things I like this week, vol. 21

They showed me a block of calligraphy ink, which was very specific: it was one of the traditional ones that the Japanese and Korean artists use. I loved the way it smelled, it was very unique, and I said, ‘You know, this could be a good idea.’

The entire interview with Ben Gorham, a perfumer, is on Into the Gloss. it's absolutely one of my favorite websites - the interviews are fun, and I enjoy hearing what products actual people use. This particular one was probably my favorite out of all of them, though. I love reading about people who are doing something intensely creative, and doing it differently than everyone else. Plus, perfume in particular is something I've been pondering for awhile.

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I finally ordered the samples Frederic Malle recommended for me after I filled out their online survey. They advised Lys Méditerranée, Portrait of a Lady, and Une Rose. Lys Méditerranée is by far my favorite, which is ironic, since although it was the one they most highly recommended for me, it was the one I was least interested in from the description. Portrait of a Lady is too formidable for me to wear, but it (also ironically) smells great on Colin. And Une Rose, which was the one I was most excited about getting, is quite nice, though not totally "me."

When I called the store to order the samples, the phone was answered by a woman with such a French accent that I thought I'd accidentally somehow dialed the Paris boutique - and my brain did that flip where it tries to remember French and fails. I think she must have just been saying the name of the store, though, for when I began to speak in English, I understood her replies just fine, and it was almost a treat to get to talk to someone with an accent I've always loved.

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This post from Slim Paley is full of beautiful images (no jokes about my affinity for ice), but these dresses from Armani's S12 collection were my favorite. And they almost made me wish we'd decided to do a cocktail party New Year's instead of a pirate theme . . .

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This is the first of two posts on craft process by Style Bubble. This shot is from the post on Smythson bespoke stationary, which was fascinating (the gold leaf!) and also slightly absurd, as I went on the website and figured out that if I got personalized cards they'd be at least $600 for 50 of them. Worth it, I suppose, if you have that sort of money, but since I don't, I'll stick with my animal set that I won from PaperInkPress a few weeks ago.

Incidentally, she has a set of 15 personalized cards for $37.50 that are quite nice.

The post also brings up the question of handwritten thank you notes - do you still do them? I'm horrible about them myself, but I've been having Joley do them religiously this month, and she seems to be enjoying the process. Having cards with her initial on them helped.

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The second process post. Apparently it is possible to have custom made Dr. Martens, which sound fantastic. I love the ones she chose, too, and the process shots are fascinating.

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Tyler candles fill the room without being overpowering, and the fragrances smell luxurious despite being cheaper than, say, Yankee Candle (whose scents I usually find rather tawdry). They're available locally at Paloma Art Gallery and Grand Central Clothing (I think), though the fragrance selection is better at Paloma.

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StyleMint.com is somewhat of a guilty pleasure, specifically the mystery bags. I got one for my birthday, and loved it, even though I only got a bracelet, a shirt, and some coupon codes. $30 for one tshirt is more than I will usually spend, but I can justify, essentially, $15 each for a shirt and a piece of jewelry with the chance of additional gifts. The shirts are soft and well designed, and so far have been quite sturdy.

This mystery bag is unavailable after midnight on the 27th, so get in on it quickly if you're going to. They'll sign you up for the service, but you can opt out of getting charged pretty easily within the first five days of the month. They send you emails with the new monthly collection, so you don't have to worry about remembering to opt out.