Random Bits
When I mentioned to my dear friend, an ex-Vogue colleague, that I wanted to post on my annoyance with In Vogue: The 90s — for instance, Tonne Goodman didn’t join Vogue until 1999, she was at the competitor Harper’s Bazaar — my friend said ‘you don’t do negative on kic.’ This is true, but I had to slip in my incredulity in some small way… This same friend recommended journaling, which has been life altering. Once I found the perfect journal and pen, I was off and running. Jotting down bits of conversations, name and context when I’m introduced to someone (super helpful), and ideas that often get lost by the end of the day has helped me organize my thoughts tremendously. For example, I have been collecting vintage Tiffany bangles and often wonder about the previous owner(s). Was the bracelet a gift? Passed down? Loved and lost? When I wrote these musings in my journal, I was reminded of one of my favorite books, The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan. The story follows an engagement ring through a series of times and owners. Reading is my passion, especially at this stage in my life, and I found I was only reading in two spots because of the lighting. So, I bought a rechargeable lamp that moves with me. I also bought a few for the nooks and crannies in my office and closet that have no electrical outlets. It’s always good to shine a light in those dark corners.
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I have journaled for years and use a Moleskin and a #2 pencil. What fabulous journal and pen do you recommend?
Also, love the Wave bangle by Tiffany.
A rechargeable reading light is genius! Especially now that the days are getting shorter. I’ve been reading Tolstoy’s humungous War & Peace (just a little every night since early this year— I like to live in a story and take my time) and it’s so heavy that I really need to prop it up. A portable stylish reading lamp will give me so many more options. Completely agree with the life-changer/game-charger qualities of journaling. I started in May of this year after my son gifted me the perfect color journal (pale lavender with gorgeous cream pages) and I’ve written an entry every single day since…. It’s made an enormous difference in my mood and well-being. There’s something about emptying out our head and heart every night that really puts things in perspective and also puts you at ease so that you don’t have to take the worries/dreads/anxieties with you to sleep (and dreams!). It also reminds me of how my late mother used to keep daily diary and how much closer to her I felt when I found them, some months after she passed. It was hilarious because as a former legal secretary, she wrote all the juicy/scandalous parts in shorthand! Someday I may try to learn it! Thank you for this post, Preston.
Wonderful post! I’m so grateful to you for sharing your thoughts and stories. And I just ordered the same lamp for my daughter’s dorm room!
This may be my favorite post of yours to date. I am a huge advocate of journaling and it is amazing what it does for my mindset each day. I was getting frustrated when my favorite pens didn’t jive well with the beautiful Filofax paper. I switched to the Pilot G-2 and it’s been smooth sailing ever since. I use the Filofax Refillable Notebooks, as I tend to have journal entries for myself, for my son, or more practical to do lists and notes. The adjustable paper allows me to take them out and move them to the appropriate notebook, no matter which notebook I had on my person when inspiration struck. The other day my journal entry drifted toward a few thoughts on fashion, which reminded me that I need to get back to blogging…
I added The Engagements to my reading list. I recently finished God of the Woods and started Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout.
The rechargeable lamp is beautiful and would be a perfect addition to my desk. Thank you for sharing everything in this perfect post.
Love this! What are some of your other favorite books?
Favorite post of yours ever! I am a therapist and frequently suggest handwritten journaling to clients and when they take me up on it often I get the response- why didn’t I start this sooner? Having lovely tools makes it all the more enjoyable.
I have found has affordable and sleek rechargeable lamps for less than $100. I will have to put that book on my list. Thank you.
Preston, Would you do a post with a list of your favorite books? We would all love to see it! Big ❤️ Love!
Preston, I know you weren’t at. Bazaar until later, but if you haven’t tuned in yet I highly recommend the podcast ‘Blow Up’ about Liz Tillberis’ arrival at HB and just how radical her tenure there felt.
I also didn’t love the Vogue Hulu series and felt it was somewhat duplicative. of the Apple+ series on the supers last fall.
X
Sam
Betsy, for my closet I bought rechargeable lamps on Amazon. This one looked good in the post collage…
Sam, I was at Vogue from 1988 – 1999. When Liz went to HB in 1992(?) it turned my world upside down. Vogue had no competition until then.
I just finished Brooklyn and Long Island, thanks to your recommendations, and have ordered The Engagements. I loved Saints for All Occasions, also recommended by you and love your book recommendations. I’d love you to include more.
I would like to hear more stories about Vogue in the 90’s from your perspective……..
Preston, thank you for the wonderful reminder about the virtues of journaling. I am passionate about paper, period, and the choices of beautifully bound blank books and pens in any price range inspires more time spent writing. Reading and writing go together, and every New Year I resolve to do more. For anyone heading to Florence, there’s that amazing old book binding shop that smells so heavenly that makes leather-bound books, neatly tied with leather laces, bound with beautiful sheets, and personalized of course. Just received my 2025 (Smythson) red datebook last week, so it’s a start!
I use a rechargeable book light. It’s small and clips to the book. Which makes it easy when traveling. With paperbacks it can be tricky but otherwise it’s helpful. I use it so often that I have two.
I always felt that there should be a podcast about working in Vogue in the 90s. The stories you guys had!
Dear Preston,
Still loving your posts over here in rainy Edinburgh.
Your posts are such a finely tuned edit and very “me”!
I have wanted to start journalling for years, but just can’t quite commit, always searching for the perfect notebook, obviously a way of procrastinating!
I have snippets of memories and thoughts scribbled on various bits of paper. Would you be so kind as to share the notebook you settled on?
Many thanks
Alison
Rechargeable lamps! Such a good idea for cozy unlit spots.
Journaling: daily ‘moments of wonder ‘ helped me get started.
Engagements: thank you for sharing!