I am several years behind on posting my Halloween costumes, but seeing as Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, it seems as good a time as any to share the backlog (and tbh if you are a faithful reader, you should be used to shameless catching-up by now)!
Two years ago, I dressed up as Kathleen Kelly (of Meg Ryan's character of 'You've Got Mail' fame). "You've Got Mail" is my favorite movie and seeing as I can quote it in its entirety, as soon as the thought (of this Halloween costume) crossed my mind, I realized it was perfect. Even more so, seeing as "You've Got Mail" is as enduringly relevant to my life as "The Godfather" is to Joe Fox's.
I sourced a black jumper and white pointy-collared shirt from DI, as well as the tote bag that I later emblazoned with painted bookstore branding: THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER. This $1 tote bag + paint was an easy project (I tried to replicate with hand-lettering the font from the storefront) that I completed while re-watching the movie for the zillionth time. I still use this tote bag regularly and ALWAYS get comments/compliments on it. It is a subtle way to weed out fellow aficionados from the rest and a fitting fashion statement no matter the occasion (but preferably an occasion in which one is toting books).
This photo is to showcase Melissa's genius Bob Ross costume. Her fake mustache and beard were so terrible and hilarious. My Kathleen Kelly-bob was also terrible and hilarious, and required approximately one million bobby pins to pull off. An even greater feat when I remember how LONG my hair was two years ago! (below: my hair after removing all the bobby pins, as a concrete before-and-after).
The best part of this Halloween costume? The ongoing utility that I get out of this dress, which I wear approximately weekly as a wardrobe staple. DI for the win. Happy Halloween!
"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."
This post should have been posted forever ago, but at least with this very delayed timing, I can invoke the fall quote above!
My mom and sister began doing the You've Got Mail tour of New York a few years ago. You've Got Mail is my favorite movie, but I am usually only ever on the east coast at Christmastime—which is not the ideal time for traipsing around the winterized Riverside Park, among other movie locales—so it has been a long time coming. I didn't hit all the spots (next time:
Zabar's and
H&H Bagels!) but did see my film favorites.
(Aren't these hydrangeas stunning? I love the pink-tinged green and bright pink blooms.)
Goodnight, dear void.
"When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does." –
Kathleen Kelly (another alliterative lady)
I've long lost track of the number of times I have read and reread this book. The tattered, worn copy of my childhood is still going strong, after a packing tape reconstruction a few years ago. It is the best accompaniment to insomnia and holding this worn cover carries with it a reassurance that each rereading has made it more my own, that it will always be a favorite.
A tribute to the owner's father rather than our favorite "just call me Joe" Fox, but stumbling upon this bookshop was nevertheless a wonderful discovery.
The irony is that this particular bookshop was one of the Kathleen Kelly school of bookshop-philosophy thought. But any real-life "You've Got Mail" connection, I'll take. And I'm very much in favor of small businesses, working for one as I am.
theme: Audrey-inspired
One of my favorite bookstores recently moved to a new location, and when I stepped inside it immediately reminded me of the bookstore at the beginning of "Funny Face." I love Audrey's character in the film, Jo Stockton, the Greenwich Village bookshop girl.
The irony was not lost on me that on Saturday, when Emily accompanied me inside it was for a photoshoot, which in the film occurs much to Jo's dismay when a crew from a fashion magazine descends and leaves the store a mess. Don't worry, we made sure to ask for permission and to put the books back where we found them.
(I also love the name connections: to one of my favorite literary women, Jo March, and we cannot forget Joe Fox.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!!
I'm thankful you're the sister to have made our dynamic duo a threesome. Even if I did lose all my kindergardener's coveted Valentines at the hospital on your account.
Today Emily and I were talking about how you are a self-taught extraordinaire in so many areas; you are not afraid to dive in and learn how to do things, and eventually master them. This is a gift that I admire so much, and I'm thankful I benefit from your knowledge and the things you learn.
Happy birthday!! I wish I was home to watch You've Got Mail tonight for the millionth time and make you a Funfetti cake. Team vines.
