The narrative features two distinct perspectives: a lady who reflects on the stories behind the pictures in her home, drawing parallels to her own life, and her elf companion, who is determined to confront the challenges they face. Their journey is filled with trials, but they are bolstered by the support of a dragon, a tiny fieldmouse, and a delightful musical major. Together, they navigate their adventures, blending introspection with action and camaraderie.
Exploring the complexities of life, this collection features surreal illustrations paired with whimsical short stories, poems, and reflections that resonate with universal experiences. The narratives capture a spectrum of emotions, from joy to sorrow, often highlighting the ordinary yet profound aspects of existence. Readers will encounter relatable characters whose journeys evoke laughter and tears. Each tale is enhanced by fantastical images that deepen the reader's connection to the stories, making the collection a rich tapestry of life's curious moments.
"In search of a quieter, simpler life away from the hustle of the city, style icon and longtime New Yorker Amanda Brooks moved with her family in 2012 from New York City to her husband's farm in England. Originally intended to be a yearlong creative sabbatical, Brooks's relocation became permanent as she discovered newfound personal and professional freedom, told here through a year's changing seasons. Creatively inspiring, warm and witty, and brimming with delicious recipes and entertaining how-tos, Farm from Home is a chronicle of the joys and challenges of a more focused way of living. For anyone who has longed for an escape from their hectic schedule, whether for a week, a year, or a lifetime, Brooks shares the unexpected satisfaction of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and making the most of each day."--Publisher description
'Amanda Brooks is one of those rare birds-perfectly imperfect, not overly
considered, impossibly real and humble. While flipping through the pages of
this book, I realized her style is just that: her style.' -Jenna
Lyons§§'Amanda Brooks is innately chic. Her new book is as smart and original
as she is.' -Tory Burch§§'Amanda Brooks is one of the best-dressed women I
know, and she maintains a wonderful sense of humor about style. She
understands the ins and outs of the fashion and the industry, yet doesn't let
them dictate who she is. She's inspiring and unique, and I'm so happy that she
shares what she's learned in this book!'-Garance Dor駧'For young women who
want to work in the world of fashion and beauty, or anyone who simply just
loves it, Amanda's book is the dream-come-true told with sweetness and
honesty.' -Delia Ephron§§'From the pages of Vogue to the front rows of Paris
to her current country-girl home in rural England, Amanda Brooks's exciting
life has encompassed the full sartorial spectrum. In Always Pack a Party Dress
, clothes become the outer reflection of the private inner world, and her wise
and practical meditations on style are really metaphors for how to live
authentically and well.' -Amy Astley§§'As someone who knows all too well the
adrenaline-charged fashion scene from New York to Paris and beyond, as well as
the simple joys of home and family life, I relished every page of Always Pack
a Party Dress . Amanda beautifully untangles and analyzes all aspects of her
twenty years in fashion, an act as thoughtful and generous as it is
inspiring.' -Laura Bailey§§'Amanda Brooks is the true American glamour girl!
In her must-read book she offers candid style and career advice and, just as
important, shows readers that a sense of humor and self-discovery is much more
gratifying than striving for perfection.' -Diane von Furstenberg§§'A fashion
maven shares her secrets....[readers] will find much useful advice in this
bright and breezy confection....Filled with tips on hair, makeup, nails, lips,
shopping, packing, and smiling for photographs, this book will thrill readers
for whom Christian Louboutin is a household god.' - Kirkus§§'[T]his colorful,
savvy volume covers material from why women should always know how to do their
own hair to how to set up a consulting business.' -Women's Wear Daily
