Things That Make Me Happy
I spent the summer reading. No Paris from mid-April until Labor Day, so I stayed home and read. It was wonderful. One of my favorite books is Julie Orringer’s Luna, Phoenix, Queen, which will be out October 13.
Repurposing an item from my closet and falling in love with it all over again is the best feeling. This The Row skirt was floor-length, and thus I rarely wore it. Now I reach for it all the time.
Duffle and pea coats are my thing. When I spied this Gloverall for J. Press collab, I could not click fast enough. I have never seen a duffle coat in this color.
When the bob became the haircut du jour, I let my hair grow. To keep it in good shape, I’ve started to pre-condition, and it works like a charm! Conditioner, shampoo, mask.
Most oversized sunglasses look silly on my narrow face, so I was overjoyed to find this pair at Jimmy Fairly in Edinburgh. The French brand makes excellent products at a friendly price.
A Prada show of just skirts! It’s no secret that I am a skirt fanatic.
Happiness is having a dear friend I can text and ask “which shoe?” and she doesn’t think I’m a twit.
Finally, having a horse (preferably a few) makes me happier than I can even explain. Apollo is so sweet and a great addition to the family.
Earlier this month, I went to lovely Edinburgh for the weekend. I had never been and assumed I would never go again. While there, I was invited to a literary conference next April at Edinburgh University and I cannot wait to return. The universe really does work in mysterious ways.
Always look forward to your take on fall, especially repurposing and shopping our closets!
More posts, pretty please…
Info on your bag in the Jimmy Fairly photo, please.
Bag is Hermès Sac Petite Course from this post
May I please know the model name of your sunglasses? The link takes me to the home page of their site as I am overseas.
I bought The Cashew
Hi Preston,
Can’t believe you were in Edinburgh, I live there!
I do hope the city treated you well and you managed to get a taste of what it has to offer.
Where did you visit, shop etc, did you make it down to Stockbridge, lots of independent shops in that area.
As far as the “big names” go the Max Mara store is my favourite and like every city and town the once glorious department stores have taken a hit with many closures. However, the newly restored Jenners is due to open again next year and the noise on the street is it’s going to be impressive, David Chipperfield architects in charge.
Please get in touch if you want any tips on interesting places to visit etc.
As for your your posting, everything gorgeous as always and I love the commitment to long hair!
Alison
Hi Alison,
Edinburgh was fantastic! Spectacular weather, too. Loved Stockbridge (that is a picture of the Lannan Pantry shop, which is adorable!)and I picked up the perfect fall jacket from Kestin for my husband. I cannot wait to go back early April, and will need a list of must-sees from you before I return. Was only there for the weekend with my daughter, we walked everywhere and covered a lot of the city. You are very fortunate to live in Edinburgh!
xPreston
Brilliant, I’ll be in touch.
love love love the duffle coat. Cannot wait to order. What size worked best for you? Thank you. Lynn
Orded and xs this morning, will let you know.
What a delightful, uplifting post! Sounds like a wonderful summer. Would you please share the details on your sweatshirt in the sunglasses photo? I’m finding a collared sweatshirt very comforting for chilly mornings this fall.
And Apollo looks like a very sweet and good boy!
It is an ancient Vince half-zip sweatshirt, wish I had it in more colors.
Who designed that black bum bag you are photographed in?!
Hermès
What a beautiful horse!
As a fellow fan of horses and skirts this post makes me happy Interested to know which shoe was recommended.
The white!
Your post of visiting Cambridge for your daughter inspired me, and my daughter wound up attending the University of St Andrews in Scotland. We have spent a lot of time there over the last couple of years. I really enjoyed taking a tour of the Johnston of Elgin factory. Super interesting. You go completely behind scene and see the raw product transform into different yarn, and then multiple products. All local employees from the village. They make the highest quality items for most high end designer brands too. Chanel, Burberry, J Anderson, etc. I only buy Scottish cashmere.
Preston, so much good stuff here…and horses. Apollo is indeed a handsome devil. I didn’t realize J. Press was still around. I love that duffle and yes, in white, please! Who is the chunky white turtleneck by in the lower right corner? Love posts like this.
You’re reminding me of something I wanted to repurpose and checking out the duffle pronto! Thanks, Stacey
I have to say, that duffle coat in the natural is really, really good. If I could, I would!
Hi Kim, I am wearing a very old beige Vince half-zip.
Congratulations on your sweet boy. Love the ermine marks on his socks!
Thanks for making me happy, Preston! Nostalgic memories of a similar 80’s cream J.G. Hook duffle coat with cream leather straps and toggles. I loved it to death, bought the same in navy and wore both out. Wish I’d saved and had remade. Will never see the like again, but yours is gorgeous and made my heart beat faster!
I wear a royal blue Gloverall with black toggles, but not the same.
Speaking of Edinburgh, hope you’ve read Emma Knight’s The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus.
Yay you’re back. Just ordered the light duffle but of course I want navy too.
Thanks for the nudge 😉
This is such a great post – I am happiest when there’s a new Keep It Chic to read! What shampoo and conditioner do you use? Apollo is beautiful.
I love your post and I love the comments! Being happy, or choosing to be happy, is chic and I’m convinced leads to more happiness. Like a dog, a pony is always a good idea! My sister is my dear friend, and I call her at all hours and across oceans with inquiries about anything and everything. My daughter, now a young mother, is also my dear friend, and I solicit her advice these days as often as she does mine. And in my book, a summer spent at home doing the things you love is the ultimate luxury of life. Travel is nice , but the quality, calm, and privacy of home is better. Happy fall days ahead to you and your readers, Preston!
Apollo is a great addition to the family indeed, a very beautiful horse. Love all the looks and your stunning hair. My son was in Edinburgh last fall and he liked the city very much, Scotland in fall, is always a good idea.
Apollo steals the show here. Cities, books, duffle coats, eyeglasses and even you, Preston (sorry to say this ) look pale next to him. What a beautiful boy!
Lovely post!
Which shoe did you end up going with? I like the cream–it’s unexpected.
Lovely post as always. Like Alison, I too live in Edinburgh. Happy to share my list of favourites with you for your return. ♥️
Bea, I would love that! Thank you, xp
Yes, cream for that exact reason.
Longtime reader, rarely comment but thoroughly enjoy your dispatches. I’m catching up on your latest and they are all so good! I’m loving seeing you repurposing clothing and wearing beloved items you’ve had for years. I recently pulled out my Sangles that I just haven’t been able to bear selling. Still love them. But Scotland…. I’m retired now but in my business days traveled to Edinburgh from time to time, magical city. Make sure you get up to Stonehaven. Mystical moors, a moving WW2 memorial, warm people, the haunting and beautiful Dunnottar Castle and some of the best food you’ll have in Scotland. Enjoy your new family member and fall, sigh. Still dodging storms and heat down here on the Gulf Coast.