If a song were to play every time you entered a room, what would you want it to be?
I’ve been musing lots on beginnings and endings recently, and so this was an entertaining diversion to undertake while walking Tilly the other afternoon.
I think that if you had asked me in my 20s, I would have wanted a hip-hop song, something with a serious beat and flashy lyrics. Something that would inflate me. I loved Outkast in college, mainly because Mr. Magpie did, and I probably would have wanted “Bowtie,” “The Way You Move” (it was, improbably enough, our song…), or “I’ll Call Before I Come” (yikes double entendre). Or maybe something from Kanye — I loved “Good Life,” “Flashing Lights,” “Amazing.” Or possibly something from Notorious B.I.G. There’s something to be said for the boldness of such an entry: here I am; don’t underestimate me.
But there would also be something humorously disingenuous about it. I was reminded of this when I watched the movie Tully the other day and the protagonist’s yuppy G-Wagon-driving husband and sister-in-law sit down to a chichi meal prepared by an in-home cook, saying: “Alexa, play some hip hop.” You’re meant to cringe or smirk when you watch the scene. So, too, might be the reaction if one of those hip hop anthems from the oughts blared upon my arrival.
No, nowadays, I’d want something different, something that is a truer reflection of me. Maybe a Van Morrison ballad — anything from his Moondance album, come to think of it, which is one of my most favorite albums of all time. Poetic, jazz-y, soulful, with the occasional blare of a sassy trumpet. Or maybe something by Madeleine Peyroux, whose voice sounds like honey and heartache. She sings in lilting French on occasion (listen to “J’ai Deux Amours”…) and, though contemporary, feels of a different era. Or possibly a heartfelt ditty from Lake Street Dive, whose song “Mistakes” is one of the only songs I’ve ever repeated several times in a row. (Are you a repeater?!) Yes: I’d want a song that leaves people thinking, whose lyrics are poetic and evocative, whose chords are wistful and hopeful all at once. The kind of song you think about — or emote around — for awhile.
What about you?
Post Scripts: The Shrimps Handbag and Other Finds.
+In the photo above and below, you’ll see the current street style It Bag darling: Shrimps’ Antonia bag. I love all these little boxy/basket-y bags that have been so en vogue of late. Such a throwback to the 50s. Will pillbox hats come back too?! You can get the look for less with this $70 steal!
+Does anyone else watch Southern Charm on Bravo? I have been very out of the loop on reality TV since mini was born, but I couldn’t sleep last week and stayed up watching Southern Charm. UM, Ashley is the devil. (!!!) My favorite personality is Chelsea — I like her down-to-earth, roll-with-it earnestness. And I also like her style, even though it’s very much not my own. She’s led me to want to wear ribbed knit button downs like this tucked into high-waist jeans (currently have my eye on these).
+Love these in the calf-hair polka dot!
+Matches is having a fantastic end of season sale. In case my suggestions for what to wear to a wedding (or other formal affair!) did not totally satisfy your shopping needs, spend some time digging around here. I am in love with this floral gorgeousness, this asymmetric lace stunner, and any of the many heavily discounted Borgo de Nor dresses, like this one! (Remember this whole post?!)
+I see these in virtually ever interior design I come across ever. I am thinking of upgrading the basket in our entryway to this chic style.
+This is so high on my lust list — timeless, chic, fun, beachy. I love. I want.
+This looks fun.
+I ordered one of these for mini…and one for myself, too. #dorks