Maps + Scarves = Accessorized Excellence

I like scarves almost as much as I like cardigans.

For a long time now I've wanted this scarf. Yes, that is Venice! And yes, it is a map of this remarkable city on a luxurious silk scarf! The mere thought of wrapping it around my neck takes me back to drifting down the canals on a gondola and strolling over foot bridges through the city. The only thing keeping me from purchasing it at present is the price tag. I do not find it to be too unreasonable for what it is. However, I guess I feel like perhaps I shouldn't spend the money on it? I'm used to buying my scarves from H&M, Urban Outfitters, Marshall's, and the like for a fraction of the cost - or better yet, thrifting for scarves! Someday, though, I would like to get my hands on one of these. It will be a treat.

*The website also features an array of other international destinations. Cooler still, the scarves are inspired by silk maps used by Allied airmen in WWII!*

Highly recommended

I watched Lars and the Real Girl last night and must say that it is one of the best films I've seen in a while. Ryan Gosling's performance is superb (when is it not?). The film is a great balance of sweet and funny packed creatively into 107 minutes. The Wall Street Journal praised it as, "An endearing, intelligent, tender comedy." I have to agree. Open your mind and keep that description in consideration. You won't be disappointed.

Enjoy.

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"It is a truth universally acknowledged..."

I have spent the better part of my summer immersed in Austen. Anyone who knows me knows of my admiration and appreciation for the literary works of this fine lady. I have devoted many an hour to film and television adaptations of Jane's work, scouring libraries for copies of those which I had not yet seen. Shorter intervals of time have seen me tearing through the pages of Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. I simply could not put them down. I have yet to read Mansfield Park and Emma, er, begin Emma again - I had started it once several years back, but never finished it for one reason or another. Ahh, but this summer I have reveled in the sweet, playful affection Henry Tilney bestowed upon Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey and claimed Anne Elliot of Persuasion as my favorite of all Austen heroines. I found myself relating to Anne in many ways; however, I am not suffering of a lost love eight years in duration. I will admit to my total girlishness by sharing that the rekindling of Anne and Captain Frederick Wentworth's romance is by far my favorite of Austen's plots (that concerning Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars of Sense and Sensibility is an extremely close second). The letter that Wentworth writes to Anne in Chapter 23 gets me every time. Every single time.

"I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes? I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in
F. W."

"I must go, uncertain of my fate; but I shall return hither, or follow your party, as soon as possible. A word, a look will be enough to decide whether I enter your father's house this evening or never."

Even now my insides are squealing with joy. Calm down, E, you know it isn't real, but... but...!! Is it silly of me to be so delighted in a proclamation of literary love? To take refuge in a world that exists now only on paper peppered with wit and satire?

My answer is "no."

My Cardigan and Me

This post has been inspired by my dear friend Erin, who regularly blogs about fashion. You can find her at Ip & Aud.

With that said, this post is dedicated to the ever so versatile cardigan. I am not ashamed to admit that my closet and dresser drawers are home to 16 soft, cozy, button adorned beauties. Why so many, you ask? A girl must be prepared for all seasons! Heavier knits for winter, lighter knits for spring and autumn, and yes... even summer cannot hinder my affinty for cardigans. It is during this time that you will find me in airy, crocheted cardigans. How easy it is to add one to any outfit; how fabulous they look over a cami, tank, or tee! Move over diamonds, cardigans are this girl's best friend!