Bits & Bobs
As we near the end of July, I am finally able to shake my state of stasis. From September to late May we were traveling a lot and, consequently, being in one place for the past two months lulled me into an unusual state of inactivity. I’m sure the heatwaves compounded this. Thankfully, I’ve snapped out of it. Credit goes to Foster The People’s “lost in Space” from their upcoming album, “Paradise State of Mind” — it’s the most upbeat and irresistible song of summer 2024.
On my radar: Daisy Edgar Jones’ outfits on the “Twisters” press tour are stunning, and the single bangle with the white Gucci dress is crazy chic. The Geranium Rose Body Oil by Augustinus Bader and Valentino’s white loafer slingbacks are en route. And, the Josef Albers screenprints at David Zwirner are calling my name.
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Must find Daisy’s Gucci dress. I love a good body oil especially in summer. Will try the Augustiinus Bader one.
I have also been in a July slump for the past few weeks. I can relate to your similar feelings. Part of me feels burned out & part of me wants to slow completely down & enjoy summer. The heatwaves definitely knocked me out too. I, finally, spent a lot of time this weekend working in the garden- something I hadn’t done in a month due to the heat.
You’ve made a hearing mistake. Those Josef Albers’ are calling MY name. xo
The white dress is absolutely beautiful. That gorgeous neckline and the model’s soft appearance – hair, skin, makeup, physique – it’s so refreshing! Dare I say she looks feminine, traditional, wholesome? Adore the slingback! Is it a kitten heel?
Thinking about the expressed feelings of stasis and summer slump, I reflected my own feelings this summer of what I would describe as disenchantment. I was reminded of an article in a recent Hermes magazine by Artistic Director Pierre-Alexis Dumas. M. Dumas essentially wrote about what aesthetics/characteristics play a role in the creation of all of their objects, garments, and accessories. The code of the House, if you will. The concerns which guide them add up to “elegance” and what he calls, “everyday politeness.” “Everyday politeness,” he writes “make[s] life more pleasant, simpler, brighter. . . . far from being synonymous with casualness, negligence, sloppiness and heedlessness, was actually a manifestation of true manners.”
Although the weather can feel oppressive, for me it’s the world around me that feels most discouraging.. In addition to the difficult (shocking) national and world news, the direction American culture is taking takes a toll on one’s spirit and faith in my fellow countrymen. Walking down the street on any given day, there isn’t a lot of lightness, laughter, energy, vitality, invention, entrepreneurialism, optimism. ‘Sloppiness, heedlessness, negligence, casualness’ in both behavior and appearance is our new normal. I believe it truly dulls the spirit of our society and makes people feel flat. I love M. Dumas’ notion of ‘everyday politeness.’
To Paula, you nailed it. Beautifully expressed. You hit the nail on the head, sad but true.
Patricia
The Albers prints are spectacular. Josef and Anni were good friends of our family and Josef and my father collaborated on a few projects. His work always reminds me of a happy childhood.
This is a wonderful story, thank you for sharing!