Shopping for the Bookworm: The Great Gatsby Edition

Posted on June 2, 2012 by maedez

It’s no secret that I am skeptical of the Baz Luhrmann adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Since it is set for a Christmas Day release, we will be inundated with ads for another 6+ months. Now that we have seen the trailer I am, for the most part, content to turn my back on the growing hullabaloo surrounding the movie. Instead, I’m going to re-focus on the book. What a concept, right? In that vein, this Shopping for the Bookworm is dedicated to all things F. Scott Fitzgerald/Gatsby. Enjoy! Continue reading →

Shopping for the Bookworm: New England Transcendentalists Edition

Posted on May 19, 2012 by maedez

For some reason, I have been thinking a lot about the New England Transcendentalists. Maybe it is the image of Margaret Fuller that stares down at me from one of my inspiration boards. Whatever the cause, it is a fine subject to be preoccupied with on a lovely Spring day. In honor of today’s one-track thought process, I’ve collected an inspiring and eclectic group of NET-inspired goodies. Enjoy!

Louisa May Alcott Classic Profile Portrait by Hello Grey Day

This shop is so full of literary-themed profiles that every visit requires a gargantuan exercise in restraint. I want them all, I went them all now! Continue reading →

A Year in Books/Day 103: Art Nouveau

Posted on April 14, 2012 by maedez

Title: Art Nouveau A Fascinating Guide to One of the Most Notable Periods of Decorative Art
Year Published: 2002 (A Quantum Book/Published in the United States by TODTRI Book Publishers)
Year Purchased: 2004
Source: Barnes & Noble clearance rack
About: The average level of craftsmanship involved in Art Nouveau creations-from jewelry to illustration, textiles to furniture-is exquisite. This mini coffee table book is one part history, one part design eye candy and one hundred percent stunning. I know that I am tossing out superlatives like they are going out of business but we’re discussing Art Nouveau here. Nothing less than poetic turns of phrase will do! No matter how many times I see the still modern looking periodical illustrations or the sensuous, undulating lines of a Rene Lalique brooch or Georges Fouquet hair comb, I’m gobsmacked. Don’t even get me started on the architecture, where the tiniest detail is impeccable. It’s all covered here.
Motivation: It’s Art Nouveau, hello!
Times Read: 1
Random Excerpt/Page 14: “Nature was to be the ultimate source book of the Art Nouveau artist, particularly the plant world, for many artists had a scientist’s depth of knowledge of botany. Flowers, stems, and leaves were chosen for their curving silhouettes. Naturally, lilies, irises, and orchids were favored, although any and every form, from palm fronds to seaweed, offered potential for development into an animated pattern.”
Happiness Scale: 7 1/2
La Plume, 15 January 1898. Cover composition by Mucha.

Shopping for the Bookworm: Lit Goodies

Posted on March 7, 2012 by maedez

There’s something about the changing of the seasons that makes me want to bring new, positive, quirky and beautiful things into my life, be it a book, bottle of wine, tube of lipstick or art print. Anything that speaks to me or makes me smile is always welcome. I’m really loving these writer and word-based goodies for Spring! Here are some links if you want to make a purchase.

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Shopping for the Bookworm: A Strange Miscellany of Yummy Things

Posted on February 4, 2012 by maedez

This edition of ‘Shopping for the Bookworm’ is comprised entirely of shiny, interesting things that caught my eye, magpie-style. All of the goods are from Etsy. The author offerings include pieces featuring Poe, Austen and Burroughs. There is also a fabulous typewriter print, a conversation-starting belt buckle and a fab necklace.

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