To my first love…

On this day of love, I thought I would post an ode to my first love: reading.  I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, and devouring books was one of my great joys as a child.  Here are a few places I’d love to curl up and read, along with the book I’d likely be engrossed in.  Enjoy, and happy Valentine’s Day!

From the green velvet chair to the perfect blush paint up the stairwell, I love every bit of this little study nook.  The warm wood, gold accents, and mix of greens are perfection.  It would be the perfect place to settle in and take notes on The Vanishing Princess.

Jenny Diski explores femininity in quietly subversive ways throughout this collection.  Her stories are luminous, dark, and sexy by turns, and by the time you reach the end, you’ll realize she’s turned convention inside-out without you realizing it.  You’re through the looking glass, and not at all unhappy to be there.  An incredibly thoughtful read.

Room via Style by Emily Henderson.

This moody bedroom is the perfect place to curl up and explore the feminine psyche.  Perfectly rumpled linen bedding?  Check.  Clean white accents? Check.  Plants and pottery?  Double check.  All you need to add is a cup of tea and some poetry by Jeanann Verlee.

Verlee’s work is striking, honest, and beautiful in Said the Manic to the Muse.  Each poem is a slice of womanhood in all its complex, labyrinthine power.  A volume to ponder.

Room via Haarkon.

This eclectic, light-filled room would be the perfect place to linger.  The juxtaposition of the sculpture, ceramics, and modern painting is a delight, and the herringbone flooring paired with that beautiful wood cabinet?  Be still, my heart!  Amidst the slanting sunlight, I’d relax with A Gentleman in Moscow.

Perhaps my favorite book I read last year, Amor Towles’ rich prose delights with every turn of the page, and the cast of characters glows against the backdrop of a Moscow that changes over decades.  While I usually read quickly, this was a book I savored.

Room via Haley Boyd.

Happy reading!

Let’s call it done!

acs_0004

Voilà!  As a followup to my new desk plans I shared last week, here is a peek at the final result.  I am so happy to have a more functional space — and it is much more inspiring, too!

In other news, I am converting back to a laptop after many years with just a desktop, and it is such a game-changer (she realizes sheepishly).  Internet browsing in bed!  Look, I’m typing in the living room!  Sometimes it is the little things.

Sources here.

Bombs away!

Lucky for me, I live in Southern California, so while most of the country is bundled up right now, our “winter” is just cold enough to have me reaching for a jacket in the mornings and evenings.  Currently my favorite thing is a bomber jacket to throw on over just about anything.  Jeans and sneakers on the weekend, with slacks or a pencil skirt during the week, with a classic tee or a slouchy sweater, the bomber is a versatile piece that can take you through spring and beyond.  A few of my favorites:

I have this beautiful Stella McCartney number, and while splurge-y, it is so comfortable and beautiful that I reach for it at least a couple times a week.

This limited edition NASA-themed wool and leather bomber from Coach made my heart flutter the minute I saw it when I was in New York last year.  I resisted initially — but it came home with me less than two weeks later.  I caved, and have not regretted it for a minute.  It’s a slightly warmer option, and has such a great attention to detail.  Also I find the “Space Cadet” double-entendre quite amusing!

The color combo on this satin Gap bomber had me at “hello.”  Also with their frequent promo codes and the current sale price, it is such a steal!  It feels great on and is surprisingly versatile, but if you’re color-averse, it also comes in a very fetching all-black option.

If you’re looking for a warmer option, I love the burgundy velvet on this Andrew Marc bomber from Nordstrom.  It has a down and feather fill, but is also still nicely sleek.  I’d love to curl up in this one.  Or, you know, run errands.

For spring I have my eye on this beautiful vanilla-colored bomber from the Gap.  It is water resistant sateen (great if you live someplace rainier than I), and it seems like a great transitional piece.  If you’re like me and spill things occasionally, the not-quite-navy blue is also a lovely option.

Happy Friday and happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

Oooh, shiny…

Some high/low jewelry picks that I can’t stop thinking about:

margaret ring

This Margaret ring from Of A Kind is just perfection.  I love the oblong shape that is not quite a sunburst, not quite an evil eye, not quite a signet ring.  I think it would work especially well on one’s index finger.  Gorgeous.

Esme drop earrings

On the other end of the price spectrum, these petite drop earrings from Anthropologie are darling.  They have a bit of a Deco vibe and I love the mix of colors and cuts to the stones.  Fancy enough for date night, but easy to throw on for everyday.

While I dream of that lovely ring, perhaps those earrings can come home with me?