Palaces and Purchasing

This past Sunday I hauled myself out to Hampton Court Palace with a friend for a hilarious afternoon of watching people in poorly made Tudor costumes recreate the life and times of Henry VIII (specifically his marriage to Katherine Parr, his sixth and final wife). We had a good giggle and then spent the rest of the gorgeously sunny day wandering around the palace and finding our way through the famous hedge maze, topped by a ludicrously starchy pub dinner. The next day the archive was closed so I ventured into Woking for an afternoon of shopping (I know, I know, I shouldn’t be shopping on my tight budget and with limited suitcase room but I just couldn’t resist). I actually did very well for myself and got a few great items at very low prices that I should easily be able to wedge in my suitcase. I found this brilliant red jacket (which is lined and lightweight, perfect for spring/summer) at the thrift message in town (it’s seriously looks like its never been worn though) and it will go perfectly with my nautical striped shirt from Target.

Treseme Finish Spray Review and New Book Alert!

In unrelated material, for all those Audrey Hepburn fans out there, there’s a new book by Sam Wasson called Fifth Avenue, 5 am: ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ and the Dawn of the Modern Woman. According to the Times review (here’s a link to it), “this alluring little book is devoted to the contradictions that pervade “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”: the contrivances that kept it so frothy, the weirdly backhanded feminist message (Holly was certainly free spirited) and the unusual place occupied by this sprite, her evening gown and her 5 a.m. Fifth Avenue Danish in the history of American film.” The review makes it sound fascinating!

Adventures in Packing

I’m pretty much down to the wire for packing but I have settled on this outfit (the photos were taken a week or so ago when I still had my old hair). The jacket was one that I picked up years ago at H&M and it’s a bit worn but it’s lightweight, a perfect fit, and adds a bit of professional style to just about any outfit. The shirt is a new one, a Target find, and it’s quickly becoming a wardrobe staple. Even though it’s got a longer sleeve the material is lightweight and the nautical stripe pattern is super hot this season. This top literally goes with just about everything I have. The jeans were thrifted many years ago and I love the deep blue wash and the fact that they are a great fit and very comfy. As always, I have my trusty wedges and shades. England, here I come!

Dr Scholl's For Her Review

Bumble and Bumble Review

London Calling

In less than two weeks I will be in England and I am getting sooooo excited! I finalized my itinerary last night and am trembling with anticipation.

I start my trip by spending a month in Woking working with the Loseley manuscripts at the Surrey History Center. For there I move to Cambridge for a month working on the Hengrave Hall papers at Cambridge University Library. Then I’m off to Exeter for a few days to present a paper at a conference called Engendering Gender. A dear friend and fellow historian from Canada will also be there and, as she’s currently living in London, I will be making frequent trips to the city to visit her and her husband. After Exeter I head to London for a month and a half to do some work at the National Archives and the British Library. At the beginning of August my handsome wonderful husband arrives to join me and my hope is that I will finish up all my work so we can have a whole month of actual vacation (he’s never been to England so I am really looking forward to showing him around).

One of the things I am most excited about is the trip to Bath that we are planning. I’ve never been before and am looking forward to seeing the Roman baths and the historic Bath Abbey. And, there’s a fashion museum that is running exhibits on fashion photography, historical dresses, and sixteenth- and seventeenth-century gloves! I can hardly wait for my summer adventures to start!