Outfit of the day 07/09/17

Posted on 07/09/2017 by The Librain

I actually went out of the house today! Amazing! Well, perhaps not so amazing as it was only for a dentist appointment, but it was a start. She told me that my teeth and gums are in good condition, so at least some things are not crumbling. I have also booked in to see the hygienist to get rid of the stains on my teeth. I am sure these have been caused by the amount of tea I drink 😄😄.

So, today’s outfit was:

  • Silk scarf in shades of blue, white and grey – Le Jardin de la Maharani – Hermès. In a bias fold and then held in a MaiTai horn scarf ring. This way the lovely border and contrast hem can be shown off.
  • Bright navy cotton mix short-sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Bright navy cotton mix cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Indigo jeans – Klass.
  • Silver Celtic-style earrings.
  • Blue and white enamel, with crystals and gold, Owl bangle – Halcyon Days.
Outfit of the day 07/09/17 with Hermès' La Jardin de la Maharani

Outfit of the day 07/09/17 with Hermès’ La Jardin de la Maharani

I have been thinking to day about my first public library, The Beaney, in Canterbury, where I lived as a child. My Mum used to take me and my sister there from a very young age and I would read all of my books, then my sister’s and then my Mum’s in a fortnight. The library and its staff were an inspiration to me. I wanted to grow up to be just like the glamorous library assistant who worked with children. We weren’t allowed to buy comics at home, but I used to sit at a table in the library window (the large one on the ground floor, left-hand side) whilst my Mum went shopping, and read all of the comics and magazines I could find.

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury

When Younger Son went to Uni in Canterbury, it was forty years since my family had moved away from the city. I loved visiting him there and retracing my steps as a child and young teenager. It is such a beautiful place and I would love to live there again.

Happy times 😀😀.

I am hoping to publish a Scarf of the Moment post on Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage tomorrow. As I have been having some difficulties this week, I may not finish it. If not, I will try to complete it next week.

Best wishes,

💜💛💙💚❤️

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Reading roundup 06/09/17

Posted on 06/09/2017 by The Librain

Until this afternoon, I had only managed to read one book this week. That is almost unheard of for me! This is probably because I have been so poorly and, when I am struggling like this, my concentration goes and a book becomes too much. I then resort to reading trivia online. Not good.

As I am not up to writing much today, I will copy across the reviews I wrote for Goodreads.

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

The first book of the week was Ben Kane’s Spartacus: The Gladiator:

The problems, for me, with reading a book about Spartacus are 1) that I know how things will turn out and 2) that I can’t get the Kirk Douglas film version out of my head. Well, I just can’t!

This was a well written book in the main, with plenty of action, fighting, gore and violence. Some of the violence, particularly the main rape scene, was a bit too much to take. The female characters were few as well and not very well drawn. I usually read books quickly, but I kept putting this one aside as I got a bit bogged down and began to lose interest at times. But I think I might try something else by this author, perhaps a book where I am not so familiar with the outcome!

Mind you, after reading more about this author’s work on Goodreads, I may leave his books alone for a while and try some other writers’ versions of the Ancient World.

Release by Patrick Ness

Release by Patrick Ness

This afternoon I  read Release by Patrick Ness – isn’t this a great cover? This is what I wrote on Goodreads just a few minutes ago:

I have not read a YA novel for several years because YA reminded me too much of all that I have lost – my beloved career as a school librarian. It was almost a phobia. I simply couldn’t allow myself to pick up a book and, instead, I lost myself in reading crime, detective, thrillers and other adult genres.

When I last visited the public library, I picked this book up and broke my fast. I read the book in one sitting today. Ness has been one of my favourite authors, since I read The Knife of Never Letting Go. This book, Release, is exceptional and I wish I were still working so that I could encourage my students to read it too. I am stunned by it and I am sure that it will linger on in my mind for a long, long time.

The book’s influences, according to the author, are Judy Blume’s Forever and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway. As a school librarian who worked from the 1980s onwards, I think it must be inevitable that I have read Forever. Mind you, it was difficult to get hold of a copy because it was the most stolen or misshelved book in the library! Unfortunately, I haven’t read Mrs Dalloway, so cannot write about the influence of that book. Let me just say that you can easily see Forever in Release, but without “Ralph” and the lurid green condom (I think it was green, wasn’t it?). Please read the other reviews and the synopsis of the book on Goodreads before giving this book to a young person. It is highly recommended, but be aware that Ness writes very frank descriptions of gay sex in the book. None of the scenes are unnecessary and they are written in a gentle and tender way, much better than depictions available to teens from other sources, such as porn.

Now that I have broken out of my phobia, I hope to start reading more YA again. Can anyone recommend the best books for older teens from the last two or three years? You know what I mean – the really stunning and important ones? I can’t wait to get reading…

Best wishes,

❤️💙💛💚💜

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Outfit of the day 05/09/17

Posted on 05/09/2017 by The Librain

I try to make this blog as interesting as possible for readers, but some days it is difficult to come up with anything new. The blog was started as a way for me to rehabilitate my writing and my mental processes, dulled as they were from illness and enforced retirement. I also wished to write about my day-to-day life as a kind of diary, so that I could read it later and see any change or progression. Unfortunately, I seem to be having a long period of rather relentless deterioration in my health. The days of being stuck indoors or bedridden are getting more frequent and the opportunities to go out are getting fewer. I have to hold on to the hope that better times are coming in the future, or I would totally collapse.

Anyway, today has been one of the more difficult ones so far, after a very bad night. I woke up at about 3.00 feeling terribly nauseous, which luckily went away in the end, after hours of being wide awake. Also, I had a really bad nightmare. I am terribly afraid of even the smallest spider and I dreamed that a gigantic tarantula was moving around on our paper lampshade, which is just above my side of the bed! I could hear the shade crackling and shifting under the spider’s feet – eeeeeek!

I won’t illustrate this post with a picture of a tarantula – I promise! When I come across one suddenly on a website or my Facebook wall, even that makes me shudder. So I will not subject readers to horror of that nature.

Instead, I will subject you to today’s outfit:

  • Silk scarf in shades of blue, lilac and white – Hera – Liberty of London.
  • Bright navy cotton short-sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Bright navy cotton cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Indigo jeans – Klass.
  • Cobalt enamel and gold Agama bangle – Halcyon Days.
  • Blue, silver and bronze resin stud earrings.
Outfit of the day 06/09/17 with Liberty's blue Hera scarf

Outfit of the day 06/09/17 with Liberty’s blue Hera scarf

The scarf is of thinner silk than the usual Liberty quality and I did buy it from eBay. So I have a few tiny niggles about it, but I love the pattern and colours so am happy to wear it with the right outfit. This time I folded on the bias and simply tied it casually, rather than using a scarf ring.

Elder Son comes back from London this evening after a very exciting trip. I enjoy the peace and quiet when he is away, but worry about him and miss him terribly. He can be so lovely and helps and supports me every day, especially with lots of cuddles. We are so proud of how he has progressed so far with his ASD and learning difficulties. He can be very trying at times, but is also a wonderful young man. It will be lovely to hear about all his adventures!

I am planning to write the usual Reading Roundup post tomorrow, all being well.

Best wishes,

❤️💙💚💛💜

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Wardrobe planning #26: Assessing clothes at the end of the season

Posted on 04/09/2017 by The Librain

I find it hard to believe that the weather can change from Summer to Autumn overnight, but that is what seems to have happened, at least here in the Midlands. Lovely Husband was up early and told me how cold it felt. So it looks as if my sandal days are over until next year.

I will soon have to check through all of my warmer weather clothing, wash it, see what needs mending, take some to the charity shop, and store the rest away in another wardrobe. My “second” wardrobe is in Younger Son’s bedroom and I will make sure that I clean it out and put in fresh anti-moth stuff when I swap my clothes over. Most items will also go into protective covers.

I have been thinking about the items I have not worn this Spring/Summer:

  • Most of my dresses. In fact, I have only worn one t-shirt dress, the navy one. I have a small collection of “smart” dresses, which I have not worn now for at least two years, and a few more casual dresses. I am not intending to get rid of any at the moment as there are good reasons why they have not been worn a) because I don’t go out to dinner or to other special occasions, b) because we haven’t been on holiday for five years, and c) because I have put on a lot of weight as I spend so much time in bed! So I will look through them and make sure that they fit and are fashionable enough to wear in the future. Not that I care that much about fashion!
  • Most of my skirts. Again, I have only worn one, I think. The reasons are similar to the above, plus I used to wear skirts in the Summer for work. So I will check through them and remove any that I don’t think I will wear again – too short, for example, or the wrong colour for my wardrobe.
  • A couple of long wraps – these go with my dresses.
  • Some lovely silk tops – I may be able to get some wear out of these as transitional pieces with a nice jacket or cardigan.
  • My vintage handbags – these don’t really go with casual outfits, but would look great for a special occasion. They don’t take up much room so will be kept, but I won’t buy any more and may even re-home a couple of them.

I have certainly worn most of my t-shirts and trousers. A few tops now look too small or too short and they will go to the charity shop. My jeans, chinos and linen trousers are fine for another Spring/Summer season. I have four pairs of sandals and some other very summery shoes – I have worn most of these. Those that have remained in their boxes are for more special occasions, such as weddings, so they can go to the back of the wardrobe until something like that comes along again. You never know!

Some of my unworn Spring/Summer pieces

Some of my unworn Spring/Summer pieces

This blog has made me wear just about all of my scarves and suitable jewellery! Since I started in January, writing about each day’s outfit has encouraged me to try to liven up what I wear with accessories and stop the “slob gear”. There are some pieces that I have not shown yet, but they tend to be the kind of items that can be worn all year round.

I am interested to know if readers do this kind of thing at the end of a season? How do you assess your clothing?

Next week, I shall think about my Autumn/Winter clothes and start to plan where I might have gaps that need new purchases.

Best wishes,

💜💛💚💙❤️

Posted in Clothes, Footwear, Handbags, Jewellery, Wardrobe, Wardrobe planning | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Outfit of the day 01/09/17 and purchases

Posted on 01/09/2017 by The Librain

The first day of Autumn has been pretty nice with sunny weather and a distinct nip in the air. As I have been in a kind of pinkish mood, I wore my coral twin-set again today but changed the scarf to Hermés’ Parures de Samouraïs and put on different jewellery. Unfortunately, yet again we were both too unwell to go out but we did enjoy watching two episodes of Strike. This new TV series is based on Robert Galbraith’s (J K Rowling) book: The Cuckoo’s Calling.

Today’s outfit:

  • Silk scarf in coral, aqua, blue and fuschia – Parures de Samouraïs – Hermés. Tied in an asymmetric wrap.
  • Coral cotton short sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Coral cotton cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Indigo jeans – Klass.
  • Ivory leather and gold bracelet – Tory Burch.
  • Pink pearl and gold tone earrings.
Outfit of the day 01/09/17 with Hermès' Parures de Samouraïs

Outfit of the day 01/09/17 with Hermès’ Parures de Samouraïs

Oh, I had better update about my recent purchases. As readers will know, I ordered a lovely pair of loafers in leopard print from the Ted and Muffy sale the other day. Well, they arrived on Wednesday and I love them! The background colour is a bit more of a creamy camel than appears in the photo. I don’t think that Lovely Husband likes them and he did dare to mention our unfortunate Prime Minister! But I don’t care…

Leopard print loafers by Ted and Muffy

Leopard print loafers by Ted and Muffy

I didn’t write it here, but I also found another Halcyon Days bangle on eBay this week. As I already have quite a collection, there are very few that I want to add to it but I have had my eye on some special ones made by Halcyon Days for Fortnum and Mason. These are in their signature eau de nil colour and have never yet been in the sales. So I was thrilled to get this one from eBay at a tiny fraction of the full price!

Eau de nil and cream enamel and gold bangle - Halcyon Days

Eau de nil and cream enamel and gold bangle – Halcyon Days

Now, for the moment, I only have one bangle left that I would like to get. It is nice to have more than one in the same colour, but different styles, for stacking purposes. So, the question is: do I ask LH for this for my next birthday?

Eau de nil enamel and gold chain bangle - Halcyon Days

Eau de nil enamel and gold chain bangle – Halcyon Days

…or these? The earrings would look great when I am wearing a stack of the bangles!

Cream enamel, crystal and gold Agama earrings - Halcyon Days

Cream enamel, crystal and gold Agama earrings – Halcyon Days

Decisions, decisions. Do let me know what you think 😉.

Best wishes and a happy weekend,

💜💛💚💙❤️

Posted in Clothes, Jewellery, Lifestyle, Outfit of the day, Scarves, Shopping, Wardrobe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Outfit of the day 31/08/17

Posted on 31/08/2017 by The Librain

It is about time for me to introduce the last of my Hermès scarves: Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage. It is a mouthful of a name, but it is a wonderful scarf! I will write a full Scarf of the Moment post about it next week.

With this one, I fell for the scarf first then realised that I didn’t have many suitable clothes to wear it with. That is not recommended! It is much better to work the other way round. Anyway, I bought this coral cotton twin-set from Lands’ End for it and the scarf also looks great with denim blue, navy and white. The scarf shows a Phoenix rising diagonally across the design with palm trees and other foliage.

Today’s outfit:

  • Silk scarf in pink, coral, denim blue, dark red – Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage – Hermès.
  • Coral cotton short sleeved top – Lands’ End.
  • Coral cotton cardigan – Lands’ End.
  • Navy and white linen trousers – Isle.
  • Cream enamel and gold patterned bangle – Halcyon Days.
  • Coral enamel and gold patterned bangle – Halcyon Days.
  • Pearl stud earrings.
Outfit of the day 31/08/17 with Hermès' Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage

Outfit of the day 31/08/17 with Hermès’ Mythiques Phoenix Coloriage

In the end, we didn’t go out today, although we needed to really. Our small larder fridge in the kitchen needs to be replaced urgently, so decisions should be made. Instead, I have been reading again and preparing things for Elder Son who is going on a trip to London over the weekend to visit a friend. I must admit that I am looking forward to a peaceful weekend!

Best wishes,

💜💛💚💙❤️

Posted in Clothes, Lifestyle, Outfit of the day, Scarves, Wardrobe | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Reading roundup 30/08/17

Posted on 30/08/2017 by The Librain

I have read three books this week and all of them have been very different, which is good. My book pile next to the bed is almost finished, so a visit to the library is needed very soon. What would I do without our public library when I am reading two to three books each week? There is no way that I could afford to buy this many, even from charity shops. Also, the requests/reservation service is invaluable.

Dead Cold by Louise Penny

Dead Cold by Louise Penny

The first read was a totally new author for me, Louise Penny. This is my Goodreads review of her book Dead Cold:

Such an interesting read! Another crime novel, but written in a really different way to the usual run of books. I loved the cold, snowy setting and the village of Three Pines. I loved the characters of the villagers, particularly the women. The murder-mystery was gripping but I also loved the touches of slightly weird humour. I have already put in public library requests for the first and third books in the series.

The village kind of reminded me of the very rather cheesy pictures I have seen by Thomas Kincade, although I must admit that I would rather like to live there, if I could cope with the cold winters. I gave the book four stars.

The Gray Man by Mark Greaney

The Gray Man by Mark Greaney

The second book was given two stars, although I did enjoy reading it in a way:

How do I describe this? On the positive side: exciting, cliff hanging, gripping, quick and easy to read. On the negative side: very badly written, full of clichés, poor character development, verging on racist, completely unbelievable. But it was fun to read in many ways – undemanding, predictable, as it was. Oh, and how much does this writer want us to know his knowledge of weapons! How many injuries and almost fatal wounds can a man bear and still manage to fight?

The book read a bit like the script for one of those macho action-hero films, all gleaming weapons and glistening muscles. I don’t think I will read any more books in the series, but never say never!

Silent Creed by Alex Kava

Silent Creed by Alex Kava

My third read of the week was an improvement and I gave it three stars on Goodreads. I think I will almost certainly keep and eye out for the author, Alex Kava. This book, Silent Creed, is the second in her Ryder Creed series (why do I keep finding second books rather than firsts?). Creed is a rescue dog trainer and the series appears to be based around this.

An enjoyable thriller. Although I am not a dog lover, I found that aspect of the book to be interesting. The main characters were good and the plot kept me reading. In fact, I read it all in one sitting. Good enough to make me want to read more by this author.

Kava also has a series about an FBI agent, Maggie O’Dell, which looks interesting and has been quite highly rated on Goodreads. I will look out for these books when I next visit the library.

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

Spartacus the Gladiator by Ben Kane

I am about to begin Ben Kane’s Spartacus the Gladiator – more gleaming or glistening muscles I expect! I will let you know next week 😄😄😄.

Best wishes,

💜💛💙❤️💚

Posted in Libraries, Reading | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Outfit of the day 29/08/17

Posted on 29/08/2017 by The Librain

The weather has changed completely today, from brilliant sunshine over the weekend to grey clouds. I am still feeling very unwell so have stayed in bed reading and iPadding (new word?).

My outfit today isn’t very interesting, so I just took a selfie for this post and didn’t make a collage:

  • Navy cotton vest – Marks and Spencer.
  • Teal viscose short wrap – Klass.
  • Navy linen trousers – Isle.
  • Teal enamel and gunmetal flower earrings.
Outfit of the day 29/08/17

Outfit of the day 29/08/17

I am not a massive fan of classical music, but have a couple of long term favourites. I tend to go for Eastern European or Russian composers as I love the passion and romance of their music. Over the weekend, I remembered one piece that goes back to my school days: Zoltán Kodály’s Háry János Suite. The music teacher at my school in Canterbury, Miss Porror (I think this is how the name is spelled), introduced the class to this and I have never forgotten it:

I think that this is a superb version of what my boys used to call “The Bong Music”, when they were little. Um, no allusion to drugs here, but we called it that because of the loud crash-bang at the end! We used to sit on the sofa in a row, holding hands, listening to the last movement and, when the “BONG” came, we would all three jump up into the air and shout!

Ah, the days of having small kids around, I miss them often 😍😍😍.

Best wishes,

💚💛💙❤️

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Update 28/08/17

Posted on 28/08/2017 by The Librain

It is such a beautiful day here in the English Midlands. Over the weekend I managed to sit reading in the garden and do quite a few useful tasks, which felt good. Today, unfortunately, I am having a relapse so am sitting in bed again looking wistfully out of the window.

To make myself feel a bit better, I have spent some money in the sales this afternoon. Oh dear, it is so hard to resist online sales! When you see what I have bought, don’t mention Teresa May…

Leopard print loafers by Ted and Muffy

Leopard print loafers by Ted and Muffy

I mentioned leopard print the other week and how I have a bit of a weakness for it. When I saw these loafers, I couldn’t help myself. Anyway, I hope they fit well. I have bought other items from Ted and Muffy in the past and they have been fine. Remember my tan ankle boots?

Tan ankle boots by Ted and Muffy

Tan ankle boots by Ted and Muffy

I hope that this gorgeous weather lasts a while longer so that I can sit outside again.

Best wishes,

💜💚💛💙❤️

Posted in Footwear, Lifestyle, Shopping, Wardrobe | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Scarf of the moment: Appaloosa des Steppes

Posted on 25/08/2017 by The Librain

This cute gavroche is a very recent addition to my collection. Appaloosa des Steppes is yet another wonderful Alice Shirley design for Hermès and was introduced first as a 90cm silk twill and a cashmere/silk 140cm shawl for the Spring/Summer 2017 season. Alice Shirley is such an amazing designer and I find that I am drawn to her work!

Appaloosa des Steppes by Alice Shirley for Hermès

Appaloosa des Steppes by Alice Shirley for Hermès

When I first saw the design I was interested but was not thrilled by any of the colourways for the 90cm size. I was also unsure about the effect that would be created by the Appaloosa “spots” when tied. The design was then reissued for the current season, Autumn/Winter 2017, as a gavroche and everything came together for me! Colourway #06 in turquoise, green and yellow is simply perfect for me in the small gavroche size.

The design shows an Appaloosa horse against textile patterns and motifs from Far Eastern countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The horse’s mane flows softly and stands out against the background as do the famous “spots”. There is a contrast rolled hem and a border of triangles.

Here are the colourways of the 90cm silk twill:

These colourways for the 140cm cashmere/silk shawl are so gorgeous and vibrant:

These are the colourways of the 45cm gavroche:

Appaloosa des Steppes gavroche by Alice Shirley for Hermès

The design story is so interesting:

This daring composition combines some of the traditional motifs of Kyrgyzstan, the mountainous country of Central Asia, with the spotted coat of an Appaloosa, the horse bred for centuries by the Nez Perce Native American tribe in the north-west of the United States. The motifs against which the silhouette of the animal stands out are inspired by shyrdaks, felt carpets made by Kyrgyz women according to ancestral techniques passed on from mother to daughter. Warm, solid, insulating, indispensable and beautiful, they form one of the great riches of nomadic life. The illustrator Alice Shirley took pains to faithfully reproduce the legacies of this little-known culture.

I have worn the scarf quite a few times since I bought it and I am sure that I will continue to reach for it throughout the year as the colours fit so well with my favourite clothes. Here you can see how nicely it goes with my recent twin-set purchase from Lands’ End.

Outfit of the day 25/07/17 with Hermès' Appaloosa des Steppes gavroche

Outfit of the day 25/07/17 with Hermès’ Appaloosa des Steppes gavroche

The collage below shows the gavroche with my teal linen jacket and jeans. It looks great with shades of turquoise, teal and blue and would also tone nicely with green, pink and yellow.

Outfit of the day 27/07/17 with Hermès' Appaloosa des Steppes gavroche

Outfit of the day 27/07/17 with Hermès’ Appaloosa des Steppes gavroche

I wear it in either a simple triangle/cowboy tie or in a bias fold tie. If you own an Hermès’ Mors scarf ring, you could use that beautifully with this gavroche.

Appaloosa des Steppes gavroche - scarf ties

Appaloosa des Steppes gavroche – scarf ties

I think this will work as an all-season scarf!

Background information

As I researched the background of this scarf, I found out that it illustrates a controversy surrounding the origins of the Appaloosa horse breed. So, I have put links and videos here about the horses and, further down, about the wonderful textile patterns from Kyrgyzstan.

Uzbek Journeys
Kyrgyzstan: The Hermès Scarf and the Appaloosa Horse
A fascinating recent article about the controversy.

Appaloosa horse breed:

Wikipedia
Appaloosa
Article about the horse breed. Detailed with many references.

Appaloosa Horse Club UK
Breed History

Appaloosa Museum
History of the Appaloosa

horsetalk.co.nz
New film explores theory around ancient origins of the appaloosa horse

Textiles of Kyrgyzstan:

Wikipedia
Shyrdak
Article about floor or wall coverings made in Kyrgyzstan.

Aizada Imports
Felted Shyrdaks
Selling page with lovely images showing the motifs.

Facts and Details
Kyrgyz Carpets
Detailed and informative page.

Shyrdak: Silk Road Textile
The Meaning of Patterns in Felt Rugs
Blog post explaining the meaning of the motifs and patterns.

I hope that readers have enjoyed this exploration of Hermès’ Appaloosa des Steppes. As usual, please let me know if I have made any mistakes or if you know further information that I could add to this post. I really want my Scarf of the Moment posts to be useful and interesting.

Best wishes

💜💚💛💙❤️

Posted in Scarf of the moment, Scarves, Wardrobe | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments