For this month's instalment of the "15 Minutes With" series, I have the pleasure to introduce you to Lauren, the lovely lady behind Marie Antoinette's Gossip Guide To The 18th Century. An art historian, on her blog Lauren "focuses on art, fashion, architecture, music, scandals," and tarts of the age of Louis XVI. Her posts are witty, informative, and entertaining. You'll feel like you're gossiping about Marie Antoinette and her contemporaries over a glass of champagne and cupcakes.
If you want to know more about Lauren, read on:
1. If you could live in any era, what would it be and why?
Eighteenth century Europe because there are so many things to observe, people to meet, and places to see. Although I am fascinated with ancient Roman times and many other eras.... (oh, and do I get a ticket back to the 21st century? I would want that in my back pocket)
2. If you could invite three people, dead or alive, to dinner, who would you invite, and why?
Marie Antoinette, Elisabeth Vigée-LeBrun, and the duchesse de Polignac. I would love to get to know Antoinette over dinner. We would have a good chat about fashion, music and organic conversation from there! Vigée-LeBrun could entertain us with stories of her clients, and the duchesse de Polignac’s easy nature would add an element of fun to the party. I am sure there will be lots of laughter, champagne and style.
3. Three books everyone should read?
Gone with the Wind, ASoIaF (I am a book person) and Pride and Prejudice.
4. Who's your style icon?
Victoria Beckham.
I thought my Pinterest boards might help with this question. My fashion board, Fashion Tips, Baby, does a better job summing up my style! But for everyday I would describe my style as Art Historian Chic. So just imagine that!
5. What are you watching on TV?
I just started watching Outlander because of the free premier online. Based on a series of novels, it is about a woman who falls back in time to the 18th century....actually, considering question #1 above, I would definitely need that ticket back to the 21st century. Like the main character in Outlander, Claire Randall, I too would probably get into a bit of trouble right away. Anyone else watching?
I am also watching The Night Watchman (and other Kdramas as they come up) but typically I watch a lot of Netflix. I am always open for suggestions too! So let me know what is good.
6. What's the soundtrack of your life?
I make mixes on 8tracks that could totally be described as soundtracks to my life, here is my latest, enjoy! The Art Library Mix
7. What's your favourite holiday destination, and why?
This changes as I visit new places. Right now, Amsterdam and Scotland. Amsterdam because it is just so beautiful, I am always happy to be there. I rediscovered Scotland just last year and can’t wait to get back. One of my absolute favorite things to do on holiday though, is to visit historic houses, house museums and cathedrals.
I will mention that when I first read this question I wanted to say Ibiza because, FOAM AND DIAMOND PARTIES.
8. What inspires you?
Art. I am a painter and I love visiting museums and galleries. I am also inspired by architecture. If you are a visual person like me, you can check out my Pinterest board King and Country. It is full of architectural inspirations and beautiful vistas. There is a lovely picture in there of a Vermont farm house - my current phone wallpaper.
9. One thing on your bucket list?
Visit Prague.
10. Something about you that would surprise us?
The last video game I bought was South Park: The Stick of Truth. I haven't bought a video game since March!
If you haven't already, go and check out Lauren's blog now. You can also follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.