Curated Weekly

Writing a new curated weekly post this week is like coming back home. I loved compiling all of the lovely things that I was able to find throughout the week on the previous and knew that this would be one element that would most certainly make comeback with The Modern Classic Life blog. Even though I plan to launch original content for the blog starting on September 26th, this was the one element that I wanted to bring back immediately. And what a time to bring the blog back too, right on the cusp of October and autumn. It is my favorite time of year as I suspect it is for many of you too. I am seeing some of the leaves already starting to take on a touch of color as pictured above when I was in the mountains this past month. It is time to pull out the sweaters, scarves, hot drinks, and books/movies to cozy into the season and in many ways, cozy into ourselves for some quiet and calm time. Let us start the season with some nice things to look forward to and to move a little more gently throughout our days as the sun starts to sink earlier and earlier.

SHOPPING

I will be starting this week’s curated weekly post with sharing the things that I have recently purchased and loved starting with this Merino Wool Boatneck Sweater from Banana Republic Factory. It’s the perfect transition piece as it’s light enough to breath well and still warm enough for the cooler mornings when leaving for work. This sweater is also very flattering to wear and comes in a few colors, I got the black one.

When I purchased the sweater, I thought that an elegant long necklace would look nice with this, but I actually didn’t have one so I also purchased this Sculptural Pendant Necklace at the same time and together they create a timeless modern classic look that I am sure I will be wearing all season long.

While I was shopping at Sur La Table one weekend, I came across this beautiful Mason Cash Pumpkin Mixing Bowl and purchased it immediately. This one is an investment at $55.00, but Mason Cash is a British favorite brand of mine (these are the same bowls that they in shows like The Great British Bake Off and Downton Abbey). I will eventually get a 3-piece set, but for now my autumn spirit is happy to have this beautiful bowl on display in my kitchen.

I am true-to-form list maker, so when I find one that is pleasant to use then I simply need to share it. I found these Papier Checklist Notepads at Target recently and I love how they flip open and closed. I often put my grocery lists in my purse, and it can be cumbersome to get them in and out because the pages are flipping and getting crinkled and sometimes even pulled out. That’s why I love this list so much, because it has a cover to keep the pages both private and protected.

Another British find for the week is this beautiful Morris and Co Cotswold Vase from Williams-Sonoma. I am a Morris and Co brand lover and as one who puts out fresh flowers in the home every week, this one may be purchased soon as the beautiful rich colors may make it a part of my annual autumn/winter decor.

Another lovely piece for the autumnal home is this Hello Pumpkin Dish Towel from Anthropologie. I must be in a British mood this month, because the design certainly gives me that British linen look that I love and am so drawn to.

And why not end our shopping perusal with another British find with this beautiful and whimsical Emma Bridgewater Bonfire Night Mug? A nice little addition to any fall mug collection.

BOOKS

I had to start out this week’s book list with Jennifer L. Scott’s upcoming new release The Daily Connoisseur’s Guide to Living Well at Home: Making Everyday Life Extraordinary which will be released on November 18, 2025, but I certainly already have my pre-order in. With wisdom born of personal experience and international inspiration, Jennifer invites readers into a philosophy of intentional, elegant living where homemaking becomes an art form, and everyday rituals elevate the soul. From organizing clutter with bespoke systems to establishing rhythms of peace and productivity, this guide offers practical strategies and gentle encouragement for creating a life of order, beauty, and joy, right where you are.

A recent cookbook that I purchased recently and have been cooking my way through is Country Comfort. Country Comfort contains 90 recipes for quick and easy comfort food, inspired by country living. Each chapter is organized by time – Comfort in 10, 20, 30 or 40 minutes – with a baking chapter at the end for that special treat. 

And the British finds just keep on coming for this week! I have this book, The Bible of British Taste: Stories of Home, People and Place on my list which will be released next Tuesday, September 23rd. Just one look at the chapters and I was instantly intrigued and ready to cozy up to read all the beautiful pages.

A book that caught my attention recently at the bookstore was Portrait of an Oyster: A Natural History of an Epicurean Delight by Andreas Ammer. Portrait of an Oyster delves beyond the shucked shell to reveal the rich and surprising world of the oyster and the artists, philosophers, explorers, and chefs the mollusk has inspired across the centuries. Illustrated with full-color paintings, vintage advertisements, line drawings, and archival photographs, Portrait of an Oyster shares intriguing insights into the biology and cultivation of oysters as the author embarks on an expedition across Europe and North America to taste some of the world’s best. A book that is sure to delight any foodie’s taste.

A book that was released just last month but went under the radar is I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy (Small Habits and Mindset Shifts to Find Contentment and Joy in Life by Kate Strickler. Setting out to fight the lie of social media that what she had wasn’t enough, Kate discovered simple perspective shifts that ultimately helped her fall in love with the life she already had. She shares the small changes you can make that add up to a whole new outlook on life. Kate helps you identify and dismantle 10 lies about relationships, money, time, and home life. As you discover how to live in ways that work for you and your family, you’ll stop just wishing your life away–and begin to truly enjoy the one you already have.

Movies/Television/Videos

A new movie being released next Friday on Netflix looks to be cute, funny, and the kind of movie you just want to cozy up to. French Lover is about a jaded actor who meets a down-on-her-luck waitress in Paris and their unexpected love story begins, but will it survive the glare of the spotlight? My Friday night plans for 9/26 are set! Watch the trailer below.

A documentary that looks too good to miss is Victoria Beckham also on Netflix. In this new documentary we get to step into Victoria Beckham’s London atelier, as the Spice Girl-turned-powerhouse designer opens up about her life while preparing for Paris Fashion Week. This one will be premiering on October 9th and I have marked my calendar.

I am also looking forward to Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery to be released in select theaters November 26 and on Netflix December 12. I loved the original Knives Out movie (though I didn’t like Glass Onion too much), but the new movie looks to be a return to the autumn-like atmosphere that I so loved about the first one. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet in the third and darkest chapter of Rian Johnson’s murder mystery opus.

If you are a fan of Downton Abbey like myself, then this is such a fun watch as Architectual Digest steps inside the beautifully curated London home of Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery. Designed in collaboration with Emma Ainscough, Michelle’s space blends English country charm with city living–from a dedicated boot room to a grange-style kitchen. With pops of red (Michelle’s favorite color) and numerous homages to her beloved lurcher, Alfie, the actress’s home is a deeply personal space full of character and life.

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

With the return of The Great British Bake Off comes the inspiration to bake up all the good food and here are 17 recipes to try for the return of The Great British Bake Off 2025.

We may not live in a French palace, but you can certainly learn some Simple Ways to Add French Grandeur to Your Home thanks to this lovely article by My French Country Home.

If you work a full-time job like I do, then These Gentle Routine Shifts Are the Secret to Romanticizing Your Workdays This Fall is a great read from The EveryGirl.

I live in a small apartment at only 900 sg ft, but after reading The Surprisingly Glamorous Case for the Cramped Dinner Party -I may just have to start trying some more entertaining at home.

Teatime Magazine is sending A Fond Farewell to Downton Abbey with this lovely article visiting the real-life Downton Abbey where the TV show and movies have been filmed with Lady Fiona, the Countess of Carnarvon, who lives at the iconic estate.

Also over on Teatime Magazine was a beautiful article of Stylish Fall Entertaining Ideas to Elevate Your Home Gatherings where they share their editors’ picks of hosting essentials that will help you entertain with ease.  Those beautiful napkin rings have my attention too!

Take inspiration from these inviting living rooms in homes around the English country, from elegant, formal sitting rooms to cozy and characterful snugs with these 24 Living Room Ideas from English Homes.