Georgette Heyer’s Cotillion
I’ve been reading and listening to a mix of books in the past few weeks, and there are a couple that stand out as true exquisite finds in my books, if you’ll excuse the pun.
The one I am sharing today is Georgette Heyer’s Cotillion, my first read by her, a funny and witty feel-good book that I have just finished. It’s the first physical book in a while that I was looking forward to picking-up when I could spare a bit of time. I enjoyed it tremendously until the last page, even though the ending was a bit surprising, in motivation, rather than resolution, for the heroine. I was expecting a more modern arrangement between her and the kind and loyal Freddy, whom I was convinced was literally not ‘interested in the ladies’, as stated a few times in the book. But this is only a trifle, of course!
I was happy to find that there are many other books written by Heyer, dubbed the queen of Regency romances, and I am very much looking forward to devouring the next one, which will be Arrabella, since I happen to have it in my library already, bought together with Cotillion. Some of her audiobooks will probably follow suit, as I found a few for free on YouTube, together with one of only two movies made after her books – The Reluctant Widow.
As Heyer herself described her works (even though she meant it deprecatory), to me her book was indeed the perfect type of escapism – a different era with long-since forgotten social etiquette and conventions, extravagances that seem unreal nowadays, witty and resourceful heroines, a country and culture I love to learn more about, a sneak peek into how life used to be for the privileged of those times. A veritable niche for me!
2021 Period Dramas
Speaking of perfect escapism, I stumbled upon this list of period dramas coming our way in 2021 (yes, I realise we’re almost halfway through the year, bear with me!) and thought I’d share it, as I am quite excited about the likes of The Gilded Age, The Pursuit of Love and Leonardo, to name only a few.
Which one(s) are you looking forward to watching?
Feeling Alonely
Source – Ramón Casas, Jove decadent, 1910
Yet another great read from Vice, introducing the very pertinent concept of feeling alonely, which is the feeling we experience when we don’t get enough time by ourselves. Having been visiting family this past couple of weeks and spending some of my evenings socialising, as opposed to reading, writing and other solitary pastimes I enjoy, I’ve felt this occasionally, although not to the degree described in the article.
I believe that we can’t care for others – children, partners and parents, friends etc. – to the best of our abilities if we don’t offer ourselves the best care we can. And alone time is sometimes what we might need most, it must be said!
Julia Clancey Turbans
In an absolute frivolous mood this week, I stumbled upon this exquisitely over-the-top accessory that I can’t stop thinking about, although I pretty much have no use for it in real life (at least in my current one!) Honestly, these bejewelled turbans complete with earrings and other embellishments are simply stunning. The designer, Julia Clancey, creates luxurious turbans, kaftans and loungewear inspired by the glamour of Old Hollywood and the dance floor of Studio 54, and you can tell she is having all the fun in the world!
I need a glam party (season) in my life!
Gold Clothes
A bit of glitz and glam that could actually be enjoyed in everyday life (right?) – I have been browsing images of gold clothes and I am quite fancying a pair of golden palazzo pants to go with my future Julia Clancey turban. I love going through my Pinterest boards and identifying common themes like this one, and then organising all the relevant pins into neat sections. Find plenty of inspiration here, including coats, skirts, suits and more.
This is normal daywear, is it not?
Gild – Touch of Gold
Speaking of gold, you would think I stopped my endless browsing at the absolutely ‘understated’ garments above, but no, because as it happens, I love a touch of gold on furniture and decor details as well. What’s more, this can be an easy and quick DIY project, all you need in most cases is a gold spray paint can. I think it looks particularly chic on a piece of upcycled vintage furniture, as in the image above, but here are many more ideas of objects you can upgrade by using gold paint, courtesy of Apartment Therapy.
There is actually a whole trend of items that look more expensive painted gold, it’s impossible not to find something you would also like with even more inspiration here.
How to Open a New Book
I found this very late in my life as a book lover and buyer, but not too late for sure, as I am certain I will buy more books from now on during the rest of my life than I have up until now. Wow, I’ve never thought of this before, but it’s such a delightful perspective and something to truly look forward to!
Now I know how best to open a book, particularly the ones that are bound, although I suspect this applies to the rest as well if you want to treat them as gently as possible, which I most certainly do.
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Merci!
