Sweet Treats for this never-ending month!
aka - I've been indulging in a little window shopping
Before I get into it today, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for being here. Last week, this newsletter hit 1000 subscribers! Less than a year ago…heck, a quarter ago, I had about 200 people reading this newsletter. When I wrote down intentions are resolutions for 2024, I took the advice of many and imagined what life will look like at the end of 2024. With regards to this newsletter, I wrote:
I don’t know why it feels weird to put goals out there (I assume some mix of the patriarchy, my people-pleasing tendencies, and superstition that I should keep dreams and wishes to myself). I know that’s all silly, and am working on being more articulate about my goals. And, both of these are within reach! 1K more to go, and I am planning on offering a paid subscription soon (If we’ve been talking about this….I know, I know, I know…I’m getting there I promise!)
I took a nearly 12-year hiatus from writing, after being an avid writer as a kid (always writing in a journal or books & stories of my own), in high school and college. I thought about wanting to write (outside of business writing and corporate communications) and having a creative outlet for YEARS before I actually did something about it, and now that I am, it feels, really, good.
Like many, I listened to the Ezra Klein Show episode with Kyle Chayka called, “How to Discover Your Taste.” If you haven’t already listened, it’s worth it - it made me think a lot. One of the biggest points that Ezra & Kyle discuss & that stuck with me is that having and knowing your own taste (eg: knowing who you are and what you like) is getting increasingly challenging in a world where what we have access to - what we see, read, listen, — what any of our senses is exposed to, and even what we discover - is actually served to us by algorithms that are built to give us more of what it already knows like, vs. new or different things. Having a unique point-of-view, and unique preferences - where you can like or not like something but can’t necessarily explain the why behind those preferences - is uniquely human. Machines or AI - they don’t have that same human ability It just really reminded me of how special personal style is - it’s a way of expressing yourself, or telling people who you are, in a uniquely human way.
Thank you so much for reading, for commenting & sharing. This is a great little corner of the internet!
It is officially the one hundred millionth day of January. How this month continues to stretch in front of us is beyond me. As I mentioned last week, I am experiencing some January blues. Some of the blues lifted this week as we saw some (slightly) warmer temps, and I got outside to run. When the temperature goes above 35, you can bet I’m trying to figure out if there is a way I can fit in a run on a given day - for my mental health more than anything else. At the same time, my kids have been passing around various ailments between each other, which has left us homebound A LOT. We’re starting to feel the itchies, you know?
I have intentionally avoided scrolling tons of new arrivals in the last few weeks (wild that it’s easier to not buy anything when you’re…not shopping!) I noticed a really icky feeling around Cyber Week last year where I almost had a panicky feeling in my chest that if I just kept searching a little longer, I would find the PERFECT piece. It was a sign that I was scrolling and searching too much, and I needed a little break. I am working to balance my love of “window shopping” online, find inspiration in new arrivals, new collections, and new brands, and sharing those finds with you, with my need to stick to my budget, my personal style, my wishlist list & keep my screen time within healthy limits.
That balance is an art, not a science, and I don’t have the answers, but taking a little break has been helpful! Not rocket science - but I also have found that spending less time on Instagram and more time actually writing and creating something here on Substack is something that is cup-filling. There is a fine line between me sharing things that I find and love, and trying to help make it easier and more fun for you to shop and get dressed, and me just schilling links. When I read about the why/the story/the rationale behind something, and feel like thought and curation went into the selection and sharing of the piece, I am way more connected and interested in reading what someone is sharing. As opposed to just clicking through a ton of screenshots. (Not to say I haven’t found great things that way, but it can feel like more of just slinging links).
My goal is to share a curation of pieces, outfits, ideas, trends, and inspiration from all the places that I like to browse and seek inspiration (small and big online retailers, brick-and-mortar stores, magazines, etc.) and tell you why I think the things are particularly interesting or special. And share styling ideas, multiple ways I would wear a piece, ways to recreate something with pieces you already have. Does this approach resonate with you too? What else would you like to see? Let me know in the comments or join the chat and tap into the collective knowledge of this subscriber community!
Having taken a little break from scrolling and window shopping, I let myself indulge a little bit this week. I’ve felt like I needed a little inspiration and assurance that spring is coming! Plus, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I can’t help but do a little “window shopping” of things that you might wear to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s, treat yourself or your Valentine to, or just dream about.
So, without further ado, sweet treats that are catching my eye, and how I would wear them!
Natura Blouse - This blouse is so beautiful - I love the idea of wearing it with silk pants, or a slip skirt, and even with jeans!
Jasmine Sparrow Gold Plated Earrings - Okay yes, I have been influenced by the big, costume-jewelry-inspired earrings we are seeing a lot of right now. Do I want a pair of Bottega earrings? Sure do. Will I be buying them? LOL, no - gotta send my kids to summer camp, ya know! This pair is beautiful, and offers the same simple but stunning design, and is Bottega-inspired without being an overt knockoff! Also - a little trick - a lot of times when I don’t know what to wear I will wear black jeans and a black sweater and a great pair of statement earrings and a favorite lipstick. Done and great.
Liselle Kiss Bag - Such a fun clutch to wear for every date night or evening out - wear with your most fun pieces, or wear with a monochrome look to add some interest and fun!
Sezane Tomboy Shirt - I live for a button-down - its just a super wearable piece that I reach for all the time, so I especially love ones with special details like this one!
Xirena Linley Dress - This is a beautiful, classic, perfect warm-weather dress in the most perfect color. If you love lilac and have a warm-weather vacation planned - consider this. Xirena is one of my favorite brands - their textiles are just so beautiful!
Button Checked Coat - If you’re planning on buying a coat at this point in the season, then, at least make it something that will make you so happy every time you put it on!
Teresa Mini Skirt - I love the button detailing on this skirt, it gives a preppy vibe to the mini skirt style. Wear this now with tights and high boots, and then lean into the prep by pairing with a pair of loafers later on. You could make it really casual and fun with a t-shirt and a leather jacket when the weather warms up a bit!
Nike Sneakers - My sister is my sneaker source - she texted these to me this week and all I could say is - yes!
Ruffle Neck Blouse - I love the idea of having the cute collar of this shirt peeking out from under a sweater this winter, and then wearing it on its own when it warms up a bit!
Lingua Franca Sweater - This is an investment sweater, but the customized embroidery is so special! Comes in a ton of colors if red isn’t your favorite.
Mille Daisy Dress - This is one of my favorite dresses - the silhouette is so flattering and it’s a lot of fun to wear. I loved it during my most recent pregnancy.
Lake PJs - What is it about a holiday that just makes me want a new pair of PJs? I like to give my kids matching jammies for little holidays we celebrate, so I think I just naturally want a new pair for myself as well. Lake is my fave and these are great. I’ve never tried anything but their pima cotton styles, but I’m very intrigued by these!
Wells Waterproof Coat - Okay - who needs a new raincoat? This would brighten up even the rainiest days!
Dorsey Sapphire Earrings - I’m a Dorsey superfan and I love these so much. A splurge I could get behind!
Crew Wool Cardigan - If you’re still craving winter knits, a cardigan is a good choice for right now because you’ll wear it now and then use it as a great layering piece into the early spring!
Dragon Diffusion Tote - These bags are so functional and beautiful. I love that you can wear it cross-body, or hold it like a handbag. I really love this color!
Midi Tea Dress - I shared this dress last week when someone asked for some ideas for a dress to wear to a Christening where she is going to be the Godmother. I love this silhouette - so flattering, and appropriate for a variety of occasions, and the print is so happy!
Candidate Trousers - Ugh, these pants are divine. They are a statement of course, but you could wear them to work, for dinners out, out with girlfriends, or even on vacation. I’m imagining dressed up with a white button-down, or a navy sweater, as well as casual with just a simple white tee or even a grey sweatshirt.
A.Soliani Como Flats - I am truly unwell over these flats. They are so beautiful and have an incredible shape. I love ballet flats - they bring a feminine vibe into my outfit, and I love that they can also help make a casual outfit feel a little dressier, so they have always been a closet staple for me.
Madewell Heart Huggie Hoops - Along the same big, gold, jewelry vibes - I love these.
Pink Sweatpants - A great pair of sweatpants is a closet essential. I love how cozy these are, and the color is just fun to brighten up something that is most commonly grey or black. More styling ideas here.
Heart Tote - I love a canvas tote, and this is so happy and fun. You could use this for work, to run errands with on the weekend, to carry just about anything that you need to schlep around!
Sequin Midi Dress - This dress is making me wish I had a special occasion coming up to get really dressed up for! Fun for a wedding dress, a great party, a fun celebration!!
You can shop all these pieces (and even more Valentine’s Day-inspired items here.
If you are looking for more Valentine’s Day Ideas (like gifts for kids & yourself, and other loved ones), I have a few posts that might inspire you!
Valentine’s Day for Kids & Adults (from last year)
ICYMI:
Some recent pieces that you might enjoy…
A Postpartum Closet Refresh (or, how 13 pieces can be combined to make over 30 outfits)
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Congrats! I look forward to your stack every week. Keep writing!
This line really jumped out to me “I noticed a really icky feeling around Cyber Week last year where I almost had a panicky feeling in my chest that if I just kept searching a little longer, I would find the PERFECT piece.” I have done a ton of inner work to realize there is NO holy grail piece (and thank goodness for that, what a life if one tiny piece of clothing could “make” it).