Cool Stuff Pt.12
A roundup of the cool things that inspired me this past week
Welcome back to Cool Stuff!
If you are new here (welcome!) Cool Stuff is The Inside Pocket series where I present some inspiring and beautiful finds from the fashion world and beyond, hoping to bring you a bit of joy, of course. :)
Here’s a list of things I loved this past week, as usual, in no particular order:
Check out the previous volumes!
If you are looking for inspiration you might also want to take a look to the Visual Voyage series!
Grab Your Popcorns
My partner is a cinephile (a word I had to double-check because I always confuse it with cynophile— fond of dogs). Anyway, he loves cinema, and he manages to spoil every red-chair experience of mine with the most incredible trivia. Thanks to him, cinema, as an art form and not just entertainment, has quickly climbed my list of interests. From my very first Harry Potter watch to diving into Arnold Schwarzenegger films, I’ve pushed my boundaries and sat through cult movies I never imagined I’d last two hours with. And it brought me so much joy so far, helping me discover some cult movies I wish I had watched sooner.
One of the most recent cult classics I fell in love with is Bicycle Thieves, directed by the brilliant Vittorio De Sica. It was a first-time watch for me— one I kept postponing for “another day,” when I’d be more awake, more focused, more prepared…
But when I finally sat down to watch it, it hit me with so much nostalgia. I loved seeing old images of Rome: an honest portrait of the Eternal City, and of the poverty that weighed on Italy in those years. If you haven’t seen it yet, add it to your list immediately: it’s only an hour and a half, somber, yes, but absolutely worth it. Then come back here so I can talked with someone about the ending!
Another beautiful movie I watched was The Sound of Metal, by Darius Marder. In this film, a metal drummer is forced to confront hearing loss. I loved it because it explores the theme of acceptance in such a clever, delicate way: adapting to a new life, as hard as it is, and grieving the happiness that will never be quite the same, yet eventually finding peace in a different form. Highly recommended!
A Leopard Moment
After wearing my Margaux ballet flats in leopard print, spotting an old picture of Victoria Beckham, and reading this gem by Sierra, my love for leopard print spread quickly, just like leopard rosettes. But when I came across this Khaite coat, it truly, truly exploded.
I love how effortlessly a touch of animalier adds personality. The perfect addition to a fall wardrobe, one that comes back, year after year, without fail.
The Price of Privé
While flipping through the latest issue of Harper’s Bazaar, I stumbled upon some incredible editorials that I really loved. Honestly, I often feel theirs are far superior to some of Vogue’s spreads, with a creative spark their competitor sometimes lacks.
But what truly stopped me wasn’t the editorials but an ad for a Harper’s Bazaar Privé membership. Apparently, an individual membership gives you access to four Bazaar events, a plus-one for at least two of them, a Privé welcome box, a digital and print subscription, plus privileged access to travel perks. Tempting, right?
Applications are now open, and here’s the catch: the annual fee is £3,600 (VAT inclusive), or £3,000 plus VAT. I’m dying to know —do you think it’s worth it? Would you ever spend that much on a membership? And if yes, what would you expect in return?
Studio Ena
Ena is the nickname Elena’s dad gave her when she was a little girl. Years later, it became the name she chose for her jewellery label, Studio Ena. I was instantly blown away by Elena’s designs and her creativity and hoe she explores materiality in a joyful, light way. Her creations are feminine and versatile, humble yet impactful. Handmade, of course, which makes them all the more unique to me.
What I love most about her jewellery is its timeless charm and its imperfections. As a very visual person, I often find myself linking concepts to images, smells, or textures. If I had to describe Studio Ena through image association, it would be an elegant baby swan— delicate, untouched beauty. Pearls play a big role in Elena’s creative process, and they’re special to me, too. The earrings she sent me are interchangeable, allowing me to swap pendants depending on my outfit or mood. The Big Pearls are the kind of accessory you never take off. Since I got them they are always with me and they match every outfit thanks to their simplicity and sophistication.
Recently, Ena launched a bridal collection that is truly to die for. Take the No.07, for instance: every piece is exclusively made to order and can be personalised. To request yours, just email her at elena@studioena.de and let her know you’re a loyal reader of The Inside Pocket or just shop online.
The Manicure of the Season
Thank you, Phoebe Philo, for being our muse. Even in the nail department. Bring this picture to your next manicure appointment.
Little Luxuries
There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about putting pen to paper in a journal: the gentle weight of the cover, the soft scratch of the pen, the ink settling into white paper. As someone who’s naturally (very) forgetful, I know that without writing things down I lose threads, tasks, thoughts, and mostly clarity. Journaling brings order, calm, and puts everything into perspective.
Needless to say how much I love journaling for its sentimentality. However, there’s real data behind the peace it brings. Research into expressive writing (that is, writing about deep thoughts or stressful events for short sessions) shows it improves both mental and physical health, lowering anxiety and depression, and apparently even boosting immune function. What also brings me joy and peace is simply holding objects with a little weight, things that carry the promise of staying with me forever.
That’s why when I was kindly gifted my Paper Republic journal I was over the moon. Think handcrafted leather, made in Tuscany by a family-run tannery using natural, unbleached FSC-certified paper in a beautiful chocolate brown color —a dream.
My journal was personalised with my initials, and I added a little charm that my dear friend gave me (a little horse, what a shocker). Every time I open it, the smell of the leather feels like a hug. The leather is made to age with you: to darken, soften, to carry stories inside and outside of it.
I can sketch, plan, note, pour out thoughts, and the quality of the materials is insanely good. I love how this makes taking notes way more personal and ultra chic.
Paper Republic offers a wide range of products and it makes also the perfect gift idea, if you want one (or want to treat someone), you can use the code THEINSIDEPOCKET30 for 30% off bundles! You are very welcome.
Is this the Inside Pocket Chair..?
The ‘Vest chair’ by Jean Claude Biraben. A French surrealist designer with close ties to the surrealist movement around Bresson. If this newsletter was a chair it would be definitely this one.