Things to love, read, wear & inspire
A note on vulnerability; this season's best accessory; a new festive scent for your home and the napkins I'll be bringing out for holiday hosting...
Hello friends, I hope those of you who celebrate enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving last week! The festive season is in full swing here in Paris and now that it’s the 1st of December, I can finally go out and get our tree. November just feels a little too early, as I’d like it to still be alive and kicking come Christmas day. A few years ago I bought one early, as I needed it to star in a project I was working on. By the 25th it was drooping, had dropped half its pine needles and the color had started to fade from a vibrant green to murky brown. This year we’re hosting Christmas at home, so I need it to look sharp for as long as possible, along with the rest of our space, which I can't wait to start transforming, by adding little festive touches like ribbons here and there.
And talking of spaces, it’s been a busy week managing our Rouen renovation; confirming the electricity plan and ordering the rest of the materials. Yesterday the electrician started and it’s beginning to feel very real. I’ll be sharing more updates soon, but in the meantime here are a few things that have been bringing me joy recently…
Things to love, read, watch, wear & inspire:
~ I was invited to a dinner at my favourite Parisian concept store, Merci to celebrate their collaboration with Maison Michel and was sent a bow by the iconic French milliner to wear for the occasion. I can’t remember the last time I wore one, but now I want to wear a bow to every event! Here’s another one I particularly like and here too.
~ I just purchased these affordable checked napkins in beautiful rich hues and am contemplating the matching table cloth for the family dinner we’re hosting on the 24th.
~ I started the final season of The Crown this week. The first part of the series’ finale takes a look at the relationship between Dodi and Diana, and their untimely tragic deaths in Paris. If you were alive and old enough, you probably remember the day Princess Diana died. It’s a date in history (like the day the twin towers came down), where you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing. I remember it vividly because it was also the first time I saw my dad cry. The Crown handles it sensitively and elegantly, the cinematography is incredible and Elizabeth Dibeki is just magnificent as Diana. (Much better I think than Stewart was in Spencer, which I stopped watching half-way through.)
~ I’ve been revisiting Daring Greatly, which I would read every year if there weren’t so many other books on my list. The reason I’ve dipped into it again is because I have been going through a difficult experience these past twelve months. I’m not ready to talk about it in detail, but it has left me feeling very low at times. Following another medical procedure a couple of weeks ago, I decided to share a little about how I was feeling on Instagram. I felt vulnerable doing so, but also a sense of relief, plus as the brilliant Brené Brown explains - there is power in vulnerability. She says (in case you need a reminder too):
“Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional. Our only choice is a question of engagement. Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose; the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection.”
It felt good to share, to connect with my community there, and to reconnect with friends I hadn’t spoken to in a while, who reached out. It made me feel a little lighter, supported and seen.
~ I love a good hand wash, especially one that comes in an aesthetically pleasing bottle. Austin Austin sent me theirs to try, which smells divine and I love the Matisse-inspired face on the label.
~ I was sent this Diptyque limited edition Sapin candle, which is getting me in the festive mood.
~ The popularity of sheer skirts and dresses shows no sign of slowing down, and I love this slightly more subtle style from Arket which I just ordered.
~ I just received this Retinol serum from new French skincare brand Pers. I tried it last night and loved the scent, the texture and the tingly sensation on application.
And finally, this weekend I’m sending out a huge bumper Gift Guide edit on the Insider, so keep your eye out for it!
A bientôt, Marissa xx
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