Way excited to kick off October with a new series featuring women inspiring me. And even more excited to be kicking it off with clothing, accessories and home designer, Jenni Kayne! I had the chance to meet Jenni at her house in South Lake Tahoe at the end of August and she was everything I had secretly hoped. Down-to-earth and exudes every aspect of her brand to a T. She welcomed me into her home as if I was one of her girlfriends with such warm energy that any nerves I had about meeting this girl crush of mine were instantly gone. Jenni, who was five months pregnant at the time and healing from a broken leg (she fell off her horse this summer), was juggling another photoshoot that day, her kids who kept popping into the room chasing their bunnies, and yet made me feel as if she had all the time in the world to sit and chat with me. She’s that girlfriend you go to for everything from style and home decor inspiration to essential oil recipes. She mixes her bath salts (evening baths with her kids is how she loves to unwind), face masks, oh and she makes her own bug repellent too. Obviously!
As I’ve gotten older I’m drawn to so much more than just fashion, and Rip and Tan, her beautiful lifestyle site feeds everything I love to read–a touch of home, style, entertaining, and wellness. It truly is authentic to everything Jenni loves and what / who is currently inspiring her. Also fun to note, Rip and Tan is named after her children, Ripley (coolest girl name) and Tanner (my husband’s name!). PS: Remember when Jenni Kayne featured me on Rip and Tan? Yeah that was beyond flattering!
With five store locations, a growing clothing and accessories line, and a newly launched home collection, Jenni is one busy and inspiring mama! Her team had just returned from a trip to Peru when I met them… next up was Italy, and then a traveling Jenni Kayne Airstream trip through the US to celebrate the launch of their new home line. They held an inspiring women’s speaker series this summer at their LA store, have a New York Tribeca store location in the works as well as a collab with my favorite baby wrap brand (Solly Wraps) this November. Needless to say I’m still pinching myself that I got the chance to hang with her on this beautiful day in Tahoe. Oh and when I left she said, “well let me know when you’re in Tahoe next summer!” Okay Jenni, will do!
I love that Jenni and I both feel the same about Tahoe–it was such a magical part of my childhood and her’s too! When I thought about starting this series I especially wanted to revolve these conversations around a place that was special to them.
Jenni on Tahoe…
Tahoe was a big part of my childhood and it’s a very special place for me. My parents sold our Tahoe home after my siblings and I grew up because we weren’t going as often. 11 years ago my sisters and I came across our childhood home on the market and decided to buy it again. (You’ll want to take a peek at the full home tour here–it’s amazing.) I wanted my children to have the same carefree summer memories on the water that I had growing up. Now we spend most of our summer in Tahoe.
3 of her favorite Tahoe spots:
Verde (for delicious and clean Mexican veggie-filled bowls–and I agree, super delicious!)
Free Bird (best almond milk chai latte)
Moody’s for lunch (best french fries)
After having a baby this year and completely understanding the craziness that comes with balancing mom-life and a growing business I love chatting with other working mamas to see how they’re balancing it all. Because I need all of the advice… I’m constantly dropping the ball here and there.
Jenni was quick to credit her team, both at work and home–which is something that I’ve learned, I have needed to lean on others and ask for much more help these days. When I asked about baby number three on the way and taking time off she said she was planning to take 3 weeks off which is what she took off with her other children but other than that, “I’ll be jumping back in.” After a crazy busy month and feeling completely overwhelmed at times it’s chats like these with hard working women that inspire me to push through!
Thanks again Jenni for such a lovely afternoon!
Photography | Stephanie Russo
