Showing posts with label The New Garconne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The New Garconne. Show all posts
7/15/2017
My Sanity Shelf
Sanity Shelf: Dedicated to the books one returns to again and again to read for pleasure, knowledge and solace. A term coined by one of the friends of girlsatlibrary. Maybe the idea of a sanity shelf only falls to those who read a lot and like to drift off the pages of one book into another. I'm so not speaking for myself here *ahem, serial reader, ahem*. Today I thought I'd share what books would be on my literal sanity shelf, if I had one. Maybe when I eventually get the Ikea bookcase of dreams, that will be a reality. Anyway, sanity shelf contents incoming...
Matilda by Roald Dahl: A childhood classic. The bookish heroine needs no introduction I am sure. There's something comforting in the darkness that is Dahl literature. In the case of Matilda, I think it's the fact we see her overcome the authority figures who plague her life and find true happiness with Miss Honey at the conclusion. It's naughty, it's funny but it's packed full with valuable anecdotes too. I will always have a soft spot for this book.
Tim Walker Pictures, The New Garconne and The Coveteur: I've grouped these together because they all serve a similar purpose. Sometimes when you're wanting a book to reread and escape to, one laden with visuals will do just the trick. There's something about the inspiring, stunning imagery in this books that to my mind is relaxing. No matter how many times I revisit them, I always discover something new.
Pretty Honest and Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes: Sali's writing is just wondrous to read. She's the kind of person that can write about the most mundane aspects of beauty and make them sound magical. I took Pretty Honest with me last year on my trip to Melbourne and loved coming back at the end of a long day to immerse myself in a whole lot of beauty knowledge. Pretty Iconic is equally as brilliant and is such a nostalgic book for any true beauty enthusiast. They're both stunningly presented as well.
Inside Vogue by Alexandra Shulman: So I've read this book twice and counting. Maybe it's the formulaic aspect of diary writing that appeals to me here. Then again, I'm such an admirer of Shulman and all she achieved at Vogue so that's probably the main drawcard here. Either way, I find it's a book that can raise my mood, give me some escapism. It's the perfect blend of frankness, funny quips and fashion.
Where Am I Now? by Mara Wilson: Like Sali, Mara has such a way with words that just makes me so happy. I sound so articulate right now but that's the best way to put it really. Her essays about life, child stardom, the original Glee and more are just brilliant. I recommend this book to a lot of people for good reason. It's fabulous. Her audiobook is worth the listen too, if you're more inclined to read that way.
-What would make up the contents of your sanity shelf?
1/26/2017
January Favourites
Just like that January is almost behind us so naturally it is monthly favourites time. This month we have the movie that has got the world in a bit of a frenzy, an eyeshadow I'm smitten with, the book that surpassed my expectations and more..
Necklace x Tree of Life-This was part of my Christmas present from my lovely friend Amy. I cannot find it on the website but I have been wearing it constantly. Especially since my other favourite necklace broke. It's simplistic but I love it and will continue to wear it to death.
Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Kathleen Lights-Cream eyeshadows have gone back on my radar this month, simply for their ease of use but also the somewhat seamless colour payoff they tend to deliver. Colourpop's are some of my favourite and this bright golden copper is stunning. I love bronzier shades like this, especially when they have the longevity to go with it as well.
Pixiwoo Present: Hollywood Icons, not pictured-Another Christmas present, this time from myself to myself. It also came with an exclusive, 1920's inspired designed blush brush which I'm actually using for bronzer. Anyway, extras aside. I loved this documentary that Sam and Nic created in collaboration with the BBC. They interviewed experts on the classic Hollywood fashions and timeless beauty looks of the eras. They also made some rather unsettling discoveries about the gruesome lengths some of the starlets went to in order to maintain their looks. It almost makes the surgery of today look tame in comparison. If you're interested in makeup, in particular the iconic looks associated with Hollywood royalty like Greta Garbo, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe among others, you will love this. Sam and Nic have done such an amazing job with it.
MAC Eye Kohl in Prunella*, limited edition-This was from MAC's Nutcracker Sweet collection which annoyingly is no longer available but you can buy this colour as part of MAC's permanent collection. This blackened plum is just exquisite. Apart from liquid liner, I tend to go for browner, bronze hues with the odd navy thrown in so I love this softer take on a jet black liner. MAC's eye and lip pencils are some of the best in my opinion and they don't budge once you've applied them.
Shu uemura Eyelash Curler-Believe the hype, these are good. They curl your lashes with ease and feel gentle. Eyelash curlers may look like a torture device but we don't want them to ever feel that way. Am I right ladies? These ones aren't the cheapest but they're worth the $$. I've been told they last ages too so that's a bonus.
La La Land-After watching this in a somewhat sour mood the first time, I was quite disappointed but I wanted to give it another chance in spite of that. It turns out my utterly bad mood really coloured my perception because I lovelovelove this film. It's special, charming and I like it a lot. The music in particular is fantastic and I love the way the movie is set up visually. The epilogue/dream sequence of sorts is so well done. You'll know what I mean if you have seen it. I feel like it's such a beautiful tribute to creative people, not just those trying to make it in LA. Also it has made me understand the Ryan Gosling appeal and want to relearn how to play the piano. "Here's to the fools who dream."
The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla-My initial skepticism surrounding this book was quashed after I read it this month. Inside are a selection of profiles with women who are not only style icons when it comes to fashion and interiors but also are pretty savvy in the creative world too. As well as that, there is a handy guide to pieces for emulating the gentlewoman aesthetic and a shopping guide for everything from books to niche fragrance. It's less a style guide in the sense that you aren't told you need to buy certain items or can't be a true icon if you do not own brogues for example. It's more a tome to dip in and out of for inspiration and decide which facets you want to incorporate into your life.
-What have you loved in January?
*PR Sample
1/13/2017
Book Club Reads: January+February
I love me a good book club and while I may be slightly biased about the informal one I created on Goodreads last year I find they motivate me to explore books outside my comfort zone. It also gives me a chance to read material from new (to me) or sometimes debut authors and also discuss them with a wider circle of people. Today we have the first two books selected for my self-named book club, both exploring androgyny and to a degree, masculinity...
Descent of Man by Grayson Perry-A recommendation from Jenna Todd, store manager at Time Out and also the latest selection from Florence Welch for her book club, Between Two Books. As someone who reads a lot of feminist slanted literature, I was really intrigued by the concept of reading something about masculinity. Especially when it is complete with a recommendation from Caitlin Moran, "Grayson Perry for King and Queen of England." It looks at what it means to be masculine and a man in this day and age, as well as exploring the idea that maybe our perception and shaping of masculinity and its facets is due a reworking. I can't wait to read and eventually review this one.
The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman by Navaz Batliwalla-I saw this book when I was holidaying in Melbourne at the end of last year and regretted not grabbing it. Naturally I had to buy it when I got home. The New Garconne is written by the blogger and genius behind Disneyrollergirl which is now one of my favourite corners of the internet. She looks at the history of gentlewoman style as well as interviewing women like Bella Freud among others and then concluding with a consideration of how to achieve this look yourself. I started this book earlier in the week and I am loving it so far. Highly recommend if you're into fashion and understated, chic style
-Have you read these books? What did you think of them?
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