Downtown Diaries 006
"I took a couple, you know, I too some time off to rest and now it's game time bitches." - Nicki Minaj
Hello to all my new and old(er) subscribers!!!
Note to self: Do not start a Substack right before giving birth!!
I’m sorry for the little hiatus. For my paid subscribers, I’ve put the paid tier on pause for now, just until I get a better handle on life with three kids. I truly appreciate your support and hope to be more consistent with posting here moving forward.
Having three kids is wild and magical in every way. I had such a hard time with my first postpartum experience (I always say I was a 28-year-old teenage mom) that getting to have such a joy filled one this time has been deeply healing. I think a lot of it has to do with age, growth, and finally starting to figure out who I am.
Bear is already five months old, and he’s the kind of baby that makes you want to have ten more. I’m soaking up every second, knowing this is my last time experiencing baby life. What a gift it’s been—truly the biggest joy.
Currently Streaming
Love Island UK
Happy Love Island season to all who celebrate. I, however, am a Love Island UK gal through and through. I look forward to it every year, and this year I was lucky enough to give birth in January and have All Stars during my postpartum bubble. I’ll probably watch the US version too—but let’s be real, I’m not sure I have time to keep up with both at once. The words and phrases they use are iconic—I somehow feel cultured afterward? *you can watch on Hulu
Just finished Girls
My TikTok algorithm convinced me to rewatch Girls from the beginning, and I’m so happy I did. I remember loving the show when it first came out, but watching it now from my 35 year old POV hit completely differently. It really made me reflect on how hard your 20s are. You think you’re an adult, but you’re really not. There’s so much pressure to have it all figured out—but it’s actually the time to mess up, try things out, realize what isn’t for you, and most of all… be selfish.
It was also so nostalgic in the best way. A time before smartphones took over, none of the party scenes had people buried in their phones. How lucky I feel to have lived my wild 20s before the social media boom. I don’t think my party girl era would’ve survived being documented 24/7.
My favorite episode? The one where Hannah and Elijah do cocaine and dance the night away. It was fun, emotional, chaotic, and somehow still heartwarming. Such a great rewatch. That stage of life is brutal—and they captured it perfectly.
Add to Cart (and My Closet)
I like summer—I really do. But when it comes to getting dressed? Not so much. In my day to day life, I love wearing jeans, ballet flats, and a cashmere sweater. That’s what I feel my best in. I haven’t quite nailed down my summer outfit formula yet, but let’s consider this a challenge and something I’ll be sharing more of here.
I should also add that there’s an extra layer to all of this: I’m still not fully feeling like myself postpartum, body wise. And that’s okay. It takes me a minimum of a year to feel (kind of) back to myself. That definitely plays a part in how I’m approaching summer style this year.
Here are some items I’ve purchased over the last couple of months.
We’re heading to my favorite European city in just two weeks (any guesses?!) and I’ve already done some damage at Reformation. I picked up a couple of their linen sets and a few simple, print free dresses (this & this one that was in my closet from last year) that I plan to live in all summer. One thing I’m learning about myself and summer style: no prints, please!
Janessa Leoné hat. Technically not new—I was gifted it last year—but I love it so much I’d 100% buy it in another color. It’s also packable, which makes it the ultimate summer hat.
The Minka Ring from Jewels Aficionado. This one was on my wishlist for a while, and I finally treated myself to it for Mother’s Day. I went with the regular size and a lab-grown diamond. My style tends to be pretty simple, and this adds such a special touch.
These AGOLDE jeans. I’m just so happy to be back in denim. I love the subtle V detail and how they hit that perfect oversized but not too slouchy vibe.
Chloé Jelly Sandals. My trend piece of the season. I try to be mindful about which trends I invest in—but the jelly shoe trend? Irresistible. I was a victim of the Row jellies breaking last year (RIP), but these feel much sturdier. I wore them in Miami and plan to live in them when we’re out East in August.
Let’s Talk About the Bag
After 3.5 years, I finally got her—my Mini Kelly. I feel like I should do a full post on my Hermès experience (should I?), but for anyone in this world, you know this is the ultimate offer. Mine is in Craie with Permabrass hardware—a combination typically reserved for special orders, though it seems to be making its way into boutique deliveries now.
Craie was at the top of my wishlist, and truly, I couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect bag. I feel so lucky that the Hermès gods and my incredible SA made this one happen.
Things I am looking forward to…
Bringing Bear to my favorite city
My haircut today
Getting curtains for our living room installed next week
My daughter turning 7 in July (kids’ birthdays become better than your own)
August Out East with the family
Surf lessons in August (really want to do this)
Propagating my fiddle leaf (I kill all plants)
Enjoying my silly little Mini Kelly
Getting a lash lift for my trip