Long Live Taking A Breather
On cozies, making rest happen, and some SPF favs.
I’m supposed to be in LA right now. Part of my new job at K18 is writing scripts for all sorts of things (including this commercial that premiered on Monday during The Bachelorette) and then coming on set to make sure they come to life in a way that’s on brand. Fun! I love it! But getting out of any NYC airport this week turned out to be a resounding no. So here I am, writing this newsletter at my desk, slacking my team during the shoot, and forcing myself to slow down.
This is a fashion newsletter, not a mental health manifesto, but dressing well is a salve when it comes to true rest. You know how people are always like, “I dress up to work from home because it makes me feel focuses” or those girls in high school who wore dresses on test days? Not me. Sure, a blazer feels like armor and the right Levi’s are like a security blanket, but on the days I feel the most overwhelmed, I reach for a particular button up of my Dad’s.
It’s oversized, the perfect shade of sky blue, and acts as an instant reset. Whatever’s happening, I can handle it. Today, I’m wearing it with baggies and a lavender clip from Emi Jay. This morning, I paused my pilates video at the ten-minute mark. Wasn’t feeling it. I closed my la
ptop after 500 words. I even slipped back into bed while my husband made me a cappuccino.
All because of this podcast episode from NPR’s Life Kit that I listened to last night. It features Tricia Hersey, aka the Nap Bishop, and borrows heavily from her recent book, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto. It was the kind of podcast that had me in tears weaving in and out of the cloudy piers in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Yes, I need more rest. And right then, I decided to make a change.
But that’s for my journal and not for this newsletter. The moral of the newsletter is this: wear what makes you feel held. Some days, you need the support a starched button up can provide. Other days, you need to blast the AC and work from the sofa in a cashmere button up you stole from your best friend. Listen to your body. Take care of yourself. And instead of punishing yourself with jeans that are too tight (hello to last week’s topic!) or materials that make you cringe, create a wardrobe that feels like a cocoon.
Archived Outfit
Anyone else a compulsive screenshotter? When the outfit’s good, I’m taking note. Something about this look feels like utter delight to me. The soccer uniform is, well, maybe a little random, but the fit of everything just looks comfortable. I love the necklace and the black tennis shoes. But since I’m assuming most of us, me included, aren’t easy going enough to pull off a jersey in the wild, let’s shop some comfortable secondhand options.
Not the self promotion! I bought this 100% silk Nili Lotan tunic from eBay and it just wasn’t oversized enough. Message me that you’re a subscriber and I’ll give you a deal lol.
I love how productive I feel in a jumpsuit. And Alex Mill makes the best ones! This is $80 on eBay.
It’s not wool weather now, but this darling cardigan is just as cute draped over your shoulders! $35 on eBay.
Selfishly, I’m curious about Live The Process, so you try this $55 sports bra and tell me how it goes.
A NWT Madewell dress that feels comfortable enough for errands but dressed up enough for dinner. Only $50!
Honorable Mentions
I wrote this entire newsletter, closed my laptop, and went for a walk without remembering to report on what I bought since last newsletter. This has been eye-opening, let me tell you.
I spent $50 on this midi skirt (sorry it’s so tiny), despite my rule against them in Wear Your Clothes. I hate it and am going to re-sell asap.
This I feel better about, and might do a whole newsletter on. It’s a vintage Dior necklace from eBay, inspired by Jennifer Lawrence’s immaculate press looks. It was $120 or something. Can’t wait to wear with a plain white tee and jeans.
OMG! I shut my laptop again and realized I bought something else. Meeting a very chic new friend at our dear friends’ wedding this weekend was what put me over the edge. “Get it,” she said, after I passed her my phone during cocktail hour. And now that I don’t drink, I can’t even blame the alcohol. It’s Proenza and it was $54.
Summer is here. Anyone else obsessed with SPF? Great, let’s talk. Here’s the sunhat I’ve been living and dying in. This is my favorite straw option. And here’s a baseball hat that makes me feel pulled together.
The key, I’ve found, with sunscreen, is to buy something affordable enough that you slather it on with abandon. I’m pickier about face stuff than body, but here are my heros.
Also, let’s talk sunglasses briefly? The brand OOKIOH makes my favorite, favorite swim suits. (This is my suit of the summer.) They feel so lux, the cuts are super comfortable, and they feel way more special than a plain black one piece. Sorry, New Yorkers. Anyway, they just launched sunglasses, and they’re feeling very Celine. Two styles, a few colorways each. How will we choose?
Everyday face sunscreen with That Glow for under $20
Versatile pick for body + face that’s great for travel (+ under $10!)
Cool for quick touch ups ($19)
Now, recent books!
The Long-Winded Lady: Notes From The New Yorker—I loved this compilation of Maeve Brennan’s Talk of The Town pieces. It felt like a time capsule.
The Guest—Leave it to Emma Cline to write the exact kind of book I want to read at the start of the summer.
Thank you so much for reading. See you next, next Thursday! x
Late to the game on this one, but love the sentiment and especially love Tricia Hersey. 🛌
"Wear what makes you feel held." I love this idea. I had a bit of a spiritual experience the other night where I literally, in my head, saw three outfits that make me feel like my True Self - and, you know, safe in my body.