Note 45 - A Saturday in Versailles
Dress - Cécilie Bahnsen / Bag - By Malene Birger / Flats - Aeyde
Castles, royal family drama and etiquette rules have always fascinated me. Maybe it's because I grew up being read fairy tales at bedtime, but there's something magical about it that pulls me into a daydream.
I visited Versailles for the first time last week, and every centimetre of the palace was absolutely stunning to look at. My mind kept wandering, imagining what life was like for the royals who lived there in those times. And I thought to bring a little bit of that escape to the blog this week by sharing my top recommendations for royal content.
- Royal Content Recommendations -
The Heir Apparent, Rebecca Armitage - A recent book I read about a woman who left royal life behind, until tragedy makes her heir apparent and pulls her back in.
The Empress on Netflix - A stunning German series on the life of Sisi, a rebellious young duchess thrust into the rigid Habsburg court after marrying Emperor Franz Joseph. It’s addictive once you start.
The Reluctant Empress, Brigitte Hamann - The definitive biography behind the Sisi legend, going deeper into her marriage, her struggle with court life, and her downfall.
Young Royals on Netflix - A Swedish series about a young prince at boarding school, torn between duty and first love. My favourite modern take on royal life.
HRH So Many Thoughts on Royal Style, Elizabeth Holmes - A look at the hidden messages behind royal fashion choices with examples from Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle’s wardrobes.
The Diana Chronicles, Tina Brown - A juicy, well-reported look at Diana's life from former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, so expect lots of gossip.
What I Wore This Week
For a day at Versailles, I wanted something feminine that would make me feel just a little bit like a princess. Enter this Cécilie Bahnsen dress. Between the puffy skirt and the delicate thin straps, it had exactly the feel I was looking for, plus I loved the waffle-textured fabric.
The day involved lots of walking, so I kept things practical with my comfiest ballet flats and finished the look with a dainty handbag.
Dress - Cécilie Bahnsen / Bag - By Malene Birger / Flats - Aeyde
Everyday Delights
Local bread
Apéro night!
One of my highlights this week was my first time hosting in France! Our friends were visiting Paris from Sweden, and we decided to host a French apéro with lots of delicious local cheeses, charcuterie, olives, grapes, and bread. It was the perfect meal for the weather and also made it feel very real that we’re now living in France. Hosting is one of my favourite things to do; I love setting the table, planning a menu, and making the experience feel special. It definitely inspired me to host more this fall.
Macarons in Versailles
Versailles
Versailles
The other highlight was, of course, Versailles. We had tickets for the first access of the day, and that was perfect because it got really crowded after. It was lovely to take the time to explore all the rooms with the regal interiors and walk through the Palais des Glaces. Then we had a picnic in the gardens by the pond overlooking the romantic boats and the swans, a dream! I finished the day with Ladurée macarons, the icing on the cake for my Marie-Antoinette-inspired day.
This Week’s Edit
Coucou Pointelle Pyjama Shorts
With the nights still warm here in France and no AC, I got myself a summer pyjama set from Coucou, made from organic cotton pointelle. They're super comfortable, whether I'm sleeping or just lounging around, and the dainty floral print gives them such a feminine, romantic feel.
Now that it's finally August, I've had this song on repeat, and I have a feeling it'll be my soundtrack for the whole month.
Daisy Edgar-Jones on the cover of Vogue UK
When I first saw the latest Vogue UK cover featuring the Normal People star, I realized it was the first time in a long while that I'd felt the impulse to buy a magazine purely because the cover was so good. I feel less drawn to print magazines these days, but this editorial feels very regal, and so in sync with Daisy's aesthetic and personality. I can't wait to see her in the Sense & Sensibility adaptation.
I saw that the London establishment now has a spot in the Marais! I'm not the biggest dessert person, but I love the very occasional chocolate cookie with soft, gooey dough, and I remember these tasting amazing, so I’ve definitely added it to my list of places to visit.
Love, S.
