11 Comments
User's avatar
emily's avatar

Hi Virginia! Love your substack. One thing to note, though. It's 'grown AND sexy.' You may already know this, but in case you didn't: 'grown and sexy' became widely used in the early aughts as a result of Jay-Z trading in the jerseys, baseball caps and sneakers we'd all been accustomed to seeing him in, for button-ups, cuff links and blazers/sport coats. Other Black music artists - and their audience (myself included) - took note and started showing up at the club and elsewhere looking grown & sexy too. The term applied to decor, vacations, our apartments, homes, spots we frequented, and any other experience or thing we spent our money on. Also note the use of the term in his ad libs in "Excuse Me Miss" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnDh0JhmaFw

Vanessa's avatar

I recovered a vintage daybed I found on FB Marketplace in a tiger print that I stumbled upon at a local upholstery shop. I was very nervous before it was finished - it was admittedly a very bold and permanent choice - but I am SO happy with it.

Virginia Chamlee's avatar

I adore that. Need to see!

Vanessa's avatar

Wish I could add an image to a comment - not sure if Substack has added that functionality yet!

AK's avatar

ditto!! Such a big commitment (plus the time and money), glad it turned out amazing!

Emily Grosvenor's avatar

Excited you are coming to Oregon! We need more vintage here.

AK's avatar

Love that you mapped your thought process from a ‘The Bachelor’ wedding to very tasteful design 😂 I was with you every step of the way

Esther MK's avatar

Currently in the midst of redecorating: re-upholstering my sofa in red, got red rugs and it's all chrome and animal print accents (I actually think zebra feels more current than leopard, and leopard is easier to get 'wrong')!

Grace's avatar

I love everything about that Benjamin Vandiver apartment 😍

Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

I just love these interiors, Virginia! I’d love a leopard couch!

Look at you, book tour! Wish I lived closer!💕