Ten life lessons from the ballet barre

“And even this heart of mine has something artificial. The dancers have sewn it into a bag of pink satin, pink satin slightly faded, like their dancing shoes.”
―Edgar Degas

Monday Moments, for the dreamer

Take a peek into my week with Instagram! Living literary chic, x.

How to boost your confidence in 10 steps for writers

Embrace your inner artist and develop writer’s self esteem! It’s an important part of being a confident creative!

How to pick a coffee table book that inspires

A coffee table book is so much more than decorative. It can be a gorgeous, ready to be pondered over window into your dreams, an escape, a conversation starter. Whats the magic formula to finding the perfect one for you?

The warmth of writers & the magic of encouragement

Starting out with your blog can be scary. Who’s going to read it? Why is my voice special? Writers ask themselves these questions all the time, and that’s normal. 

Putting yourself out there requires courage, and that’s a beautiful & strong part of your writer’s soul. Keep writing, darling. Your dreams are just around the corner. This is my love letter to other writers, and to those who give us courage when we don’t see the beauty written between our own lines.

About Pleats and Keats

Gorgeous illustration courtesy of the super chic and talented Inslee By Design

This blog is about finding the inspiration to live life with every instant brimming with emotion. 

Literary darlings. Lovers of Chanel, short stories, Paris, and exploring…won’t you come get inspired with me?

5 French phrases for your little black book

Original image from Paris Dreams

Walking through Paris and life calls for la langue la plus belle du monde.

Pardon my French.

To the Parisian boys I never replied to

Shakespeare & Company. Paris, France

“My name is…. and I just moved here. Let’s explore.” Approve. click.

You can’t blame a girl for trying. I’m in a new place, and I don’t know anybody at all. So I posted a string of words, “let’s meet up.” And then I forgot all about it, and my Parisian boys, I’m sorry I forgot all about you. That glass of wine sounded tempting, and watching the stars from your apartment balcon did too.

Live your life like the heroine (or hero) you are

“I am not ashamed of who I am, or what I’ve done.” Anna Karenina.

There are a couple of things I’ve accepted.

1. There is a permeable link between the literary world and our own physical one.

wait, what?

Imagination and inspiration are part of our everyday existence. Your life is a story, so write it how you want. Now, literature is life distilled.  Snapshots of human emotions and triumphs tied together. Your life, all of your crazy adventures, have the same magical, narrative quality.