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.