The Rights of the Reader
As I am carefully trying to nurture a reading spree (which for me currently means roughly a book per week and another audiobook or at least a good chunk of it as well) I was reminded of this fun list of the rights of the reader. It is actually a book (that I haven’t read) by Daniel Pennac.
I particularly struggle with number three – The right not to finish a book, and I always remember I need to go back to those books. I also haven’t let myself be tempted by number two – The right to skip – in a long time. Still, these, together with number seven – The right to read anywhere – seem to me instrumental to avoid reader’s block or going a long time without opening a book. Maybe they will help you too!
All–Cream Outfit
Photos Sources: Coat, Shirt, Trousers, Sweater, Flats, Bralette, Earrings, Lip Balm
Full disclaimer, I actually don’t have in my wardrobe more than two or three items in shades of cream. Still, I find the all-cream outfit very luxurious and I have a newfound craving to curate such an ensemble for myself. Let’s see:
- a lovely wool and cashmere blend cable knit sweater or cardigan (that can be my mom’s next project, currently working on a black one, of course!)
- a silk pajama shirt or lace bralette underneath
- a pair of dressy lounge pants (knitted or soft cotton, a cross between pajama bottoms and tracksuit bottoms)
- a nice mid-length faux fur coat with a big hood or collar
- a pair of tan ballerina flats on bare (slightly tanned) ankles
- a pair of chandelier/statement elegant earrings half mingled with the perfect blow-dried strands of hair
- black or red manicure
- little dark eye makeup, some contouring and a good lip balm
There can be variations like a lovely turban or a precious headband, a pair of heeled ankle boots, a statement small bejeweled bag. But no need for more. The girl who wears this is only going from the cosiness of a car to the warm interior of a building, whatever that might be (a hotel in a ski resort, a restaurant downtown, her best friend’s place, the library).
Drawing the Curtains
Photos Source: Franck Evennou Studio
I am increasingly drawn to unexpected ways to dress an interior and use objects in new and distinctive ways (remember the outdoor rugs?). This week I dived into unexpected uses for curtains.
Somehow, I didn’t realise until recently, when listening to this series, that in countries like England, heavy, thick curtains are used in colder months to keep the heat trapped indoors. I know now that my grandmother was also doing this when I was little and lived with her and my grandfather and it brings even more comfort and coziness to my memories of our apartment and happy days together.
Photos Sources: HouseBeautiful
But there is more to drapes and curtains than covering windows and I’ve gathered an assortment of new, fun, opulent ways to use them on Pinterest. They can truly change a space, very big, as well as very small, for the better.
Accidentally Wes Anderson
Photos Source: Accidentally Wes Anderson Instagram
This is not where I start praising Wes Anderson and his unmistakable aesthetic, there is nothing I could say that hasn’t been said before and better. But, if you are a fan, like me, you would certainly like to know about the Accidentally Wes Anderson Instagram account (and now coffee table book) featuring places from around the world that look like sets for his movies! It can make for a cool thematic Bucket List, while we’re all stuck dreaming about traveling. I was supposed to be returning from Marrakech this week, I won’t say more than that…
This find also prompted me to explore Wes Anderson’s portfolio more, and I don’t mean laughing out loud while watching The Darjeeling Limited on Sunday (which I totally did!) I didn’t know much about his work in advertising and I found both this and this Prada short movies charming and enticing (and too short!), but the prize must go to the Come Together film made in 2016 for the H&M Christmas collection. I can’t help it, I absolutely love the holiday season (Christmas carols have been heard quietly in the background for a couple of weeks already in my house) and I am partial to a story that ends with a happy little boy.
Nicholas Levesque – Matchstick Woman Face
Photo Source: Nicholas Levesque on Instagram
I spotted this image on Instagram last week and it has stayed with me for the absolute simplicity and brilliance of the idea, proving once again what I’ve always felt – art doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even the artist explains that he started playing around with a pile of matches, challenging himself to find something around his apartment that inspires him. I can only imagine how excited he must have been when his exercise turned into such a cool piece of work! And good work will always inspire new ideas and interpretations.
You can buy this image and others as art prints from Nicholas Levesque’s Etsy store. My reaction (a gif made by the same author)!
November Garden Tasks
Photos Source: Miss Onion
I wish I could say I am a green-fingered witch, but I truly am not (yet!). I actually only started taking an interest in plants this year, after acquiring a selection of indoor plants back in March to make our new home friendlier and brighter and the air in it cleaner (as demonstrated by NASA). I am happy to report that I have enjoyed looking after them and I succeeded to keep all but one (a fussy fern) alive! Let me tell you, my monstera is thriving, with three-four new leaves almost every month!
But there was another thing I enjoyed a lot this year, spending all my time at home in a new house, and that is slowly discovering what outdoor plants and flowers we’ve inherited from the previous tenants or what vegetation we can spot in our neighbors’ gardens. Among others, in our front garden there is a rich bluebell patch just under the living room window and a huge pink climbing rose bush.
Naturally, when I saw this article about October Garden Tasks, it decided I should have a look and make sure I at least preserve what we have, although now, after also going through this guide from the Royal Horticultural Society, I am quite keen to add at least some tulips to the delights that will spring to life next year! Get inspired, no matter if you have a garden or just a window planter!
Sculpture Candles
Photo Sources: Interlude Candles
I love these candles from Interlude Candles, that double as classic decor pieces! Absolutely exquisite and would make for a cool gift too, especially for that friend that collects candles but never burns them – now they have a great excuse. Search for ‘sculpture candles’ on Etsy or your go-to shopping platform to explore more!
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