5.25.2012

Blogger's Favorites: Lisa Borgnes Giramonti of A Bloomsbury Life


(Lisa's office shot by Melanie Acevedo for "Undecorate.")

I haven't done a blogger's favorites post in a long time...a really, really long time even. So I'm going to go big with this one friends by featuring a long standing (massive) girl crush, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti of the wildly beautiful blog A Bloomsbury Life.

Lisa is an artist and a self-described, "domestic explorer" (which might be the loveliest notion ever...I might have to "borrow" it) who has managed to create a a magical, rambling, rose-strewn life focused on food, art, comfort, literature, nature (the truer things)... right slap in the middle of bustling Los Angeles.

She's romantic, wickedly smart, a bit grand, and wildly chic... so, needless to say, I'm thrilled to have her sharing her favorites with us here to kick-off the long (for some of us) weekend. Without further ado, herewith Lisa's list. Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend friends!


Johnson Brothers “Old Britain Castles” China: It has a classic blue and white pattern that never fails to perk up my spirits. Plus, it's sturdy, charming and insanely well-priced...so there's no panic attack if my husband misjudges the kitchen counter.

Kinfolk Magazine: Okay, it's not cheap ($18/issue), but it only comes out 4 times a year, so you have time to save your pennies. This magazine is curated by "a growing community of artist with a shared interest in small gatherings." Every image, every essay, every inch of its pure and simple aesthetic leads back to one idea: the importance of sharing a table with friends.

Fortnum and Mason Jubilee Tea: This very special blend was created especially for the Queen's 60th Jubilee. It's fragrant and steeped in tradition with a no-nonsense appeal that allows you to keep calm and carry on -- just like Her Majesty.

Antique Candle Holders from eBay: I like to live modern life through an Old World lens and this is one of the ways I do it. It may be 2012 outside, but when I walk through my house with one of these in my hand, the worlds of Anthony Trollope, Charles Dickens and George Eliot come rushing back in the most romantic way.

Vivienne Westwood “Boudoir” Perfume: Vivienne Westwood makes a bunch of perfumes, so when I stopped by her LA shop, I cut straight to the chase. "Women spray these in front of you all day. Which one do YOU like the best?" Every single sales person pointed to this one. It's soft, sexy and floral with a moody undertone and since I started wearing it, I have never uttered the word "boudoir" to more strangers in my life.

Rose Petal Ice Cream from Sophie Dahl’s New Cookbook, "From Season to Season"Bring a little bit of Downton Abbey into your home. This ice cream is rich and creamy and velvety smooth and is a perfect foil for the tingly thrill of the rose petal jam (made from flowers picked in my garden). Best of all -- and sshhh, don't let your dinner guests know this -- it's super easy to make. And talk about glamorous -- have you ever made an ice cream that called for two cups of sparkling rosé before?

My Sarah Frances Kuhn Camera Chain: It was given to me by my cool-hunter friend Jeanne Tripplehorn Yes, it's inspired by a Chanel chain. Yes, it makes your camera sexy (and you along with it). Yes, it's built to last. And yes, you really will feel like you work for Italian Vogue.

The Penguin “Great Food” Series: They're some of the most beautiful books I've ever seen (all designed by genius Coralie Bickford-Smith). They're filled with 400 years of the best food writing, full of fascinating recipes and advice on entertaining from experts like Isabella Beeton and Samuel Pepys to Alice Waters and M. F. K. Fisher. And they're perfect for dipping into -- every page offers up a treat.

13 comments:

PJ said...

I love it all! This is, indeed, a 'go big' list. I'm plotting my weekend around a few of these now...

Unknown said...

I really like the Jubilee tin.

About Last Weekend said...

Best list ever! Loving these plates and am seriously tempted even though our house is so Antipoedean. I love her sensibilities and humour, heading over now to visit.

Helen James said...

LIsa is also one of my favourite bloggers and i love her list ....... old world in modern day charming x

UrbanChiqueNess said...

Great inspiration....thanks.
Enjoy your weekend.
xo
E
http://www.urbanchiqueness.com

Caryl said...

As a former magazine editor and lifelong magazine
junkie ('don't tell me print is dead"), I can't wait to get my hands on Kinfolk. Community, artists, looks like
good stock (paper and people): what's not to love.

pve design said...

no wonder we all love lisa and a bloomsbury life.
she is a personal fave.
pve

24 Corners said...

Oh Lisa...my all time favorite tea cup, you know, the kind that becomes your best friend over the course of 20 years or so...was an oversized, Old Britain Castles cup...I say *was*, because it just broke, the handle came plumb off while handwashing it. Needless to say I was devestated...mostly because I'd had it for so long, but as you said (in a way) it's very findable amd affordable, and I've recently come across of stash of them...so relieved!
When I purchase my next 'friend'...or two, I'll be sure to also purchase some Jubilee and a few of the foody books...wish I was enjoying that little scenario as we speak!
Great list!
xo J~

helen tilston said...

Hello Joslyn

Thank you for featuring Lisa. She is the first blog I ever followed. I love her style, her personality and her generosity. Her taste is exquisite. Thank you for sharing and I shall now read some of your previous posts.

Happy Memorial Day

Helen xx

Albertina M. Cisneros said...

I have been hearing so much about Kinfolk magazine from dear and trusted friends, I think I need to get one to experience what its about. I'm so excited. Also, that chanel looking camera chain is awesome! Much more sophisticated than the glitter ones I have been seeing lately.

Megan Taylor said...

She is one classy lady and I am thrilled to see her favorites!

kim at northerncalstyle. said...

Great post! Love her blog and just discovered yours also, through her. Love it!

Got to get that tea and try, "Boudoir" now!

Kim

Veronica Roth said...

I love this post; Lisa has such great style. I especially love the camera strap. And now I’ve found your blog so am hoping to find time to read thru some of your posts.