This & That: No. 82

Ideas for holiday gifts or a few treasures for yourself, my new jazz music find and a cookbook I have fallen in love with.

~Blog Post to Read

~Paris in the Fall: Our Favorite Things

While following some of my Paris blogs, I stumbled across Hip Paris' recent list of Fall Favorite things in the City of Light. The images and the concept of having the opportunity to enjoy such a delightful destination without the hustle and bustle of tourists, sounds but a dream. Perhaps someday . . . 

~On the Pursuit of Personal Best

DeeAnne of Live the Charmed Life has returned from a brief hiatus to two thought-provoking and inspiring posts. The one that particularly caught my attention was her discussion on choosing instead to do better than we did the day before rather than compare ourselves destructively to others. Have a look. 

~Book

~The French Kitchen Cookbook by Patricia Wells

Oh, my goodness. I have loved perusing through Patricia Wells' recent cookbook (released last Tuesday) and cannot wait to begin trying the many recipes I've dog-eared. The saffron and honey brioche, the long list of soups, creamy sorbets and simple, yet flavorful salads, all are clearly explained along with helpful tips and ideas from the chef herself - how she organizes her kitchen, what she shops for and wine pairings for many of the dishes. An extra treat is her ode to Julia Child who was a dear friend. In fact, she shares a glimpse inside her own kitchen of which contains Julia's La Cornue stove that she reluctantly had to leave behind when we moved back to Massachusetts. One of the best cookbooks I've picked up in a while. 

~Music

~Jon Batiste

Over the past weekend, while reading the WSJ my attention was captured by a profile piece on jazz musician Jon Batiste. At the young age of 26 he has a decent list of albums and shares that his aim is to bring music to the masses. His latest album (released earlier this month) contains infusions of classical jazz, funk and pop, all created with the intention of moving the audience and bringing it to them. If you live in New York City, perhaps you've had the opportunity to witness him and his band Stay Human begin performing in the middle of a subway train or along the streets from one restaurant to another. Trained at Julliard, he is worth a listen if you are a lover of jazz, like myself. I especially am enjoying his earlier album Jazz is Now. 

~Shopping

~Equipment washed-silk polka dot pajamas

Whether you are beginning your holiday shopping list or are looking for a pair of pajamas for yourself, Equipment has introduced a washed silk polka dot short pajama set that you may want to keep your eye on as the sales begin to take place next month and into December.

~Marte Frisnes nametag necklace

Hedvig of The Northern Light blog always shares fantastic style inspiration, so when she introduced jeweler Marte Frisnes nametag necklace, I was intrigued. Perfect for a holiday gift or for yourself, a simple gold strand necklace, similar to one I saw Gwyneth Paltrow wearing at the airport. No confusion as to whose necklace it is if ever it is lost, that's for sure. 

Luxury Frette Bed Linens From Garnet Hill

Elle Decor revealed that one of my favorite luxury bed & linen companies Frette (where I purchase my pajamas from) is partnering up with Garnet Hill to bring their sheets, towels, duvet covers and more to customers for prices as low as $10-$375. Click here to see all that luxurious renowned Italian company is offering.

The Perfect PJ’s

 

Waking up on a Saturday morning, knowing that you have time on your hands, if not for just a few hours, is heaven on earth.  Add to that this Versailles upholstered headboard from The French Bedroom, croissants, jam and french pressed coffee . . . and if there is a place better than heaven, you would have found it, at least for me.

As I have been waking up lately, I have been realizing that I am in need of a cozy set of pajamas, and so I started wracking my brain thinking of what type of pj’s I desired . . . and then I remembered.

Ever since I sat down to enjoy The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett (which was quite some time ago, I must admit, but gosh darnit I love that movie.  Anything Nancy Meyers puts her hands on is simply fun to look at) I’ve been curious and covetous of the pajamas that Cameron wears in one of the first major scenes of the film.  I have been hooked ever since and have vowed this year for my birthday I would find, and deliver to myself, these pajamas.  Currently, I am embarrassed to say that my pajamas are old.  

Yes, they may be Christian Dior, but I have a feeling they are low-end Christian Dior and quite frankly, I feel I deserve one nice set of pajamas.  After all, I spend every night (at least in the chillier months) in pajamas, or when I’m visiting someone with whom I want to feel comfortable around, yet still feminine and appropriate.  The good news is I think I have found them, but I wanted to ask you, my readers, if you knew of other pajamas that you have fallen in love with and would recommend, or if any of you have purchased the Frette Rigato Ara striped pajamas (worn by Cameron Diaz in the movie) and would recommend them. 

I am striving to find something feminine, full coverage for sitting out in the morning with family, friends over coffee before getting the day started sort of thing.  I love the look of these, I just hope they correlate to fabulous when I wear them.  Who knows?  Below are pictures from The Holiday of Diaz in the pajamas.  I apologize for the lack of clarity.