Street Style: Jen Baskette Tierney
Jen Baskette Tierney and I like to say that we met online. It was 2010 and both of us were pregnant and looking for a family for a nanny share. We “found” each other online via the Old Town Moms listserv. Along with our husbands, we met for coffee and immediately hit it off. The four of us chatted about pro football (Jen is a diehard Broncos fan), living in the DMV area, and about the impending births of our daughters. Beyond the “get-to-know-you” conversation, Jen and I connected right away. While a nanny share didn’t pan out (conflicting schedules), a truly special friendship did.
Prior to meeting Jen, most of the friendships I had made were through work, with people who ended up moving away, or with people who didn’t live in Alexandria. After meeting Jen, I knew I had a genuine friend as well as an anchor to the area. Jen is thoughtful, caring, funny, and down-to-Earth, and she is loyal and dedicated to both her friends and her adopted hometown. Within a few months of our daughters being born, Jen introduced me to several shops and restaurants, started us at Mommy & Me classes with our girls, and convinced my family to join Mount Vernon Country Club, a place where Jen lifeguarded in high school and where she has her own membership.
I really feel like I was supposed to meet Jen. That our lives crossed through a single posting on a listserv is mind-boggling. If I had not met Jen, I would not have someone in my life who I feel is akin to a sister. Jen is a true friend to laugh, cry, talk, debate, and even argue with; someone to confide in, lean-on for support, and share in life’s ups and downs.
And, of course, she is someone I can shop with. Jen must have lived in Paris or Milan in a past life because her taste is impeccable without being pretentious; her style is enviable without being intimidating. Her fashion sense, be it shoes or clothes, is extraordinary. Just like our friendship.
Jen’s jacket, necklace, jeans, and shoes are from The Shoe Hive.
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? With family and friends, working out, and reading about teaching writing.
Neighborhood: New Alexandria
How long have you lived in Alexandria: A LONG time…since 2nd grade.
What is your hometown? Denver (Go Broncos) and Alexandria, VA
What brought you to Alexandria? The Carter Administration (my dad)
What would surprise people about you? Everyone knows that I am a huge Broncos fan but few know that I am bad luck when watching them and have to stay upstairs during games and yell down for scores.
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? To enable people to be able to read.
Favorite cocktail: Pinot Noir
Last book read or movie seen: “Finding Dory”
Guilty Pleasure: Right now? The Olympics!
Facebook or Instagram? Facebook, although Lesley McGrew (Red Barn) is trying hard to get me over to Instagram
Latest binge-watch: Walking Dead
Bucket list travel destination: Paris
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? I think wine although I have never tried mornings without coffee…
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Tomboy classic
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Any of my boyfriend jeans
Favorite trend ever: Boyfriend jeans
Favorite current trend: Embroidered boyfriend jeans
Beauty product you can’t live without: Mascara and lipstick
Favorite fragrance: Calyx by Prescriptives and now Clinique
Heels or flats? Heels that are 2.5 inches or less
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Claire’s bedroom
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix
Last item bought for your home: A comforter for Claire’s room
Next planned purchase: Coffee table
Favorite way to entertain: Casual: cookout and serve yourself
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Trying very hard to be clutter-free so the answer is…
Wallpaper: yes, totally modern or no, so dated: Totally depends!
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Cross Fit (Crossfit Old Town) and running (training for the Marine Corps Marathon)
Most fun way to exercise: Cross Fit with my 5:55am buds!
Group exercise or solo: Group
Fitness goal: Finishing the MCM
Haven’t yet, but might be willing to try with coaching / encouragement: handstand push-ups
Proudest fitness achievement: Mardi Gras Marathon… 16 years ago! And, deadlifting 200 lbs. 🙂
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: St. Joseph’s Church, where I got married!
Last purchase in Alexandria: Shoes…thank you Shoe Hive!
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Haha, my first date with my husband (after meeting at Dewey Beach) was Chadwicks…so have to love it. 🙂
Favorite charity: UCM (United Community Ministries)
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Alexandria’s St. Patty’s Day Parade
Photo Credit: Sarah Marcella Photography
- About the boutique
Red Barn Mercantile opened its doors in September 2007 with a single vision in mind: providing old and new to offer our customers signature whole-room designs at great prices.
We’re more than a furniture boutique and provide more personalized service than a big box retailer. We work hard to bring you the highest quality furniture and gifts, the most unique conversation starters, wall hangings and accent pieces, whether they come from off-the-beaten-track flea markets, or the latest designers.
1117 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.838.0355
3 Comments
You look lovely, Jen! What a nice feature!
We met as you were picking our your duds for the photo shoot at Shoe Hive. It all turned out great. The photos and outfit look great. We belong to MVCC also – hope to see you there!
Great interview on Jen – she is amazing!