A Few of My Favorite Things

Courtney had a fun post this week inspired by Thom Filicia’s show Dress My Nest. On the show, Filicia has his clients pick three personal things that best tell their story and three favorite articles of clothing. If you check out Courtney’s picks, you’ll feel you know a lot about her. I thought the game was fun, so I’m playing along. Or I’m copying. Depends on how you look at it.

My first choice is Brunschwig & Fils Le Lac. A glazed cotton chintz chocked full of birds and urns and berries.

I hate to go on, but I love it. I have a huge remnant as the repeat is something ridiculous like 88″. I’ve often thought of making a skirt or a light weight 3/4 length coat out of it. Big black buttons. Which would make Thom’s job easier because then it would be on the thing list and the clothes list.


The Christmas compotes would be next. I know they’re new and you are thinking I’m so enamored because it’s the beginning of the relationship. But I truly think this is the first thing to come into the dream house that reflects my new-found awareness of my attraction to all things sculptural. I think the compotes and I are in it for the long haul.

Which brings us to the beads. I have a lot of beads. I’ve loved jewelry as long as I can remember. I don’t actually wear many necklaces. Just beads. These were a gift from Mr. Blandings.

When we were dating a life long friend of his became a friend of mine. She and her mother threw a bridal shower for me when we became engaged. The mother and daughter are very different, but they are the two best kinds of women. Both are gracious and lovely and would not consider not sending you a thank you note if they were entertained in your home. Ever. My friend is tall and bold and friendly and funny. She says what she thinks and makes me laugh until I have tears in my eyes. Her mother is quiet and elegant and slight and always makes me feel like she is genuinely glad to see me.

At the shower, which was all things girlie as bridal showers should be, my friend’s mother wore a string of Chinese turquoise beads like nothing I had ever seen. As large as shooter marbles and doubled over – they would have reached her waist if they’d been worn straight.

I did not need to go looking through pictures to remember these beads even though the shower was sixteen years ago. They are forever seared in my mind as something so right. Mr. Blandings gave me mine for my thirtieth birthday and I treasure them. While my strand is smaller than its inspiration, it can still make that bone at the base of my neck ache a bit if I’ve had them on too long. I can’t imagine the weight of the original strand nor how it must weigh on the slim neck it adorns. You’d never know. Head up, shoulders back. Pure grace. If I could copy that, I would.

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16 thoughts on “A Few of My Favorite Things

  1. Can I be you in my next life or perhaps one of your favorite things? Surely your tailor can make a Tunic Jacket, 3/4 sleeve piped with black trim and fun buttons to wear with black pants or your jeans at the green grocer! Don’t forget to accessorize with that gorgeous necklace!

  2. Oh Patricia!
    This is beautiful — the story and the images. PVE should paint you wading either a Le Lac coat or skirt with the beads (which I”m coveting!)

    Your photos really capture the beauty of the fabric. I think I have a picture of Mary McDonald wearing similar beads — I will check. Thanks for shariing!

  3. Well, you know I’m in 100% agreement with you on Le Lac! And those beads- to die for!

  4. MAKE THE COAT!!! I have a coat of the most amazing poppy fabric and it’s just so perfect! Your coat would show you as a true original. Find a tailor and have it made this minute!!!

    PS… I think I will try this exercise, too!

  5. Great picks. And great pics… I can really see the beauty of the favored “Le Lac” curtains. The fabric has been blogged about alot. But I don’t think I have ever seen it this close up. No wonder you love them. Is that a black band around the edge?

  6. pve – I need you to be you in this life and the next – what would we do without all that amazing talent. And yes, I think the coat must be a reality now.

  7. Courtney – thanks for the fun idea and not thinking I’m a copy cat. The McDonald image is terrific – great minds and all that. Seems to me you had turquoise beads on your list as well, soul sister.

  8. Jennifer – thank you – on my “cost per wear” meter they were practically free – I wear them all the time. They feel so great in every way.

  9. Meg – I’ll be watching for your post – it’s trickier than you think narrowing to three!

  10. London – I swear I will never tire of Le Lac. I just don’t think it’s possible. Black grosgrain ribbon trims the edge. Another one of my favorite things – darn, the list is too long.

  11. This reminds me that a few years ago I was obsessed with Steven Stolman skirts made in decorator fabrics ( he had stores in South ampton and Palm Beach, all closed now, I believe).
    I agree, Le Lac would make a great coat!

  12. I agree with all 3 yummy things and I am honored to be referenced along with my beautiful mother. You captured us magnificently and boosted my ego to stellar heights!
    Thank you!

  13. Anon – it’s all true and well-deserved – your ego should be healthy, indeed. So glad you are stopping by.

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