A Cultured Pearl

Summer Reading

Posted on May 11th, 2015

The other day theoceanandemma wrote in to ask me what books were on my list for this summer, which made me realize… I really need to start reading more again. During the fall and winter, I was reading a book every week, and I’m not quite sure where the time has gone but let’s just say I haven’t maintained that pace. But! This is an excellent reminder to renew my commitment to literacy. So here are a few books on my list:

My Beloved World– This was actually recommended to me by both my boss and my mother, but I have so much respect for Sonia Sotomayor and would love to read more about her story in her own words

The Girl on the Train– I read Gone Girl several years ago but I really liked it, and I heard this book is similar.

Funny Girl– Nick Hornby (author of Fever Pitch, among many others) is the perfect level of well-written chick lit. This is the latest!

Killers of the King– Historical works make me feel more intelligent, but it’s a tricky genre. When it’s done poorly, it is painfully dry. But when well executed, you can’t put it down!

So obviously given that I have not yet read any of the above, I can’t officially recommend them, but if you’re looking for some sure bets, I do have a few suggestions. My mother is in three book clubs (she is a self-proclaimed “book club slut”), and I definitely benefit from hearing about the wonderful things she has read over the years. I have inherited from her a low tolerance for poor writing, and I really enjoy a wide range of subject matter. Here are four very different books, but each incredibly wonderful in their own way:

The Red Tent– Possibly my favorite book of all time. This book is about the power of women and love of all kinds– for our sisters, our children, our spouses, and ourselves. It is set in the context of the Old Testament, so much of it feels familiar, but comes through the eyes of an unexpected heroine.

The Rosie Project– Speaking of love! This has been my go-to recommendation recently, as it really appeals to a wide range of people. Sometimes, true love changes you in all the right ways.

Emma– Not a particularly sexy recommendation, but it’s good for us to revisit the classics periodically. Emma is one of my favorites, but I also love Jane Eyre. Hemingway is one of my twentieth century favorites, particularly The Sun Also Rises.

A Thousand Splendid Suns– I read this many years ago so my memory fails me on many of the specifics, but I remember being deeply moved and crying a lot. The circumstances may be unimaginably different, but the themes of love and friendship are the same.

Please let me know if you’re looking for more recommendations– I have plenty! And I am counting on you all to keep me honest with my reading resolution, so I’ll be touching base with my progress in a few weeks.

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Sunday Snapshot- May 10

Posted on May 10th, 2015

When I said last Sunday I anticipated a fun and exciting week… I was right!

My girl Kimberly was still visiting last Sunday, and it was an A+ morning for meandering through Central Park for brunch on the Upper West Side at Jacob’s Pickles. I do not want to overstate things, but on a scale of one to life changing brunch experiences I think it was a strong 9. We were boring and both ordered the same thing– french toast made from homemade buttermilk biscuits topped with a million strawberries– but that was because it looked so incredible we didn’t want to share anything else! It did not disappoint. We also ordered a side of poutine, which Kimberly had never had before so it qualified as a Cultural Educational Experience. Maybe. Because nothing pairs with biscuit french toast quite like poutine.

When I wasn’t eating this week, I did manage to fit in some time for other activities. I run in Central Park every single morning, and am slightly embarrassed to admit that a solid percentage of my Instagrams stem from these early morning jaunts. I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the beautiful blooms that are all around the reservoir right now– running has never smelled so sweet! I was so excited to see it re-grammed by the official NYC_Reservoir account later that day. My fifteen minutes of fame, I guess.

As for many people, Mother’s Day brunch is a big tradition in our family. Our club does an incredible job, and it always ends up feeling like the kickoff to summer. I was so bummed not to be able to join my family there today, so I did the best I could spoiling my mother from afar. I wrote her a normal card and sent a normal gift, too, but I couldn’t resist sending her this fabulous Queen for a Day crown, which I requested she don for brunch. I also couldn’t resist modeling it myself during my lunch hour on Monday…

Ian and I were in Seattle this weekend (more on that another day), which was so much fun. I love escaping New York to see other parts of the world! We didn’t have a ton of time to play tourist on this quick trip, but we did manage to swing by the Space Needle on our run this morning.

And for your weekly inspiration: I have mostly very positive but slightly mixed feelings about Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, but I can’t help chanting the theme song to myself whenever I need a little boost. (Although males, don’t worry– you, too, can be strong as hell.)

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Reese’s [New] Pieces

Posted on May 7th, 2015

Reese Witherspoon is a lovely person. No, I don’t technically know her, but I’m fairly confident this is the case. She respects her roots but resists being stereotyped; she has a darling family and largely stays out of trouble. At the Met Gala last night, she resisted the crazy fashion hype and looked classy, elegant, and beautiful.

As usual.

It’s safe to say I’m predisposed to believe anything Reese touches turns to sparkly gold, but her latest project, Draper James, is objectively darling. The website launched Tuesday as Reese pays homage to her Nashville upbringing and the lessons her grandmother shared with her about being a gracious hostess. It’s part online boutique, part lifestyle website, and totally charming.

The items, like their curator, are classic. Pearls, stripes, gingham… can’t go wrong. For me, this wicker purse is the winner. A look I’ve always loved, and the monogram option and clasp are beautiful details. A few of my other favorites:

gingham baby blanket // paper coasters // Belle Meade dress // twisted pearl necklace // wicker handbag

The lifestyle section included a peek into Reese’s Draper James launch garden party. I think my invitation just got lost in the mail.

I am only from the South through technicality, but the city where I grew up definitely has some elements of southern culture, and I did live in Nashville, so some of the Southernisms definitely resonated with me, too.

Can’t deny it, y’all!

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Procrastination Station- May 6

Posted on May 6th, 2015

These first few pieces are for those of you that have a few million dollars you’re looking to burn. Never fear– I will help you.

If you have about $2 million, I would recommend you buy Zooey Deschanel’s house. So much charm and character!

Summer is coming up! If you have a bit more cash at your disposal, I suggest you just skip the hassle and buy your own island so you have somewhere to spend those crazy summer nights.

With basically any major event, my main questions are 1) how can I theme dress for it? and 2) how can I theme eat for it? Everyone knows Derby Pie (and Mint Juleps!) are Kentucky Derby staples, but NPR investigated what goes into Derby Pie… and discovered it may be a lawsuit waiting to happen!

I totally love love (who doesn’t), and there is something extra special about people who are getting a second chance. If you read Vanity Fair, you have probably heard the names Leonard Lauder and Judy Glickman– but only in the last year would you have heard them paired together. Read about their unexpected romance here. Try not to become too sentimental, or cry happy tears at your desk. ~~Speaking from experience.~~

My parting gift to you– puppies! As curated by T&C.

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The New J. Crew

Posted on May 5th, 2015

J. Crew still exists, obviously, and tons of us still shop there. One need look no further than the revenue numbers from the last fiscal year to know times have changed for the retailer– while 2013 sales grew 3%, 2014 revenue dropped 2%.

Many people have written about the changing aesthetic, and it’s clear to see where they’re coming from. (See this piece by cartoonist Tricia Louvar) As an example, here are some J. Crew covers from 1988-2006:

These people are friendly, wholesome, approachable. And below, some catalog shots from 2013-2014:

The image on the left really sums up the changing winds. Whereas I can imagine wearing each of the looks pictured in the “vintage” covers, even those that are 25 years old, I cannot imagine a single occasion in which I would wear green silk floral printed trousers. And it’s not like I live in rural Iowa– I live in trendy Manhattan and I still can’t imagine a scenario where those would be worn. The J. Crew customers who stocked up on grosgrain ribbon belts and cable knit sweaters in 2005 must see mannequins dressed in sequin pencil skirts and wonder if they have wandered into the wrong store.

Enter Madewell.

Madewell, a J. Crew spinoff that currently accounts for only 9% of the company’s overall sales, isn’t exactly designed with the Connecticut housewife in mind. It definitely represents a more urban, tomboy-chic ideal, but I understand it. There is something inherently approachable about a brand built around denim, which is both a basic and fraught staple. Much of J. Crew is a bit mysterious to me at this moment in time, but I can imagine wearing nearly every piece on the Madewell site.

Looking good, ladies.

I’m glad I can still count on Madewell to deliver classic J. Crew looks for those occasions where a plunging V neck Hawaiian crop top just won’t do.

J. Crew, you know I’ll always love you unconditionally. Like an ex-boyfriend, I like the idea of you, and the memory of you. But maybe we’re just on a break, and you’ll come crawling back with shift dresses and navy & white stripes. Until then, I’ll think of you fondly, and probably even stalk you on the internet. And in the meantime… Hello, Madewell.

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Are You Beyonce?

Posted on May 4th, 2015

Tonight is the Met Gala! Thank you to Refinery 29 for illustrating all the various ways that I am still not going– I do love a good flow chart. Can You Afford to Go to the Met Ball?

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Seasons’ Greetings

Posted on May 4th, 2015

Now that spring is upon us and we have some distance between us and the dark days, I think we need to reassess what’s really going on with the seasons. Yes, I understand that seasons are kind of a longtime thing, based on positions of the earth in relation to the sun, blah blah blah. But I don’t think this fits with the current era. It’s unfair, for example, that March and December are labeled the same.

So I would like to propose we mix things up. When I take over the world, which I expect will be any day now, we will have a different set of seasons. Brace yourselves.

Let’s start with our current season: Spring!

Dates: April-May
Best part: Flowers
Worst part: You get to ditch the tights but your legs haven’t seen the light of day in 6 months and now glow in the dark
Must-have accessory: Colorful umbrella (this, this, or this)
Tips for surviving: Don’t sleep too late on the weekends– the wait at brunch will be insane if you get there at 11.

Moving on to Summer…

Dates: June-August (possibly mid September)
Best part: Al fresco dining
Worst part: Public sweating
Must-have accessory: Duffel bag (this or this) for weekend adventuring
Tips for surviving: SUNSCREEN is so important

Finally Fall:

Dates: September-October
Best part: Return of football
Worst part: The end of Summer Fridays at work
Must-have accessory: Pumpkin Spice Latte
Tips for surviving: Pay someone else to rake the leaves. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Here’s where things get really crazy– I think November and December need their own season. There is a worldwide sense of celebration, love, and appreciation during these months. So may I present to you my new and improved season: Festivity!

Dates: November-January 11 (or whatever the date of the college football national championship is)
Best part: Time with friends and family
Worst part: Gaining five pounds of Christmas cookie and eggnog weight
Must-have accessory: Glitter heels (these are among my most prized possessions, but these and these are pretty amazing too)
Tips for surviving: Keep hostess gifts on hand (this candle, perhaps)– you never know when you’ll have to run to a soiree!

Guess which season is my least favorite? Winter. I am not even the same person at this time of year. In fact, I think it’s silly we set New Year’s Resolutions to start of January 1. That’s just setting yourself up for failure. The name of the game in winter is just survival. Like let’s just make it through the day, and wait until spring to make any crazy life changes. But I digress. Here’s the winter rundown:

Dates: January 11-March
Best part: Super Bowl Sunday
Worst part: Taking down your holiday decorations; general questioning of the meaning of life
Must-have accessory: Unbelievably hideous outerwear
Tips for surviving: Save up all your vacation days and blow them on trips to the Bahamas during these months

I hope you’ll consider joining my ~~non-existent~~ movement. We talk a lot at my company about granularity, and I think that’s the issue here. We just need more seasonal granularity!

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Sunday Snapshot- May 3

Posted on May 3rd, 2015

It’s peony season!

Flowers are one of my #1 indulgent purchases– no one needs flowers, but particularly from March-October I make sure to have some on hand for my own personal enjoyment. Peonies are a floral highlight (I particularly love peony scented anything), and my heart started beating a little faster when I spotted my first ones this week. High class products coming to the corner bodega!

When I am able to make the time, I prefer to skip the subway and walk the three miles home from work. Normally I walk up Fifth Avenue (window shopping + Central Park combination), but I was feeling adventurous this week so I walked up Madison. I don’t know where one would even wear this kind of gown (seems a little much for my 24th birthday dinner), but I couldn’t help wondering how it would feel to be that glamorous.

Speaking of beautiful rich colors, we were headed to meet a friend earlier this week, so I texted him to get his froyo order. Guess which one is mine?

Back in September, I had joined a committee with JDRF to help plan their One Night event. Our hard work paid off on Thursday with a fantastically fun and successful evening. I’m sure I will write more about JDRF another day, but as the leading non-government funder of Type 1 Diabetes research, it is an organization that is extremely near and dear to my heart. As it happens, One Night was pretty much my ideal experience. We planned a restaurant tasting event catered by about twelve different restaurants, complete with open bar and a band. Eating, drinking, and visiting with friends for four hours? Sign me up. My best friend from college, Kimberly, and my dad were nice enough to be my dates for the evening!

And since Kimberly was already here, she decided to stay the weekend! We did some shopping around yesterday, and visited CW Pencil Enterprise. As the name suggests, it pretty much sells one thing and one thing only. I prefer pen at this juncture in my life, but I imagine it would be a paradise for pencil connoisseurs.

I’m looking forward to a slightly abbreviated week with a fun trip at the end, but whether you’re sticking to your usual routine or shaking things up this week, remember….

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Procrastination Station- April 29

Posted on April 29th, 2015

If you’re wondering what kind of week I’m having, I procrastinated making this Procrastination Station post. So there’s that.

Let’s kick this off with some lighter fare! I’m late to the game on this one, but Kate Spade put together a list of “25 Things That Make Us Really Happy.” The title alone guarantees a midweek pick-me-up!

Are you all familiar with Brit + Co? It’s a site featuring curated content to help you spice up your life. I love perusing their pages, whether featuring lists of baby names or wedding proposals or calligraphy tips or anything, really! I really enjoyed reading this profile of their founder, Brit Morin. Her story really makes me excited about women pursuing their dreams.

This is another article where the title says it all: Why I Gave Up a $95,000 Job to Move to an Island and Scoop Ice Cream. Wow. Noelle Hancock is ridiculously brave and ridiculously awesome. For me, the ultimate goal is building a life for myself from which I don’t really feel a need to take a vacation, and she has done just that in an unexpected way.

I don’t consider myself a true gourmet foodie… it’s more just that I like to eat. This list of The 44 Best Restaurants in America was wild to look through! Some names I recognized, some I didn’t, some that left me wanting to travel, and some that just made me wish I had more money. Have you tried any of these places?

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Happy & Calm

Posted on April 28th, 2015

Warning you about Grey’s Anatomy spoilers! If you managed to avoid Grey’s Anatomy spoilers from last week’s episode a) how did you do it?? and b) don’t read this post! To thank you for stopping by anyway, here’s a spoiler-free image of a puppy for your entertainment:

We watch TV shows for entertainment. But why must entertainment be equated with earth shattering, one in a billion drama? Entertainment just refers to anything you find amusing, or brings you enjoyment. So you know what I think is entertaining? Watching people be happy together. Watching people recognize that the silly minutiae of life is really made special by the people you spend it with. It does not bring me enjoyment to watch people’s lives be ripped to shreds, fictional though they may be.

I read something once: “It’s okay to be happy with a calm life.” It really stuck with me, in large part because I don’t always feel that way. For us Type A people of the world, we are tempted to equate happiness with contentment, and contentment with settling or stagnation. This is such faulty logic! Many of us would be more balanced if we took time to recognize the beauty in what we had, rather than feeling panicked about so-called excitement that we may be missing.

It does not seem that television writers got the whole “happy & calm” memo. Life doesn’t have season finales. TV has mass shootings and car accidents; life has grocery shopping and long dinners with friends. Guess which one I want?

Let’s examine Grey’s Anatomy, for instance. Last summer, Bustle put this list together to support the argument that Meredith Grey is the unluckiest person in the history of the world– and this is before her handsome, noble husband (with incredible hair) died. Which, quite frankly, I think has finally given me the courage I need to quit Grey’s. I don’t need that misery in my life! I’m looking for happy & calm, not insanely twisted and unrealistically depressing.