Sunday Duvet Reading: August Edition
How do you like your eggs in the morning? I like mine with a newsletter of all the loveliest things from the last month, of course!
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When I first began writing these newsletters I had quite a romanticised version of how I saw myself sitting down to write them. Maybe I’d be sat in a steamed up café window, peering out of rain drenched windows and people watching as I summarised the last 30 days. Or perhaps I’d sit in my garden- miraculously able to see my laptop screen outside as the sun shone down, undistracted by the temptation to simply lay flat on the grass and soak up every moment of warmth, and instead focus solely on writing. I could also be doing my finest Nancy-Meyers character impression too. Curled up on the sofa, plump cushions propping me up and a blanket enveloping me- as I reflect on another month passing with all the delights to share.
In reality, due to my ongoing struggle to complete certain things unless under an inordinate amount of last minute pressure, my newsletters- despite having all month to write them, are normally completed the evening before in bed, normally covered in crumbs from a ‘YOUCANDOTHIS’ biscuit, or in the driver’s seat of my car on a fortunately timed nap trap approaching the end of the month.
But- as I type this, on a Friday afternoon before the last Friday of the month I’d like to lean into the chance life has offered me to truly embrace with open arms, my romantic writing fantasies. With the blue sky and sea running parallel against the tracks of the train I am on, and sheep on top of the Scottish hills watching the waves (or thinking of their next grassy lunch, truly who knows)- writing on a train with a beautiful view truly is one of life’s greatest luxuries, and I’m truly soaking up every moment (albeit in-between moments of simply gazing at the view, grazing on the rather mad and random lunch bag we bought from M&S for the train and closing my eyes intermittently because I am nothing but a woman toddler forever lured by the temptation of sleep when on trains and planes).
Anyway, I am currently on the 11:24 from Edinburgh Waverley to London Kings Cross, after spending three days in the city for the completely magical Fringe festival. I’m not entirely sure how I’ve gone 31 years without attending, but I’m very glad I was able to finally head there this year and am now suitably riding a giddy wave of feeling wholly inspired and exhausted after a truly joy filled few days.
After not having booked a ‘proper’ summer holiday, a few weeks ago my boyfriend suggested we book train tickets and try our luck with finding available accommodation and fortunately the entertainment gods were smiling down on us- and somehow, just somehow, it all fell into place. If you haven’t been, it truly is the most awe inspiring and life affirming place to see and soak up the silliness, vulnerability and rawness of being human. We saw everything from cabaret, clowns, comedy and crying (not *just* a show about crying, but lots of earnestness and soul baring shows) and I’ve truly come away feeling blown away by the wonder of watching others. Seeing so many try something new, do something I find unfathomably scary and commit months and hours and days and years to creating something to connect people, and bring joy in a tiring, dark and challenging world was a true reminder of the good that really does surround us and exist.
I know I very much only scratched the surface of what this buzzing and brilliant city has to offer across August (and naturally, beyond), but I’ve popped down a list of all of my favourites shows we caught below if you want to see some really wonderful people and some true glimmers to take into your September.
I Gave You Milk To Drink by Fern Brady / Silly Little Things by Trygve Wakenshaw / An Ecstatic Display by Jessie Cave / Jaffa Cake the Musical / Potty the Plant (who actually, we didn’t see but seemingly made such an impact upon recommendation I couldn’t stop singing ‘POTTY THE PLANT’ for four days straight / The Eyes Open and Shut Show by Rob Auton / Clout by Stevie Martin / Come for Me by Cat Cohen
I hope you’ve all had a gorgeous month and have a beautiful start to the ‘ber months baby- they’re nearly here!
P.S If the whole newsletter doesn’t display on email, it’s because it’s a bit long this week (when is it not)! Open on your desktop, in a browser or on the app for everything in it’s full glory!
In terms of telly and me getting excited about what’s on, August was a JOYOUS month. Olympic fever truly grabbed me by the hand and took me on a tour of Paris every time I switched the box on. Who knew I’d spend random Monday mornings crying at triathlons?! And thankfully to nurse this terrestrial comedown, September brings a month of things being BACK. Give me Strictly! BAKE OFF! Celebrity Race Across The World! I genuinely don’t mind when it rains when there is so much good stuff to get stuck into on tv- and I am giddy for the sequins and crumbs a comin’!
Following on from my Fringe chat (did I… mention that I went??) I loooved reading this conversation with Catherine Cohen about how she spends her Sunday’s in Edinburgh- these truly are my favourite kind of interviews and I love getting a feel for how people I find interesting and inspiring spend their time *chefs kiss*.
When it comes to getting dressed this month, I’ll admit I’ve often found things a bit challenging. I haven’t found the time to do the annual Big Wardrobe Switchover™ from my winter things to summer bits, so I’ve spent many a morning scrambling around for odd jeans and dresses that a) fit and b) I feel good in, which, when you’re in a rush as often as me, isn’t often an easy feat. ANYWAY. One person who has been drawing me away from drama is Mya Hansel, who has been virtually holding my hand through wardrobe wobbles with her beautiful eye for simplicity, pulling together primary colours and making the basics in your wardrobe really sing- the queen of a white dress and fun cardigan, and I will forever be thankful!
Last year I was on a press trip, and I was fortunate to be there with and discover the remarkable talent of Yrsa Daley-Ward; a woman who not only has *the* most magical way with words, but tells stories and poems in this completely unique way that means they often seem to find you when you need them most. This week I was reminded of her poem, ‘You have to break, take breaks, or both’ and I love it just as much now as I did when I first heard it last year- and if you’re ever feeling at a point of weariness or exhaustion, this is a truly special thing to read.
As I was writing this newsletter on the train, I opened Gillian’s post about things she’s doing in August (a brilliant, brilliant newsletter if you don’t already follow), and ended up being completely absorbed watching this touching interview with Nick Cave on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. If you want to escape, and be reminded of the humanness and good of the world- I cannot recommend enough.
Finally! Even though my book reading pile seems to be growing every time I catch a glance at my bedside table, when I was away I picked up the newest novel from Lauren Bravo called ‘Probably Nothing’- which I’d heard so many brilliant things about (Lauren also has an amazing Substack if you wanted more too)- but, I mean, try reading this and not wanting to give it a whirl- I cannot WAIT to get stuck in:
“Bryony doesn't actually mind being single. So she doesn't understand why she keeps seeing (ok, sleeping with) Ed, who is perfectly fine, but also only okay. After developing the ick on their fifth date, she resolves to end things – only to receive a call the next day telling her Ed has died.
Worse yet, he seems to have represented her to his family and friends as his great love. Obviously, it would be cruel to correct them. Then she's invited to the funeral. It would be equally rude to refuse . . . right?
Before she knows it, Bryony has been drawn in by the charisma and chaos of Ed's eccentric family and tangled in a web of her own lies. She's been guilted into signing up to his sister's pyramid scheme, she's in far too deep with several of his nearest and dearest – and to make matters worse she's experiencing a lot of physical symptoms that are becoming harder and harder to ignore . . .”
This month I was reminded of how much I bloomin’ love Marina. I was obsessed with her as Marina and The Diamonds in 2009, and after hearing one of *the* finest pop songs, Primadonna, this week for the first time in years (thank you Cat Cohen, who I have now mentioned three times in this newsletter alone), it’s safe to say I am fully back and have a *lot* of glorious bubblegum-fuelled catching up to do.
Also, I know I mentioned new music from Laura Marling last month but she has finally released this beautiful, beautiful song and I couldn’t not include it. Listen and fall in love.
This month seems to be a large celebration of lots of delightful independent brands I love- beginning with East London sweethearts, Luna & Curious who are celebrating their 18th birthday this month! They shared this portrait featuring some of their ‘Made by Us’ dresses, and it’s safe to say this red and white rock-like stripe dress and red stripe collar have stolen my heart and would be the sweetest transitional pieces too, heaven!
Another account I always go to, whether shopping or simply for brilliant outfit inspiration is Tidy Street Store- who not only stock some of the most beautiful brands (Skall, Souer and Dragon Diffusion to name but a few) but share excellent outfits ideas too, which are always perfect for recreating. They’ve also just worked on their own Tidy capsule collection which is unsurprisingly gorgeous too.
Okay, okay one more Brighton gem! Wolf & Gypsy are always so ahead of the curve with nostalgia and the pieces you’d perhaps forgotten you’d loved (their jellies being the finest example)- but their styling and vintage is always nothing short of perfect and whenever I’m by the sea in Brighton it’s always one of my first stops.
Last but by no means least, if I could have my entire wardrobe from one place it may just have to be from Caro Editions. I feel like they are truly the definition of feel good dressing, embracing playful ‘80s shapes, joyful prints, tailoring and UGH everything! I’m so inspired by everything they share- it’s all heaven!
I hope you have a gorgeous rest of your Sunday and a beautiful start to September and the back to school feeling embraces you fully! If you’d like to subscribe for more chatter, heart-to-hearts, diary posts, vintage recommendations and so much more, you can do so below for all my additional weekly send outs for £1.25 a week. Thank you for all of your wonderful support, it really means the world.
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