Let’s see… what’s been going on since we last spoke? I rewatched the first season of “House of the Dragon” because I just needed to feel something. Jeffery and I signed up for a Costco membership and we are bursting at the seams with toilet paper, croissants (they sell TWELVE for SIX DOLLARS), and Nutella. I made carbonara and really, heartily enjoyed all the little chunks of guanciale in every bite, but wish I had made it with higher quality eggs. I trekked into Manhattan two separate times to see my friends and I had one of those weeks where my heart swelled up with a renewed love for New York (I love when that happens).

I also wore this outfit that I liked:

And I got this haul during a two-estate-sale Saturday morning:

Aaaaaaaand I signed an offer letter for a new job! But I’ll tell you more about that soon :).

On My Brain 

Cleaning Up My Music Library 

Putting your entire music library on shuffle in the car is obviously a gamble. Sometimes you get a delightful string of songs you haven’t heard in ages, but more often, you get a Justin Bieber original Christmas song, a deeply triggering intro melody, and a playlist add from 2017 so cringe you fall down a rabbit hole of self-loathing. 

All that to say: I’m spending time this week cleaning up my music library. I’ve been putting it off for a long time, always saying I’m going to switch back to Spotify and never doing so. But now is the time—I must free myself from the prison of Pop Goes Punk, anything Ed Sheeran released after 2011, and the white people reggae that had everyone in my hometown in chokehold. Comment below the most embarrassing song in your library and I’ll mail you a nickel. I really will!  

One of the Most Vile Things I’ve Read In a Long Time 

I have a lot to say about the media literacy of the general public—both as a member of the public and as someone who works in media. Most often, people in the comment section are missing the point, only reading the headline, or being willfully ignorant, so I don’t take much of it seriously. And sure, we can point the finger all day long at writers and editors, but deep down I think we all know that capitalism and corporate greed are to blame for the “any engagement is good engagement” formula. 

But every once in a while, a story comes along that misses the mark so badly that the cacophony of comments is actually justified. Case in point: “Why Did I Stop Loving My Cat When I Had a Baby?” in the most recent issue of The Cut. 

Holy shit. To say this piece should never have been published is putting it lightly, and the fact that it’s written by “Anonymous” should tell you enough. Here’s a passage that sums up the worst of it (TW: animal abuse): 

I won’t even tell you to go read the whole thing, because it’s A. Not worth it and B. Disturbed me so deeply that I can’t seem to shake it days after reading. The Cut was obviously trying to appeal to a base human phenomenon and perhaps shed light on the more ugly manifestations of postpartum depression (without actually covering PPD), but it doesn’t matter—this shit is stomach-turningly evil. Why are we trying to make animal abuse relatable and excusable? Is everyone actually okay??? 

In My Cart 

**Okay, quick left from condemning animal abuse to talking about clothes. I am a woman of multitudes, etc.

I’m becoming more of a summer girlie every year, but everyone knows that fall clothes are the best clothes. And since someone recently stroked my ego in the Q&A form by asking for my “fall 2024 fashion predictions,” I’m combining the “In My Cart” and “You Ask, I Answer” sections into one this week. While I don’t think I’m entirely qualified to give fashion trend predictions, I am more than happy to share what’s on my personal wishlist to acquire for the upcoming season.

I’ve taken to making lists of the clothes I want to buy, because I’m making an effort to be really intentional about curating a wardrobe of pieces I actually love. It’s also been extremely helpful in limiting impulse purchases, and since I’m a Poshmark fiend, it’s made me more patient and resourceful as I’ve been chipping away at my list by using up my balance on the app. Am I going to buy all of these things? Probably not. But if I do, it will certainly take me several months and the list will likely evolve by then. But here’s what’s currently in my cart: 

Jackets: 

A Lightweight Quilted Jacket: In particular, this Barbour jacket I’ve been eyeing since last fall. I’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on one of their quintessential coats and, lucky me, I found it new with tags on Poshmark. I love the exaggerated collar and zipper that makes it feel a little less Queen-Elizabeth-at-Balmoral and a little more New York. 

A Denim Chore Coat / Trench: I already told you I love this Old Navy denim trench. Let’s all say thank you Zac Posen! 

Jeans: 

Dark Wash Straight Leg Jeans: I’ve saved a couple options for dark wash jeans like these Levi’s and these Damson Madder ones but, to my delight, I ended up finding the perfect oversized pair at an estate sale this weekend. I need to take the waist in a bit, but for $8, it’s worth it. 

Light Wash Wide Leg Jeans: I had these Good American jeans that I rented and ended up buying from Nuuly last year, but I ended up selling them because they no longer fit. I’m on the hunt for a similar pair this year with less stretch and more structure. 

Shoes: 

Chocolate Brown Flats/Loafers: I had a lot of links saved for brown flats (these from Sam Edelman, these from Alohas, these from Jeffrey Campbell), but I ended up finding the perfect pair of suede Gucci loafers on Poshmark for $160. They’re already broken in and I love the lug soles—win-win.

Sneakers of Some Sort: The jury’s still out on what sneakers I want to add to my fall rotation, but I do want a pair of Onitsuka Tigers (I didn’t get to go to the store in Tokyo, and they actually don’t sell them directly in the US anymore), and I like that these have a similar silhouette to Sambas and aren’t the in-your-face yellow ones. 

Oxblood Boots: I came across a girl on TikTok espousing the merits of these Vince Camuto boots (which come in narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide calf), and I was easily influenced to add them in the dark mahogany colorway to my list. 

Tops: 

A Gray, Oversized Sweater: Last year I started crocheting a gray sweater and I’m kidding myself to think I’ll ever finish, so I got the above J Crew sweater for $17 on Posh!

A Wool Turtleneck: Since I’m personally committed to buying clothing made from majority natural fibers (better for longevity and general comfort), I wanted a new-to-me wool sweater for cold days, so I got this Everlane one for $25 on Posh (am I annoying you yet with the Poshmark talk?). It’s no longer avail but you can Google image search it and find it for resale.

A Structured Striped Tee: I hate to say that investing in T-shirts is worth it, but I think it might be. I’ve got my eye on this structured tee from Cos, who consistently makes the best T-shirts in the game. 

Accessories: 

New Crew Socks: I love a fun little sock sticking out between my pants and shoes, so I’m going to follow my own advice and get some cutie new socks from Le Bon Shoppe. 

Lexxola Jordy Sunglasses: Remember when I found an Amazon dupe for these sunglasses and was happy as a clam? Well, I’ve been wearing my knockoffs for weeks now and it’s only made me long for the real thing. So I might treat myself to them one day. 

In My Belly 

A Garlicky, Cheesy Zucchini Tart

Zucchini rules, and so does this tart from Julius Roberts (even though they call zucchini “courgette” in the UK). I followed his recipe pretty exactly, except I salted and drained the strips of yellow squash and zucchini before layering them on to get rid of some excess water. The little slivers of garlic between the layers are possibly my favorite part, but I was also pleased with how well my puff pastry turned out. I used this recipe and actually made it in my Vitamix blender because I don’t have a food processor, and it worked surprisingly well. 

My New Favorite Ice Cream Flavor 

I didn’t think it was possible to turn over a new leaf when it comes to ice cream preferences, but I guess I’m growing up or something. Historically, I’ve never liked Cherry Garcia OR fruit pieces in my ice cream/Italian ice (idk, it’s a textural thing), but Van Leeuwen’s black cherry chip has fundamentally changed me. Some complain that there’s too many chocolate chunks and not enough black cherry pieces, but that’s exactly what I like about it. I think we’ve already eaten three pints of this flavor since the Van Leeuwen opened around the block from us, and I’m certainly not slowing down anytime soon. 

Need a gift suggestion for your mother-in-law’s birthday? Stuck on how to rearrange the furniture in your living room? Want to know what to do with a jar of marinated artichokes? Come to mama. Hit me up with your questions, and I'll answer them in an upcoming letter.