Arts / Culture

Robertson's Reads - Arts / Culture

Remember earlier this year when I gave you my top 5 suggestions to help you be and live your best? I wasn't joking; those suggestions really came from my heart.

Considering the fact that we're half-way through February and my schedule's only getting more complex, I need a way to keep track of it all. If you're anything like me, your BlackBerry is like your right hand, but it doesn't always work the same wonders as a good ol' fashioned daytimer. I'm no Hemingway, but a Moleskine notebook is a life-saver.

As evidenced by my intermittent website updates, 2011 is proving to be a hectic — albeit rewarding — experience. From an exciting radio stint to a second undergrad, there's a lot going on in my little world. The perfect place to keep track of it all is in a classic Moleskine cardboard-bound, threadbound diary. Available in a plethora of colours, black has always been my favourite.

Pick up a Moleskine notebook today for $14 on Amazon

Robertson's Reads - Arts / Culture

"The sun is rising behind Downton Abbey, a great and splendid house in a great and splendid park. So secure does it appear, that it seems as if the way of life it represents will last for another thousand years. It won't."

And so the stage is set for the story of Downton Abbey, the first season of which has just finished airing on PBS. Is anyone else obsessed?! From the opening episode, which introduced us to the Crawley family and their troupe of servants, I have been absolutely enamoured with the show. Set in 1912 at the Crawley country house, the series was filmed at historic Highclere Castle in Newbury. Downton Abbey tells the dramatic tale of Downton's dynasty — the Crawley family and counterparts — which are a group of complex and unique characters. Watching each episode is like peeling another layer deep into a delectable (and often dark) domain. Downton Abbey was created and written by Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes, and the series has no shortage of excitement and interweaving story lines. I am just thrilled that there will be a second season!

Many of you will remember Gosford Park, Vanity Fair, and most recently Young Victoria. Julian Fellowes was the creator of all of them, which made so much sense to me after watching the first episode of Downton, because each story just crackles with complexities and certain undeniable similarities. Beyond the creative genius of Julian Fellowes, I am absolutely taken with the stunning scenery and costume creation for this series. Really! Those dinner dresses are sheaths I would style even today. Whether with intricate beading, lace details, or both, Lady Mary and her sisters never came to the table looking anything short of sensational.

In case you missed the first airing, you can always order the DVD from PBS, or watch the episodes online. Even if you're not normally into period dramas, this is one that will instantly captivate you and leave you wanting more.

Robertson's Reads - Arts / Culture

Surf’s up, dudettes!

In the spirit of Summer, I can’t help but get excited when I think about Venice Beach, bikinis, and drive-in movies.

The Pop Surf Culture: Music, Design, Film, and Fashion from the Bohemian Surf Boom is both an insightful and an inspiring look at the cowabunga culture of the 1950s and 60s — from beachcombers to bra burning to … the Trashwomen? Oh yes. But this book is not all fluff: Priore even takes a detailed look at the complex relationship that surf culture had to the decade of love and peace.

Available for preorder via ChaptersIndigo.ca.