love, launches, and what i wore
a pub day event recap
Note: This post is replacing the previously scheduled books from the past, present, future because film scans came back sooner than I thought! 🎞️ Book recs coming next week.
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In 2010, I went to see the Off-Broadway play Love, Loss, and What I Wore, a play written by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron based on the 1995 book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman. The show consisted of a series of monologues and featured a rotating cast of five principal women (when I saw it, Haylie Duff was part of the cast). The monologues centered on each woman's relationship and wardrobe and how the two were interconnected.
This show and concept of the wardrobe being a time capsule is something I think about often—for the characters I write, but also in my own life. What am I wearing when memorable life moments happen?
Of course, when we’re in different stages of our life, there are clothes that represent those eras. School spirit sweatshirts, double-layered tanks, long jeans (that, when it rained, got soaked—still makes me shiver when I think about it). Is it just me, or does it feel like there were such clear trends in the 90s and 2000s? Maybe I’m just really out of touch with what’s trendy now…
For my wedding, for instance, I wore both white and red dresses to honor my heritages and cultures. The white dress was sleeveless and long; simple and understated. I didn’t want something over the top or too expensive. I picked it out in a single afternoon with my mom and sister. My red dress was something I already owned—thick lace that created a floral pattern, with a simple red, attached belt.
On my first date with my husband, I wore a maroon and black checkered sweater with a scoop neck. It still remains folded in the back of my closet—I can’t bear to part with it.
For Lunar Love’s launch party at The Bookshop, I wore a white blazer that made me feel professional yet chic. I wanted to pull a color from the cover, and after a day-of shopping trip to find it, I landed on something I knew I’d wear again and again.
Last year, for my Red String Theory book launch, I wore a red blazer and red pants (to honor Red String Girl, of course!) with shimmery rose gold heels that I hadn’t worn in decades. I loved that outfit, even though that was the only time in the year I wore high heels.
This year, for my Yin Yang Love Song flower tea party, I wore flower jeans and a Billy Joel T-shirt. Again, very on brand for the themes of the book. Again, I wore heels—a pale pink scallop heel with an ankle strap that is so easy to walk in and can go with pretty much anything (they were my wedding heels that I wore on the beach; the heel is thick and can withstand wet sand aka anything). I didn’t get a great solo picture of this year’s outfit, which I think is a testament to how present I was and to how much fun I had.
Outfits help us remember. I’ll never be able to look at or wear that red blazer or pants or the flower jeans or Billy Joel merch without thinking of the book launches I had. I won’t ever be able to get rid of my red wedding dress because it’s tied to too special of an occasion. I have this long, flowy floral-patterned dress that is really hard to find the right place and time to wear (it’s so bold compared to the muted clothing I typically wear), but it unfailingly reminds me of a family trip to Scotland. (I was thisclose to wearing it for the YYLS book launch...)
Outfits can also help us get in character. Sitting on stage in front of lots of people has become more comfortable for me in the past couple of years, but what I’m wearing helps. I want to feel confident, but comfy. I want to feel like myself. And in front of crowds, I’ve found that dark clothing and sweaters help—when I’m full-body sweating because nerves hit (which at some point, it inevitably does), no one needs to see that.
Of course, my outfit was one very small piece of the metaphorical launch day scone. Another was the food. It’s against the law to have a flower tea party without tea or snacks1. My real life romance hero of a husband served the flower tea (rose and chrysanthemum) and scones, Madeleines, and shortbread from Dozen Bakery (the best in town!). We got these really cool and cute paper teacups that had handles, because I just felt it in my bones that we needed teacups and not just cups.
Tea was poured, scones were eaten, and book chit chat was had. The incredible Clare Gilmore was my in convo partner, and she asked such great questions about YYLS and my writing process and of course, food!
The audience Q&A was especially noteworthy. I got asked such good questions that really made me dig deep. Still pinching myself that we got to have this whole night happen at Parnassus Books, which has been such a champion not just for me, but for all romance writers out there. This is such a special bookstore. Next time you’re in town, it’s a must-visit.
Ultimately, though, the biggest piece of this launch day scone was the people who showed up and made this night as special as it felt. This was my third book launch in Nashville. While they’ve all been special in their own ways, this one was especially sweet because of everyone who showed up. I’ve said it before, and I’ll continue saying it, but the book community in Nashville is unparalleled. I’ve never seen or experienced anything like it. To those who showed up, it meant everything to me for you to be there. I’m forever grateful. 💚
I’ve recently gotten (back) into film photography. I found an old point-and-shoot camera on eBay, stocked up on film, and have been finding special occasions2 to take photos.
For this book launch, I tasked my dad with the Very Important Job as photographer. The poor guy was on duty at an event he really didn’t have to work. But he crushed it (and the flash only went off once, which became a laugh-out-loud moment during audience Q&A). He got so many cool angles—one peeking out from behind a bookshelf with the twinkle lights, one that captures what it looks like on stage (with a backstage feel).
Something I love about film is how you can’t take a hundred photos of the same thing. You get 36 shots on 35mm until the roll is up. That means every single photo becomes a little more thoughtful. They’re not going to be perfect shots, and you don’t know how they’ll turn out. Grainy, a little blurry, a bright flash. I kind of love that.
This year, on our first snow day in Nashville, I took a photo of my dog running toward me. The snow was falling, the flash went off. I was so excited about the shot I thought I got. It wasn’t until weeks later I learned that I really did get the shot (!!). There were others, though, I definitely didn’t get. But hey, that’s film life!
The slow burn process of film is also why this recap is coming to you almost four weeks later. (I had to mail in the film roll for it to be developed.)
The entire night, from start to finish, felt like a dream. When I think back on it, I’ll remember feeling warm and cozy and hopeful, all things I hope readers feel when they read Yin Yang Love Song.
I’ll remember how kind everyone was. I’ll remember the conversations I had with readers who came through the signing line. I’ll remember that I was given a loaf of delicious bread.
I’ll remember the booksellers who have become friends and the literal warmth of the bookstore that chilly January evening.
I’ll remember my husband serving tea and treats, my friends showing up in support.
I’ll also remember what I wore.
From the bottom of my heart, to those who were there in person, and to those who have supported me from afar, thank you.
In case you missed it:
I’ll be back next week with more! Hope you have a restful weekend filled with things you love.
From me to you, in the present,
Lauren
About me: I’m Lauren Kung Jessen, author of Lunar Love, Red String Theory, and Yin Yang Love Song. Connect with me on Instagram for more on books and food.
For the record, not actually.
Special occasions for now because film and getting it developed can be quite pricey!
Hi, I’m wondering where I can get that rose tea that was served at your book launch? It was so good! I had such a lovely time and enjoyed reading YYLS!
Love all of your outfits!! <3