My Stuff

One of my favorite recurring features in Vanity Fair magazine is “My Stuff”, probably because 1. it tends to feature interesting people; not just the celebrity du jour  2. I love details! and 3. I enjoy playing “could we be friends” based on those details. (For example, I’m convinced Sofia Coppola and I would get along: we’d just talk about our shared love for peonies, prosecco, and Paris.)

This blog has served me well. Ten years ago, prompted by my voracious consumption of the burgeoning lifestyle blog concept — and huge credit here should go to Maria Vettese, whose elegant and eloquent writing at Port2Port gave rise to a whole generation of bloggers — I decided I had something to add to the conversation. I started by speaking of the joys and irritations that arose from living in suburbia while feeling part of a much bigger world. Expressing those thoughts forced me to be both observant and critical of that world. Through editing, I not only refined my aesthetic but became comfortable and confident in it. Blogging allowed me to continue to have an identity of “Jane” and not just “___’s mother”. Over the years, I’ve connected with like-minded and wonderful people from all over the world, many of whom I’ve met “in real life”, and am grateful for their friendship.

But I feel that it’s time to move on. Not only am I no longer a young woman, but much as an internal voice led me to start blogging, that same voice is now gently (but persistently) telling me it’s okay to stop. To let go. To be. To enjoy what’s next.*

And so I have come to the end, dear readers, and would like to close by sharing “My Stuff”.**

Thank you. It cannot be said enough.

jane potrykus: my stuff | simple pretty

* as it’s 2016, and you can’t completely escape a life online and still feel connected, I’ll still be Instagramming flowers and shops, and Twittering political frustrations (an unending supply, it seems), and Tumblr-ing fashion photos, but all of these outlets will most likely become more “Jane” and less “simple pretty” as time goes on.

** with apologies and gratitude to the art department at Vanity Fair for my conceptual appropriation/homage.

image credits: flowermuse.com (peony), foodnetwork.com (french 75), jane potrykus (photo + petersham nurseries), barneys.com (rose 31), repetto.com (repetto), brad barket/AP via npr.org (jon stewart)

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10 Comments

  1. Karen
    May 30, 2016 / Permalink

    I’ve loved your blog since I first stumbled on it — how that happened is now lost to the vagaries of time (and my poor memory!). That said, your blog has been a lovely, peaceful and inspiring place, and I will miss it. But I already follow you on instagram, and will take to twitter as well. I wish you nothing but the best!

  2. su
    May 31, 2016 / Permalink

    Thank you, Jane, for such a lovely blog space over the years. I was also going to use the word peaceful, like Karen. I loved your stationery posts the most, and am sure that you introduced me to many an online or brick and mortar shop over the years. Thank you for your comment/email on my Topdrawer comment. I’ve been meaning to write you back – will do so soon with some additional commentary. :) Best wishes to you.

  3. Christine Steven
    May 31, 2016 / Permalink

    I have always thought,”we could be friends” if only I had commented more than once before this. I just love this space… always interesting and beautifully edited. My very favorite posts were the London city guides which we followed on our last trip with great delight. Ottolenghi… no words for how perfect the Notting Hill day was! Thank you, thank you! Also, you introduced me to the National Stationery Show and this year I was able to attend, amazing! All the very best to you! If you ever find yourself in northwestern Ohio and you need a city guide…I am your girl:)

  4. jane
    May 31, 2016 / Permalink

    You know that I totally understand where you are at, having shut my blog down a few years ago. You are about to enter a whole new phase of your life…enjoy it! I know I will see you on IG and look forward to it! Stay in touch!! xo jane

  5. June 1, 2016 / Permalink

    Ah, your taste has inspired me for years. So pleased to have met you here and in London. So happy to be in contact in other social media ways. Here’s to the possibility, even if ithey don’t happen, of future meetings:) xoxo

  6. christine
    June 13, 2016 / Permalink

    Love this! That is my favorite section of VF and love your take on it.

  7. June 13, 2016 / Permalink

    Farewell and thank you Jane! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts for so long. I will continue to follow (and lament with you!) on social. xx

  8. July 7, 2016 / Permalink

    I’m a little late for the farewell party, but must say it was a lovely run of inspiring fashion, design, papers, and most importantly, the friendship that blossomed! Wishing you all the best in the adventure, because there will be one. Hope to have champagne together somewhere, somehow. Big hugs xx, Loren

  9. July 23, 2016 / Permalink

    Oh Jane.
    Thank you for 10 years of putting yourself out there and for giving all your on-lookers visual candy to ponder, agree or take issue with, investigate further or just absorb.
    It has been a true pleasure to peek into your world, my dear friend.
    It seems like yesterday you were making your way down the corridor of my shop in Hinsdale at least 20 years ago now. I think fondly about those days even though I moved on from that existence and am so happy we met.

    Endings are my least favorite thing – but beginnings are my favorite and I am so happy for you for whatever you decide is next.
    I’ve always enjoyed seeing what has caught your attention.

    Your unique connection with those of us lucky enough to have witnessed your style was a wonderful luxury.
    Thanks again, Jane.

    I wish you every taste, experience, feeling… everything you feel you’d like to venture into as you continue to seek out beauty. XXO p

  10. August 10, 2016 / Permalink

    Thank you Jane for your lovely eye and presence and I can’t wait to see what comes next, I will be following you and liking the heck out of all your Insta images!