{Written while checking...and re-checking... my sole power ball ticket} Hi gorgeous ones! How about the sky lately? Last evening had the most beautiful sunset – – anyone see it? It literally lit up the entire sky with cotton candy shades of pink. I love that. I want to tell you two things today – – all about my little outfit and some book ideas for 2016.
First, this outfit… I saw this coat at Banana Republic at South Coast Plaza and I went bonkers for it. It is so impractical and something I might not wear too much here in Southern California, which makes it the absolute perfect item on a Christmas list! I described it to my mom with so much enthusiasm in my voice that she of course had to get it for me. I just adore it. I feel a little bit like a teddy bear, in the very best way possible. And then there are the shoes. You know I have a very unhealthy obsession with all things Gucci. Plus, I really love a sturdy menswear inspired loafer. These shoes just combine the best of both worlds. The heel is high, they're suede and tassled, and they will look equally stunning with a pair of jeans as they will with a pantsuit One of my guy friends thinks they look like shoes a musketeer would wear. WHAT? How dare he! I just love everything about them (also a Christmas gift from my mama, who by now is probably sick to death of my never ending wish lists!)
Ok, you all know how much of a reader I am, right? I spend every spare moment reading. Literally, when I am brushing my teeth, blow drying my hair, taking a bath, walking around the house, any and all those things… I have a book in my hand. I read very very very quickly. I always tell people that I think your reading skills are like a muscle and the more you use that muscle the stronger it becomes. I think this is why I read so fast and it's why I read a lot of books on my iPad because I can carry around a ton of books at a time (because I am frequently reading several at once) and I need that unlimited storage. While I will still buy certain books that I treasure in hardback, I really do need the the ease of an Ipad for reading my books. Anyway, I wanted to give you some of my favorites of 2015 in case one of your resolutions in 2016 was to read more. I tried to select books that might be universally appealing. Here we go:
- All the Light We Cannot See: This book is amazing. I circled and danced around it for a long time before buying it because the description on the inside jacket was not appealing. A blind girl? A German boy in the war? Trust me. It is incredible. It is the story of love and sacrifice and the always indomitable human spirit.
- The Nightingale: Again, this book is sublime. It is the story of two French sisters in occupied France during World War II. This may have been one of my top three books of 2015, and maybe top 10 ever. It will teach you about the absolute terror and unimaginable misery that a human being can go through and still maintain hope and faith and courage and love. This book will stay with you for such a long time after you read it. It's amazing.
- The Girl on the Train: This is a suspenseful thriller that tells a story through the point of view of three women: Rachel (an alcoholic divorcee), Anna (the woman Rachel's husband left her for) and Megan (a neighbor of Anna's). When Megan goes missing, the story really picks up. It is a page turner for sure with an ending I did not see coming!
- The Night Circus: I read this several years ago but it gets honorable mention because it is on my list of favorites forever. I recommend this book to everyone. Everyone that believes in love and magic, that is. It is a book that will draw you in and keep you reading with anticipation until the very last word. It is the story of a circus that only comes out at night, and that is powered by two young and dueling magicians --Cecilia and Marco-- who were trained for this very purpose since birth. And despite themselves, they fall in love and their story is so powerful that it casts a spell on you. And even when it's over, you will think about this book often. I love it. I think everyone who professes to be a reader should read this book.
Thank you so much for stopping by, my gorgeous ones! Happy happy almost Friday! Sweetly, Michelle
Shoes || Coat (similar; more linked above)|| Jeans || Sunnies