9 things
Some things I’m loving lately, and you might, too: butter yellow, denim-on-denim, my new favourite swimsuit, a motivational boost, and more.
Even though April 1st has passed, it feels like Mother Nature has been playing one long April fool’s joke on us this week. We’ve had to deal with snow and freezing rain and even had a severe ice storm last weekend—the kind that takes down trees and the power. Made me thankful for friends who live close by and could take us in for the day, so we could eat, day-drink, and catch up while the kids drove each other (instead of us) crazy.
Although the weather says otherwise, I’ve got spring on my mind. I’m ready for the transition to longer days, lighter layers, and a more laid-back mood (and schedule!) Here are some things that have been helping me get through and what else I’m loving right now.
Butter yellow
Every spring, I get the urge to inject more colour into my otherwise neutral wardrobe. This year, like everyone else, I’m pining for something butter yellow. It feels happy and fresh, yet subdued. I like that the softer hue almost comes across as a neutral, so you could wear the shade even when it’s no longer of the moment, without feeling outdated.
That said, so many brands have jumped on the butter yellow bandwagon so there’s a lot to sift through in order to find the gems.
Denim-on-denim
Besides adding some colour, this time of year always puts me in a more experiential mood with my style overall. I’ve been thinking about a Canadian tuxedo look for a while but have never taken the plunge. On this note, did you catch
’s recent newsletter on taking style risks? Her advice on making small swaps feels less intimidating, and she even includes some denim-on-denim inspo.I’ve seen others pull off an all-denim look but have had a harder time interpreting it for my own style, worried that it might lean too Western. The key, for me, was finding inspo that felt more natural to how I dress. I saved these references and nailed down what I liked: something more streamlined (nothing too baggy) and accessories or a jacket to break it up.
I had the opportunity to work with Frank & Eileen recently, and they were kind enough to gift me two button-ups, including the Eileen in the Vintage Stonewashed Indigo. To be fully transparent with you, this gifting* side of things is new territory for me. I’ve been lucky enough to have a few brands reach out for gifting, but this is the first I’ve accepted, and it was only because I’ve been following Frank & Eileen for a while and was curious about their shirts. I took my true size in this, and unlike a rough, stiff denim, the button-up is softer, light, and relaxed, which I find makes it easier to style. I actually love how the look turned out—feels very true to me, even though denim-on-denim is normally outside my comfort zone.
In case you’re wondering—I decided to share this with you on my own (wasn’t requested by the brand) because I think denim-on-denim is a fresh spin on spring, and I plan to get a ton of wear out of this outfit once the temps rise.
A new favourite swimsuit
If there’s one fashion category I genuinely feel lost in, it’s swimwear. I find myself in a weird transitional stage, where I feel less inclined to wear a two-piece but struggle to find a one-piece I really like. One that’s an extension of my style while a) being something I can wear around family b) that I can move (swim) in comfortably and c) nothing too fancy or delicate, but also not too sporty. Seems like a tall order, right?
I think I finally found a style that checks all the boxes while still being in my price range: this Vitamin A Jenna High Leg One Piece in Cocoa EcoLux. I haven’t worn it yet (going to bring it on our family trip to Universal Studios next week,) but from initially trying it on, I love that it’s thicker and double-lined so it holds you in. The combination of the dark cocoa colour, square neckline, and higher cut on the legs gives it a minimalist chic vibe.
I got 25% off by signing up for their text messages and shipping was free to Canada—will keep you posted on if it’s worth it.
R&B on repeat
I’ve been in an R&B mood these days, and I know I’m late on the SZA train, but she’s all I’ve been listening to. It’s my favourite kind of background music right now and brings back memories of my teenage years, holed up in my room listening to 90s/2000s R&B on repeat.
A motivational boost
From Mr. Schitt’s Creek, Dan Levy, on overcoming creative blocks, comparison, and offsetting what’s happening in the world. Saved this to watch whenever I’m feeling drained and need a pep talk.
A perspective for your 40s (and 50s)
There’s been some discourse on Substack recently on the topic of getting older and how it can feel embarrassing to be seen as someone who puts themselves out there, mostly in the context of a creative pursuit (e.g., Substack writer, content creator, etc.)
I have felt this. I have felt the creative pull towards wanting to write and share through this Substack and at the same time, cringing at the thought of anyone reading it. I have felt myself shrinking in embarrassment every time my husband has mentioned this newsletter to friends and strangers (he just told me he mentioned it to his physiotherapist earlier this week, gah.) And no matter how many times friends have told me they enjoy my Substack, I can’t help but feel like they’re just trying to be nice or picture them rolling their eyes as they read it.
This is why I loved reading “How should a 39 year old behave? A 54 year old answers” by
. I really value her perspective, and what she shares gives me optimism about entering my 40s next year. One that particularly stuck out to me:“At 40 you worry less and less about being embarrassing. And more and more about being genuine. At 50 that’s convenient because you can only remember who you actually are.”
What I’m excited to watch
The Materialists by Celine Song who also directed Past Lives (so good and achingly beautiful if you haven’t watched yet!) In The Materialists, Dakota Johnson plays a NYC matchmaker torn between the man of her dreams (Pedro Pascal) and her ex (Chris Evans). The trailer makes it seem like a true old school romcom and a bit on the lighter side than Past Lives, and I am—as they say—seated for it.
And, of course, I can’t wait for the season 3 finale of The White Lotus this Sunday. There are some wild theories out there, which my friends and I have been texting each other about nonstop. The final episode is an hour and a half, and when it comes to The White Lotus, it’s anybody’s guess what will happen. On a side note, I’ve written about my love of the wardrobe from Season 2 before and am always impressed by their costume designer’s ability to convey each character’s traits and moods through their style. This Q&A from Cup of Jo with the costume designer was an insightful read!
In my cart for the Sephora sale
Not a lot, as I feel like I stocked up enough during their fall savings sale. My sister-in-law gave me a bottle of the Merit Great Skin Priming and Firming Moisturizer because it didn’t work for one of her friends, and now I fear, I’m hooked. When I wear it with their Great Skin Serum, it gives me the ultimate glow and acts as a perfect base for their other makeup products I use daily. I’ve said this before, I think the reason why I can’t stop buying Merit products is because they work so seamlessly together.
If you’re curious but don’t want to splurge on a full-size bottle, they just came out with the Great Skin Minis, which are essentially travel sizes of their Serum and Moisturizer.
Other than that, I’ll be repurchasing this Anastasia Brow Pencil, which is so easy to use, and this Charlotte Tilbury lipliner. I find I’m wearing lipliner more these days, as they add some definition in photos. Sephora’s sale started yesterday for Rouge members and starts April 8th for VIB and Insiders with the code “SAVEMORE”.
The best thing I ate this week
Hands down, these kimchi potatoes my husband made as a side to his Korean beef ribs. The recipe was inspired by a dish we had when we visited my girlfriend Laura last summer in Kelowna, BC. She took us to Poplar Grove Winery for lunch, where we sat on the patio overlooking some breathtaking views while munching on these kimchi potatoes that blew our minds. My husband, who’s a great cook and is always up for a challenge, wanted to re-create the dish, and his turned out so good. Honestly, I love potatoes in any form, but these really are on another level because of all the flavours (not overly spicy, just the right amount of kick.)
*For transparency, I’ll be marking any gifted items. When I accept a gifting opportunity it’s because it’s a brand I shop at or a piece I’m curious about and want to share with you. All selections and thoughts are my own.
**This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support the work that goes into these newsletters, and I carefully select recommendations based on what I love and would wear, regardless of a commission.
I love the butter yellow! I love the Canadian tuxedo! I love the trailer for Materialists! I love White Lotus!!! This newsletter felt like a shared love list and I am here for it.
First of all, I absolutely adore your writing and perspective and I promise no one is rolling their eyes. However, I understand it can feel very cringey to put yourself out there but I promise you there are so many more people like me who adore and look forward to each one of your letters. You and your writing are truly one of my favorites.
I would love a butter yellow sweater (and I've given myself to the task to see if I can find an vintage option). I also feel like its the second year butter yellow is making its rounds or maybe I'm making that up lol
Also I LOVE denim on denim and I'm so happy to see you rocking it. It looks so fab on you!!