Month: January 2021

The Notebook

Leave a Comment / Books, Lifestyle / By / August 24, 2021
A selection of notebooks from Appointed, Designworks Ink, Moleskine, Apica, Fieldnotes, and Smythson. Writing accessories.

A notebook is a place for me to deposit all of my thoughts. Naturally, I have a few dedicated to various topics. Every post on this blog has started out as an idea in the notebook I’ve reserved for this purpose. There’s also one for recipes. Another one holds bits of writing pertaining to my current literary project. I was introduced to the art of free writing in January 2017, and I’ve had one for that ever since. I’ve had countless notebooks for class notes. I’ve journaled, sketched, doodled, and practiced calligraphy—all in a humble notebook. The book that I’ve started most recently is dedicated to my virtual exploration of France.

I’m studying films that are set in Paris this semester. The France notebook has been christened with my observations on Le ballon rouge (1965) and Le voyage du ballon rouge (2007). I find taking notes to be very therapeutic when I’m not under pressure to prepare for a test. I’ve worked long enough at my formal education, and I won’t be taking any tests in the immediate future. Now I write for fun.

DesignWorks Ink is my go-to brand of the moment. I just ordered this stunning blue notebook—three of them to be exact. If you’ve been inspired to pick up your pen/pencil but don’t know where to begin, here are 20 subjects from the school of life to inspire your writing:

  • the good old days
  • friendships, present and past
  • foods I’m trying for the first time
  • places I’ve been in my mind
  • heroes and heroines 
  • mistakes that have taught me well 
  • the events of my life
  • worldwide wines
  • my strengths
  • dreams I had at night
  • daydreams
  • my ancestors 
  • startups I have in mind
  • blueprints for my dream house 
  • things I want to learn
  • the history of (insert name of country)
  • inspiring quotes
  • the clothes I like and why
  • things I’ll never understand 
  • lessons from my grandparents

Works Sighted

Appointed notebook (hunter green); Designworks Ink notebook (pacific forest); Moleskine notebook (sapphire blue); Apica premium CD B5 notebook (blue); Designworks Ink notebook (denim blue)

Apica CD-15 B5 notebook (navy); Stow pencil case; Uni-Ball black pen (0.8mm); Muji aluminum pen case; Apica CD-15 B5 notebook (sky blue); Designworks Ink Notebook (Neptune blue); Appointed notebook (lavender gray)

Moleskine notebook (earth brown); Fieldnotes (lined); Apica CD-5 A7 notebooks (pastel); Smythson notebook (Nile blue); Fieldnotes (blank); Muji pen case; Uni-Ball black pen (0.5mm); Smythson pencil case (Nile blue); Moleskine cahier journal

3 Essential Leather Goods From Madewell

Leave a Comment / Bags, Style / By / January 25, 2021
Madewell chain crossbody bag, Madewell card case, Madewell pouch.

Whenever I am in need of any type of leather good, Madewell is the first stop on my search. The three items we will be discussing in this post were acquired in a similar manner—rather impulsively.

Let’s begin with the chain crossbody bag. I’d been attending a particular holiday party once a year up until Covid. Selecting the dress and the shoes was easy enough, but my quest to find a clutch always proved difficult. My luck changed the year I discovered the chain crossbody bag. The gold-toned chain can be worn around the shoulder or tucked inside the bag. A hint of the chain—a detail too beautiful to hide—is left exposed at the top of the flap when it’s tucked. This bag has attended every holiday party since the year that I purchased it. It’s also been to the opera, the ballet, countless plays, Riverdance, and a wedding. The chain has come in handy when I’ve needed the use of both hands. My mobile, keys, and cards fit inside, and I never have to ask anyone to keep an eye on them while I’m on the dance floor.

The pouch was my second leather purchase from Madewell. It was August 2018, and I’d just gotten my first iPhone. I needed an everyday pouch that would accommodate it along with my keys and cards. I usually place this pouch inside of a larger bag, but it can easily be carried solo on a quick errand. The brass-colored zipper provides a pop of color.

I purchased the card case in December 2020 to accompany me on brisk walks. Oftentimes, I don’t like to carry a pouch or a large bag when I’m on a mission to get my steps. This case holds my identification card, credit card, and the public transport card of whatever city I’m in. It can also hold a key provided it’s not on a ring. I prefer to shop at Madewell in person rather than online. (I like to hear the click of my heels on the wooden floor.) All three of the aforementioned items were purchased at the Walnut Street location, which seems to always have something in stock to meet my urgent, bag-related needs.

Works Sighted

Madewell chain crossbody bag; Madewell card case; Madewell pouch

How to Steal a Million: Nicole Bonnet’s Wardrobe

Leave a Comment / Cinematic, Style / By / January 22, 2021
Outfits inspired by Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe in How to Steal a Million.

Nicole Bonnet (Audrey Hepburn) is the stylish daughter of art forger Charles Bonnet (Hugh Griffith). She drives a little, red compact car and isn’t afraid of wearing all white or a boldly-lined eye. She and burglar Simon Dermott (Peter O’Toole) initially cross paths under rather impromptu circumstances in How to Steal a Million (1966). When they meet for the second time at the bar of the Ritz Paris, he orders a Scotch, and she follows suit.

Works Sighted

Givenchy dress; Akris dress; Gucci jacket; Gucci skirt; Stella McCartney dress; Ralph Lauren Collection dress

Cartier watch; Cartier earrings; Cuyana clutch; Cuyana clutch; Madewell belt; Prada sunglasses; Estée Lauder eye pencil; Estée Lauder mascara; Estée Lauder lipstick; Jimmy Choo slingback pumps; Jimmy Choo suede pumps; Rupert Sanderson pumps; Gingerlily silk robe; Cuyana silk slip dress

15 Ways to Repurpose Your F&M Hamper

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle / By / May 21, 2021
The F&M Hamper.

A Fortnum and Mason hamper is a gift that keeps on giving long after the original contents have been consumed. Traditionally, the hamper is filled with items from Fortnum’s food halls and given to a loved one as a gift. (Although, I’ve never thought of giving a hamper to anyone but myself.) The recipient will find items—jam, tea, biscuits, chocolate, wine—to elevate his/her next picnic. There are two ways to go about filling a hamper. You may choose one that has already been curated or you may decide to handpick the contents yourself. The distinguishable wicker hamper, which exists in a variety of sizes, can be seen atop countless picnic blankets across England. But, what of its other uses? I’ve been thinking of useful ways in which the hamper may be repurposed. Feel free to complete the following sentence as you see fit.

The F&M hamper may be used as a(n)…

  1. small, curated library
  2. boot box
  3. spa in a box
  4. crafting supplies catch-all
  5. plant stand
  6. planter
  7. lamp stand
  8. coffee table
  9. wine cellar
  10. toy chest
  11. healthy snacks box
  12. car emergency kit
  13. mail center
  14. bed for your four-legged friend
  15. end-of-the-bed trunk

Works Sighted

The Piccadilly Hamper

Browsing at Fortnum and Mason

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle / By / April 18, 2021
A selection of items from Fortnum and Mason: tea towel, wine bottle holder, picnic carry all, teapot, tea strainer, teacup, white tea, mug, biscuits, Scotch egg, ornament, sparkling tea, honey

Browsing at Fortnum & Mason was one of my favorite pastimes when I lived in London full-time. The magical experience began outside with the signature blue-green hue of the ground floor’s exterior and its artfully-designed window displays. The red carpet, sparkling lighting fixtures, and counter of loose chocolates impressed me on my first visit to 181 Piccadilly. But, I soon realized that there was much more to F&M than what initially met my eye. Established in 1707, Fortnum and Mason is an institution known for its tea and food-filled wicker hampers. On your loop around the store, you’ll see biscuits in beautiful tins and picnic essentials like wine and jam. Additional offerings include: jewelry, stationary, books, tea towels, tote bags, and Christmas tree ornaments. (The author of A Christmas Carol himself was a customer here.) There’s also a tea salon on the 4th floor and bees residing on the rooftop. I’ve taken to browsing online, but my mental Fortnum’s shopping list continues to expand nonetheless.

Works Sighted

glass teapot; tea towel; picnic carry all; Champagne & wine bottle holder

tea strainer; teacup & saucer; white tea; mug; chocolate pearl biscuits; Scotch egg

Fortnum’s Dinner Party Discourse & Debate; cinnamon honey; tea caddy ornament; rosé sparkling tea

truffle honey; vanilla honey; bag; clock ornament

Catbird

Leave a Comment / Jewelry, Style / By / January 4, 2021
Gold rings, diamond studs, a charm necklace, and a bracelet.

As I stated in the previous post, August 2019 was a pivotal month in my journey as a jewelry enthusiast. It was then that I bought real gold for the first time. I’d purchased a few costume pieces in the past, but they weren’t sentimental or of lasting quality. I became an official customer at GLDN (which I’ve previously discussed) and the New York brand Catbird. The latter was started in 2004 by Rony Vardi, a determined woman who made her dreams come true. A CFDA article that was published in 2019 opens like this: At age 34 with $16,000 of savings and a desire to be her own boss, Rony Vardi launched Catbird.

The number of shops has grown from one to three since the company’s inception, but all of the jewelry from the brand’s own line is made in the Brooklyn studio on Bedford Avenue. Although other brands are represented on the website, I usually spend the most time looking at pieces made by the Catbird crafters. The gold is ethically sourced, the stones are conflict-free, and every piece is suitable for daily wear.

The collage above features items that appear in my personal collection and some that beckon to me from my wishlist. I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions, but I do believe in marking my successes with jewelry. May you look back at the end of 2021 in awe of how much you’ve accomplished. Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way.

Works Sighted

homespun ring; classic hammered ring; angel hair diamond studs

smallest love letter charm; adjustable sweet nothings chain

twisted stacker ring; tiny corsage bracelet; threadbare ring