
Georges Seurat (born 2 December 1859): Port-en-Bessin: The Outer Harbor (Low Tide), 1888.
“The eyes see only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.”-Robertson Davies (died 2 December 1995), Tempest-Tost

Georges Seurat (born 2 December 1859): Port-en-Bessin: The Outer Harbor (Low Tide), 1888.
“The eyes see only what the mind is prepared to comprehend.”-Robertson Davies (died 2 December 1995), Tempest-Tost
Jonathan Swift was born on 30 November 1667.

Jonathan Swift
Three quotes from the birthday boy:

Jonathan Swift Quote #1

Jonathan Swift Quote #2

Jonathan Swift Quote #3
“Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.”-Jane Austen

Repose by John Singer Sargent, 1911

A Dessert by Raphaelle Peale, 1814.
“Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.”-Marcus Aurelius

Djuna Barnes Quote
“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.”-Oscar Wilde
Our dear Djuna, who wasn’t always so dear, encompassed both of Wilde’s dictates.
Why wouldn’t she?
Djuna Barnes was not afraid to overstep the accepted boundaries of writing, art, behaviour, or fashion. She knew that, sometimes, too much wasn’t nearly enough.
Our favourite tetchy lady knew what she was doing. Here’s why.
Lessons in How to Dress, Djuna Barnes-style:
Tip #1-It’s okay to wear too many layers and accessories, as long as it is artfully done:

Djuna, daring you to find her anything short of magnificent.
A lesser woman would be weighed down by all those layers and accessories, but not our Djuna. She looks resplendent. The open collar, delicate jewelry, and commandingly vibrant lipstick pull everything together.
Tip #2-The key to wearing a bold print is to conquer it by the pure force of your personality:

Djuna Barnes taking charge of some giant dots, circa 1921.
Clothes smell fear. If you’re scared to wear something, you probably shouldn’t. Otherwise, don it with the conviction that no one else on earth could ever pull it off like you can.
Surrounding a huge pattern with solids never hurts, either.
Tip #3-Shoes and Hats! Shoes and Hats!

Solita Solano and Djuna Barnes were exceptionally chic in Paris, 1922.
Shoes and hats are all you need to be stylish and memorable. It doesn’t matter if you are wearing a ball gown or a T-shirt dress, as long as you are shod and topped with wit or taste, or even creative vulgarity. Swap those gorgeous 1920s frocks for modern minis and logo shirts, and Solita and Djuna would still look phenomenal.
Think about that.
Now go out there and face the world with confidence and a bit of writerly style!
[Insert your favourite literary quote about snow here]

Snowy Tree
It’s way too early for me to be inspired by cold weather or its accoutrements.
This shopping guide is a companion to the 10th-14th November The Dead Writers Round-Up. Enjoy!

Schiller Wax Seal Necklace by Renate and Jonathan. $127.00

Arthur Rimbaud Quote Tote by The Book Fiend. $21.95

Robert Louis Stevenson Quote