Magpie that I thought I’d found a new lifelong friend.  Since then, we’ve kept in touch via email and text and it feels as though I’ve known her for years and years already.  She is a woman of warmth, style, and poise–a true lady.

But, setting aside my personal girl crush: Jen is a seriously talented designer and a sharp businesswoman.  Over the course of discussing how customer acquisition differs dramatically between the tech and interior design industries, she impressed me with her business acumen and thoughtfulness when it came to the growth of her company.  Originally hailing from my own hometown of Washington, D.C, she is the founder of her own NYC-based interior design firm, J+G Design, where she showcases a traditional-leaning aesthetic she describes as “equal parts tailored and eclectic, glamorous and relaxed, bold and subtle.”  Recent design projects include a handsome loft in SoHo, a whimsical pied-à-terre in Gramercy, a modern brownstone in historic Harlem, and a swank apartment in Washington, D.C.   Her firm was named “Five Under 30” and “Next Big Names” by Lonny Magazine and highlighted as a “Rising Star” in New York Cottages and Gardens, and her work has been featured in Elle Décor, House Beautiful, New York Magazine, New York Cottages and Gardens, Curbed, and Rue.

A few of my personal favorite snaps from her portfolio (and P.S. — check out her epic Instagram account!):

Get to know Jen better by taking a gander at her answers to my Proust Questionnaire:

Your favorite qualities in a woman.   Confidence, poise, elegance, honesty, and good manners.

Your favorite heroine.   Nancy Drew.  [Ed. note: I’ve added a classic Nancy Drew to my reading list because of her!]

Your main fault. Patience.

Your greatest strength. Perseverance.

Your idea of happiness. Throwing a costume party with all my nearest and dearest…or drawing a bubble bath!

Your idea of misery. Being stuck in an elevator.

Currently at the top of your shopping lust list. Vetiver Tonka scent by Hermes.

Desert island beauty product. Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer by Nars.

Last thing you bought. Oscar de la Renta bright red Mia slides.  [Ed. note: Polka dot version here, on sale!]

I feel most empowered wearing…bright lipstick!

Favorite Magpie post. “I’m 33.”  It was so relatable and captured so many of my same emotions.

Below, some shopping finds inspired by the lovely Ms. Hunter.  You can click on the product in the collage below to access details, or see notes below:

Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave, $28 // Schumacher Chiang Mai Pillow, $55 // Vintage Hermes Kelly Watch, $850 // Julie Vos Quatrefoil Earrings, $175 // Oscar de la Renta Mia Slides, on sale for $236!! // Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock, $9 // Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, $45 // Yellow X-Base Bench, on sale for $90! // Ganni Floral Blouse, on sale for $48!

P.S.  While on the topic of interior design, how amazing are these Matouk towels?  Obsessed.  I use Matouk’s Auberge towels (on sale!!!) in one of our bathrooms, and they’re an incredible quality.

P.P.S.  I’m especially into that Ganni floral blouse featured above — while you’re at it, check out the entire Ganni selection at The Outnet.  I want, like, everything.  But especially this well-priced navy wool coat ($163, SO CHIC) and this top ($68).