How to Be Elegant in a Time of Pandemic….
Because this is so much more beautiful, poised, and calm, in the next pandemic, I will strive for loveliness.
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Fashion
Jack and Jill of the Green
I have recently come across a host of wonderful green images of spring — a rarity in this desert to be treasured. It reminds of more northern places, where rhubarb leaves unfurl through spring snow, lambs gambol in wet green fields, and the air itself is heavy with dew and rain, and earthly scents. So
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Visual Nutrition: Finding the Satyrs of The Innamorati
Every time I work on a book, I spend almost as much time looking for evocative images as I do the right word or phrase. I never know exactly where I will find them — though heaven knows, Pinterest has provided me with much joy recently. And I now keep all the found images from
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Fiction and Family Meet At the Bon Marche
Quite a while ago I wrote about attending a conference in which one of the novels we were discussing was Emil Zola’s terrific novel, Au Bonheur Des Dames (The Ladies Delight.) The novel, set in the late 1860’s, centers on the invention of the department store (based on the historical store Bon Marché in Paris). The owner Mouret
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I Need To Stand Up Straighter
Especially when I write. The ciagrette is a dramatic touch too. Honestly, forget the bunny slippers, last night’s t-shirt, and sleepy face washed out in the blue light of the computer screen. This look is to die for and even if the novel doesn’t sell…well, I would still be awesome. *with apologies and much admiration
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A Moment of Dress-Lust
For this beautiful, hand embroidered, silk 1940’s cocktail dress — currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which I guess makes a lot of sense. Still…it does inspire.
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Trajes Tipicos Mexicanos: Vintage Mexican Paper Dolls
I found these beauties sorting through yet another still-packed box in the garage. I was given these Mexican paper dolls when I was quite young and have fond memories of spending hours studying their regional costumes. One folded the arms behind the back, creating a cone shaped figure and then slid the ends of the
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And Other Fantasies — Dreaming in Lingerie
One of the most successful ad campaigns (which ran for over 20 years!) was created by Maidenform Bras — which involved surreal dreams of doing all manner of activity half undressed in one’s highly constructed brassiere. You can find examples of them all over the internet of course — and they really are “fantastic.” But
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The Splendor Of Shopping: Emile Zola and Au Bonheur Des Dames (The Ladies’ Delight)
I have just finished a conference where we read and discussed in great depth Emile Zola's novel, Au Bonheur Des Dames (The Ladies Delight.) The novel, set in the late 1860's, centers on the invention of the department store (based on the historical store Bon Marché in Paris). The owner Mouret — a scoundrel and
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John Turturro And Italo Calvino: Italian Folktales On The Stage And On Film
Actor John Turturro has acquired the rights to create a filmed version of Italo Calvino's Italian Folktales (perhaps my all time favorite fairy tale collection). Last year, Turturro tested the waters so to speak with a new play "Fiable Italiano" adapted from Calvino's collection. It was performed before sold out audiences in Turin, Naples and
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