Hi friends! I lied last week when I said it was almost February. Because we are, it seems, in the fifth week of January, where the days are cold and dreary, and illness runs rampant among toddlers (or is that just what we call winter)? I spent enough time at our pediatrician’s office to earn a punchcard, which means I’ve had less time to read, watch, eat, and do all the things that usually inspire this letter. But! I’m committed and I’m here, so let’s go with what we have. Subscribe or share this with a friend, won’t you?
On a recent six-hour train ride, writer Eva Wiseman noticed the way people build create illusions of privacy in public spaces. She shared her observations in The Guardian, in a piece that makes for easy reading in an otherwise stressful time. Seeing the way each person surrounded themselves with their belongings, Wiseman writes:
“Rooms were fashioned on laps behind seats, or ideas of rooms; walled, breaded concepts – here is a kitchenette formed from Pret a Manger baguettes and precarious coffees, here is the memory-foam neck pillow, a portable bedroom, and here onscreen at 250km an hour is a working office, fizzing with legitimacy and blue light. I looked around with love at this side of us, we silly animals, building homes out of sticks anywhere we sit for longer than 20 minutes.”
It’s a gentle argument for getting off our phones long enough to look around us and observe for the sake of observing. It’s so ordinary, and extraordinary, what we’ll find. (And Wiseman’s column, in general, is great.)
A while back, I interviewed photographer Peggy Levison Nolan for Vogue. I’m completely inspired by the way she has been able to document youth while raising seven kids on her own. Her story and her images are powerful. (See above or see more.) I recently came across a brief video series by her publisher, TBW Books, and Peggy is featured in the first episode. So, in her own words:
Which one is it going to be? I’m feeling the latter lately.
On a bit of a whim, I stopped by Shoppe Object, a bi-annual home and gift show in Chelsea, featuring 500+ vendors from around the world. It’s mostly attended by shop owners looking for new brands to represent in their boutiques, but I went as a curious wanderer with a press pass. A lover of tchotchkes. It felt buzzy to discover things in person, to meet the maker behind each dish or plate or bag and understand the story behind a piece. It renders Instagram so… flat. In the spirit of discovery and human connection, if there’s a flea market or craft fair in the vicinity, I’ll be there. Hit me up.
Here are a few of the things that caught my eye:
Top row (L-R): Bamboo (dishwasher-safe) kids’ dishes, silver knick-knacks, chic washer-friendly yoga mats, beach bags for any mood
Middle row: The cutest socks, wooden birds I wanted to buy on the spot, a beeping egg timer, the softest pajamas
Bottom row: French pool floats, excellent cutlery, chic throws, oversized tote
Hope this inspires you to go to whatever craft fair you have nearby. You never know what you’ll find, and the people who make the goods are often incredibly friendly and enthusiastic.
I’m not huge on sportswear, but lately, I find myself lingering in the athleisure sections of retailers’ sites. Staud’s introduction of Staud Sport put me over the edge, so here we are. This all said, you won’t find a pair of leggings on this list. I’ve been put off of them lately and won’t wear them unless the workout demands it (and if it does, then only for the workout). To each their own. It’s possible I was incepted by this post by forever cool girl Laila Gohar on what she deems the most appropriate workout attire:
And why not! Might as well have fun.
*I should add a disclaimer: I don’t exercise in ways that work up a real sweat. Think pilates, yoga, barre, that sort of thing. So take these recs with a grain of salt. I’m looking through the lens of aesthetics and comfort, not technical superiority.
Let’s start with Staud, which brought on this theme to begin with. This parka is number one. I want it! But also this convertible anorak looks great in all three renditions, which I cannot say of all convertible garments. I also want these wide-leg pants, which I would gladly swap in for leggings in pilates.
I first discovered Eterne at a hotel spa, one of my favorite places to discover new, small brands. It’s softness struck me immediately. This is a great bra for lounging and I love the color of this sweatshirt, somewhere between beige and heathered gray.
The Varley half-zip has been circulating on social media, but I prefer this one and got myself this one.
Great red shorts. Great multicolor shorts. Great boxer shorts. And a pair of thermal pants with sporty stripes.
Bookmark the Butter section of Aritzia’s activewear because I don’t think there exists a more comfortable fabric. Okay, I know I said I wouldn’t share leggings, but if you’re pregnant, there’s nothing better than these (no, not even Lululemon Aligns). I’m thinking of giving this pair a try. In the summer, this romper with a button-down over top will work.
This Splits59 jumpsuit (though I want to call it a catsuit) makes me want to sign up for a ballet class. This long-sleeve bodysuit is more versatile; you could add some sweatpants, maybe even the kind that don’t cinch at the ankle?
Speaking of ballet class, how about this delicate wrap over a white tank? Negative’s whole “whipped” collection is A+, so let’s add this long-sleeve tee into the mix. And, today I learned that Repetto (purveyor of excellent ballerina flats) makes activewear, which means this wrap and these ribbed pants are on my list now, too.
That’s all for now. More next week! x