Jen's Weekend Drafts: Ann Patchett + Scandi Triangle Scarves.

+ANN PATCHETT ANNOUNCES A NEW BOOK!: Eek! Fellow Patchett fans rejoice: Whistler, coming out June 2nd. You can watch Ann talk about it in her bookstore here. I still have such a soft fondness for The Dutch House and specifically its narration by Tom Hanks. A peak cozy comfort listen.

+THE BEGINNINGS OF A LITTLE WOMEN WINTER: This week, I picked up a few gorgeous handpainted ornaments from my friend and talented artist Paige Janes. (You can visit her at her gallery popup in Georgetown this weekend — see here for details. Ideal itinerary: wander around Georgetown with a coffee from Grace St.; pop in here; have lunch at Yellow.). I’d planned to give these away as hostess gifts over the holiday season but when I saw how beautiful they looked in my living room, I decided to keep them for myself. Aren’t they perfect alongside this paper chain?! The vibe is giving Louisa May Alcott.

Also LMA-winter-coded: Inslee’s new collab with Chappywrap! The blankets are perfect for fall-to-holiday, and spotlight Inslee’s signature whimsical botanicals. Would make such a luxe gift. (My mom gifted a Chappywrap to each of her daughters last year!). Continuously proud and impressed and inspired by Inslee. What a wonder!

+SOME OF THE FINEST CHARACTER PORTRAITURE…EVER? Gah, every time I come across this passage from Gatsby, I am grabbed by it. I know these people; I’m sure you do, too. The portraiture is pitch-perfect. BTW, last year, I revisited some of Fitzgerald’s early short fiction, and it is phenomenal. The way he writes early romantic encounters between characters is thrilling. I had a thought at some point in college that Hemingway and Fitzgerald might have been oversold to us and might eventually fall out of the canon (! I know, I know, but college is a time for radical and unfounded philosophies), but my recent revisitings keep him firmly planted in my book!

+THE SCANDI TRIANGLE SCARF: I have an entire post going live on this microtrend next week, but I am in love with this look. I picked up this scarf this week and studied the knot-tying technique here, and this chic styling idea here. These are truly a hot trend; Guest in Residence just restocked their cashmere suite of bandana-motif triangle scarves and are already nearly all sold out! I love this pink/brown one, but the entire GIR winter launch is NEXT LEVEL. I can’t stop daydreaming about this quilted puffer and this cardigan in particular.

+WHO PUT THIS SONG ON?! LOL. It’s me.

+THE EARTH IS GROWING QUIET: Loved this excerpt from Cynthia Rylant and specifically the image of the earth growing quiet. Let me grow quiet, too — let me draw inward, let down my arms, wait, rest. Rest does not only mean laying down — it can be anything that tells your nervous system: “relax, go easy.” Sometimes just spending a quiet afternoon with my mother feels like rest.

+SERPENTINE JEWELS: This week, I attended a trunk show featuring Serpentine jewels. ZOMG. I almost wish I didn’t know about them. The pieces are beyond fabulous; I was awestruck (dumbstruck!). The prices are substantial. I loved all of the sapphire and especially the art deco pieces they had. but I was in love with this little sunburst ring! Spectacular. Aurate and Dorsey have some fabulous pieces with lab-grown diamonds to achieve the look for less. I love these simple sapphire and emerald bands!

+EYEING + BUYING:

+Ordered this plaid puffer this week. It is SO good and reminded me of styles I’ve seen from higher-end brands (I’ve seen so many great plaid jackets out, like this VB and this Sandro!). Another option: this waxed Boden.

+These adorable personalized totes are 25% off right now! I have one and I ordered one for a girlfriend!

+Was surprised by all the questions this week about the Rag and Bone sweatpant jeans! These have “gone viral” and are being written about everywhere. You can get 15% off with JEN15. All sizing details, styling notes, etc., here.

+My other buy this week: this paisley skirt from VB. I am obsessed with the pattern (reminds me of old Ralph Lauren) and loveee the shape and of course fabric. I’m imagining pairing it with a slim navy knit and croc boot, or else a big slouchy oversized chocolate brown sweater and suede flat.

+Speaking of vintage RL: this rug is giving major RL vibes. Love. Great for a boy’s room or a man’s study — imagine with other browns, leathers, etc!

+Saw a chic lady wearing these suede sneakers out and about this week. I love them in the navy! They are a dead-ringer for Miu Miu.