If You Made Me Decide Today, These Are My Swan Songs
Sweet bump of dopamine, so I’m listening on repeat: Sailor song by Gigi Perez
Making me ache, so obviously on repeat: Back in My Body by Maggie Rogers
My Weekly Closet MVP: The Costanza Fall Uniform
Welcome to my George Costanza fall. It’s all about oversized, secondhand jackets and sweaters. I’ve found three incredible secondhand jackets (two from Goodwill and one from a little charity shop in England) that are practically glued to my body right now. Add an oversized Goodwill sweater into the mix, and I’m set.
My secret to secondhand shopping? Make a beeline for the men’s section. Trust me. I’m hunting for oversized leather jackets, field jackets, blazers, long-sleeve tees, and cozy sweaters. My second tip: be undeterred. Some days, it’s like striking gold; others, not so much. But consistency is key—pop in and out, and you’re bound to find something worth the wait.
I once saw on Style Class by Tibi that a great outfit can give you the "good kind of ick," — a formula I learned and try to follow is go big (oversized), slim (something more tailored), and skin (show a little). While I’m not sure Amy Smilovic had Seinfeld in mind the way I do, this little formula keeps me feeling like myself even on morning walks to school: bike shorts, oversized shirt or sweater, and a secondhand men’s jacket paired with a ballet flat, loafer, or jellies.
Here’s a breakdown of what has pretty much been my uniform this week:
Striped Heavy Cotton Shirt (It’s giving off Scooby-Doo’s Shaggy energy, but the good kind): Zara Striped Shirt
Waxed Field Jacket with Corduroy Collar (secondhand, but similar here): Mango Field Jacket | Zara | Cos
Bike Shorts: Old Navy | Alo | Abercombie
Mesh Flats (I like how visually they are non-distracting, mine are no longer available at Zara, but these are similar): Amazon Mesh Flats
Loafers (a wacky classic): Duke + Dexter Loafers
Ballet Flats: Zara
Pairing my Costanza on top with slim, skin and feminine on bottom is 'yes, and' flair.
Leaving This Here for My Husband to See
We Ate This and Declared We’re Making it Every Week Now
It was SO good: Crispy Rice Steak Salad
Commonplace Book of SWOON
Something I have saved in the notes app on my phone that made me feel some sort of way when I read it, so it feels kind to pass it on.
Don’t Hesitate - Mary Oliver
If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be. We are not wise, and not very often kind. And much can never be redeemed. Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, that sometimes something happens better than all the riches or power in the world. It could be anything, but very likely you notice it in the instant when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.
One Thing I Did this Week That Felt Like Awe or Play
I recently had two surgeries on my legs, followed by a bout of ER-level inflammation and some travel, which meant I couldn't exercise for about two months. But this week, I finally got back to personal small group training with Holly Andersen at the YMCA, and I’ll be damned if what they say about moving your body making you feel better isn’t true. Not only did it lift my spirits, but it also made me feel proud—proud of my body for healing, for getting stronger, and for allowing me to start over again.
A Thing I’m Loving for Us
I promise to not always make this so clothing forward, BUT.... holiday wear is feeling extra fun to me this year. My friends always tease me and tell me to avert my eyes in group texts whenever they try to plan events more than 5 to 7 business days in advance. And honestly, they’re not wrong to do so and, also, what love.
However, if there’s one thing that does get me excited early, it’s any event that calls for a costume. Halloween, so very on it. Christmas parties? Already on my radar. So yes, Debbie, your party is on my calendar.
Here are a few holiday outfit options I’ve been eyeing—so tempting, I considered hiding them behind a paywall so my husband couldn’t run interference on purchases. COS Sheer Maxi (some fun could be had styling with or without the slip) | HM Bow Front Top | Emerald Ivy Dress | Sezane Jacket + Pants in dark green | Damsen Madder Tartan PJs (my preferred party dress code)
Drop a thing or two making you swoon in the comments.
Jessica
I like the "clothing forward" content. do more please.