A February Roundup
The dystopian book I’m reading, what’s bringing me joy, what I’m buying for spring, all the bits and bobs I loved this hectic month.
A Sunday evening substack?! Who is she!! February was an absolute whirlwind. Between some travel, April break, endless snowstorms and a blizzard— and professionally the busiest month I have had in years— I feel like I am just coming up for air.
I am so incredibly grateful for the amount of work that has come my way in a very uncertain economy— but I am looking forward to getting back into Substack and creating content for myself and for you!!
PS - this is a long one, I recommend reading in the app!
My February reading round up is up on Instagram so read there for mini reviews but there were four standout reads for me:
I’m currently reading Daggermouth, which is being talked about all over the internet, but was originally recommended by Read Run Thrive— and I am 30% in and I am really enjoying it. It’s a dystopian novel of a brutally oppressive regime (with a strong resistance) where the president’s son is an executioner forced to marry the person who attempted his assassination.
So I know it is controversial to watch this one, as the Kennedy’s did not give their permission. Jack Schlossberg, please forgive me. But I started watching Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette…and I love it. I am watching it as fiction, sort of loosely based on them. I’m enjoying it more for the 90’s New York City nostalgia, and I actually find Carolyn’s job with Calvin Klein more interesting than any of the relationship aspects of the show. In a way I think it really humanizes them, and is doing more good than bad for the Kennedy image.
Although, I’m already sick of the CBK clothing content everywhere (but I fully understand why people are jumping on the trend as that is what social media does)— when the entire reason she is cool is because Calvin didn’t allow color and maximalism— but mostly because she is mysterious and moved through the world with confidence. It just goes to show it’s less about what you’re wearing and more about how you wear it.
I’m also back watching The Pitt and enjoying the season so far!
Harry Styles performance on The Britts. I haven’t gotten tickets yet to MSG but I am determined to make it happen.
Connor on SNL!! (Megan and Hilary from the US Women’s hockey team made an appearance during the monologue and it was everything). My favorite skit was the one where they’re ice skating and Hudson makes an appearance. But the last skit where Connor is a male dancer who shows up after being hit by a car— so good.
Skiing as a family!! We were out to dinner with friends in NYC a week or so ago, and we were saying how escaping to the mountains every weekend and hitting the slopes is the best way to get through winter and I also think going consistently has helped Fitz pick up skiing so quickly. It is SO MUCH hard work continuously encouraging and motivating a young kid to learn a hobby like this— but he has gained so much confidence and is so proud of himself. It’s been so rewarding. Although I really miss city life, I love that we are so close to mountains in CT, NY, MA and VT. We mostly ski in the Berkshires while Fitz is learning.
This cleanser by Prequel is one of the best cream cleansers for redness I’ve ever used. This new serum by Versed has completely blown up my DM’s for being gentle, effective and very affordable at under $18. Merit finally launched a full line of Lip Blushes, my favorite lip product of theirs! Cyklar is finally at Sephora which means more people get to try their body wash, body oil balm, deodorant and hand cream (my personal faves)!!
Nan Philip and I had lunch when I was in NYC this past month— and she introduced me to the Gem app. Colin and I are both completely addicted as we love buying secondhand. This basically allows you to save a search for a specific item, and it aggregates all sites (Poshmark, eBay, etc) and alerts you when new items in your search parameters are added. It’s fantastic.
I would simply not have survived the month of complete chaos without this alternative to alcohol— the best way to relax on a Friday! (code DEVSDAY for % off)
Planning a girls trip— and living near NYC. Nothing gets me more excited than a girls trip, and I have a couple on the horizon. Also, living close to NYC means everyone is now texting me when they have dates they’re visiting. I am missing city life so much these days, but I am trying to find gratitude with how close to both Boston and NYC we are— and also to the mountains and beach.
Keds just sent me their new Blissmove sneakers and I love them! They kind of give a Hoka vibe but they’re slip on. I’ve had extensive discussions with my mom friends about how amazing slip on shoes are, especially when you have kids and you quite literally have to run out the door (for me it’s to get to the bus, where they won’t let Fitz off unless I’m there). I picked out the white/parchment because they’re machine washable so I figured why not really put them to the test! I am between a 7 and 7.5, and felt the 7 were a better fit for me.
The Supreme Court striking down tariffs— which means I can start browsing for Japanese goods again on eBay. I think my next substack for later this week is going to be some finds (things I’ve found but not necessarily buying) and sharing some of my favorite sellers. According to Reuters they have already stopped collecting the tariffs, so I’m keeping an eye on it. Why Japan you ask? They have very strict laws about selling counterfeit items— which means they have some of the best vintage and secondhand shopping in the world.
Collaborating with friends— What Lucie Says and I are working on a round up of our favorite sweaters on Substack and Instagram. It feels like having co-workers again and it’s just genuinely so fun to get to “work” with your friends.
With gold prices that went up on February 1st, Colin and I decided to pull the trigger on this gold chain necklace that I’ve been eyeing the past several years. It’s basically an early 10th wedding anniversary gift. We don’t really buy physical gifts at all— instead opting for trips, but for our 10 year I wanted something special and he obliged. It went up about $900 in price, so I’m glad I snagged before then— and I LOVE IT SO MUCH! Definitely an heirloom piece that I will pass down. I did a full necklace tour here on instagram if you want to see my full necklace stack. My entire stack is from small woman-owned brands except the necklace my husband had custom made for me with my great-grandmother’s diamond which was made by a family friend’s business in Rochester, NY.
I cannot stop thinking about this sweater from Marine Layer but I’m anxiously waiting for a sale before I pull the trigger. I don’t really have much of a Spring wishlist. I am likely going to have to buy all new shorts again (the downside to changing sizes) so gearing up for that.
Margaux sent me these slides which are like a mule meet slipper? They are so cute and I can’t wait to style them— they feel like a great transitional shoe for spring and fall. I think I might try them with a thin sock for now, per Dr. Samantha Ellis’ rec! Any sock recommendations?
I have this cashmere tee in two colors and love it- this light blue color is so pretty for spring!
I wear a lot of navy and love the idea of a pop or red or chartreuse. This chartreuse bag is feels like the perfect summer pop of color. I am going to see if I can find it secondhand.
J.Crew Pointelle is some of my favorite— and it’s affordable that I can buy multiples as someone who wears t-shirts nearly every day. They just launched some new colorways to die for and I picked up this one! I take my usual medium.
Sorry for this very blurry screenshot, but I loved these pants so much last year, but they’re a bit too big on me now, so I ordered a size down. I think they run a hair big, so I was able to do a small, and got a petite this time so they’d be more cropped. They’re 40% off, and another 20% off with right now. They’re comfy enough to feel like sweatpants but make me feel more polished. Perfect travel/weekend pants! Don’t let the barrel scare you— as you can see in my photo it’s very slight compared to the photo.
I know we are nearing the end of winter, but I just grabbed this red triangle scarf at the beginning of the month. It’s so soft and warm, and I just got a fun vintage brooch off of Etsy to wear with it. I wore it in NYC and it added a fun pop of color to my typical - jeans, t-shirt, sweater - winter outfit uniform.
I finally bought a new bag after hunting for it secondhand for six months— I unboxed it on Instagram here! It’s such incredible quality for a mid-range bag.
That was quite long, but wow I really really miss substack and it feels so good to be back and writing again!
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You looks RADIANT in the necklace photo!!!!!!!!! Xoxoxoxox
I am one of those influenced by you to get the versed serum and I loveeeee!!