Note: I changed the title of this series to hopefully clarify the intent. I have a lot on my mind, but this is a snapshot of the things that are inspiring my creative expression, be it in art, fashion, home decor, or other adventures.
One. Pastel rainbow nails
I love rainbows, that is a given. But pastel rainbows seem extra happy and uplifting, somehow. Adding them to my fingertips is like a daily reminder to smile. I recently did a gel manicure very similar to the photo, albeit sticking mostly to the cool side of the colour spectrum. Loving it.
Two. French country shabby chic
I don’t know if I am using an industry-approved term, but I have been very into what I call a “French country shabby chic” aesthetic for home decor, particularly fabrics. It’s basically all old fashioned florals (toile fabrics, especially) mixed with textured fabrics, against white furniture (perhaps slightly distressed, and not even intentionally because, well, kids). Fresh flowers (especially irises, roses, hydrangeas, and other equally lush blooms). White, billowing curtains. Lightness and airiness, mixed with some vintage charm. I’ve been thinking a lot about a quote from Nancy Mitford, who said something to the effect that “all lovely rooms are a little bit shabby”.
Three. Libraries
With the basement renovations well under way, I’ve had libraries on my mind a lot. We are adding 2 more walls of shelves in the basement, which will drastically increase the overall library capacity; and it means that our collection will need reorganization. This is one of my favourite things to do; I think it’s a throwback to my undergrad days when I worked as a page at one of my university’s libraries — still, to this day, one of my favourite jobs. I spent my working hours there re-shelving books and moving collections around to accommodate new additions. Being around books, and handling them (often picking out new reads along the way) is close to the perfect way to spend time, as far as I’m concerned. Anyway, for the reorganization project before me, the added benefit is that it will also involve some shelf styling — I am a big fan of using random decor items as book ends — so I have a lot of planning to do.
Four. Magnolia skies
We don’t have a lot of magnolia trees around here, which makes me sad. But I love seeing pictures posted by friends on social media. There is something so soothing about the delicate pink against a blue sky.
Five. 90s style
I recently acquired a large lot of vintage magazines (mostly from the late 80s and early 90s) and have spent many blissful hours engrossed in their pages. I am really enjoying rediscovering 90s style from my 40-something lens; I am able to buy all the things I coveted as a teen, and enjoy the fashion without the body hang-ups I used to have as a teen. The image above is of a Romeo Gigli outfit, which is such a throwback name to me; it’s also something that looks incredibly fresh and inspiring to me now, in 2022.
I find this series very interesting and inspiring. It’s not that everything on them matches my thoughts (obviously! since it is _your_ list). But seeing/reading these helps me think through what has been appealing to me recently, and how I can translate that into concrete elements around me.
Also I too was a page at one of my university’s libraries and I too _loved_ it, for all the reasons you mention!
Best job ever, honestly! Could pick your own hours, super chill boss. I also managed to get all my friends to work there too, so we would often work side by side and it was fab.