Hello hello! I’m back. I’ve taken some time off Instagram this week and instinctively feel like I should apologize to everyone for how much they’ve missed me. By break, I mean significantly lowered screen time but still go on once a day. A friend inspired me by telling me how much extra time she has to read since getting rid of instagram, and she said she doesn’t even miss it. I have to agree and have honestly taken to a purging in other areas of my life this week as well.
There’s nothing like a clean slate on a Monday morning and this week, the cleaning bug hit. I have been looking at piles of stacked up goods and trinkets and felt like a fresh sweep of our space would do us some good.
My friend Heather who lives in a 600 sq ft apt in nyc with her husband and three kids always preaches about how in small spaces you have to edit your space a lot. And I think it’s just that. Or the new year bug. Or the postpartum decision to get rid of the too tight tshirts instead of holding onto them until they fit again.
I’ve been emptying bathroom drawers, cleaning everything in white vinegar, and somehow still feel like there’s dust everywhere. Am I the only one who saves every drawstring bag I’ve ever received with a purchase in a special place…to be used for…unknown future reason? I gave myself permission to free myself of that collection.
After reading this substack (“why are we buying clothes for lives we don’t have?”), I’ve started logging my outfits to really see what it is I wear on a regular basis. I keep a note in my phone, and here’s a shocker…I wear jeans and a sweater every. day. Part of it is living in an urban environment where footwear has to actually be practical, but I also typically rotate between a pair of sneakers and boots throughout the week. And that’s about all I reach for. I also started keeping a note in my phone per her suggestion of things I’m eyeing. It is crazy how quickly things can be deleted within the span of a week because the desire has passed.
I moved the instagram app to the last page of my phone and in its place is now google home. I caught myself opening the google home app at least 7x on Monday. Which really got me thinking- am I opening instagram for any reason or just for mindless scrolling? It’s pretty addictive. and I tend to always leave my time on the app wanting something. Not always in a bad way-sometimes recipes or crafts get me excited. But a lot of the time, I leave annoyed by someone’s persistent presence or preaching, or suddenly pining for things I don’t need and didn’t need until opening it.
In lieu of scrolling, I’ve been deep in the throes of the last devil to die, and also reading a lot more substacks. I find that fashion substacks create much less of that fleeting desire to buy something, or want it. They tend to be more about longterm pieces that have proven their value over time. and there’s nothing like cleaning out your closet to remind you how much you over buy. I’ve also been using pinterest for outfit inspiration instead of instagram saves.
On another note, my valentine’s day edit:
I’ve always been a pink girl. I have distinct childhood memories of going to the hello kitty store with my grandma to choose pink everything. I may have toned it down a bit to subtle blush and peach at some point along the way, but then I met my husband. He was racing for the “loudest team in the peloton,” and since I refuse to wear branded sports gear, I color matched to be a supportive wife at his races in, wait for it, hot pink.
And then we got pregnant and I was 105% convinced we were having a boy so everything for baby was grey, neutral or blue. And alas, we had Charlotte. And ever since then, I let Neilson know he’s now living in a pink girl’s world. It’s seeping through our white walls into every room.
As Megan Dorsey says every week, “I’m going to remind you that you probably don’t need anything in this (column). But if you’re looking for something similar, perhaps this email will help you find it, or send you in a new direction altogether.”
if only if nightwear-their valentine’s specific pink gingham nightgown in the shape of their pandora is just…chef’s kiss
mirth bathrobe in pink lemonade- I reach for it every morning, and I can’t recommend highly enough.
vintage pink champagne coupes- the thing I love about etsy is that it can be a bit like an antique market or brocante. low scoring for presentation and may only come in sets of odd numbers, but if you’re willing to hunt, there are treasures. and who doesn’t need rose colored glasses? *pun intended
heart embroidered cocktail napkins- a high scoring gift my mom gave me a few years ago that reside on our coffee table year round. if you can embroider-make them yourself, if you can’t-learn from my mom, if you’re not in houston-buy from my mom!
adidas spezial in red and pink- sort of a hopeless suggestion here as I’m pretty sure these shoes sold out in this colorway within a few weeks and are now nowhere to be found. but they’re so good. so if you find your size-go you, and if you see someone else in them-congratulate them on their victory
pantone flowerpot lamp- cordless and classic. I live for a great bookshelf lamp
sezane pink suede ballet flats- I read on a goop guide that a trend worth investing in is shoes with a pop of color. Ever since, these have been living rent free in my mind
cecile m zigzag vases- I’m letting you in on a secret here that I shouldn’t be. I spotted these vases in my friend’s mom’s house over christmas break and couldn’t get enough. But since she’s a ceramicist in portugal I waited until we were back in europe to get my hands on some and cut down on shipping costs. I ordered extra since the price was a flat rate, thinking I’d give some away as gifts. Spoiler*, they are all still on my table with very little intention of being given away.
Last, but never least-valentine’s bouquets of red and pinks can never go amiss. But my favorite part of galentines, is handmaking little gifts for friends. This year’s are still up for grabs but I’ve got some pink and purple linens from the fabric store and a hunch they might become something along the lines of dish towels with embroidered hearts.
My first year in Spain, I made mini dried flower wreaths and chocolate chip cookies. The next year I didn’t yet have close enough friends to make valentines for. Last year, it was an e-valentine-a photo of donuts, rose petals and the first ultrasound with our baby’s heartbeat.
Use your imagination, or just send your friends a blue message full of heart emojis. You really can never go wrong letting someone know they’re loved.
xx frances
Great post and good reminders! And thanks for the shout out … now I’m going to go stitch hearts on something 😘
Have been wanting an if only if nightgown too!