Amandine’s edits
This is not a gender issue
Every year in Aotearoa, The Warren Trust, a charitable organisation for the education and promotion of Architecture to the profession and the public, organises its Awards for Architectural Writing in partnership with the New Zealand Institute of Architects. The theme for 2023 was "How has architecture shaped your world?". This year's winner, Will Martel, is not the one that called my attention, but the piece by Katie Braatvedt (Highly Commended by the jury), "This is not a gender issue", that put in words constant feelings that my feminine peers and myself experience too often, working in the field of construction. Thank you, Katie.
Cool people gentrified the internet
I can't remember how I came across the essay, but after reading "Cool people gentrified the internet" on Embedded, Nick Catucci's substack, I logically subscribed to the free roll. I am always keen for a spirited read about the internet culture, and this is the promise of Embedded.
Purple Haze
This one is for weekend-long reading. "Purple Haze" by Sean Williams narrates the story of cannabis in Nepal and, in parallel, the one of a country. How did the plant come to grow on this land, how did it get banned, and nowadays, how is it making a comeback, and what possibilities cannabis legalisation will bring to the country? "If marijuana is legal, the world will be in peace. I can feel it." Madan, son of the late Megh Bahadur Koirala.
Taika Waititi Letters Live
I am sure I am super late to the party on this one, but have you heard of Letters Live? A letter from a real person, read in public by a performer. I was told about Taika Waititi's one, reading a 2004 speeding ticket response by Justin Lee in Auckland. It is amazing! I've started to go through others, big names like Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Gillian Anderson and more!
Whatever happened to having taste?
In "Whatever happened to having taste?" Rachel Tashijan speaks from the context of Jenna Lyons's unique style in the Real Housewives of New York series to dive into the uniformisation of taste, the deprivation of our creativity and originality through influencers (them again!), brands and algorithms and why we need to stay true to ourselves and love our things.
Wear It Well by Allison Bornstein
I like it when people put into rational what seems irrational. In a sea of conformity, Allison Bornstein can help us express our unique personalities through our clothes. Last month, she published her first book, Wear It Well: Reclaim Your Closet and Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed, where she compiled her knowledge and shared what she learned from her personal stylist work. I consider this book a fashion staple, a guide to read and return to when you need inspiration, structure, and direction with your wardrobe and style.
The Well-Lived Life by Gladys McGarey
After listening to her inspiring interview with Sarah Wilson, I am curious about Gladys McGarey's new book, The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, which, as the title says, encompasses her six pieces of advice for a happy, full life. I believe she is the type to trust for tips and recommendations. She is 102 years old after all; she went through a lot—six kids, heartbreak, illness, created holistic medicine and still practises at an advanced age. I will report back.
Poor People with Money by Dominic Hoey
Dominic Hoey is a writer and poet from Aotearoa. Earlier this year, I read his fiction book Poor People with Money, a raw, sharp and filled-action story happening in familiar places in Auckland and beyond. It is a fantastic read, and I went through it in two weeks (I am a slow reader, so it says a lot!). Dominic said he is working on a new book and publishing a new poetry collection, The Dead Are Always Laughing At Us, out at the end of November in collaboration with designer Trudi Hewitt.
Vandana Shiva in La Poudre
If you don’t know Vandana Shiva, the 68th episode of the French podcast La Poudre, presented by Lauren Bastide, will help you discover this fantastic figure of the anti-GMO movement in India, a food sovereignty, environmental and feminist activist. Also, a scientist and writer, Vandana Shiva is a bright, passionate leader and an impressive woman, to say the least, and her conversation with Lauren is worth listening to. This episode is from 2017, I think, but it is still (unfortunately, in some aspects) very current. And it is entirely in English.
The Wool Revolution by Liz Mitchell
This month's cause to support is the crowdfunding campaign of Liz Mitchell and her team. Liz is a New Zealand fashion designer with over 30 years of experience whose studio creates bespoke garments made of sustainable materials, mainly wool. She is raising money to develop more projects during her tenure at the Corban Estate Arts Centre to educate and raise awareness about the wool industry and the use of this sustainable resource. If she reaches her goal, The Textile Hub will offer an opportunity for the public to experiment with wool and learn about its qualities. I imagine that a long-term goal of hers is to revive the dying industry of wool in New Zealand. The campaign rewards are cute, too!
Tracey’s edits
Sphaera seconds sale
This rarely happens, but Sphaera is having a seconds sale. Expect slight imperfections with either the bar or its packaging. The formula and quality remain the same. All soap bars are $13 until sold out.
29 non-alcoholic drink
Last year, I bought Good Drinks to save me from scouring the Internet, but I still do. I found 29 non-alcoholic drink recipes for your summer on Epicurious, and now I really want to make the non-alcoholic piña colada. You can access three recipes before you are prompted to purchase a subscription, which you might, but if not, let the images guide you.
Signe sample sale
My boyfriend is going to F54 a lot now, so we need more sweatpants. I have yet to purchase from Signe, a contemporary label designed in Copenhagen, responsibly manufactured within their socially sustainable atelier in Turkey. Natural fibres only and organic cotton (GOTS certified) fabrics. They also have a sample sale active currently with global shipping. Now is the time.
Noa Blanket Co.
I love wool throws because, beyond adding interest to a space and immense comfort, they are easier to launder than my duvet or sofa cushions. Wool is also anti-microbial. While searching for another, I discovered Noa Blanket Co. a beautiful business offering blankets crafted from 100% pure wool sourced from various farms and regions, drawing on Māori design. All blankets are either limited edition or made-to-order, working with a small mill in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington and their Toitū Envirocare Mark accredited manufacturer in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Aotearoa will always be where I come from, but when I leave, one of these blankets is coming with me.
Niod Slowvember
Niod is offering 23% off during November. So, if your routine consists of more than a few Niod or The Ordinary products, this is your moment. There is also 50% off copper peptides, so you have time to think about it and shop slowly.
A cure for tired eyes
As we approach the end of the year, this might require more social commitments and tighter work deadlines, and you might look tired. Or your eyes might. Mine are. So, finally, after buying my Foile Angel Eye Jellies earlier this year, I am using them. I pair mine with their Skin Sponge Serum, which contains cucumber oil. Use your favourite eye gel or hydrating serum. They wash off super easily.
LOEWE Tomato Leaves incense
I bought these on a whim the other week and have no regrets.
Cooking with Mushrooms
I follow photographer Andrea, who is one half of Gentl and Hyers, and last year, she released a cookbook—Cooking with Mushrooms. Including recipes for butters, powders, broths and more complex dishes, this book is an ode to the magic of mushrooms and all the wonderful ways they can be prepared. VOGUE has published the Enoki Alfredo, which can be made vegan!
The Yeti hard cooler
The beach is calling. Or at least in the Southern Hemisphere. I'm not sure if Yeti has always been sold here in Aotearoa, but I saw a billboard poster sticker the other day, and if you need a hard cooler, this one is a forever purchase.
The Answer Is In The Ocean tote
Also, for summer, The Answer Is In The Ocean tote from Maggie Marilyn. Made from natural jute fibres by local artisans in Boikari, Bangladesh, as part of the Ethical Edit. You'll either want one for yourself or know the perfect recipient of one.
Thoughts, questions, you can always direct reply to these emails.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Tracey Creed & Amandine Paniagua