Monday, March 1, 2010

Monday Miscellany

We have a great deal to cover this morning. I've got a steaming mug of Yorkshire Gold tea on the desk next to me, so within moments, my brain cells will be fully operational. Let's begin, shall we?

Books...
First of all, I want to thank everyone who commented on the last post. I so, so enjoyed all the subdiscussions that went on and, like many of you, have added a slew of books to my Amazon wish list. I felt it was important this time to reply individually to each commenter; as of now, I think I'm almost caught up.

Blogs...
They really are the 21st century salon, aren't they? They are a virtual gathering place of like-minded souls who convene to be inspired, amused and enriched. All of you have your own personal list of the ones you frequent and, if you're like me, checking in on them is a de rigueur part of your day. I love that the internet has democratized such an elite tradition; centuries ago, they would have been strictly invitation only.
(Jean Francois de Troy, Reading from Moliere, 1728)

Ottoline Morrell, a woman I so admire, was well-known for her fabulous salon parties at Garsington.
(Portrait of Garsington House, 1920's, by Ottoline Morell)

Artists and aristocrats flocked there on weekends to partake of her generous hospitality while Ottoline floated around in a diaphanous dress snapping photos of everyone with her Brownie camera.
(Picnic at Garsington, 1920's, photographed by Ottoline Morrell)

And of course you know about Gertrude Stein's weekly get-togethers at her home at 27 rue de Fleurus.
(Photographed by Man Ray, 1923)

When you click on "A Bloomsbury Life", it's like you're stepping into my salon at The Kenmore Arms.
(Photo by Scott Ogden)

So I'll tell you what I tell all my friends: There's a pot of tea in the kitchen and cocktails and treats in the dining room...

...so help yourself to what you like and then come join us in the living room. Whoops, just move Luca's guitar out of the way.

People pop in and then pop out again, so don't worry if you have only have a moment, it's very informal here. Scooch over next to that dapper young man from Oxford, Stuck-In-A-Book. His list of 50 Books You Must Read will have you scrambling for a pencil. Or ask The Style Saloniste about her recent trip to India. Or eavesdrop on what Tartan Scot or Domicidal Maniac and Architect Design are working on now. Oh, and have you seen Ivan Terestchenko's photography? I feel as if I have grown to know so many of you over the past year-and-a-half and I want to make sure everyone's respective fabulousness keeps rippling outward.

Rectification...
Last week I posted about Liberty's upcoming collection for Target and I admitted to being less than thrilled about the wares I had seen in their television commercial. Well, I'm here to tell you I was wrong. Let me say it again: I was wrong. Why? Well, because thanks to a little website called Refinery 29, I spotted some other items that will be in stores on March 14th. And people, they are everything I was hoping for.

Just look at these lovely shirts. They're for men, but I don't care. I'm getting one.


And what about these sweet little clutches?

My husband will be receiving a few of these and if he doesn't wear them, I will.

I will buy these (for Piero, ostensibly) and figure out my own uses for them later: to wear as an improvised belt with a pair of faded cotton khakis, tied around a handbag, as a bookstrap, etc.

No words necessary.

FYI, I am fully expecting each of you to report back on what you purchased.

48 comments:

starcakeastrology.blogspot.com said...

What a pleasant and interesting post! Those floral button up shirts are gorgeous.

pve design said...

Just an fyi -I can fix a mean breakfast.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I have a horrible feeling I'm going to be one of those waiting in the parking lot for Target to open.
Oh, and Edward would love to lie at everyone's feet during one of our salon gatherings. He loves nothing better than eavesdropping at a chattering party!

froogal said...

Oh I knew would you change your mind! I did agree that somehow Liberty at Target took away some of the exclusivity. Currently searching on Ebay for Liberty of London will only bring about 3 pages, I am afraid now it will take on another 15...but that's OK because I am impatiently waiting for those (affordable) shirts and I love the yellow print coat!

Tricia said...

I'm late replying to your previous post! The book that moved me like no other at a young age was Alcott's Eight Cousins (I live about 5 miles from the Alcott home and nearly bow my head as I pass by.) My son was equally moved by Ransom's Swallows and Amazons (1930) and We Didn't Mean to Go To Sea (1937). He's nearly 13, and I read them both aloud to him when he was about nine or ten. Perhaps a summer project for you and your son? If you can't find them on eBay, I'd be happy to send them on a cross country summer vacation!

Debra said...

I would love to be part of a gathering at the Kenmore Arms- I'll just pour myself a little tea for now. May I browse through your library? The Liberty shirts will be coming home with me...for me!
The bike- had I not just ordered a creamy yellow Trek, that would be coming home with me as well.
I think now I may have a go-round with Luca's guitar. Wonderful Monday escape here.

L said...

Before I was happily blitzkrieged by baby #2, I kept a regular blog, and I do remember liking that "salon" feel. (It was, oddly enough, a Salon blog, affilitated with Salon.com)

It was always fun to get comments, but I have to admit that when a commenter also had a blog, the experience seemed richer, mainly because you could understand so much more about the person making a comment. They were more memorable too.

Anyway, thanks for inviting us all to your salon, Lisa.

Bart Boehlert said...

Holy moly I love Liberty of London so much! I need those shirts. Wonder if they will be on the Target web site--
BB

Unknown said...

So, now that I sit at your table, thank you for the invitation....drink in hand, nibbling an olive, I am right there with you at Target, getting my hands on something...anyway,
Did you ever read 'The Book of Salt' by Monique Truong? She writes this story about the Vietnamese cook, working in the Gertrude Stein/Alice B.Toklas houshold in Paris.... A delightful must read!
Gotta go...I'll drop by soon!

Here is to Kenmore Arms and it's admirable hostess!

XX
Victoria

Anonymous said...

I haven't ridden a bicycle since I was 12, but I desperately want that one. Let's ignore the fact that I live in a climate where there's snow on the ground 7 months of the year.

JaneH said...

1) Your post just brightened my Monday!
2) I am swooning over those Liberty shirts - I actually marked the day on the calendar and hope to scoop some up - along with the ties!
3)I think that I can justify the purchase of that bicycle for the sake of better fitness!

Amy said...

I find it so endearing that you frequent Refinery29! So hip at heart...

LPC said...

I spent 1968 in London, as a 12-year old. I still remember the Liberty blouse I owned. I wonder if I could get myself over to Target to see. Blogs are like salons, or the local pub, or nail place. Whoever guessed that we would be able to develop such fondness for shared spaces we can't even touch?

ArchitectDesign™ said...

You didn't mention men's clothing. Lord almighty I'm excited!!! I'll be getting one of each please!!

Jane Kilpatrick Schott said...

Great post...right back at you. I am working on my Amazon wish list next.

Bravo and good talking to you tonight.

Anonymous said...

LOVE your blog! (but this one sounds like you were chided by W or paid off by target... bummer.)

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

love the shirts-a must. I knew you would come around, I saw more of this LL stuff earlier today. and to Anon- I don't feel that way, It is obvious from seeing it all that there is some great stuff coming to Target- Lisa has to agree with that.Glad she saw the light.

Lisa Borgnes Giramonti said...

PVE: Oooh, good. I'll set the table!

Pamela Terry and Edward: I love that dog of yours.

Kathy G: Haven't seen the print coat...now you've intrigued me again...

Tricia: You are soo sweet! But I'm sure I can find them...if I can't, I'll let you know. :) And what a good mom you are. xx

Debra: So happy you stopped by...xx

lala: You are pretty amazing. First lunch with Nigel Nicolson and now I find out you're a former blogger for Salon? So cool. And I may have to rewrite my post because I certainly didn't mean that only other bloggers were invited to stop by. Some of the most thoughtful and perceptive comments I've received come from people without blogs -- many's been the time when a chance phrase they left on a post has inspired me and made my day. xx

Bart: Seriously, if you want me to get you one, I will!

VictoriaArt: "The Book of Salt" rings a distant bell, but I haven't read it...it sounds totally up my alley. Thank you!

thecaptivereader: Could you hook it up to a wind trainer? You know, like professional bikers do so that they can ride indoors?

JaneH: Let me know what you get...

MySpecialStash: I have fingers in many pots. :)

LPC: My thoughts exactly.

Architect Design: They would look amazing on you, methinks.

Jane Schott: Lovely talking to you too. :)

Anonymous: So happy you stopped by. Please be assured that NO ONE tells me what to do on this blog or pays me to be a mouthpiece! It's actually against the law to do that and not inform your audience -- see here:

http://mashable.com/2009/10/05/ftc-blogger-endorsements/

Little Augury: Yes, yes, I came late to the party, but I arrived. I'm the one by the punchbowl wearing Liberty. :)

domesticgoddess said...

Blogs as the salon of the 21st century- I just love that analogy! Your salon is one of my absolute favourites :-)

Helen James said...

I love the comparison, as this is so true for myself living in rural Ireland and missing the connections one gained from living in a city like NY, becoming a blogger has given me such a great sense of connection to like minded people, so even though the salon is virtual I appreciate it all the more for introducing me to people I would never have met down in the local market.
I will be interested to see how those Liberty items are in reality in terms of quality and cut I am sure Liberty would not put their name on poorly made pieces but do report back when you have purchased. x

Scott Fazzini said...

You sweet, sweet lady. Only you would stage a virtual salon, and it's one of the reasons why I love you. It's such a treat to have stumbled upon so many interesting people around the globe. One day when I'm rich and famous, or marry very well, I'm going to bring all of these lovely people together for a little salon gathering at my place. Until then, I'll see you at your place...via my little MacBook.

Leslie Gelber said...

Brilliant! I will check out Targete'. But I wanted to tell you I just received my new Nike i.d. shoes, as reviewed in W. I adore visiting your 'salon', you teach me so much, you are so refreshing. Thank you.
Cheers
Leslie

Ouiser B. said...

This post is exactly why I adore your blog. It whisks me away to another time and place.

Loved it so much, I blogged about you (again)....

http://nicolealon.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-love-this-post.html

Cheers,
Ouiser

Rocio said...

Oh, thank you for the invitation. Will there be cucumber sandwhiches??
Too bad there is no Target in Spain !!

CashmereLibrarian said...

Thank you for inviting me to your salon! :-) I quite enjoy being a guest.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE YOU AGAIN FOREVER! I did not know about that law. Please forgive me.

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

LISA-

Books, books and books.
I buy them every day.
I buy them for their content,
I buy them for their looks.

Had to say it.
Lisa-a big shout-out for referring your estimable readers to THE STYLE SALONISTE.

And a big shout-out for Liberty at Target...this is what every chic man and woman should add to their classic summer wardrobe...what every white shirt needs.
see you over a cup of tea soon, I hope
cheers, DIANE
www.thestylesaloniste.com

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

LISA-

Books, books and books.
I buy them every day.
I buy them for their content,
I buy them for their looks.

Had to say it.
Lisa-a big shout-out for referring your estimable readers to THE STYLE SALONISTE.

And a big shout-out for Liberty at Target...this is what every chic man and woman should add to their classic summer wardrobe...what every white shirt needs.
see you over a cup of tea soon, I hope
cheers, DIANE
www.thestylesaloniste.com

Unknown said...

A salon!? Validation! For quite some time I have been suggesting to close friends that we create one, only to receive some very strange looks! Of course blogging is just like that...albeit a virtual one! So clever! (And that bike is beyond!)

Mar gar et said...

The gold and ochre flowered wallpaper I picked out for my room in 1970 was very Liberty, and had no idea back then of anything beyond my nose. Still love florals, albeit in smaller doses now. Wonderful home, Lisa!

Scot Meacham Wood said...

my darling,

it is such a pleasure to be in your delightful company. There truly is just an amazing synergy that I find with not only our fellow bloggers . . . but with everyone who delights in beautiful design.

I can so easily picture all of us gathered in your lovely home - sipping tea - laughing - inspiring each other.

with much admiration and love,
scot

*Chic Provence* said...

A very pleasant little read and invitation to the salon! Since I am just discovering your blog, I am completely charmed!

merci!

Kit

Joanna said...

What a fascinating observation: blogs ARE the 21st century salon. I would only be too happy to fraternize with all you stylish and sophisticated members of the Kenmore Arms.

Angie Muresan said...

I'm beyond thrilled about Liberty and Target!! Cannot wait!

Anonymous said...

I think you should do a post of your favorite products...like the best candles, favorite body wash, brand of tea or coffee. I always like to read about those kinds of things and get recommendations from people who I know have superb taste.

Miss Cavendish said...

I wonder what the fabric will be like. Can we hope for tana lawn? Probably not . . .

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

Ahhhh, tea in your salon: deeee-lightful! I'll bring the scones!

Arizona bankruptcy lawyer said...

Wow -- I'm amazed cause of I've thought about redecorating my bike with vintage cloth... that's such a great idea.

Malik Imran Awan said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
StuckInABook said...

Thank you for the mention, Lisa - it's been a long time since I was called dapper, and I could get used to it!
Simon x

Unknown said...

lovely post and quite true about the virtual salons - love seeing pics of your home - it's great!

Karen said...

I was very very excited about the Liberty line at Target. I was a little worried it would be cheaply done but people posted reviews on target.com immediately upon buying items and I was reassured. But I was also worried again as it meant lots of people wanted the items!

I went and bought 2 dresses (bright pink floral shift and strappy blue floral with blue frill on the front) and a blue patterned bathing suit. I also bought some stationary that was very inexpensive. I would love to buy myself and my husband some boxers... Maybe there are some left.

I enjoy your blog!

Karen said...

oh no, i spelt stationery wrong. :(

Jane Kilpatrick Schott said...

I wish they had done the products deeper as I could
have bought so many more items in their look.

Were you lusting for one of the bicycles?

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