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I admitted on Instagram earlier this week that I listen to the soundtrack to “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) at least three times a week. I prefer to write in pin-drop silence (made possible by my noise canceling headphones), but I discovered last year that I can also draft to evocative orchestral music, especially pieces spotlighting the piano, my erstwhile instrument. Familiar backcloth, perhaps: the echo of a former practice. I’ve been slowly assembling a playlist of this and other similar-sounding movie scores, including tracks from “Out of Africa” and “The Duchess.” I find the opening notes a Pavlovian call to creativity. “Dawn” breaks: it is time to write.
I don’t think you can coax Calliope onto a page, but —
there is something to creative ritual, some way it relaxes the words right out of me.
There is also the peculiar joy of writing something roundly, and feeling a synchronous swell of music. (There have been instances, however, where Mark Northam’s “Up” solo piano theme has mistakenly led me to think I’ve written something masterful when it is, in truth, bland as hard tack. So there is a risk of undergilding the lily. Caveat emptor.)
I was delighted and surprised, however, by how many of you wrote to reply “Same!!!” and then added some of your own favorite tracks (one Magpie recommended the soundtrack to Holly Hunter’s “The Piano,” and I instantly added all of the tracks to the mix), all while pressing a finger to the lips: “Don’t tell anyone I listen to this, either.”
So, I’m here to share our favorite secret work playlist (Apple) and also on Spotify, and perhaps invite some of the uninitiated into our circle.
What music do you work to?
Post-Scripts.
+More on designing spaces for creativity.
+Do you consider yourself creative?
+What’s your house music?
+Another playlist I love: for chores at home. (By the way, how do you stay on top of chores in your household?)
Shopping Break.
+J. Crew’s new arrivals are fab — consider this pointelle dress and this Doen-esque smocked drop waist style.
+Speaking of Doen — they just launched an incredible pre-fall collection yesterday and generously invited me to pick a piece. I had to have that Marielle gingham! I already tried her on — see here. I size down in Doen, but this one runs a tad slimmer than most — still works a size down but maybe take your true size if you’re at all worried. She’s perfect.
+You might also check out their cult favorite, bestselling jacket — the Pascual. This is the shape / style for fall and I love the contrast corduroy collar! They do such a chic job merchandising with more feminine base layers (love the contrast of feminine / masculine). I predict this will sell out by the time you want one in October. Great look for less ($60) here.
+Just updated my Amazon shop with some favorite new discoveries for August. A few fabulous fashion finds: these quiet luxury sandals, this Jenni-Kayne-esque cardigan (compare with their popular Cooper!), this $35 crossbody, and these ribbed socks to pair with loafers for an on-trend fall look.
+I did order a pair of the La Ligne Colby silk pants for fall. These have sold through several times. I will likely need to have them hemmed but I absolutely LOVE the idea of pairing with a chunky, slouchy striped knit or tailored blazer. You can get the look for less with this pair from J. Crew, styled with this $50 sweater or this $128 lady blazer.
+So many of you bought this under-$100 navy dress last week. Do I need her too? I do feel like she’d be such a great wardrobe workhorse / base layer. I already have their classic hydrangea-blue eyelet-hem shirt dress, which is just a timeless piece; I love the oxford-esque blue! — you can see me in it here here. Untuckit offered us 20% off with code JEN20.
+All my promo codes here!
+Leset released my favorite pointelle tee in navy! I need her. I lived in the white one all last winter.
+You might consider snagging this perfect striped sweater, now $104 (originally almost $350). It’s a J. Crew price for a superior quality product. Also love this knit blazer (also on super sale).
+Another great new entrant into my new designer bag quandary: Toteme’s tote. Still pricey but not as expensive as some of the others I’m considering.
+Rails released their popular eyelet pants in black. Chic chic!
+Have been using these resurfacing pads for the past week or two and love them. I use every few days after cleansing in the evening when I feel like I’m due for a good scrub / cleanse / reset / refresh.
+A few luxe finds from Net-A-Porter: these wool Manolos (!), this belted Ulla coat elevates everything, any of the cashmere knits from Lisa Yang, these scalloped shorts, these slingback Aquazzuras.