Magic 2026!

· Illustration

This is already the ninth year that I have kept up this tradition of sending greeting cards!

Even though I don’t post very often on the blog, which has mainly served as an archive since I started in 2007, I enjoy coming back here at the beginning of each year to wish you all the best in the traditional way and run this little contest to thank you for your loyalty on Instagram and here, the place that will always be my home.

 

MAY 2026 BE MAGICAL !  

The years are passing by faster and faster (even more so as we get older!), but if we can take a moment to wish each other well for the coming year, it is always very meaningful and valuable.

I therefore wish you a new year full of good times to share with those who are most dear to you, to be able to juggle the eventual ups and downs of life thanks to the bright and sparkling moments that will dot your path, while managing to prioritize your well-being and energy to achieve everything you want, at your own pace.

 

MY 2026 GREETING CARDS

It’s difficult to come up with a new visual every year, but for 2026, I wanted to celebrate the different moods that can make up a year! Calm, slow-paced moments, but also more energetic ones, depending on the time and mood! With one constant: live life to the fullest and enjoy yourself as much as possible. (You’ll also notice that I’m eagerly awaiting the film adaptation of the “Sunrise on the reaping” prequel to The Hunger Games saga thanks to the book you see in Tokyobibi’s hands on this greeting card (a book I read and loved in 2025).

 

MAIL FOR YOU!

As is tradition, I invite you to receive one of these rainbow-colored cards directly in your mailbox.

To try to receive one, you must :

  • Leave me a comment below
  • Tell me which card color you would like to receive from the 6 available
  • Tell me about your wishes for 2026 (My cards may be magical and help make your wishes come true!)
  • You have until midnight on THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 to do so.

I will then choose the 20 people to whom I will send my greetings. I look forward to reading your messages and writing to you! May this year be sweet and sparkling! Happy 2026!

The books I read in 2024

· Culture

I’ve been reading again since 2021 and I’m delighted. I can really get away when I’m reading and even if I’m not a big reader (in quantity…but then, everything’s relative of course), I’m glad to have added this pleasure to my daily routine.

This year, I was able to read 17 books (including comics and novels), which remains relatively constant compared with previous years (2023 here and 2022 there). If you’re used to this literary rendezvous here on the blog, you’ll know that I like to do a review of my readings not only to keep track of what I’ve read, but also so that it gives you some ideas and we can share our opinions on this or that book.

 

SAME READING RITUAL

Last year, I started reading as much as possible in English. This year, I’ve only done it twice (one of which I struggled with…you’ll find out below!). This year, I didn’t want to take the risk of missing out on the subtleties of the text of certain english novels. Last year’s books were much easier to read in Shakespeare’s language, as they were perhaps more dialogue-heavy and less full of description and technical vocabulary.

Anyway, I’m still reading a bit every day (especially in the morning at breakfast or when I have several hours to spare and the weather isn’t great outside = which happens quite often in Paris haha!). So here goes my 2024 reading review!

 

MY FAVORITES

A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW by AMOR TOWLES
I hesitated to read this novel in V.O. but opted for safety with the French version, knowing that I would then watch the series adapted in V.O. (featuring Ewan McGregor). I really wanted to get the full story before watching the series, and I did. This story about a Russian count condemned to house arrest in a Moscow hotel in the 1920s was surprisingly appealing to me, thanks to the Count’s personality, the description of the place and the amazing story. The series finally convinced me. Read more here.

 

LE GOURMET SOLITAIRE by JIRŌ TANIGUCHI
Having bought a slightly nicer edition of my favorite comic, I took the opportunity to read it again. It was a great pleasure to rediscover the gourmet peregrinations of this solitary gourmet. During this new reading, I became more interested in his personality, and enjoyed it all the more (more details here)

LES RÊVERIES D’UN GOURMET SOLITAIRE by JIRŌ TANIGUCHI
I felt the same way about Volume 2, which I hadn’t seen before, with our solitary gourmet taking a trip to Paris to discover Algerian cuisine.

LE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by OSCAR WILDE
Having been inspired by my viewing of the film The Substance, billed as a modern version of The picture of Dorian Gray, I wanted to take a look at Oscar Wilde’s novel. I preferred the French version for fear of missing out on some slightly outdated terms, and found it surprisingly modern (I’ll have to read it in English sometime to compare). I found the story of this ephebe with the cursed portrait breathtaking, and the cult of eternal youth wonderfully conveyed.

HISTORIES : MYSTÈRES ET OBSESSIONS by PAULINE DARLEY et DACOFFEE TIME
A comic book packed with historical and mysterious anecdotes, such as the disappearance of Agatha Christie, L’inconnue de la Seine… You get the satisfaction of learning something, while regularly smiling thanks to the drawings and captions, which spoils nothing.

 

MY FAVORITE READING MOMENTS

ROMANCING MR.BRIDGERTON by JULIA QUINN (read in English)
This read was strongly influenced by my total crush on season 3 of the BRIDGERTON series (to which I’d been so disenchanted in season 1) to prolong the atmosphere. In terms of literature, it’s closer to a romance than a Jane Austen novel, but the fact that I read it in English meant I didn’t find it too cheesy. The story is more condensed than in the series, focusing solely on the couple Penelope Colin. I found it hard to recognize Colin’s personality in the book (a little more self-confident and charming), but I was carried along nonetheless. Even if I prefer the series, this tome had the merit of prolonging the entertainment.

L’ÉTÉ DE LA SORCIÈRE by KAHO NASHIKI
Childhood memories, the joys of everyday life, transmission, the wisdom of an endearing grandmother: it’s easy and fun to read, but perhaps a little sweet. 

LA PENINSULE AUX 24 SAISONS by MAYUMI INABA
A contemplative account of a simple life as it passes through the seasons. Poetry and slowing down are on the program: perfect for summer reading.

NOS PUISSANTES AMITIÉS by ALICE RAYBAUD
A very interesting essay about the place of friendship in society and why it should be considered as important as love. The description of friendship-based lifestyles is a little long, but still very inspiring (More details here)

REGARDE LES LUMIÈRES MON AMOUR de ANNIE ERNAUX
My first Annie Ernaux book, and certainly not my last! This very short one observes a suburban shopping mall and life in a supermarket with accuracy, tenderness and humor. The reflections are piquant and the observations interesting.

 

BOOKS I MODERATLY ENJOYED

 

TESTOSTERROR  by LUZ
I was inspired to read it by Ambre Chalumeau’s column on Quotidien. I was intrigued by the pitch: a virus hits the world, causing a drop in testosterone levels in men… and panic among the men!  Scenes are offbeat, grotesque and hilarious (the details are really funny to watch). However, I was a little disappointed by the somewhat rushed scenario at the end, and the lack of consistency or depth in the characters, which made me less interested in the story, despite the fact that it was based on a great idea.

OUR BELOVED SUMMER TOMES 1&2 by HAN KYOUNG-CHAL and LEE NAEUN
I liked the graphic design and color harmonies more than the story, which I found a little slick. This “enemies to lovers” teenage love story isn’t very original, but may appeal to fans of the genre.

LES DAMES DE KIMOTO by SAWAKO ARIYOSHI (BD by CYRIL BONIN & ROMAN)
I read the novel and then the comic and didn’t care for either. This 3-generation family story sounded interesting, but when I read the whole thing, I couldn’t get attached to the characters or the story.

LE RESTAURANT DES RECETTES OUBLIÉES by HISASHI KASHIWAI
The story of a restaurant that offers to recreate the exact flavor of a favorite dish from the past, allowing the customer to recapture the emotion. Quite easy and pleasant to read. However, I found it to be a mixture of Ito Ogawa’s “Restaurant of regained love” and Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s “Before the coffee gests cold”, but less in-depth and flatter. I felt very little emotion while reading it.

 

BOOKS I DIDN’T LIKE (OR PERHAPS MISUNDERSTOOD) 

THE OVERSTORY by RICHARD POWERS (read in English)
I chose to read this book on the recommendation of my 2 favorite artists Keanu Reeves (who talked about it in an interview) and Dan Smith, the singer of Bastille (who also talked about this book and obviously gives it to all his friends because he loves it so much). I chose to read it in English, but maybe that wasn’t such a good idea as I totally missed it.

I found it extremely difficult to identify all the characters, who spend a good part of the book discovering their backgrounds (not necessarily very interesting), and then all come together around a humanist and ecological cause (more interesting), but unfortunately I couldn’t grasp the subtleties. I’m still amazed that I got to the end of this novel, such was my struggle and such was its length (over 600 pages). I’ll have to try and read it in French one day, but I must admit that it took up so much of my energy and attention in English that I’m not about to do it any time soon! Too bad! You can’t always keep up with your idols!

My 2024 fashion review

· Fashion

It’s already been 5 years since I made this appointment with you to take stock of what entered into my wardrobe over the past year.

It all started back in 2020, when I became ethically and ecologically aware, following my many years of over-consumption as a fashion blogger. Since then, every year, I’ve got into the habit of noting down every clothing purchase (or gift) and listing it on this blog post. This allows me to see whether these acquisitions have been useful, qualitative or not.

It’s already been 5 years since I made this appointment with you to take stock of what’s gone into my wardrobe over the past year.

 

13 NEW ADDITIONS IN 2024 : 8 PURCHASES, 4 GIFTS AND 1 SURPRISE FIND

Compared with previous year (2023 : 13 acquisitions including 8 purchases, 2022 : 9 acquisitions including 5 purchases, 2021 : 13 acquisitions including 7 purchases, 2020 : 8 acquisitions including 3 purchases), I think I remain constant in my consumption.

This year, nothing was “necessary”, as I already have enough clothes in my wardrobe. That said, even if I don’t follow trends that much, my eye is still influenced by current (wider) cuts and the desire to be even more comfortable in my clothes is growing with age (never say never, but I’m thinking of saying goodbye to slim/skinny jeans for good). There have also been a few “passion/impulse” purchases, which explains this moderately pragmatic fashion balance sheet.

Let’s take a closer look at these 2024 novelties, starting with my purchases and ending with the gifts I received.

 

THE BASTILLE VARSITY JACKET

« BAD BLOOD » Varsity jacket BASTILLE 

 

Date of purchase : January 2024 (well… more exactly in December 2023, but received in January 2024)

Why I bought it : The “fan attitude” for one of my favorite bands BASTILLE. When the visual was published online, I had a big crush on this jacket (=the name of Bastille’s first album embroidered on the back, the band’s name embroidered on the chest, the triangular logo embroidered on the sleeve, the color: I explain everything here) and I immediately loved it

My daily use : I have to admit I was a little disappointed with the rendering when I received the item compared with the initial visual, but the quality is still decent. The jacket is lined, carefully embroidered and holds together quite well.

I don’t wear this jacket much because of the Parisian weather, which is sometimes too cold/rainy in winter and too hot in summer, but I was delighted to wear it to Dan Smith’s autumn concert from Bastille at La Cigale. It materializes my love for the band with a clever reference to a jacket worn in the video for the song “Flaws”. The quintessential “fan” purchase. I love it. (Let’s just pray I stay a fan of the band for a long time to come!)

 

 LEVIS VINTAGE JEANS

LEVIS 501 VINTAGE jeans NUMÉRO DEUX

 

Date of purchase : May 2024 at Numéro deux

Why I bought them : The desire to renew my light-colored jeans, which are a little too tight in terms of fit (although I hear the more fitted trend is making a comeback).

My daily use : Like the jeans I bought at Numéro Deux last year, I wear these quite often. The cut is a little looser and boyfriend-ish than the previous two, giving it an even more relaxed style.

 

COMME DES GARÇONS PANTS

Wide pants COMME DES GARÇONS 

 

Date of purchase: September 2023

Why I bought them: An unexpected visit to DOVER STREET MARKET PARIS, a store I’d already visited in Tokyo, New York and London. It’s not the place for bargains, but I’ve always loved going there to get a feel for what’s going on in the designer world. These half-skirt, half-wide-leg pants intrigued me with their cut. I tried them on for fun. The rest is history.

My daily use : Even though it wasn’t at all a planned purchase, I’m delighted to have invested in a garment in which I feel totally me. It’s a strong yet versatile piece, and that’s what makes it so charming. It’s best worn in mid-season, as the fabric is too thick in midsummer and there are too many drafts in freezing weather (try it with tights underneath, perhaps).

 

TROMPE-L’OEIL JEANS « MIRAMAR » RAG & BONE 

Jeans MIRAMAR TERRY WIDE LEG RAG&BONE

 

Date of purchase : July 2024

Why I bought them : Once again, an unexpected purchase. I spotted it on Wendyslookbook‘s Instagram account and was seduced by this idea of jeans that are actually fleece jogging pants. The comfort, the originality of the garment and the slightly wide cut convinced me.

My daily use : This pair of jeans from the Miramar range is an amazing feat of magic in its own right, and when I wear them, my friends and family are astonished and amused. The elasticated waistband (like a pair of pyjamas) makes you want to give up all clothing constraints (you want to wear nothing but these for the rest of your life), but they still look as “cool” as a pair of classic jeans. The trompe-l’œil aspect is quite stunning (=the fake printed buttons, the fake pockets/braguette) and the maintenance easy. Even if this purchase wasn’t essential, I don’t regret it at all, given how often I wear these fake jeans.

 

THE ASPHALTE WHITE SHIRT

Teeshirt ASPHALTE

 

Date of purchase: August 2024

Why I bought it : I already have two white T-shirts in my wardrobe (one from Sézane and one from Les Sublimes) but I wanted to invest in a slightly stiffer cut.

My daily use : Having bought it at the end of summer, I haven’t worn it much yet, but I like its cut and thickness, which means I can wear it without a bra underneath: Total freedom! (…when I tell you I’m looking for comfort at all costs haha)

 

THE BASTILLE TOTEBAG

Tote bag « AMPERSAND »  BASTILLE 

 

Date of purchase : November 2024

Why I bought it : The desire to have a small, useful and inexpensive concert souvenir.

My daily use : Even though there’s no shortage of tote bags in my closet (especially as this is almost all I use on a daily basis), I’m glad to have one in the colors of Bastille and the sublime AMPERSAND album. I’d have preferred it to be thicker, but then again, you can’t ask too much of the quality of products sold at concerts (although I’d absolutely love it if this kind of product were better thought out in terms of both design and quality/durability).

 

TOY STORY BANDANA

Bandana TOY STORY DISNEYLAND PARIS

 

Date of purchase : October 2024

Why I bought it : On a trip to Disneyland Paris, I stumbled across it in one of the park’s boutiques. I found the print both sober and original, which speaks to the Toy Story fan in me.

My daily use : I bought it mainly in anticipation of my future visits to the park, to complete my Woody/Jessie outfit (you know that dressing in a Disney theme when I go to Disneyland makes me enjoy my days there even more), but this bandana is also useful for everyday life.

 

THE RED CASHMERE SWEATER LES SUBLIMES

Cashmere sweater LIV LES SUBLIMES 

 

Date of purchase : December 2024

Why I bought it : In the summer of 2024, I had gone out to buy a linen suit I’d spotted with the brand, but once I’d received it, the cut wasn’t nice on me. So I sent it back, and instead of refunding it, I wanted to keep a voucher that I could use later on the site, just to support this French brand. I later fell for this red cashmere sweater (cashmere sweaters are what I wear most in winter, and having one in red completed my collection).

My daily use : I don’t yet have enough experience to tell you about the quality of the product, but so far, after one wash, it’s holding up well. It pilled slightly at first, but this seems to fade over time and with each wash. Its color allows me to brighten up my winter outfits.

 

THE NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS 

Sneakers 990 NEW BALANCE

 

 

Date of purchase : January 2024 pour mon anniversaire

My daily use : I had repaired a pair of gray New Balance sneakers last year, but my boyfriend thought it would be a good idea to buy me another pair, new and with a different design this time. I wear them very regularly, alternating with my old pair, and am pleased with their comfort and versatility (they go with almost everything) but am disappointed by the quality of the inner lining, which is already starting to wear out on the back of the heel (as with the leather Converse last year). I’ll probably have them consolidated at a cobbler’s.

 

ROTOTO SOCKS

Socks ROTOTO

 

Date of gift : February 2024 by my friend Sylvain

My daily use : These socks from a Japanese brand are ideal for indoor use because they’re so thick. So I don’t wear them outside, but when I’m hanging around the house, they’re perfect.

 

 

THE VINTAGE STRIPE SHIRT

vintage mens shirt CAMISSETTA 

 

Gift date : May 2024 by Chloé from Numéro Deux

My daily use : An unexpected but useful gift, as I wore this shirt a lot in summer and autumn. It’s a vintage mens shirt with an oversized straight cut, so it’s perfect to wear with my vintage Levis 501 jeans.

 

THE VINTAGE FIND : THE 80/90s GALERIES LAFAYETTE COAT

KORN PARIS FOR GALERIES LAFAYETTE Coat

Date of this find  : Autumn 2024

My daily use : Sorting through a family wardrobe led me to discover this coat, which obviously dates back to the 80s/90s (I’ve already talked about it here). In 100% virgin Scottish wool and small brown chevrons, it matches my entire wardrobe and has great sentimental value.

 

TO SUM UP

As I said in the introduction, there’s not much in the way of essentials in my 2024 acquisitions, but more in the way of “sentimental” purchases. The majority of purchases were driven by the desire to wear a piece of what I love (musically or cinematically). In spite of everything, I’m satisfied with this balance sheet, since I know I’ll be using everything that entered my dressing room in 2024. However, disappointed by the quality of certain products (New Balance, concert merchandise…), I’m still keeping an eye on the origins and materials used to the maximum.

For 2025, I don’t have much in the way of a quest, except perhaps the acquisition of well-cut wide-legged pants in noble materials, if I happen to come across any. But what about you? What did you fall for this year? Are you satisfied with your results?

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