Hello and a warm welcome to Retreat edit.
If you’re a new Retreater, you’ve landed on a feature I write called edit.
It’s a round-up of discoveries that have inspired me, brought joy, made me laugh or offered an escape from the quotidian. Whether that’s a book, great music, a podcast, an article, online nourishment or something lovely to dream about owning - I wanted to share the joy.
You can find out more about the series here.
If you’re looking for creative inspiration but don’t have the time to hunt it down, consider this a good place to start.
What I’ve been Reading…
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This is my third Taylor; since I discovered Daisy Jones & the Six (more on this later) and devoured Malibu Rising on holiday last year, I’m determinedly working my way through her portfolio. If you've not been mesmerised by Evelyn yet - or the emerald green dress on the cover - now’s the time to step into her world. The legendary film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine. I laughed, I cried, I gasped. Also, a Netflix film is coming! (But I don’t know when, do you?).
My Goodness! From Jo Elvin. This is Jo’s Substack newsletter, where she shares all the hard-won wisdom gained from a 30+ career in media, mostly editing magazines, including Glamour and YOU. I love Jo’s work; she writes so warmly and honestly on a breadth of topics that always speak to me, like ageing, burnout and style. An inspiration for my own writing.
What I’ve been listening to…
Music
I record a music podcast with friend, radio presenter and voiceover artist Rosie Kendrick. It’s called Pause and Play it Forward and it’s for time-stretched music lovers. For our Music Club segment (a bit like Book Club, but with albums) we choose an album for the other to listen to, then discuss both records in the next episode.
Fancy listening along with us? Our current homework is:
Paramore - This is Why (2023) This is my choice. The poster for the album (where their faces are squished against glass) kept appearing in my peripheral vision on the tube but I realised I didn’t know anything about them. Which is ridiculous as they are a Grammy-winning and multi-Platinum selling band. It’s promising so far, and Liar is beautiful.
Simply Red - A New Flame (1989) - Rosie’s choice. We love a trip down memory lane and dusting off an old record from the vaults. This is the third album from the British pop and soul group and, for those who remember, it includes It’s Only Love, A New Flame and their cover of the Gamble and Huff classic, If You Don’t Know Me by Now. 1989 was a GOOD year as this Official Singles Chart Top 100 attests.
I’ve also been enthralled by:
Lana Del Rey’s A&W. Honestly, I still get goosebumps when I hear her music for the first time. A&W is from her upcoming ninth studio album, Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd and was written by Lana and Jack Antonoff. The song’s split in two halves; the first is folky with a haunting twang of acoustic guitar, and the second is trap-orientated. LDR will forever give me Twin Peaks vibes and I love her for that.
While we’re on the subject of Lana, check out this video via Cat Power’s Instagram and try not to cry.
Podcast
HLTCO - Crystal Palace FC fan and podcaster Dan Cook continues to do an outstanding job with his two shows, the HLTCO Palace Podcast and the HLTCO Football Podcast. Dan publishes daily high-quality content, Monday to Friday, and is eloquent, passionate and intelligent. He possesses an unrivalled knowledge of the club I’ve supported, through the good and bad, since childhood and keeps me up to date from the other side of the river and a tube and a train away from SE25. Dan also talks openly about cerebral palsy and his struggles with social media toxicity, and I find his content and work ethic inspiring. You can find him on Twitter and YouTube, too. ps here’s the inspiration for the name.
What’s caught my eye on socials…
@stevereevesphotographer - Discovering Steve Reeves’s work on Instagram has been a blessing. ‘Everyone has a story’ says Steve’s profile, but my goodness - the stories he tells through his work and words will take your breath away. I liken each post to a mini-book. His captures are touching, fascinating and heart-felt and after I leave his page, I feel a sense of hope about the world today. I especially adore the London stories.
@laurakitty - Laura McLaws Helms is a polymath; her work includes being a fashion and cultural historian, a writer and researcher and host of Signs and Whispers podcast. I’ve subscribed to her Substack too. Her Instagram posts are otherworldly; so stylish and captivating that it’s like diving head first into a fashion coffee table book. I learn so much from just one of her posts. Just look at ‘Pool time with Pat Cleveland in a YSL bikini by Roberto Rocco for Playmen (Italy), September 1975’!
What I’ve been Watching…
Honestly? Not much TV lately; it’s been frenetic with work and family life.
For now, I’ve got Part 2 of YOU (See Retreat edit #1) lined up for when it premieres on 9 March, and I’ve actually added ‘LUTHER IS OUT ON NETFLIX’ as an entry in my iPhone calendar when the film, Luther: The Fallen Sun, and the man himself, will grace my screen on 10 March. Big Idris fan, BIG. (Although THAT scene in S3, E1 of the TV series where a man silently emerges from under the bed will forever be etched on my brain. It’s what nightmares are made of. Watch this link with caution and with the lights on).
I’ve also peeked at the trailer for Daisy Jones & The Six. One of my favourite books has been brought to life on screen and we don’t have Prime Video, FFS! For now, I’m listening to Look At Us Now (Honeycomb) on Spotify like it’s the ‘70s (and like they’re a real band).
What I’d love to buy…
These Reign & Hail song lyric typography prints, with each tumbling letter balanced and stacked to perfection. You can buy them ready made, or create your own by choosing your favourite song title, artist and colour scheme. I’m a fan of The Clash’s London Calling and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit but, really, I’d be happy with all of them on my wall.
In the past I was a true-blue silver jewellery kinda girl, but now I lean towards the warmer tones of gold, especially when it comes to hoops, delicate bracelets and chains. One & Eight is up there as of my favourite brands and I’ve got my eye on the Gold Starlight Earrings. Star light, star bright.
Happy exploring.
Nicola x
ps - Will you let me know what you’ve discovered or what you’re enjoying, too?