This week in the office was a light one, as most of my clients and colleagues are on vacation. I got 3 different OOO replies that said the person would be out until after Labor Day, 2 full weeks off work, I’m happy for them. But, I still had to get dressed and go in, so I relied on a few favorites and liked 75% of the outcomes.

With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: knowing that my husband will be out the door at 4:30 AM to get to the airport for a work trip, I lay everything out tonight. Checking the weather, it’s going to be a stunning 65-75 degree day tomorrow, so exciting! I choose cream trousers, a blue 3/4 sleeve top, brown belt and brown patent leather ballet flats.

Monday morning: wake up and do my skincare and makeup. Grab my daughter, give her a bottle and snuggle for an hour before our nanny arrives. In the 10 minutes I have between, I start getting dressed and decide I want to wear my oversized Argent blazer given the weather. I swap my blue top for a kermit the frog green tank, grab my blazer and am out the door at a very comfortable temperature :)

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: my daughter is the sleepiest when I get home from work, so we do a quick dinner before bedtime. We read If I Were a Dog 4 times, and I swear she might turn into one at this rate. After she’s asleep, I do Monday’s MWH workout, make a quick ramen noodle and veg bowl, and settle in to watch Five Star Weekend! After 1 episode, I go upstairs, assess my outfit options for tomorrow and get in bed. (use code MEIGHAN5 to get a full year of MWH for $120)

Tuesday morning: I am exhausted so instead of waking up at 5:25 with my alarm, I turn it off and wake up when my daughter announces herself from her crib. After her morning bottle and snuggles in my bed, we head downstairs for scrambled eggs. I am Super Mom on the days I get to take the 7:20 train! I have 9 minutes to change when my nanny arrives, and hate what I laid out last night. NICE! Out of the corner of my eye I see my navy knit top, grab a white poplin skirt and make a split second decision between cream flats and leopard mary janes (old, similar). The leopard wins and I run out the door without a goodbye.

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: dinner, books, bottle, bedtime happen immediately once I walk through the door. I then do my MWH workout, make some pasta, watch another episode of Five Star Weekend and go to sleep! I know what I’m wearing tomorrow because I am straight up copying a girl’s outfit I saw on the street today :)

Wednesday morning: Super Mom strikes again, getting a whole hour and a half together this morning before going to the later train. This is the life! I wear a black vest, pleated navy midi skirt (poshmark XS here) and velvet mary janes (old, similar on sale) just like the girl I saw on the sidewalk. It doesn’t look like her’s did, so I’m not in love with it, but it will do for the day.

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: go for a walk when I get home to soak up the gorgeous weather. Any other parents hate the moment they turn their child front facing in the stroller? I want to see her face! No plan tonight because I fall asleep watching Five Star Weekend.

Thursday morning: I head into my closet looking for my black dress to pair with loafers, and realize it’s at the dry cleaners. Whoops! Since I’m already looking at my dresses, I pull a brown option and pair it with some raffia flats that I don’t mind getting wet later today (old, similar). This dress can use some help in the waist, so I am glad I bought these adjustable belts for a quick zhush. Last day in the office this week, let’s go!

Friday

Thursday night game plan: I finally get to WFH tomorrow :)

Friday morning: I get dressed for an errand in the middle of my WFH day. I recently found the blazer from the Frankie Shop that I’ve been coveting on for 32% of retail price. Honestly, I loved the blazer but the amount I’m going to be able to wear it didn’t justify full price. Patience in the secondhand market won out and I am excited to add an oversized black blazer to my wardrobe — I have 2 other “almosts” that I can now donate. I popped it on over jean shorts and a white tee, and added red flats* because inspired me :)

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• Last week, 30 minutes before my Lyft to the airport, I realized that my passport was not in its designated place. I proceeded to have a mental breakdown, ripping apart every bag I own looking for it. In this exercise, I realized I have way too many bag options. When I got home, I purged my tote bags majorly. Coats are next. The experience will haunt me for a while.

• I’m thinking about putting together a safe for work fall arrivals edition, if anyone would be interested? My spring edition was probably one of my best posts yet so LMK!

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• Have been talking to a lot of you about my Aritzia crepe trousers, and reallllly love the plum limited edition colorway they have

• I tried 3 different plaid items from Mango this week, an elastic waist slip style midi skirt, an asymmetrical lace hem skirt, and a top with an interesting neckline. With ’s R.E.P.S method in mind, I didn’t leave with any, but it was educational ahead of fall trends!

• Hot take: I strongly dislike the tiny rollneck sweater J.Crew launched. I also don’t like their influencer strategy of everyone wearing the same thing on the same day. I don’t believe any of them are going to be wearing this sweater after being paid to do so. The silhouette looks uncomfortable and like something I would constantly be adjusting. The material looks so bulky too? I’m a J.Crew girl through and through but, this was a miss for me.

• doublesoul is having their end of season sale and all socks are 25%. I got a few more pairs of the quarter length, plus a pack of the grippy socks for toddlers for my daughter, who will soon try taking steps but has no concept of a hardwood floor.

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• I went to Bloomingdale’s on Tuesday during lunch to buy a strapless bra. I went in looking for a bandeau, very pessimistic that there was a bra that would fit my current chest. WELL! The saleswoman convinced me to let her take my measurements. Turns out, I was wearing the wrong size and lo and behold: there are not one, but TWO flattering strapless bras for a 34B! This entire exchange took 20 minutes and felt life changing. Go get fitted, I dare ya!

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When I travel for work, I can only take a carry-on and my purse. The packing has to be tight and decisive, which is why I pack in complete outfits. I started thinking about options two weeks early because I was going to be on vacation the week before my trip, and then I took about an hour Saturday night trying things on and ensuring everything worked IRL:

For this trip, I brought the system zipper tote bag, which Cuyana kindly gifted me after seeing me going back and forth all summer about a new work bag. After carrying it for the entire week, I have to give it my stamp of approval. It even held up when my ENTIRE 16 oz water bottle leaked into the bottom - a few paper towels to mop up the moat and it was good as new. The bag itself is lightweight, and even filled with my gear it was comfortable to carry. I opted for the larger 16” size because I knew it would be my personal item for the trip, but I think day-to-day you could get away with the 13” if you prefer. Below is a photo of everything I fit inside of it, not including my laptop!!!

My toiletries and makeup also have to be sparse, since those can sneakily take up a lot of room. I brought multi-purpose options, the tightest version of my routine. Small items, big impact.

Toiletries included: the SIV biome balancing serum, OSEA hyaluronic sea serum, Weleda Skin Food moisturizer, Ilia base milk and mineral SPF, Pixi eye serum*, Donna Karen deo, and Korres face cleanser.

Makeup included: Westman Atelier bronzer/blush combo in Peony/Biscuit, Westman Atelier blush stick in Bichette, cream blush in Lusitano, MAKE eyebrown pencil, rem beauty eyeshadow, Trish McEvoy mascara, Ilia lip pencil, and bonjout potted serum.

Let’s see what we left the hotel in…

Sunday

I left my house at 8:45 to fly out from JFK at noon. I wore black leggings, a white tee, holy grail $17 black cardigan, cashmere wrap and sneakers. After a jog on the boardwalk upon arrival, I changed into the same tee, linen pants and leather flip flops (similar) to go for solo dinner and it was such a nice way to end the day.

Monday

For a full day of meetings with prospective clients, I wanted to look put together but I also needed to be able to walk around an office for a few hours. This blue tank from Argent is a new purchase and I absolutely love it. I took my normal size - the cut is very flattering and I didn’t have to fidget with the straps at all. I paired it with navy crepe trousers, a black belt and snakeskin kitten heels from Aeyde. I have these shoes in 3 colors, and in my opinion they are the best heel on the planet. A slingback with an adjustable strap is just the smartest thing Aeyde does!

I went to dinner with my two colleagues later that night, keeping my trousers on and changing into a t-shirt, beaded necklace and leather flip flops (similar). Shoutout who recently inspired me to upgrade my in-bag-pouch. I used my python bag (pictured) as a clutch all week and felt so chic, for only $50 secondhand! There is one here on Poshmark for $90 I’m sure you could barter for!

Tuesday

Today was my lightest day of meetings, and I was getting coffee with an old friend so I knew I could wear the girliest get up in my suitcase. This pink satin pencil skirt continues to be a great addition to my wardrobe, though I wouldn’t say it’s the most travel friendly - even a good steam couldn’t de-wrinkle it fully. The burgundy tank is new and gorgeous, but admittedly quite annoying. I took the tags off because I love the color so much, but I will need to purchase a bra to work with it. All day I was fidgeting, and no one wants to worry about flashing undergarments while presenting in a meeting!

Wednesday

I had two sets of meetings in separate buildings today, and knowing I would be running between them, I started from the shoe up. I can’t really get over how comfortable these black ballet flats from Everlane are? They don’t make them anymore but if you see them on Poshmark in your size I 10/10 recommend grabbing them. Also, this dress from Theory is flawless. I tried it on at Bloomingdale’s and ordered it in my size immediately. They do simple work dresses perfectly. I felt so good all day! There are SO many of these dresses on The RealReal for like $20-40, if you already know your size or are willing to go to the tailor!!!

Thursday

I had another option packed, but I loved wearing my dress yesterday so much that I put it back on this morning for more meetings. The sign of a great purchase! Leaving the Santa Monica sunshine behind, I flew home on the redeye in the same outfit I flew in with, watched Bend It Like Beckham, and 11 hours later I was home…

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• This was the longest I was away from my daughter so far, and similar to a concept recently wrote about, my mantra was if I am going to be gone, I might as well take advantage. Outside of some extremely successful meetings, I got up early to walk the beach, tried new food, walked every night before bed, binged Sterling Point. It was wonderful and filled my cup, making me so grateful to have my job and equally grateful to have my family to come home to!

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• This piece by really hit home for me:

public space, public style

how should a postpartum person dress?

In one of the final sessions of my postpartum support group, I am chatting to the woman next to me, whose baby is five months older than mine. We are discussing small thin…

Read more

14 days ago · 55 likes · 21 comments · eillie anzilotti

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• I meal prepped a bunch of stuff for my daughter before I left, which made everyone’s lives easier. youeatlikearabbit on Instagram has great ideas for busy moms who are looking to prep for their toddlers! We did her meat kebabs and they were a hit.

• The Cadence system bags are great for travel because you can always find what you’re looking for. I used the small parcel* for my makeup and didn’t have to unpack everything on the vanity like I normally do! (I also tried their capsules for travel as well, but don’t love having to pump product into them and then wasting the left over. I prefer using travel sizes of my products, but that’s just me!)

• I tend to think that having a watch on makes me look instantly more professional. I paired mine with a thin enamel bangle and stainless steel tennis bracelet* all week, and not having to think about any jewelry was super easy. Just same three items and out the door!

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CEO and co-founder had women like me in mind when coming up with the idea for her new company Celisse. When looking for her own at-home nail care options, she saw a clear opening and built a world around it. Jessica and her co-founder Holly recognized that having your nails done is something women want, but can’t always prioritize. Their paper manual addresses this head on, giving you steps for any amount of time you have. Whether you want to take 15 minutes to yourself, or you only have 90 seconds in the drive thru line, there are options for everyone. They somehow built something that looks high maintenance, but is quite the opposite - and I believe that’s why the brand’s following has grown so rapidly.

It is really an honor to have Jessica on well worn today, she is a role model of mine and I so enjoyed reading through her answers! Below, she tells us more about Celisse’s new color launch, her favorite blazers, lessons she’s learned in leadership, and sharks! lol just read on to find out ;)

About You

How would you introduce yourself to the readers?

Hi! I’m , co-founder and CEO of Celisse – a new nail care brand.

What’s one thing we wouldn’t know about you from your online presence?

How much I know about sharks. Did you know that a spinner shark can jump 20 feet off the surface of the water??? And a great white has 3,000 teeth in its lifetime? But maybe you did know that I knew about sharks because you know I have a 4 year old boy.1

In a perfect world, you have 1 extra hour a week to take a class on anything. What would you like to learn or practice?

Honestly right now if I had an extra hour I could do anything with, I’d watch TV. I’m learning so much every day through work. I don’t need to learn more. I need a break!2

Ask someone in your life what your super power is - were you surprised by their answer?

My friend Meg says: “I think your superpower is having the expectation of high standards, and being able to elevate everything around you, whether intentional or by osmosis.”

You know honestly I’m not surprised because this is the feedback I usually get from my team when I do 360 reviews.

What’s something you’ve stopped apologizing for?

Being a little bit disorganized. At this point in my life I know what my strengths are and project management isn’t one of them. That means things are going to fall through the cracks sometimes. It happens! The best thing is to be honest about them and recover quickly. And to just try your best.

I read in your Vogue interview that you enlisted your cofounder Holly to help fill your own gaps in the nail care space - understanding when to bring in experts is one of the most important lessons I have learned in my career, and it seems like one you’ve learned as well. Is there another lesson you’ve learned about leading a company that has surprised you?

One of the biggest things I’ve internalized is the importance of momentum. As a business owner you need to show up every day and work to move things forward. When things are moving already, it’s a lot easier to maintain that momentum. The out of stocks taught me this lesson the hard way! But again, I think right lesson right time.

Who are you becoming that would’ve surprised your younger self?

Maybe how not stressed I am about things. I used to be more anxious. I credit the evolution to 1) Zoloft and 2) having kids.

About What’s Happening Now & What’s Happening Next

What are you working hard on at the moment?

At this moment it’s all of the final details for our red launch: final edits to the email, grid storytelling, sending out mailers… today I am adding all of the new products to the site and uploading images (meep).

From the consumers POV, Celisse popped on the scene and had immediate success. You were part of NYFW with Sandy Liang, a Glossier campaign, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. However, we know by now that this is never the case. Can you tell us about one behind the scenes low point that sticks out in your mind, and how you overcame it?

We had an incredibly strong launch, but that also meant we moved through inventory faster than I expected. For the last six months we’ve been catching up on that front and there have been some low points. In April we had almost nothing to sell on our website and our replenishment run had an ingredient flaw. This was really difficult. But part of why I wanted to start my own business was to deal with all of it (my friend calls it my hero’s journey). I put on my COO hat and worked through it and at the end of the day felt grateful to have this experience earlier rather than later. It was a big lesson for me.

What’s something you’re still working up the courage to do?

Maybe dream bigger for Celisse? I feel like the beauty of this business has been that I didn’t set out to build something that was $20M overnight. But I do wonder if that’s limiting our growth.

Are there any opportunities you’ve intentionally said no to because they didn’t fit the company you wanted to build?

We were recently approached by a pretty big TV show for a collaboration, but we had to decline because we lack the capacity to take it on.

Okay tell us about RED!!! I am a red toenail girl through and through so I am very excited about this launch. How did you know this was going to be your next move? What was important to get right about it?

I credit Holly for pushing us to do Red! We were planning the next year when she made a compelling argument: our first new launch had to be exciting. The people wanted a Celisse red! So that’s how we decided.

In terms of getting it right, we wanted it to be a red that felt Celisse but was flattering on the nail (that’s always #1) so we ended up pushing it slightly bluer than our brand color. We also introduced it with The Set Up, our base coat which you need to use if you’re going to do a red nail. Lastly, we updated our Celisse Method Manual to include tips for full color polish–it’s now officially in its second edition! I’m really excited about where everything landed, from the product to the creative. Can’t wait to see how it does!3

About Bravery

What does being brave mean to you?

A lot of people think starting a company is a brave act, but it didn’t feel that way for me. That part was easy–I’ve gone from idea to launch several times now. It’s dealing with all of this shit that comes up along the way: asking the clarifying question that’s probably going to give you the answer you don’t want to know. Giving the employee the hard feedback. Saying something that’s uncomfortable. That’s what bravery looks like in my life today.

What is your biggest moment of bravery?

We all have these moments that follow us our whole lives, right? I think about Junior in High School Jessica who tried out for the cheer team after getting passed over the year before. Try outs are open and people show up (is this a thing in other sports???) and I was so scared. I spent years feeling embarrassed by the fact that I didn’t make it the first year but now that I’m 20 years away from that girl I can appreciate her bravery.

Is there a routine or ritual that helps you prepare for something daunting?

I think just walking through the conversation and strategizing is always helpful (even with Claude, don’t kill me). Also just knowing that the first time I do something I’m probably not going to be great at it and that’s ok. I had an investor call recently that I bombed and I was like “well that was a learning experience!”

What do you wish women talked about more honestly?

I have a lot of honest conversations with my close friends that don’t make me feel like anything is left unsaid. Maybe this was not true when I was in my 20’s struggling with anxiety and trying to girlboss it up. I feel like I want to see more intergenerational mentorship for women. Some of the most comforting, helpful advice I’ve gotten over the years comes from people who have been there, done that. Who have a lot more perspective. I think opening up those conversations is more important. Maybe it’s more about who is talking to who?

About Getting Dressed

What do you wear when you have to be brave? What is your “suit of armor”?

Definitely a blazer and a low heel! I’m a blazer queen! My favorites are a black tuxedo number from Blazé Milano and a linen oversized one I have from Anine Bing.

Has there ever been a season where getting dressed felt especially difficult—or especially joyful?

Difficult: When I was 27, super overwhelmed at work, on the brink of breaking up with my boyfriend. I think I wore a black turtleneck and blazer most days. I didn’t realize how dark this time was until I got out of it!

Joyful: On my honeymoon. I spent way too much money in the hotel gift shop and thus had some fun new fits to wear around Ibiza.

What’s the bravest purchase you’ve made lately?

A halter top from The Real Real.

What’s one item in your closet that feels most like you?

Brown oversized blazer from Acne.

What’s the oldest item in your closet you’ll never part with?

I love keeping old special occasion dresses. Like ones from 10 years ago. A lot of them are classic, flattering and I feel like I’ll wear them again.

What’s your soundtrack as you get ready for something big?

My wedding playlist which has lots of disco and electronic music.

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Celisse launched 3 new colors last week: red, bunny and swan. You can buy the High Summer Trio for $72 on their site, or individual colors for $24. The Full Set also makes for a beautiful gift, I gave it to my MIL and SIL for Christmas this year and think it would be so fun for brides!

OK BYEEEEEEEEEEEEE! <3 <3 <3

Monday

We had our one year doctor’s visit today so I worked from home! Besides wearing my favorite jeans when I left the house, I spent most of the day in a white tee and the absolute best sweatpants and it was fabulous.

Tuesday

Weather: Beautiful wonderful summer weather.

Agenda: In the office, no client meetings, team lunch with my boss’s boss’s boss.

What I wore: Reformation knit top, patent leather kitten heels (old, similar), navy knee-length skirt (can be found secondhand under Tory Burch Ruth Skirt: size 0 // size 00 // size 10 )

Wednesday

Weather: as I texted my husband, “the city is revolting today, it’s so hot I can’t breathe.”

Agenda: In the office, no client meetings, very slow day…

What I wore: the best $17 cardigan, black flats (old, similar), white cotton column skirt (old, similar)

Thursday

Weather: New York is once again a hot, muggy, disgusting rain forest.

Agenda: In the office, client lunch, young parents cocktail hour after work at the local yacht club.

What I wore: Reformation two piece linen set which I bought +2 years ago and still love so much together and as separates, raffia flats (old, similar).

Friday

Working from home today, I wear old college lacrosse shorts and this oversized striped tee I picked up at aerie. I was choosing between the blue stripe and pink stripe, and it will be hard not to go back for the pink. Also size DOWN, normally a S top, I took an XXS.

the jewelry I wear every day: made by mary birth month flower necklace // $20 birthstone charm // catbird signet ring // stainless steel tennis bracelet // mixed metal watch // diamond huggies // diamond studs

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• I am honestly just excited to spend an entire week not sitting in front of a computer. I think it’s been crushing my soul, so I plan to spend as little time in front of screens as possible this week.

• If you happen to be on Nantucket, my sister who creates custom apparel using upcycled fabrics and vintage denim is going to be popping up August 14th and 15th at Shop Legit! You can shop her stuff online as well or check her out on Instagram <3 <3 support a small business and look fabulous in a one-of-a-kind piece while doing it!

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• , who has honed her personal style across all categories in such an aspirational way, started a new series called Purchase History. Her home buys made me starry eyed!

• Pete Davidson’s sock brand might be my new favorite? I can’t stop wearing these little ruffle socks*!

• I shopped the Baublebar 25% off sale, and got a yellow beaded necklace and a green beaded necklace to add some color to my white tees.

• Did a Zara Kids haul this week and got a few CUTE things: blueberry graphic tee // gingham pants // polka dot barrel pants // gingham bloomers // baby track shorts

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• Fur’s glide stick was the only reason I survived this week’s weather wearing skirts

• I used Claude to run a “CFO analysis” on our expenses for the first 8 months of the year. I use Monarch to track all of our transactions across accounts and cards, but analyzing the overall spending patterns takes a long time. Claude broke it down very quickly and made me feel really good about where we are at as a household!

• My nails are vacation ready without spending an hour at the salon because of Celisse :) 2 coats Vanity + 1 coat Babydoll was my recipe of the week for a slightly pink nude.

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The first birthday is also a celebration of the first year of parenting, so cheers to ME. I actually put together a list a few things I am proud of from those 365 days, an exercise I recommend, as it will give you perspective on how long that first year actually was, even though it felt like it flew by! If you’ll indulge me, here are a few: I recovered from my c-section and now I can squat 80 lbs. I hit my quota for the year in 5 months being back in the office. My daughter is almost 20lbs after being 3lb5oz in the NICU!!! I threw a work event with that merged my day job and this Substack into one very wonderful night. I learned how to play tennis. I wrote 62 newsletters. And most importantly, I have made it through literally every hard thing that has presented itself in the past year. In the face of self doubt, exhaustion, grief, confusion, I have felt my emotions, kept going, and am stronger for it.

Cheers to doing hard things!

With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: checking the Weather app, tomorrow is going to be hot with a chance of rain. Dark colors it is! I am thinking monochrome, mostly because it takes less brain cells. Navy crepe trousers and a navy cardigan are asking for a bit of skin, so I choose an olive sandal with an ankle strap. Early bed time to follow :)

Monday morning: get dressed in everything that I laid out, but I realize I most definitely need a belt. I choose a patent camel option with gold hardware that isn’t too thick, but still is visible enough to break up the all navy. It’s too late when I realize my hair is a disaster, which is the only thing I would really change about today’s outfit. It would’ve looked a lot better with done hair (but is that a surprise?)

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: tomorrow we are on flood watch! This summer’s weather is so hard to keep up with, my goodness. When the forecast calls for rain, I typically reach for my Bass loafers. They’ve been in my closet for +7 years, so at this point are basically waterproof. Reaching for them, I pick an outfit I wore last week and loved. Plaid cropped pants (very old but similar here) and a fitted black top.

Tuesday morning: pretty straight forward morning, outside of the fact that I fell asleep with my hair wet. My heated round brush comes to the rescue, and I have a faux-blowout in 11 minutes flat. Shoutout and her daughter who put me onto this thing, it has truly saved my mornings!!!

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: I have been binging ’s podcast Let’s Get Dressed, and her final solo episode of the season really inspired me to get my sh*t together and make my closet presentable. Currently, there are 4 different bins and bags of clothes that don’t fit or I don’t reach for and it’s really a mess. So, I take an hour and organize into piles: Poshmark, Goodwill, ThredUp mailbag, Person2Person workwear donation, and trash. I then actually post the Poshmark uploads. I email P2P and scheduled a drop off. I download the QR code for ThredUp. I feel amazing!!!

Wednesday morning: torrential downpour is tapering off, but it’s still wet outside. I pull the navy trousers I wore Monday off my chair and replicate an outfit from last week. The J.Crew black shell top, navy trousers, black belt and black flats. A great combo for 80 and raining.

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: in the door, make baby’s dinner, do bedtime, do a strength workout and MWH 10-minute core, shower, make ramen noodles, eat while watching first episode of Elle, get in bed at 10 PM, cry about being a full-time working mom, fall asleep. Reminder you can use code MEIGHAN5 for a whole year of MWH for $120!

Thursday morning: I basically have an emotional hangover this morning, so I’m not really feeling like getting dressed. I go monochrome with grey trousers and cardigan, but a pop of red with my shoes*.

Friday

Thursday night game plan: I finally get to WFH tomorrow :)

Friday morning: my daughter’s birthday party is this weekend, so I take a half day to essentially go to Costco and Michael’s and the dollar store. It’s boiling so I wear a white tank, jean shorts and red flats* - running around town, sweating, I am a mom making magic lol

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• Lots of thoughts in the intro this week, so I’ll spare you any more :)

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• I punched the checkout button on two different silk shell tops last week: one from Argent and one from Reformation (in two colors). I am keeping the Argent one and the burgundy option from Reformation, taking my usual size and very happy with the fit of both.

• eBay graphic tees continue to be king. I found a Re/Done tee I’ve been lusting after for $54 (traditional retail price is $165). My favorite part about buying these things secondhand is I don’t feel like I have to be precious with them like maybe I would if I bought them brand new. The shirt is already worn, so why not continue the trend and wear it straight into the ground! (we can match! size L // size M // size M // size M // all re/done Posh tees)

• I work across from Sephora, and every so often I walk through during lunch. I picked up this new product from Ilia this week because I can’t resist trying anything new from the brand, especially an SPF product. I already use the base milk that they recommend using it with, and have loved the result all week. It isn’t drying and has nice light coverage. note that they did send me the super serum skin tint and i really really did not like the texture or the smell, so you can’t win them all!

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• For the first time in my life, I paid for white glove delivery. We saved up and purchased a set of outdoor furniture from Polywood and I paid extra for the delivery guys to assemble it all and take away the garbage. This saved me time and energy (both in assembling and likely arguing with my husband as one does when assembling), it was the best money I have spent in a really really long time.

• Every single family member who helped celebrate my daughter’s birthday.

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I have been sorting my outfits since coming back from mat leave into 3 buckets lately: disliked, liked and loved; and I am trying to figure out the common themes in each. More to come there, but safe to say that (outside of 1 major dislike) I have 3 outfits that I really loved this week. I do think that’s a result of 2 pieces that I invested a big chunk of budget into (brown dress and pink skirt) but as I am getting older, the more I realize how important that is for me and how I show up at work. Less, better quality options is more!

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend, it’s the best one yet here in CT and I am excited to make the most of it.

With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: my husband and I get in bed to watch House of Dragon and both fall asleep before it even comes out. Oops!

Monday morning: referencing a great piece by my friend , I use white + black shoes recipe for this morning’s outfit. Cream trousers, cream top, black flats (old, similar), black leather belt. It’s even cool enough that I add an olive blazer on top. This is one of my favorite outfits of late, and I catalogue is for my LA work trip in a few weeks.

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: tonight, I got home and only got to spend about 45 minutes with my daughter before she went to sleep. Even though I got to do bedtime, it hit me really hard and I got very very sad. After going for a walk and talking to my mom, I got in bed, hoping that tomorrow will be better.

Tuesday morning: as a result of last night’s feelings, I did not set myself up for success. The weather is hot and raining and I don’t know what to wear. While I am trying on options, my husband tells me it’s time to leave, as I have completely lost track of time. I leave the house in something I don’t love, but some days are like that! A good lesson that I really need to plan ahead, but at least my at-home blow out is still looking good. I didn’t even remember to take a selfie today, subconsciously not wanting to remember this look!!!

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: no plan needed since I am working from CT tomorrow !

Wednesday morning: I wake up at home and get to spend the entire morning with my daughter. I even make her pancakes. Is this what is feels like to work in the same state you live in?! Our nanny comes at 8 and I go upstairs, blow dry my hair, and get dressed for a full day of meetings. It’s absolutely gorgeous outside so I wear my favorite brown sleeveless dress with brown woven heels*, since I’ll be driving the whole day vs. walking. I add my favorite accessory so far this summer, a gold collar necklace that came with 5 charms to swap in and out. Lastly, I grab a small cream leather bag* since I won’t need to schlep my big bag around all day. 10/10 outfit for what ends up being a 10/10 day of business.

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: tomorrow the weather continues to be stunning. I have an internal presentation as well as a client onsite in the afternoon. I decide to repeat the hits, as I pull my pink midi skirt down from it’s hanger. Because the temperature won’t be oppressive, I also choose a knit short sleeve navy top, grounded it all with white heels.

Thursday morning: everything is already all laid out so I just refresh my blow out with my heated round brush and go on my way!

Friday

Thursday night game plan: I finally get to WFH tomorrow :)

Friday morning: guys, it’s actually the nicest weekend of the summer. We wake up and do a family stroller walk to start the day off. I wear the same tank, shorts, socks and sneakers all day, before changing into a black mini dress and black strappy sandals to go to dinner with my friend and the babies outside at the Yacht Club. As says, my social battery is solar powered and boy did this week fill the tank!!! In hindsight, this many necklaces is a hazard around my daughter, but boy did they look good!

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• I was offered the chance to work with Vivrelle this week, a company you’ve maybe seen on socials that is for renting designer bags. I declined, because honestly? As a fiscally responsible woman who does not have unlimited disposable income, ~$150-250 a month to rent a designer bag is not something I feel comfortable promoting. If you are an influencer who is constantly attending events and makes money off of wearing new things? Great - especially if you’re getting the membership for free, like I would’ve been. But this isn’t a free service, you aren’t just borrowing a bag from a friend (the language they prefer is borrow, not rent, ha!) you are paying real money every month for a subscription service! If you really want a designer bag, save the money and make a one-time purchase you can keep forever. I could not with good conscience recommend this brand, and I thought that was very important to note to you all xo

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• I learned that Will Ferrell’s son Magnus makes music and it’s wonderful.

• got a really really really cute bag and I want one too!!! But the brand’s mesh shopper bag is a little more my price tag right now :)

• This white cotton PJ set from Nordstrom that looks very cute on

• Watching ’s styling session with had my full of ideas!

Katie's Edit

A Closet Full of Clothes, Now What?

If you read part one of my styling session with Reva, you know it completely shifted how I think about getting dressed. It pulled me out of my default uniform and forced me to look at my closet with a little more curiosity and a little less rigidity. So coming into round two, it wasn’t about starting over or filling gaps. It was about seeing what would happ…

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4 months ago · 103 likes · 12 comments · Katie Durko and Reva

• This pink jacket that Marlene Rougier made:

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• Claude made me a house cleaning chart, so I know what I should be doing daily/weekly/monthly to maintain my home. So nice!

• My mom watching my daughter Saturday morning so my husband could go to a 6:30 AM tee time while I went to cardio tennis clinic.

• Happy Returns, a genius company. I got these taffeta shorts from Tuckernuck when they were released, but when they came the size chart online did not match up to the IRL sizing. Such a bummer but because of the Happy Returns option I had a refund as soon as I brought them to UPS. Not a sponsored thing, but very very helpful lol

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My husband was also away this week for a work trip, and looking back I relied pretty heavily on my neutrals to get me through from an office outfit perspective. No space in my brain for any creative pairings, so I opted for blacks and browns and my heavy hitter accessories (red flats, leopard belt) when needed. Though relatively basic, I can’t say that I hate the outcomes. Pressure makes diamonds, am I right?

With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: Sunday nights after a weekend away require a specific level of concentration. After we get home at 9 and put our girl down, I move through everything in a slight haze. Empty baby travel bag, repack home diaper bag, unpack suitcase, unpack personal bag, repack work bag, get ready for bed. Hit the pillow, asleep in an instant.

Monday morning: wake up and take a look at the weather forecast while I brush my teeth. Another heat wave incoming, nice… today I have only internal meetings, so no need to go too fancy. I pull some navy cotton trousers*, a green tank, patent brown belt and white flats*. For the hotter days we’ve been having, this tank’s coverage is pretty perfect the office, in my opinion.

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: my husband is going to London for a work trip this week, so he did bedtime while I did a MWH strength workout in the back room (code MEIGHAN5 gets you 1 year for $120). After we both got ready for bed, we started the new season of House of The Dragon. It was excellent honestly, and I’m glad he pushed me to give it a go after last season wasn’t my favorite.

Tuesday morning: Aidan leaves at 4 AM, I wake up at 5:15 with the baby. We snuggle a little before I put her back in her crib so I can go to the bathroom and brush my teeth/do my skin care. Grab her again and set her down while I get dressed. It’s going to be 90 in the city, so I choose very drapey pieces. An old black tank from J.Crew, crepe trousers, a black belt and black leather flip flops for the commute (not pictured are the heels I changed into). Black and brown is a combo that always makes me think of , she makes it look so good!!! The neutral color combo really makes my everyday jewelry pop too, a nice little detail that only I probably notice.

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: once my daughter is asleep, I am alone in my house. I watch 2 episodes of Love Island UK, drink my magnesium powder and go the F to sleep.

Wednesday morning: our nanny is coming early today so that I can do the hand off before going to work. This means I have 30 minutes to get dressed and out the door, enough time to pick out what I’m wearing in the morning. I am going to see some clients in the afternoon, and it’s going to be 96 degrees, so options dwindle pretty quickly. I pick a brown dress (currently 30% off!), add red shoes* and a leopard belt around my waist. Obsessed! Off I go!

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: go through the bedtime routine with my little munchkin and put her in my favorite PJs. After she’s asleep, I do a MWH strength class, shower and get in bed. I watch the new season premiere of Project Runway, as a millennial, I have such a soft spot for this show and will watch every season regardless of how bad the last one was.

Thursday morning: my mom comes over to help before our nanny arrives. I have a little time to get dressed, so I try a few options knowing it’s once again 90 degrees outside and I have a trading floor visit later in the day. I decide to wear some cropped plaid pants, a fitted black tank and black loafers. I make a mental note to measure the inseam of these later today, as I really like where the crop hits my ankle!

Friday

Thursday night game plan: I finally get to WFH tomorrow :)

Friday morning: WFH today in sweat shorts and a tank top as I have no meetings and am just doing excel stuff. My husband gets home from his work trip though and we go out to dinner at my favorite spot. 5:30 reservation for Negronis, little gem salad, tuna crudo and shoestring fries. There is nothing better in my book!!! I wear a black button down (current 50% off), old khaki shorts, flip flops and a ton of necklaces (charm collar, baroque pearls, birth flower necklace 20% off MEIGHAN20). My version of not trying too hard for an early res but also, this is my first time out all week so I want to try?!

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• I received a gift from Aurate last week, as they launched their stainless steel collection. As someone who struggles with wearing dainty bracelets, I took the opportunity to test out the stainless steel white sapphire tennis bracelet - and I haven’t taken it off. It’s not real, but honestly I am not in a point in my life where I would have a real tennis diamond tennis bracelet, and I’m not sure I ever will be. But this is a great test drive. I want to also state that, I bought 2 other bracelets with my own money from the stainless steel launch and sent both back. When the steel is the base, the matte look of it doesn’t bother me, but when it’s the primary metal - it kind of just looked like paper clips? The tennis bracelet, though, is a great price point (plus MEIGHAN20 gets you 20% off), but I also wanted to be honest about the full collection if anyone else is perusing!

• I listened to the podcast episode on Alex Cooper and Alix Earle and it was really freaking good. I would highly recommend if you have a big commute or a long drive ahead. They made some points I never would’ve thought of about the business of relatability and the way the two girls operate!

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• I wore my black shell tank this week and realized how much I love the shape of it. It’s so flattering on my body. The one I have is from J.Crew, I don’t know how many years ago, so I am considering maybe getting a color one from Argent? My sister got the pickle color at our event last month, but I think navy feels like the right one for me.

• With the heat wave, I saw a ton of mesh and woven flats this week on the streets of New York. I was Googling and found these denim mesh flats from Tony Bianco and I really love the light blue.

• ME+EM is having a big sale and my favorite brown dress I wore this week is included. A few other items included that I love for the office: orange A-line swing dress // floral creaseless linen maxi // cashmere baby tee // tweed jacket as a top // creaseless linen brown skirt

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• The Ringer recaps of House of the Dragon, couldn’t do it without my girls Mal and Jo!

• My Swedish dish cloths. I’ve been using these for years, I have a subscription with Papaya Reusables and they send them direct to my doorstep. They’re so helpful, especially when you run out of paper towels like I did this week. You can also throw some in your Grove Collaborative order, if you would rather a one off vs. recurring order.

• Doordash: for my own dinner but also for my friend whose son was in the hospital this week. I couldn’t get her anything homemade while I was running solo, so I sent her a gift card in hopes that her and her husband could order in and not worry about dinner. A small but mighty option for any friend who could use some help!

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You realize that in one month, you will want to start planning a party too.

You will start by scrolling through Paperless Post, trying to pick the perfect piece of virtual paper to sum up 365 days with the human you grew inside your own body. It is an utterly impossible task, so you decide to make your own featuring Snoopy and Woodstock, because the first thing anyone called her in the OR was Peanut. A nod to how small she once was feels important to memorialize. It’s easy to forget the fear, but last year you didn’t know whether or not your baby would be born breathing. And now her squeals of delight take your breath away.

You will attend said friend’s party and wonder if you are planning enough, before reminding yourself how futile that question can be. Still, you note that the gate over a quilt in the grass is a very smart move, and that your mom is right - it is absolutely time to upgrade the patio furniture from your $11 Facebook Marketplace wicker set that is all chipped paint and sunken cushions. You plan enough, but also realize that no one is going to remember the details, and if they do, it’s because something crazy or horrible or hilarious happens, and that will make for a great story one day.

You will collect RSVPs and realize how many new friends will be in attendance. How 1 year not only grew your nuclear family but also your community. How easy it is to make a new friend by simply laying out your deepest fears to someone and having them understand. Some people say that being a new mom is the most difficult time to make friends and I disagree. It is the most vulnerable you will ever be, and that is the perfect environment in which to grow a friendship. Water it with your own tears and feed it with the warmth of your postpartum night sweats and you end up with a connection that cannot be explained. But the best part is that you don’t have to explain or define any of it. Days and weeks can go by with deep understanding that silence can be broken by a random complaint or question at any given hour. It is why, after a year of grief and solitude, this year has given you a few new people to lean on.

In order to have a first birthday party, you must also become very very nostalgic. You will go through every photo and video you have taken in the past year, unable to comprehend how much has happened in that small amount of time. You will look at your baby with wonderment, tearing up whenever you remember how close you are to the biggest milestone yet. You all made it, together; you didn’t know what it would look like, but boy are you lucky how it went. You will constantly remark to your husband how you cannot believe she is yours, how impossible it feels that you are parents, how it really must all be a dream. But you will also register the exhaustion of those 365 days on your face and your body. And you will praise them both for their service, their bravery, their strength and sacrifice. I guarantee next year you’ll look back and be so proud of how you looked. 1 year in, she didn’t know how good she had it. But she also doesn’t know how much better it gets.

You imagine that the night before your baby’s first birthday will be one of the most surreal of your entire life. Akin to the feeling of waiting to go to the OR, knowing that once you leave, everything changes. The first birthday feels like the first drop of a roller coaster. You’ve been inching up, slowly, to the top, and passing this day means time will really start whipping by. The perception of solid ground will completely disappear. Sure you haven’t actually been standing on your own two feet for a while, but at least you could pretend. The passage of her time is more slippery than the passage of your own. You think of ways to make it stop, silently acknowledging the simple truth: there is no way off this ride.

I am still a few weeks away from throwing a 1 year old’s birthday party, but I can already confirm that both yours and mine will be perfect. Every single part of the plan could go wrong, but if my daughter turns one and I am there first to wish her happy birthday, nothing else matters. She is my very best thing. She makes me the very best version of myself. There was never a doubt in my mind that we would plan a day to celebrate her life, especially because of all the uncertainty that lead up to it. I think about our first, who after 20 weeks of waiting, we did not get to meet. Whose first birthday would have been in April and who I dream about a lot recently. Without him, there would be no her, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. That context, really makes everything clear.

This year was a magical, miraculous gift.

Planning a party is truly the least I could do.

Anyways, despite the raging hormones, I quite liked my office outfits this week, especially because I wore my pink pencil skirt. I love this skirt so much that I want it in a second color, but I really don’t wear the one I own enough to justify that. This is an actual sickness and I work really hard to avoid this impulse lol a good reminder that I can admire things from afar without needing to own them!

With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: we get home from the long weekend around 3:30 and do all the things. Clean the fridge, grocery shop, ingredient prep, unpack everyone, repack the diaper bag, etc. etc. Before I get in bed, I look at the weather forecast for tomorrow. Flood watch continues, so I think about commuting in sneakers and a rain jacket. Sometimes, a skirt is better for this so I don’t have to worry about hem getting dirty. I pull a silk polka dot midi out and hang it front and center for the morning. I usually like these skirts with my white kitten heels and a black vest (old, similar crepe // similar linen), but maybe there is room for some creativity?

Monday morning: the weather is as expected, but I am feeling meh about what I pulled out. I try a few other things, but as time runs out I realize that the first option is fine. Honestly I slept horribly, so anything is not going to feel great this AM. For now, I throw everything on and shove my shoes in my bag. A very Monday Monday if I’ve ever seen one.

Note: I have wanted a short sleeve black sweater approx. 8 times in the past 3 weeks, so maybe it’s time?

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: not a clue what I will wear tomorrow but I am going to go to sleep anyways. YOLO.

Tuesday morning: wake up to the first day of me period, fantastic. No wonder everything felt bad yesterday! I have a full day in my own office today, and it’s raining once again, so I pick an outfit I wore a few weeks back featuring my green canvas pants from Ralph Lauren. These pants are so comfortable, they are just what I need. Last time, I paired them with a blue oxford, black leather belt and zebra print flats (old, new version). So I do that again.

Editor’s note: by the end of the day, I had not only bled through these pants but a stranger on the train home spilled coffee on me. They washed clean thanks to Dawn dish soap, but my goodness did it test my patience!!!

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: it’s finally going to be nice tomorrow and I really want to wear my pink skirt. It’s been too long and I just want to wear it so I will because I’m an adult and I make the rules!

Wednesday morning: I am feeling very Eloise this morning, with my pink skirt sandwiched between a black top and black heels. The red cherry bag charm* really rounds out the color palette. I feel very chic walking to work tbh, which is amazing because on day 2 of my period, chic is not a word that tends to come to mind.

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: n/a

Thursday morning: I am le exhausted upon wake up to my child shaped alarm clock an hour earlier than I should be awake. Getting dressed, I try a combination of brown trousers and a brown tank top and look, frankly, horrible. I instead grab a blue cotton dress*, pair it with my trusty white flats*, and pop on a pink and silver bangle for some color. Last day in the office, let’s get this over with.

Friday

Thursday night game plan: I finally get to WFH tomorrow :)

Friday morning: I am working a half day at home before driving us out to Long Island to celebrate my youngest sister’s birthday. It’s the first weekend where all 4 siblings + their significant others will be out together. I’m so beyond excited! I put on a matching shorts* and shirt* from WNU with an old tank top and some plastic Birks, so I can do all the things I need between meetings, and then hit the road.

Saturday

Saturday night we went to the Monster Truck Derby at the local raceway. Quite the trip 😂 what do you wear to the raceway you may ask? Well, besides ear plugs, my sister wore a Re/Done graphic tee, vintage denim shorts and some red cowboy boots:

I wore a yellow cotton top, plaid button down, men’s jorts and a pair of Ganni cowboy boots:

And nothing beats some event merch like my brother’s girlfriend absolutely rocked :)

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• I may be the last person to discover Clinique’s black honey, but oh man. It now has a designated place on my desk right next to my Celisse cuticle oil pen. What is this magic?! My lips have never looked or felt better.

• I need more discourse around Love Island US vs UK this year. It’s incredible the difference of how these women see themselves in relation to the men. I no joke would have my daughter rewatch this season of UK when she starts talking to boys, it is that educational.

• I went for a run this weekend and when I got back, my grandma asked me how it went. I said it went very badly and she responded that it doesn’t matter if it went badly, it just matters that it happened. In this era of my life, she is so so very right.

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• My sister ordered these summer ballet flats* and I can’t wait to see her in them. She works for herself so lives in denim and cute little dresses, and I think they’ll work seamlessly.

• I really, really, truly love these zebra print kitten heels. I cannot resist a fun shoe, sue me!

• My favorite Madewell jeans were on super sale and I snagged them 50% off in a really dark indigo. They’re final sale sadly but I know my sizing for them so I was able to take advantage :)

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• Dawn dish soap and Dawn dish soap finally living in an actual dispenser*. Important to differentiate between both.

• My nanny, she makes my life easier every week if we’re being real!

• Ballerina Farm electrolytes, which I was originally gifted and have since rebought. I am running on a LOT of coffee lately and I think maybe these are balancing it out? Hopefully?! Let’s be honest probably not…

• This lullabies playlist that must have baby magic laced into it

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When you look for reviews on Lisa’s new book Natural Disaster, many come up. But the description on her publisher’s page tees it up perfectly: One perfect day. A million catastrophes. For weeks she has been saying it will be their special day. One last, perfect day with her children before she returns to work after maternity leave. What’s the worst that can happen?

Lisa has created a book that faces the realities of motherhood - and life - head on. It is monotonous and guilt-ridden and infuriating and self-flattening, but it is also beautiful and hilarious and, somehow, too short. I found parts of it difficult to read, likely because I am still close to my own maternity leave and the stress a new baby can cause. Lisa addresses that reaction below, not by downplaying it but instead beginning with the statement that “[her] aim in writing it was to acknowledge that the difficulty and joy exist together, and one can’t really be felt without the other.”

Lisa’s answers reflect the way she writes (and, I imagine, the way she lives). I adore both her humor and her honesty. She is candid about her reality while also recognizing that she is the one with the power to change it, a sentiment so relatable yet so easily forgotten. While motherhood is a unique experience, it mirrors life in that we have to move forward through the tough stuff and appreciate the small wonders. Because of this, I believe everyone will find something to take away from Lisa’s interview, whether or not you are a mother yourself.

Thank you, Lisa for your time and sharing with the i think it’s brave readers!

How would you introduce yourself to the readers?

I’m a novelist and screenwriter living in London with my husband and two children. My second novel, NATURAL DISASTER was published in the US on July 7th. My first book, NOT WORKING was released in 2016 -- so long ago I feel like a debut author again!

What’s one thing we wouldn’t know about you from your online presence?

I love the NYT Connections puzzle, and at the time of writing am on a streak of 429 consecutive puzzles successfully completed (I hope bragging about this doesn’t jinx it).1

In a perfect world, you have 1 extra hour a week to take a class on anything. What would you like to learn or practice?

It’s not hugely original, but I’d have to say the piano. I learned for a couple of years as a child, but struggled with reading music. It’s like maths for me: my brain can’t translate the notation without great, plodding effort, which is antithetical to the feeling I crave when I see talented musicians play -- I imagine it to be a kind of immersive flow state.

The wonderful Australian writer Helen Garner started learning at 40, which I sort of keep in the back of my mind as a little reminder that it’s never too late to start, though having said that, I have just turned 41...

What are you working hard on at the moment?

Traditionally, I’ve always found the process of writing extremely difficult and tortured, and I think I’ve come to believe that it has to be that way to produce anything of value.

I’m working at the moment on trying to approach it with more lightness -- I don’t mean regarding the subject matter, but my mindset when I sit down at my laptop. It seems very simple to say ‘What if it doesn’t have to be so hard?’ but very difficult to live the reality of that. So in short I guess I’m working hard to make working hard ... less hard?!

What is your ideal writing routine? Do you write at home, go somewhere specific? How do you get into the groove?

I’m still trying to find the answer to this riddle! I mostly write from home: we are lucky enough to have a garden office, but even being at this slight remove I find it difficult to fully disengage from the flow of the household when I’m working (cooking, laundry etc). I often find that by the time I’ve achieved my regular caffeine intake, done some exercise and ensconced myself at my desk, it’s time to collect the kids from school.

My most successful (but hard to pull off) hack is going away somewhere for a few days alone when possible, where I can let go of normal time and routine, and just write with abandon. Otherwise it’s just a case of accepting that my ‘process’ is deeply flawed and doing what I can without beating myself up over not being productive enough.

What’s something you’ve done that younger you would be proud of?

A couple of years ago while on holiday in Slovenia, my family and I went canyoning. If you’re fortunate enough to be unfamiliar with this extreme outdoor pursuit, it basically involves a long upward hike in a wetsuit, helmet and boots, in order to descend a series of rock faces and waterfalls, using a combination of abseiling and leaping from not insignificant heights into deep natural pools (while attached to ropes). Before having kids, it’s the sort of thing I would have refused to do point blank, but everyone else was so keen to do it, and I didn’t want to be the only one who missed out. It WAS terrifying and I found it extremely challenging, but also stunningly beautiful and exhilarating. I’m glad my children got to see me finding something scary and doing it anyway -- and I found their bravery and enthusiasm really inspiring when I was at my most terrified.

When you think of someone brave, who comes to mind — and why?

If I may say two -- Greta Thunberg and Sally Rooney, who have not only used their significant platforms to campaign for Palestine (among other issues), but who have redoubled their efforts in the face of repeated attempts by powerful entities to silence them.

What does being brave mean to you?

There are so many ways in which I am not brave at all, but I do think writing for an audience requires some degree of bravery. Reading is such an immediate, intimate act, where the writer gets to speak directly to the reader, but for their part, the reader can shut the book on you at any time. To believe you have something worth saying, and to release it into the world requires a combination of bravery and foolhardiness -- once the work has been published, it is completely beyond your control, and it is up to readers how it is received.2

What is your biggest moment of bravery?

The older my kids get, the more I feel that deciding to have a baby is one of the bravest things a human can do, and I say this having had, in my personal opinion, two of the best kids in the world. You begin from a place of total unknowing -- about every element of the process from conception (whether you will be able to) through childbirth (which can take its own crazy course) to the actual new person or people you bring into the world. It is, when you think about it, an undertaking of such longevity and profundity that it’s amazing so many of us do it. And it feels even braver given the current state of the world - a miraculous act of courage, and show of faith in humanity and our collective future.

What is a piece of advice you received from another mom that stuck with you? What new piece of advice would you pass down from your own experience?

It’s a cliché for a reason, but ’this too shall pass’ has to be the most enduring one, and I find it’s evergreen. It reminds you that parenthood and childhood are developmental and dynamic entities that are always evolving. The things you find hard at two months you might have completely forgotten about by twelve months.

The piece of advice I would pass on down is maybe that Rilke quote below, or even Samuel Beckett’s amazing ‘I can’t go on. I’ll go on’. It sounds so bleak on the face of it but I have found that actually acknowledging how difficult some aspects of parenting, or life in general might be, and sitting with the feeling that you can’t go on, is like struggling along with a heavy bag and setting it down on the ground when it gets too much — it is a moment of acceptance and rest that actually allows you the perspective and energy to pick it back up again and keep going.

What’s something you once thought was small that now feels like an act of courage?

I used to think posting on social media about politics and injustice was a bit pointless, like speaking into an echo chamber. But my great friend Jessica Stanley (whose wonderful novel Consider Yourself Kissed has just come out in the US in paperback!) once said ‘remember, you might be the most radical person on someone’s feed’, and since then I have understood how powerful it can be. It isn’t always comfortable or easy, but when there is so much misinformation out there, it feels courageous to use whatever small platform you might have to speak out.

Your new book is loosely inspired by Mrs. Dalloway, a book unit that I LOVED during high school. What made you want to recreate a modern story in a similar style?

I am a huge admirer of Virginia Woolf, and Mrs. Dalloway especially. I love how she used the container of one day to convey the felt experience of life in all its diverse emotion, perception and impressions. A day is both existential (as Philip Larkin wrote, ‘Where can we live but days?’) and ordinary, which is how I also feel about motherhood, the way you are shifting constantly between prosaic concerns like ‘is the changing bag sufficiently well stocked?’ to more philosophical, moral ones like ‘how can I help my child to be happy and resilient?’ I love the close third person point of view that Woolf uses too: it allows unparalleled access to a consciousness, while the third person narrative allows perhaps a little more scope and objectivity than a character’s own immediate perspective might plausibly grant the reader.

I have to admit, the book has been difficult for me to read at parts, because it reminded me of some dark days postpartum / made me a little worried for the toddler days ahead. How did you balance writing a text that felt realistic without it falling into a hyper negative place?

I’m sorry to hear it’s been a difficult read in parts! I think my aim in writing it was to acknowledge that the difficulty and joy exist together, and one can’t really be felt without the other. I think there is a temptation to wish away the ‘hard’ bits of early parenthood and fast forward to a time where things are more manageable, but actually (and I say this a few years out of the so-called trenches), those first days/months/years have a beauty and intensity that is up there with the extreme experiences and feelings of life — it reminds me of the Rainer Maria Rilke quote: ‘Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.’ I think that was what I was trying to capture, the ‘everything all at once’ nature of parenthood.

In terms of balancing it, that was where humour comes in for me: I find life very funny even in very dark, bleak moments, and parenthood is frequently absurd in the kind of negotiations you find yourself entering into, and some of the contortions you find yourself in trying to keep everyone happy, or at least content. So I wanted to make sure that was in there too, the comedy of it, and the deep love the protagonist feels for her children, as well as the chaos and challenges.

What do you wear when you have to be brave? What is your “suit of armor”? Do you have multiple?

This feels like such a middle-aged answer but for me, comfort is key: if I have to be brave (which probably involves some sort of public speaking) I do not want to be worrying about clothes not sitting right, painful shoes and so on. It’s usually tried and tested combinations of basics where I feel happy with the general silhouette, and then the armour element comes with a trifecta of: earrings, lipstick and freshly washed hair, which make me feel more confident and together, or at least, a bit less self-conscious and sufficiently presentable.

Do you think clothes can change how brave you feel?

Definitely. There is nothing worse when you are already anxious or apprehensive than feeling in some way ‘inappropriately’ attired. Wearing the wrong shoes, for example, can genuinely tank my mood. If I have to be performing in some way that requires bravery, I don’t want to be thinking about my physical appearance on top of whatever is going on inside nerves-wise, which again is why feeling comfortable to me is so important.

What’s the bravest purchase you’ve made lately?

Oof. An 8kg kettlebell and some lighter dumbbells. I have to say this was a brave AND optimistic purchase, because I’m yet to liberate them from their packaging (it’s already been a few weeks since they arrived...) I keep hearing about the importance of strength training for women over 40, and I’m so on board with the idea in theory but in reality, factoring it into my day is presenting the real challenge. Writing this has spurred me on though, so I will be brave and start in earnest this week!

Is there a routine or ritual that helps you prepare for something daunting?

As alluded to earlier, I’m not the world’s most confident public speaker, but having a book out, there’s a certain amount of it required. I try to prepare well for events, and make notes in my phone, knowing that if the worst happens, I have them to fall back on. Just before I ‘go on’ I will have a quick look through the notes and do some abdominal breathing to help me relax.

Last but not least, fill in the blank.

i think it’s brave: to use your voice.

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• Lots of things I’ve been loving lately in this intermission!

  • This piece by . I love a personal essay, and this one is beautiful.

  • Our Perfect Storm by Carly Fortune. I finished this at the beach the other week while I was watching naptime, and I was straight up sobbing behind my sunglasses. 10/10 recommend.

  • My MIL and SIL both asked about the produce covers I used to transport some solids this weekend. I sung their praises once again lol I love an IRL influence.

  • The Westman Atelier blush stick in red* (bichette) is the perfect faux-sunburn color for summer!!!

  • Following all things Love Island USA on Threads. I need my opinions verified!!! The memes are also so good.

  • I loved this episode of ’s podcast with . She has such cool style and I loved the peak into her brain.

  • It’s woven shoe season and Margaux does it best. To me, they add instant ease a la . I love these raffia mules and these woven flats in black for fun office shoe options.

  • We’ve been loving the Simple Mills muffin box mix for my daughter. The entire process takes about 30 minutes and she has a little healthy snack throughout the week!

  • My friend gave me this bowl from Crow Canyon as a housewarming gift, and I quite literally refuse to use any other bowl. It’s kind of hilarious but also not. Something about the base being so wide makes it perfect?

As for what you’ll see below, I was in the office 3 days this week, but included some weekend outfits just for fun. Next week we’ll be back with a full four day week, but until then!

Lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: all my dry cleaning is back! YAY!!! I haven’t worn the striped polo I bought this spring, so I start with that. It’s been staring at me from the drawer, questioning it’s own existence. I lean fully into summer and lay out cream pants alongside it.

Monday morning: this morning’s getting ready is a smooth one. I get dressed and really like the combo. Grab a dark belt and green flats as accessories, and do my quick makeup routine. I have time to make a bottle, flip the laundry, pack some snacks, and change my daughter before handing her off to her dad. 1 morning down, 2 more to go this week!

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: the heat wave descends upon the tri-state tomorrow and isn’t going to leave until after the holiday weekend. Honestly? I’m dreading it. I think I’m going to wear green linen pants and a green tank tomorrow, a little monochrome moment to beat the heat.

Tuesday morning: our baby is awake at 4, 4:15, 4:30, 5 - so there is no purpose to my alarm. I am puffy and exhausted and a tight top sounds like hell. I grab a white linen dress from two years ago and pair with some loafers that I know won’t give me blisters. The K18 dry shampoo comes in for the win once again, reviving what would’ve been a very flat hair day.

this dress is old but it’s all over resale websites: white size 14 // white size 0 // white size 2 // navy size 6 // navy size 8 // navy size 12

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: get home from work and jet off to the pool before it closes to cool down. An hour in the baby pool after dinner is a great way to get your baby ready to PTFO for the night. I do a MWH workout class at 8:45, shower, and lay out some clothes for tomorrow. The heat wave rages on, but at least it’s my last day before vacation. (Remember MWH is giving readers a full year for $120 with code MEIGHAN5 !!!)

Wednesday morning: every morning this week has been nice and easy. I put on the white Sea NY top and green linen trousers I had laid out, and pair them with a pair of raffia mary janes I got last summer. I will say, the shape of the top with the bottoms is a little casual leaning, but it’s a million degrees and a holiday week, so I roll with it.

Long Weekend Outfits (no full length mirror to assist with this set)

To the beach 3 different days. A white cotton coverup two days and a reworked button down on the day I wanted more sun coverage.

To meet for an early coffee at the new local spot in Westhampton. So fun to see my Substack friends IRL, especially when they are also up at the same time as the coffee shop opening 🤭

To the early Fourth of July BBQ across the street. I was home with my daughter by 8 and we were both asleep within minutes. Beach days with a baby really take it out of me!!!

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• One of the guys on my team at work got a promotion, and I received half of his book of business. Let me tell you, my brain is forgetting simple words like napkin this week. Between work at the office and work at home (meal prep for a baby is shockingly a lot of mental load) my brain is SCRAMBLED. I am not helping myself by being on my phone, so I am relying heavily on my Brick this weekend, as well as just leaving my entire phone at home. To all the working moms out there… I see you!!!

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• A woman at the coffee shop was wearing this set from La Maregold and I am so obsessed. I Googled it immediately, she looked so chic at 8 AM.

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• Boy oh boy does feeding a baby require organization for us office moms. To ensure that my nanny can easily find everything I prep, I am relying on two long fridge bins (with dividers or without). They are labeled with frog tape, one for cold items and one for things to heat up. They come with tops but I took them off for easier access, and they fit 2S or 1M deli container perfectly. Its a small detail, but it’s been impactful to know what we have and how much left we have of it.

• Melia on the team at fur noticed how I’ve sung the praises of they’re glide/chafe stick for the past year, and kindly offered to send their skin oil* and trimmer to try out. I’ve used both for ~3 weeks now, and the oil keeps things smooth in my underarms and bikini line, even when I am constantly shaving for summer activities. Also, I’ve never used a trimmer*, but I’m a full convert. I don’t need to go down to the studs every time, so it makes maintenance way more comfortable. Shoutout to the fur team, I was already a fan, but now I am even more :)

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I am up today with a bit of a hangover, but luckily am heading to a friend’s house for an outdoor morning hang with their kiddos. Very low key, very much needed. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the weekend.

With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: tomorrow is going to be a doozy. Not only do I have a client visit in the afternoon, but we are on flood watch in New York. Trying to get dressed for those two things at the same time is very difficult. On top of that, 50% of my work wardrobe is in the dry cleaning hamper (separate, lives in my closet, recommend so your husband doesn’t accidentally wash your clothes). Not a lot of options to be had, but I’m sure we will be okay. Watch some Love Island, I am weeks behind, and head to bed.

Monday morning: forgot to set the alarm on my Hatch and wake up with 20 minutes to get out of the house. My nervous system loves to see this on a Monday. I default to a monochrome look, navy crepe trousers, navy draped knit top, and brown belt, nude heels (old, similar). I grab a plaid jacket to fend off the train, but will rely HEAVILY on my umbrella to keep my dry on my walk over to the client’s offices later this afternoon.

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: the weather is not letting up tomorrow. My work wardrobe continues to dwindle, but my new Argent blazer is ready to shine.

Tuesday morning: when I wake up, I look at my calendar and realize I’m going to be spending pretty much the entire day at my desk. I make an executive decision to put on jeans with my blazer. Letting be the main character, I also put on a white button down and black loafers. If I could wear this every day, I would. It’s the best combo!

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: I walk into my closet with the knowledge that tomorrow will be a perfect summer day. Since all my pants are still dirty, I look through my skirts and decide I’ll wear the secondhand Prada camel skirt I got off .

Wednesday morning: I pull my skirt on with a striped button down and it does not look like I thought it would in my mind. Then, I pair it with a short sleeve jacket and love the result so much that I save it for tomorrow when I know I have client meetings. Thank God I realize that my favorite linen trousers have been hiding in the corner, and work around them quickly before I leave for the train!!!

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: no need to plan tonight since I’m just going to wear the outfit I put aside this morning! I have been doing MWH workouts before bed, following her weekly calendar helps when I don’t have the mental energy to choose. They actually gave me a discount code that gets you a full year for $120, which is less than one month at my gym, and the equivalent of one fancy coffee a month. Kind of a steal in my opinion? I used it lol MEIGHAN5

Thursday morning: wake up before my alarm because our girl wakes up screaming. Hungry little monster that one! Thank god I have everything picked out, and I get ready on autopilot. I tested the new K18 dry shampoo (the Phelong sisters approve, and their hair is literally insane) and I am a big fan. It fully revived my day 3 hair with the help of my heated round brush.

Friday

Thursday night game plan: I finally get to WFH tomorrow :)

Friday morning: 4:45 baby alarm goes off and we try to wrangle her back to sleep for a little longer. I’m exhausted and throw on sweatpants to bring her downstairs for breakfast. We both have been having these Simple Mills banana bread muffins all week, so easy and she’s obsessed with them. Work through the day and then change in a linen dress* and sandals to hang out at the pool club for a little bit with my daughter. I sized up in this dress for a little more room in the body; the straps are adjustable for length so it does work on me at 5’9”

Saturday

It’s raining so we go to the library to burn some time! I wore canvas pants, a breezy top and mary janes and felt super comfortable sitting on the floor. Then later, we went on our date! I wore this very old slip dress and old zara flip flop heels and my secondhand kate spade zebra print bag and felt very 90s.

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• Good hair = good mood. Full stop. This week really proved that.

• Saturday, I almost didn’t wear the slip dress because of how I looked from the side. But then I gave myself a stern talking to: I had a baby, I feel so strong, and I look great! Hailey Bieber’s mantra was that she was going to get hotter after having her baby, and I’m following her lead. It isn’t just physical, it’s a mindset. Confidence is part of the outfit too.

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• I bought outdoor furniture this week1 so probably won’t be shopping much for a little. We’ve been thinking about it for a while but now that my daughter is crawling, she’s trying to bite the wicker couch and chairs we got for $11 at an estate sale. The upgrade was necessary, though it definitely came at a cost!

• Before that purchase though, I was scrolling through Petit Sezane this week and a BUNCH caught my eye. Their graphic t-shirt game is so good, I couldn’t stop myself with the baby mariner shirt, and then the bloomers! If you have a mom in your life, these would make a great gift for their kiddos.

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• Once again, Grove making my week easier and better. I mentioned in Angie’s summer series, but these deodorant wipes are my secret weapon for the office. They swipe on clear, so no white marks on your clothes, but give the same refresh. In a similar realm, this after sun balm* has already made itself useful as I missed a huge spot on my leg at the pool the other week. I love how compact it is, it goes right in my beach bag (but hopefully I won’t need it again this summer!)

• During my luteal phase I get pretty bloated and it’s very uncomfortable. I can’t do the fish oil thing, so I have been drinking this debloat powder + electrolytes every morning on an empty stomach and it seems to be helping!

• A new ice cream spot opened up around the corner, and no surprise that it’s packed. The big surprise is the pricing… when did we start charging $8.50 for a child’s scoop?! After standing in the line for 5 minutes and moving 1 inch, my husband and I decided to grab a hand packed pint and hit the road. Saved ourselves ~30 more minutes and a chunk of change.

• Trader Joe’s makes a 1-minute grain and seed filled GF oatmeal and it’s delicious for both me and my daughter.

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My husband celebrated Father’s Day by sleeping in the guest room and waking up without a human alarm. Now, we are off the pool and then an early dinner at the beach. The best kind of weekend, in my opinion :)

With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: tomorrow is my first day of sales training. I get to take a later 7:20 train because we start at 9, so I do zero planning and fall asleep by 9 PM.

Monday morning: wake up and prioritize my hair, which looks pretty fluffy after I brushed it before bed last night. I tame it with my heated round brush, and then pull a Hill House nap dress on. Training takes place in the engineers building, so it is a great time to bring out something a little more casual. Paired with some red flats for a pop, I head out the door!

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: tomorrow is another day of sales training, and it’s going to be a little cooler. I decide to wear my Ralph Lauren Ricky pants, any excuse to wear them midweek because they aren’t usually HQ appropriate.

Tuesday morning: slip into the green cotton pants, paired with a blue oxford shirt. I play around with a few belt/shoe combinations before settling on the pointed toe zebra print Margaux flat (old, similar) and brown croc belt. The pointed toe is doing a lot of the work here! I’m a huge fan of this look, it actually reminds me a lot of my mom.

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: tomorrow is the big client event we have been planning with Argent! It’s a night of networking and styling at their flagship in Soho, and I have a ton of nervous/excited energy. I try on a few options tonight, but decide to sleep on it, going to blow out my hair before getting in bed. The Mermade Hair blowdry brush, I’m telling you, is a blowout for dummies aka me.

Wednesday morning: I wake up and know exactly what I want to wear! I bought this green canvas Tory Burch dress in COVID, when I was doing Zoom interviews after I got laid off and wanted to have something that made me feel confident. It’s been with me every since. The weather today will be perfect for it too, warm enough where I won’t freeze, but cool enough so I’m not going to sweat through the fabric. I pair it with patent leather slingbacks and a few Hermes enamel bangles for some color. To be honest, my hair is the star anyways, and I am amazed that the Roz volumizing spray is still working after a full nights sleep!

I love this tory dress and it’s all over the resale markets: green size 8 // green size 0 // denim size 8 // denim size 4 // green size 6 // green size 2 // green size 12 // green size 6 // green size 4

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: I get home at midnight from my friend’s baby shower dinner that was after my event with Argent. It was such a wonderful evening, and I was buzzing from it way past my bedtime.

Thursday morning: I am a zombie when my alarm goes off. And by that I mean my daughter’s babbling 20 minutes before my actual alarm. I have no plan for what to wear, given it’s hot and raining, but I use the Knicks parade day to guide me. I wear a navy pleated midi skirt (old, similar), cream shell top*, and orange heeled sandals. A nod to the Champs while I sit at my desk for a day of internal meetings.

Once again, wore these high waisted undies with all of my skirts all week! shoutout Eby!

Friday

Thursday night game plan: after tennis, we are heading out to Long Island tonight. Car is fully packed and I sleep the whole way there.

Friday morning: wake up in my favorite place :) start the morning with a trip to the grocery store and coffee shop, then change into bathing suits for a brief stint by the water before everyone takes a nap. Final stop of the day is the local brewery for some tunes and beers.

Saturday

After falling asleep at 8:30 PM, we sleep 10 hours!!! I love the beach. Put on the same outfit as yesterday to go walk around town with the other families pushing strollers. My BIL comes over and we all spend some time outside in our suits. This dark blue one piece from Left on Friday is pretty dreamy, especially paired with these sheer blue Swiss dot pants.

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• If you have an idea for work, voice it! Do not be afraid of no. Women doubt themselves too much, and I realized this week that leaning in to my intuition of how to add value is really important. The Argent event was something we haven’t done before, but it was a hit and I am really proud of myself for pitching the idea with such enthusiasm.

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• These blue sheer swiss dot pants are SO FUN! No sheer is really allowed in my closet because it’s just not practical for my everyday life, but for the beach, I am sold on these 100%. And they’re currently 50% off, I took a size M :)

• Can we talk about what I tried on at Argent?!?! Their collaboration with AGOLDE stovepipe jeans, perfection. The rib knit tee in cream, loved. Their classic, straight leg trouser made me actually like a fitted trouser for one. But the piece that made me swipe my credit card? The Argent x Citizens of Humanity belted blazer in tobacco. I have been looking for an oversized, casual blazer and the Frankie Shop one didn’t work for me. THIS, I kept coming back to over the course of the night and by the end, I made it mine. So excited!!!

• Also, shoutout my sister who took home these green trousers and the matching green silk tank. The color online does neither of these things justice, she looked incredible; she was styled by Argent’s CEO Sali, so I am not shocked!

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• These bowl covers* from Grove Collaborative - but for PRODUCE! We are in our avocado era right now, our daughter loves them, so are constantly trying to figure out what to do with the second half that doesn’t get eaten. I now pop the cover over it and it’s incredible. If something is a little more wonky in shape (like the 2 ears of corn we had leftover this week), we use beeswax wrap, which is also a genius invention. Multi-use, small, reusable items like this are very important right now.

• Celisse nail polish, which I used at my desk before Wednesday’s event when I didn’t have time to go to the salon.

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This week I was working from home two days, since my husband was on a work trip. But the other three days, I was dressing for the heat wave that pummeled the city. It had me really leaning into my skirt collection, which is great because they don’t really get many reps in the cooler months. With all of that said, lets see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: I pulled down my summer box from the attic today, in an attempt to assess what fit and what didn’t heading into peak heat. To my surprise, a few skirts zipped up! One of them being a hand-me-down from ! She knew my love of Tory Burch and had a secondhand skirt in her closet that she wasn’t reaching for, and offered it to me. Seriously blessed. I put it aside for tomorrow with a navy short sleeve sweater (old, similar) and red heeled sandals (old Tory, new Tory).

Monday morning: our boiler is still out and I am not into the idea of a cold shower this morning, so I hit my hair with an egregious amount of dry shampoo before getting dressed. Everything comes together as imagined, and I feel so good in my new-to-me piece! You know those mornings in New York where you have your sunnies on, your hair is blowing while you cross the street and you think I am Andie Sachs in Devil Wears Prada? Oh, just me?

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: watch the Knicks, fall asleep at halftime but thankfully wake up for the last 5 minutes. 8:30 tipoff is really tough for us commuters!

Tuesday morning: I am WFH today because my husband is on a work trip. I get dressed in the exact same WFH outfit as last week, pulling my blue aerie shorts straight out of the dryer :) Guys! They’re the best! I’m telling you!

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: put the baby to bed and settle in watch the third and final part of the Summer House reunion. Underwhelming, but bonus episode next week is hopefully gonna be redemption.

Wednesday morning: today starts with a jump scare. My hair is covered in an entire bottle of formula vomit by 6:45 AM, and our boiler is still broken. I wait for my nanny to arrive and head to my parents’ golf club around the corner to sneak a hot shower. It takes 5 full minutes to get it out of my hair, but I end up clean. For ease, I pack a Hill House nap dress to pull on after the shower, and wear it for the rest of the day as I WFH again.

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: tomorrow, a heat wave hits New York City. It’s going to be 91 and humid and I can already feel myself sweating. I have an outfit that I tried this past weekend but didn’t wear to my cousin’s shower - and set that aside for tomorrow.

Thursday morning: it’s already hot by 5:45 AM. I pull on a silk floral skirt from about 3 years ago, and pair it with a yellow vest top. After trying a few shoe options, I settle on my trusty green Freda flats. Transparently, walking 11K steps in 91 degree heat over the course of the day, my feet swelled and made these shoes rub more than usual. Just a warning if you’re planning on wearing for a lot of steps in the height of summer!

Friday

Thursday night game plan: tomorrow it’s going to be another scorcher. Which means, like today, NYC is going to feel like swampy soup. Being professional while also having as little clothing touch your body as possible is made easier by skirts and dresses, in my opinion.

Friday morning: I wake up and look directly at the portion of my closet where my skirts and dresses hang. How I pick? I paid to hem the Prada skirt I got off TRR, so I probably should wear it. I pinned a photo of a girl in a similar skirt, wearing a simple black tank and black shoes (old, similar) so I opt to replicate that. Today though, I commute in sneakers after learning my swollen feet lesson yesterday!

Saturday

Start the day with cardio tennis clinic and then we hit the pool in the afternoon! I am so obsessed with this purple one piece, especially paired with the upcycled button down my sister made me for the hospital last year. These are the BEST for summer and a great graduation gift, since she does a lot of college and sports logos! Also shoutout Saltyface for my fake tan, making it a lot easier to feel great in my bathing suit in the early days of summer 😅

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• Last weekend, I pulled down my summer box from the attic. My attitude going into it was cautiously optimistic, but very open to defeat. A few favorite things did fit physically, a few did not, but a handful of things just didn’t fit who I am anymore. Not only were the old shorts too small, but the dress I’ve had for 4 years just didn’t feel practical anymore. The combination of the growing pile being both my decision, and not my decision, made the process much easier.

• An interesting idea for all of my readers who are going through any version of personal change, I have placed a bin inside my closet for all items that are no longer speaking to me. Whether they don’t fit, they’re too short, I’ve put them on a few times and each time they don’t feel comfortable, or I just straight up do not reach for them anymore. They are landing in the box, and in a few weeks when I have some spare time, I will separate them into keep and donate. Some things don’t fit by a little, and if I still like them, I just want to put them out of sight. Some things though, I’ve had for YEARS, something I usually pride myself on but now am realizing isn’t always the flex I think it is. This process has been helpful to streamline what I’m looking at each morning, in case you want to give it a try!

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• My husband’s closet is a bit of a empty shell, so I am thinking about putting a simple shoe rack on the floor as a first step towards organization

• This Theory dress may be the perfect summer office dress, their marketing also offered it as an option for the US Open (golf or tennis) which I think is spot on

• Not in need of cashmere right now, but how fun is this bandana print tank ?!

• Me+Em’s June Collection this week made me think of with their use of khaki and pink together!

Things That Made My Life Easier This Week

• Sometimes getting out the wooden cutting board and cleaning it is a PITA. Material’s mini MK board has made my life easier, it’s lightweight, fits in the sink and is dishwasher safe if I ever need.

• The Grapefruit Ginger flavor of the Ballerina Farm electrolytes* is literally incredible. I do not like their protein but my goodness, inject this into my veins, literally, I’m so dehydrated.

• Ordering DoorDash when my husband was away and splitting it over two nights for dinner

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Once again, keeping this short and sweet, summer is in full swing in the Tri-State. That means this week I was trying to beat the sweat and the office air conditioning at the same time! A Sisyphean task! Let’s see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: my nanny is off tomorrow, so after exhausting every other childcare option last week, I decided to take the day to hang with my girl.

Monday morning: start the day with yoga sculpt, grocery shopping and ingredient prep all before my husband starts work at 8 AM 😮‍💨 Then I tag in for baby duty, kitted out in athletic apparel. I am so fully obsessed with these new shorts, I want a second pair for when they are in the wash. The cobalt blue adds a fun pop to my white tee and grey sweatshirt. I am also the blessed recipient of these New Balance sneakers that my sister realized were too big for her.

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: back into the office tomorrow, and it’s going to be a bit chilly! I just got my camel skirt hemmed, so I’m thinking about wearing that before I fall asleep.

Tuesday morning: try 4 different iterations with the camel skirt before giving up. I can’t figure out the color combinations, so I default to something I know and love (this is a common occurrence, if you’re new here). Brown trousers, cream shell from Argent which is the perfect summer sweater, brown belt, and white heels. I grab my plaid jacket on the way out the door and I am very grateful for it as it’s still 48 degrees as I commute!!!

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: watch the Summer House Reunion. That’s it, that’s the game plan!!!

Wednesday morning: day 2 of my period means extreme bloat and comfy pants. I pick a go to - old plisse pants from Zara, a black vest top (old, similar $72 // similar $98 // similar $150) and pointy black slingbacks. The structured top + shoes make the pants office ready, a helpful tip for any type of elastic waistband you may want to wear this summer. I also made sure to do my hair this morning, to add another polished element to the mix.

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: watch the Knicks in the NBA Finals and try not to fall asleep. That’s it, that’s the game plan!!!

Thursday morning: I have a client meeting today, so I reach for my new brown dress. I’m glad that I took ~a month to think through the purchase, because even though it’s a higher price point for me, it’s already pulling its weight. It’s the best feeling to love a big purchase as much as you think you will! I wear white flats and a belt that I was influenced to buy off Amazon, something I don’t love doing but the belt can be sized to both my waist and my hips easily, and right now that flexibility is major.

Friday

Thursday night game plan: while I’m driving to tennis, my husband calls to tell me the boiler is out and we have no hot water. Given I’m en route to 90 minutes of tennis in 80 degree weather, I immediately text my parents to shower at their house afterwards. This means I am getting home around 9:45, and jumping into bed. I have had too many Fridays in the office lately, so I am not particularly looking forward to tomorrow.

Friday morning: I try out 4 different outfits this morning before giving up. Getting dressed on your period is THE WORST! I settle on my black maxi Hill House dress, black leather sandals with flats to swap into, the new gold collar necklace I have worn two days in a row, and throw my black LV scarf in my bag to keep me warm in the office, which has been an ice box this week. Also, all week I’ve worn these underwear under my dresses/skirts, and they continue to be the best for this hands down.

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• I asked Claude to do my color analysis and it told me I should be wearing purple, a color I quite literally do not own in any capacity. When Left on Friday reached out to me about their swimwear, I used it as an opportunity to try their eggplant-purple color way. The Retreat suit and the Club suit are both really excellent, that wasn’t a surprise given everyone seems to love LoF! But loving the color?! Now that was a happy one!

• I’m realizing that as helpful as my pouch system is for all of my baby gear, it’s not great at the pool to not know which pouch the sunscreen is in, etc. These pouches from Cadence solve this problem, because they are clear and have a magnetic top for easy access. I have been putting our most frequently used products in them, so we always know where they are.

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• Lizzie Fortunato launched their summer collection! I always love browsing their designs. This pearl wrap necklace and these turquoise earrings are my two favorites!

• This Dedcool scent* that smells like sunscreen and summer in the best way

• Crown Affair has a smoothing air dry cream now, alongside their mousse which I use all the time. Has anyone tried? I am a JVN fan but am intrigued if there are any differences.

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I love having founders join us on well worn, because we get to meet the person behind the hard work. In conducting these interviews, I’ve learned how successful ideas stem from really grounding your work in your passion and values. But that isn’t to say you need to set out with a clear plan! is proof that accidents can lead to greater ideas - as long as you have a strong understanding of who you are and who you want to be. Jordan is kind, family-oriented, and always puts a twist on the classics, all things that have been key to building a long-standing brand like Ranger Station.

Working with her husband Steve, they use fragrance as a means of storytelling, an extension of Steve’s work as a musician. Their first fragrance, Leather + Pine, was rooted in Steve’s childhood summers in Minnesota. A quote of his reads, “I had no idea what I was doing. But the smell of the pine trees and my grandfather’s well-oiled Red Wings stuck with me.” I asked Jordan how she creates a Nashville brand without it feeling kitschy, and Steve’s answer combined with hers below really made things click for me. When your own experience guides you, authenticity can’t help but shine through.

Thank you to Jordan for joining us today! You can try all of the best-selling Ranger Station scents with their discovery set for only $39! It also comes with a 20% off code for the full size bottle you choose - so smart.

How would you introduce yourself to the readers?

Hi! My name is . I’m a wife and mother of 3. My husband and I co-founded Ranger Station, a fragrance house based in Nashville. At this point, we laugh about the fact that we’ve built a life in the fragrance industry – it’s something I never could have planned, but we are having the best time.

Can you tell us more about the idea for Ranger Station? It sounds like maybe you stumbled into it vs. always having a plan for fragrance? Whose idea was it to give it a try?

We never intentionally identified the fragrance industry as something we wanted to be a part of. That world was so much smaller 11 years ago when we started. We were really young and naive, had the idea, and went for it without any kind of foresight into the future. My husband, Steve, is a drummer, and he was on tour when we met and started dating. All of our friends were also touring (we went to Belmont with so many musicians!), so when everyone was home, Steve would throw cocktail parties at his house. He made a candle before one of the parties, and he poured it into a cocktail glass from his kitchen shelf. That sparked the idea of the cocktail candle. I thought it was really weird that he made a candle, but when he had the business idea of pouring it into a sustainable vessel, I was all over it. I built him a website and notoriously published it before he was “ready”. Our parents were (understandably) concerned but supportive, and we were just stupid enough to dive in and make it work.

As a consumer of Ranger Station, the brand is very strong. Are you originally from Nashville? You seem to really invoke the vibe of it without it being kitschy!

Steve and I have lived in Nashville for 17 years, so we count it as our hometown at this point. It was a much quieter town when we moved here! If the brand feels strong and not kitschy, it’s because it really is true to who we are. That idea of a really well made product at an easy price point is important to us - we really look to Ralph Lauren in that sense. And the music ties are very natural to living here - many of the musicians we collaborate with are our friends.

What’s one thing we wouldn’t know about you from your online presence?

I’m a massive introvert. At any point, I’d rather be at home, curled up on the couch with a stack of magazines, watching football with my family, or relaxing on my back porch with my kids running in the backyard. That is my happy place, and I’d take that over a trip to Europe any day!

In a perfect world, you have 1 extra hour a week to take a class on anything. What would you like to learn or practice?

SO MANY THINGS! I actually fantasize about auditing a class at a fashion school. Fashion history, color theory, construction, drawing. My husband is involved at LIM (a fashion school in NYC), and they told me I can come any time :)

What are you working hard on at the moment?

I’m currently working on opening Ranger Station’s third retail store on King Street in Charleston. It’s time-consuming work, but it is my absolute favorite part of my job. At this point, we have a good idea of what works in our retail spaces, so the big decisions are easier to make, and I really get to dive into the details of the space with our designer. I spend an exorbitant amount of time scouring Etsy, eBay, 1st Dibs, and Chairish for vintage lamps, furniture, and art. And most weekends I am at an antique store looking for little treasures. It’s the most fun, but also so important for the brand. It sounds cheesy, but when you walk into one of our stores, I really do think of it as an extension of our home. It’s so personal, and so important to me that people feel welcome, at ease, and inspired as soon as they walk in.

It seems like world building for your brand is very important to you, so how did you pick Charleston for a location?

World building is very important to us - especially being in the fragrance world. We sell scent online through the story itself. We have retail stores in Nashville (12 South), NYC (West Village), and now Charleston (King Street) and each of those cities have a creative drive that Steve and I are really drawn to. We specifically love our Charleston location because it has that laidback feeling of a beach town but there’s still so much happening in retail, food, hospitality, and the arts. It’s the best of both worlds!

What’s something you’ve done that younger you would be proud of?

I think my family is my greatest achievement. I’m definitely an achiever, so I love my career, and I’m really proud that I’ve been able to pour into my work and my family well. I definitely have to sacrifice in different areas sometimes, but my little family unit is tight-knit, and I’m really proud and grateful for that.

When you think of someone brave, who comes to mind — and why?

My friend Macy is a mom of two young kids, and she’s going through treatment for breast cancer right now. Although she is personally going through the hardest time of her life, she is still showing up for her kids on the playground, for school pick up, for birthday parties... She’s not brushing it under the rug, but she is finding the joy and gratitude where she can.2 I’m in absolute awe of her resilience and her selflessness.

What does being brave mean to you?

Knowing there are hard things in life, but embracing the good. Enjoying the gifts I’ve been given, living full heartedly, and knowing that when the hard things come my way, they won’t last forever and I can get through them.

Being brave is a choice, not a feeling.

What is your biggest moment of bravery?

Maybe this is cliche, but giving birth to my three children. I took comfort in the fact that women give birth every single day, but it’s still such a major medical event! We like to feel like we’re in control, but I think giving birth is step one in teaching us that is just not the case. It’s a lesson in holding things open handed. It took a lot of bravery to go into those delivery rooms and trust my body and those doctors, and I felt like super woman after I did it.

What’s something you once thought was small that now feels like an act of courage?

I’m wildly independent and I never want to put someone out, so I would rather take twice as long to figure something out for myself than to put myself out there and ask for help. I’ve learned over time that inviting friends into the mess or the hard only deepens the relationship. It’s something I’ve gotten better at over time – inviting people in, and asking for help.

What do you wear when you have to be brave? What is your “suit of armor”? Do you have multiple?

OH I love this question. I wear comfortable denim (I don’t have time for hard pants), a good tee, a blazer, and fun shoes. Lots of jewelry piled on. The base of the outfit is familiar and easy, the jewelry and the shoes give it a personal touch, but then the blazer gives that sharp point of view that shows I mean business.

Do you think clothes can change how brave you feel?

I’m such a huge believer that clothes can change how you feel and how you’re perceived. I always dress for the days I want to have. If I want to be creative, I pop on something more flowy and colorful. If I need to get down to business, I will literally wear a more “business-y” outfit and glasses. Getting dressed is one of the most important things I do to fix my mindset for the day.

What’s the bravest purchase you’ve made lately?

Is it shallow of me to say big ole shield sunglasses?? It’s a brave purchase because they are quite the statement, and potentially something I will look back on in 10 years and laugh about3. But I’m so into them! I think sunglasses are actually an underrated accessory – they completely set the tone for your outfit.

Can you think of an outfit or item of clothing that changed how you saw yourself?

Ya know what really changes how I see myself? A spray tan.4 But beyond that, I think jeans and a t-shirt really allows me to shine through.

Is there a routine or ritual that helps you prepare for something daunting?

I think there is something so centering about a slow morning. I wake up and have a cup of coffee (made by my husband!), and I take time to read my Bible and pray. If something is really daunting, I also write out everything true that I know about that specific thing. Once I write it all out, it doesn’t feel as daunting anymore!5

What’s your soundtrack as you get ready for something big?

Just like clothing, music also sets the tone for me. When I’m going to do something big and I need to be hyped up, I have this girl power playlist that is hidden on my Spotify, and I crank up the Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyonce… very basic, very effective.

What do you think our culture gets wrong about bravery?

There’s so much bravery that goes unseen. I think talking to the people around you can quickly uncover bravery you’d never know. The under-resourced mom that’s raising her children, the people that are suddenly caretakers for their own parents, the kids who show up at school on day one and don’t know a soul. We all do brave things every single day, and I think we could stand to look out for those around us a little more because you never know what brave thing someone is doing that you aren’t even aware of.

Did your parents ever teach you about bravery? If you have children, what do you teach them about bravery?

Yes, I think my parents encouraged me to just show up. I did music and theater growing up (until I moved to Nashville where everyone does it professionally). My parents were sitting front row whether I was “Lady in Waiting #2” (a real role I had) or the lead in the show. For them, it was being a part of it and giving it my all that was the key. They gave me the opportunities and support I needed in order to be brave.

Something I’m working on with my oldest is being comfortable in who he is. I think that God made each of us with special gifts, voices, talents, and nobody will be able to show up again the way that you can. Leaning fully into who YOU are is the bravest thing you can do!

Has witnessing anyone else’s courage ever impacted you in a way that resonated long term?

My husband recently went through some serious anxiety, and his vulnerability throughout the process was wildly inspiring. He was so honest with people around us, letting them know that he wasn’t able to show up in the way he wanted to. Our friends, family, and coworkers stepped up to fill in while he was out, and he came out on the other side even stronger and wiser and cooler than before. He inspires me to not shy away from the challenges in life, but to jump in and grow from them. (Thanks, Steve <333)

Last but not least, fill in the blank.

i think it’s brave: to respectfully disagree. So often, we go along with what everyone else is saying. I think it’s the coolest when people can listen well, and respond with an informed point of view.

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• Off Campus, IYKYK. Also Yesteryear, another IYKYK.

• Two major additions to my low maintenance routine have been Saltyface (face and body) and my hot thermal round brush. Both of these items can be done in under 10 minutes and have mega impact. Like Jordan said, a fake tan can do wonders for your self confidence, and I’ll add that having your hair done can have the same effect!

• Good sunscreen in rotation: Dr. Loretta, Prequel, La Roche Posay, Naked Sundays over-makeup spray, EltaMD and this for the baby!

• The new Grace Abrams song, Hit The Wall, and just the anticipation of new music from her in general!

• wrote about not getting swindled by Celine duping Vera Bradley and it made me chuckle but also scream YES!!!

• I keep getting fed Instagram videos of people creating a “landline” system for their phone this summer and I think I’m gonna go for it. That plus my Brick really could put a dent in my screen time.

Let’s see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: Memorial Day!!!

Monday morning: go to 6 AM Yoga Sculpt with my sisters, which kickstarts the day! I do some errands, ingredient prep, watch the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Final - all before heading to my parent’s house. By the time I leave, it has stopped raining, so I wear my trusty hand-cut men’s Levi’s, a yellow sweater and Birks.

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: of course after a weekend of rain, it’s going to be a stunning perfect 72 and sunny tomorrow. I go to sleep already knowing I’m wearing my navy dress*, and will choose shoes depending on my mood in the morning.

Tuesday morning: gosh I love June. I wake up at 5:30 and the sun is shining. I pull on my dress and, keeping the Memorial Day spirit alive, pair it with red woven flats*. I actually think every shoe brand should do the suede heel tab like Freda does, just makes them so much more comfortable. I try a scarf around the waist but, with the tiered skirt, it doesn’t work and I just go with the belt that came with it.

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: watch the Summer House Reunion. That’s it, that’s the game plan!!!

Wednesday morning: I have some client meetings today and it’s another day of lovely weather, so I reach for another dress. This one is new to my closet, and I already love it! I pair it with a blue silk scarf and woven heeled sandals* from Margaux. The brown textures with the pop of color are really doing things for me!

Today, I realized why I am craving a new work bag. In the winter, my black bag matches every coat I own. So when I carry it, it always looks cute. In the summer, I don’t wear a jacket and the black rarely goes with what I am wearing as a base! Insight!!! In the meantime, I’ve popped a cutie cherry bag charm* on my black bag and that’s giving it a new life :)

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: I go into my closet and realize, due to a lack of shaving, I must wear pants tomorrow. So! I lay out some brown trousers, with a green top because I’m apparently daring myself into color lately? A croc belt and white flats should dial it down, though we’ll see in the morning.

Thursday morning: while brushing my teeth, I realize that I have a client on-site today, which means it’s not the day for daring color. This threatens to send me into a tailspin, but I take the same formula and just swap out the components. Same pants in navy, knitted tank in cream, silver earrings, and a scarf and green flats for interest.

Friday

Thursday night game plan: Thursday nights are about to be a favorite. We met our friends at the beach for some playground time before I had tennis clinic from 7:30-9. Learning a new sport is really good for my brain and my body! We get home late and I get in bed, planning to wear the green/brown combo that had to fall to the wayside this morning.

Friday morning: wake up, shower, have extra time so I apply my self tanner (which literally dries immediately, no smell, it’s incredible, 11/10). I put on the green top I wanted to wear yesterday, and decide between my brown trousers and a brown & white floral slip skirt. I’m feeling a little girly, so I opt for the skirt (old, similar). Simple white glove flats round out an otherwise loud outfit for me. Feeling good for a full day in the office this Friday!

Saturday

Shoutout to eBay vintage Wilson jackets. Also shoutout to Old Navy for making a super cute tennis set (top/skirt) at an incredibly affordable price. I honestly felt like I was wearing Alo 🤫

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• Non-clothing related but, my hot take this weekend after watching the Cavs casually jog down the court is that if you are a professional basketball player that cannot get back on defense, you should be fired. Go Knicks.

• I’ve seen a lot of content on social media about what to wear to the office as a summer intern. A good litmus test for summer, intern or not, is whether or not you would wear it to church:

  • Nothing too short, nothing sheer, no thin straps, absolutely NO strapless.

  • I personally will do a visible shoulder, but I like a high neckline with a tank.

  • Someone suggested trouser shorts, but I’m gonna veto that. Save them for the weekend or a night out!

  • Open-toe can be polarizing. If you are business formal, you should never wear an open-toe. I personally can and will, but it has to be a heeled sandal or something structured. Also, you MUST have a pedicure, non-negotiable.

  • If you’re wearing linen pants, they must be a trouser (I have these but these or these work). Think belt loops, zipper, etc. No pull on linen pants in the office, no matter how many times you see other people post about them online. If you want to wear an elastic waist, think silk/satin a la the La Ligne Colby or any of its dupes, and always pair with a structured top and sharp shoe.

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• I kept this one piece bathing suit after ordering from Shopbop’s recent sale. Unfortunately, the sun and I don’t agree so having the chest coverage is pretty incredible for long Saturdays in the sun. I love the blue colorway but black felt more practical with the amount of sitting around a baby pool I anticipate happening this summer. Size up 1 size if interested.

• Another new to me swim brand, Ricki Beach Club, has some really great cuts for girls who like a little bit of a higher waist bottom but don’t want complete coverage in the back. She just did a collab with Caroline Gilroy and everything is just really well done in my opinion!

• Alex Sisto Daniel was carrying this mini leopard calf hair bucket bag and I am so beyond in love with it.

• Small summer decision with big impact: I bought us an XL L.L. Bean tote with long straps for our car. Usually I’m a Lands’ End girl, but the structure of the boat tote is important for keeping all of our summer gear in place. Tennis, sailing, an almost 1 year old (?!?!) - it’s a lot of CRAP, so having a bag in the car where it all lives is my new organization system.

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my hope in sharing is that other mothers, who have a similar experience, won’t feel as alone. i was lucky to have had 1 friend whose son was in the NICU at the same time. she was my lifeline. but when i was awake in the middle of the night, it could be devastating and confusing. so i hope this finds someone during those ungodly hours. a reminder that you don’t have to pretend everything is okay.

but i promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel - i am here and it is beautiful.

Everyone tells you that after you get a C-section it hurts to cough. No one tells you what it feels like to sob.

Leaving the hospital without my baby girl, I start to cry. My emotions were building all morning, and they crash once I am in my seat. But crying makes it feel like someone is holding a hot iron to my incision. So as I cry harder, the pain is searing, and my husband is pulling over, asking if we need to go back into the hospital when we haven’t even left the parking lot. The only option is to force myself to stop. I am not even able to cry the way I want to. Even though I know many people have gone through this, it still feels so unfair.

Being in the hospital, I walked down to the NICU floor for every care time. When I wasn’t with her, she was asleep, and it was easier to leave knowing I was only one floor away. But leaving to go home? That was different.

Leaving her isn’t hard because she is struggling; actually, she is doing miraculously well given she weighs 3.5lbs. I am not worried about her because I know she is in the best hands with the nurses, who all love and adore her like we do. Leaving is hard because I am grieving the loss of so many moments.

Being on the maternity ward for 8 days, I saw a stream of parents taking their newborns home. I saw dads walk in with car seats, ready to strap their tiny bundle in and officially start a new chapter as a family. But when it was my turn to leave, we were empty handed. There was a mom and her very pregnant daughter in the parking lot looking on as I got into our car, tears streaming down my face. I can only imagine what they were thinking. All I could think was this is wrong.

Then there are the things people say.

While you’re pregnant, people like to warn you. About the sleepless nights, the fussiness, the constant laundry, the hormones, the sweat. Just you wait, heed these warnings…

Now people like to tell my husband and I - you should take advantage of the time you are getting now, being home without your newborn. Get some sleep! Go on dates! You don’t have to heed all of those warnings just yet. You should be looking on the bright side, because when she comes home, that’s when you will really be tired…

Well, I am exhausted regardless. And it would be a lot more bearable if she was here.

In the shower last night, I lost it. In the steam, I let every negative feeling and thought completely consume me. I am sick of telling people how great I am doing. My recovery has been seamless! I am so grateful for all of the amazing strides out little miracle is making! We are learning so much from the nurses! They are the best babysitters in the world! We are so lucky that we live so close to the hospital!

***** screams internally and out loud *****

All of these things are true, yes. But it’s still wrong. I am still waking up in the middle of the night and reading care team notes and decoding test results while I pump. We are still shuffling back and forth from the hospital so often my phone thinks it’s my office. We are still listening to the beeps and alarms and washing our hands raw and only holding her during set times. She still hasn’t been able to enjoy the beautiful weather, all I want to do is take her on a walk.

During the prenatal classes at the hospital, the nurses harped on how important the first few hours, days and weeks are for bonding. This weighs heavily on my heart, I worry about it constantly.

Everyone keeps saying I need to rest and prioritize my recovery and heal for her. What breaks me the most is the fact that seeing her is a decision. When you finally bring your baby home, there is no break, no decision but to care for them at all times, and that is exhausting, I understand. But I have to decide, every time, to go see my baby. When I go back to sleep after my 6 AM pump, I am not at her 8 AM care time. When I sleep between the 9 PM and 12 AM pump, we miss her 11 PM care time. Every decision I make, any time I put myself first, it results in my not seeing her. It is a feeling I would not wish on anyone, it is a different kind of hard.

And I know it’s going to be hard when she gets home. I know there are probably parents reading this who might think wow I would kill for a break1. But I promise you, this doesn’t feel like one. It feels like half of my heart is a car ride away, and when we get there we have to decide who gets to hold her in the small window of time we are given. If I get snuggles in the morning, dad gets them in the afternoon. Normal new parents are begging to trade off, meanwhile I am here wishing it was my turn.

I cry in the bathroom when the nurses say she isn’t taking her bottles today. She gets so tired so quickly, weighing a mere 1608 grams. But this weight is a new high, trending in the right direction, and for that there are also tears of relief. Even if she is tired, she is still growing. She is tenacious, my Leo girl, and I channel that strength as my own.

There are so many emotions swimming in my heart at all times. But the simplest way to put it is, I just want her to come home <3

Fellow office dwellers and stylists , , and have all written about work travel in the form of:

• The Perfect Pull-On Pants for A 10-Day Trip Around the World (Linds)

• Office Outfit Survival Guide: What to Wear (and Pack!) for a Work Trip (Christina)

• Relaxed Polish: What To Wear To A Work Retreat (Libby)

• Spring Workwear: Travel Edition! (Angie)

So I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, as much as show you what worked for me. When I travel for work, I can only take a carry-on and my purse. There is no XL Lands End tote for all of the excess crap I take when traveling for personal reasons. The packing has to be tight and decisive, which is why I pack in complete outfits. On Sunday, I took about an hour trying things on and ensuring everything worked with the 2 pairs of shoes I planned to pack.

My formula was a fitted top, a trouser, belt and 1 of 2 kitten heels. The weather was a little up in the air, so I allowed myself 1 skirt option in case it got as warm as it said it would. Also, all options had to work with my grey blazer. Everything gets packed together as a complete set, underwear included, and the only decision I have to make each morning is which to wear.

The final result was 4 outfit options for 3 days, and 1 packing cube of workout/civilian clothes:

My toiletries and makeup also had to be sparse, since those can sneakily take up a lot of room. I brought multi-purpose options, the tightest version of my routine. Small item, big impact.

Toiletries included: the Outset Collagen serum for under my moisturizer, Weleda Skin Food moisturizer, Prequel SPF, Pixi eye serum*, Donna Karen deo, Celisse nail polish/top coat and a Prequel derm spray* for pre/post flight or workout.

Makeup was also fast and easy: Westman Atelier bronzer/blush combo in Peony/Biscuit, Westman Atelier blush stick in Bichette, Typology eyebrow gel (I would’ve taken my MAKE pencil but I couldn’t find it), Trish McEvoy mascara, Saie slip tint, Ilia lip pencil, Outset gloss and bonjout potted serum. Oh and my favorite mini scent from Jo Malone that I wore on my wedding day :)

Let’s see what we left the house in…

Monday

I went into the office for a half day of work before going to the airport, so I chose a cotton skirt to do both. These Margaux flats* were the hero of the trip. I wore them every single day, through the airport, walking between meetings, to the movie theater, to get my coffee. They are chic and comfortable so prepare to be sick of them this summer!

I got to Chicago, checked into my hotel and went for a quick walk before the sun went down. It was beautiful when I arrived and so nice to get some fresh air before watching Top Chef in bed. I love hotel sheets !!!

Tuesday

I went to Corepower to start Tuesday. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you are alone and don’t have to commute. I walked there and back, before getting ready and heading to the office.

With the temperature peaking at 72 later, I opted for my all cream and black accents outfit. Every pair of pants I wore this week is a different color of the Aritzia Effortless Pant. I bought them in 4 colors in my new size and haven’t regretted the investment once. Paired with this shell from Argent*, that is a beautiful, light merino silk, I stayed cool and comfortable all day. My black heels, black belt and grey blazer kept me from looking too bridal lol

After work I got into my cozy pants, ate dinner, and went to see the Devil Wears Prada 2 all by myself. The original is one of my all time favorites, so seeing the sequel in a theater made my nostalgic heart very happy.

Wednesday

Went to Corepower AGAIN today! Walking back, it was about ~55 degrees, so I picked the outfit with a cashmere tee. Same formula, small adjustments. The grey trousers, black belt, and silver shoes all felt a bit dark when I tried them on Sunday, so it really benefited from the scarf as a pop of color.

I spent an hour after work popping into the shops on North Michigan. I tried a bunch of bags at the Tory Burch store and I feel reallllllly strongly about the Romy Bucket bag. I realized that for work, I am a one strap girl, and this one really does it for me.

Thursday

No workout this morning as I had a 7 AM meeting to hop on Zoom for. It was not warm enough for my skirt and vest option, so I went with the below. Navy trousers, blue boatneck shirt, black belt and silver shoes. This probably was my least favorite of the four options I packed, but I looked polished enough for my two meetings and the blazer worked as a jacket.

Meetings done, luggage packed, and I was ready to hit the road (for what would be an 8 hour trip home, ugh). A trench is one of my favorite hacks for traveling, because it really makes anything look 10 times better. My lulu fanny pack is another - I keep all of my essentials for travel zipped in it (passport, wallet, airpods, phone, etc.) and I stick it at the top of my purse. That way, I don’t have to worry about losing something important in my overstuffed tote.

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• This trip was the longest I’ve been away from my daughter, and I did cry. However, I also took advantage. I did two workout classes, I went to the movies alone, I walked a ton after work and I went to sleep SO EARLY. I gave all credit to my husband when I said “it’s sad to be away, but it’s not stressful because of you.” He held down the fort seamlessly, while also sending me enough photos and videos and Facetimes to get me through, and I am proud to call him my partner :)

• I finished Quicksilver on the plane and finished Strangers yesterday, for which I finally got off the library waitlist. My GOD it was riveting and terrifying, such a good one. Next on my stack are Yesteryear and Our Perfect Storm.

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• First off, after pining after it for 2 years, I finally ordered myself the Frankie Shop Bea Blazer for this trip. I ordered an XS because it’s oversized, but when it came… guys I looked CRAZY!?!? A girl I follow is my size and wears a M and makes it look totally normal, so I don’t know if it only looks good posed in photos but I just could not make it for me, as much as I wanted to. I am now hunting for a chocolate brown oversized (but not linebacker oversized) blazer, wish me luck.

• Wednesday night I had some time to pop into the North Michigan mall:

  • I tried on a few things at J.Crew that looked great on the hanger, not so great on me. Sadly, I find that happening more and more at J.Crew, but this brown pointelle short sleeve cardigan was a winner.

  • I also went into Reformation, where 4 girls asked to try on the lace satin shorts in 10 minutes. Not for my lifestyle, but very cute IRL.

  • I saw the Tory bag I want in person but fell in LOVE with this quilted brown suede shoulder bag. Suede is so impractical and also very gorgeous.

  • Also tried these linen cargo-esque pants from rag & bone, for anyone who wants comfortable summer pants but doesn’t want to be like everyone else in poplin. I’m actually obsessed with them.

  • This cotton silk white blouse by is kind of my ideal summer top?

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I also want to extend a big hug to anyone who struggles with today. It can be a tough one for many reasons, so be kind with yourself.

Last week’s outfits were a bit of a hodgepodge, but I am leaving tomorrow for a work trip to Chicago, so you’ll see a more cohesive packing situation next weekend! See ya then!

Let’s see what we left the house in…

Monday

Sunday night game plan: as my husband and I drive home from my parents’, we recount a jam-packed weekend. Starting Sunday with a gigantic walk with friends, we ended it at my parents’ for dinner with sisters and friends. It is the sign of changing weather, and with MDW only a few weeks ago, we are gearing up for the impromptu hangs to start appearing with higher frequency We climb in bed, exhausted, and pass out.

Monday morning: wake up with no plan on the chair, yikes! I think back to last week, and riff on one of the outfits I liked. There is only so much time left for a suede loafer, so those plus the brown croc belt combo anchor my choices. I pull a striped shirt and oatmeal trousers (old, similar color // similar shape). Honestly, this is a little masculine leaning for me, but I can’t really figure out what to change so I just head out the door.

Tuesday

Monday night game plan: tomorrow it’s going to be 80 degrees and I am crying that I have to go sit in an office instead of working from home on my deck. However, as I usually do on the one nice day a week, I will wear my white cotton skirt and everything will be okay.

Tuesday morning: I’ve been building this outfit in my head since the top arrived. I’ve really unlocked something adding this color blue to my closet. I admit to sleeping on the Reformation knit tops - perhaps you are too? Anyways, I wear the light blue top with the white skirt, green flats and a navy sweater (old, similar) around my shoulders for the inevitable train and office AC. Can’t wait to take my lunch walking up and down Park Ave today!

Wednesday

Tuesday night game plan: tomorrow we are floating around the 50s/60s again with rain in the afternoon. I have a full day in the office, no off-site client visits planned, and the AC has been blasting. I think I’m going to use it as an opportunity to get a little more wear out of my wool cropped plaid pants that you’ve seen recently.

Wednesday morning: pull on my pants and try something a little different. In organizing my closet last week, putting my big sweaters in their new moth proof home for the summer, I found a pink J.Crew crewneck that is probably +10 years old at this point. I’ve kept it because every now and again, I want a pop of pink, and today is that day! I love the combo, and keep the rest of the outfit simple with dark patent leather flats.

Thursday

Wednesday night game plan: WFH tomorrow cause sweet baby girl has her 9 month check up. Where has the time gone?!

Thursday morning: I used to go to the pediatrician’s office twice a week, now look at us. 3 months in between visits?! These green canvas pants continue to be something I reach for on days off, and it’s cool enough to wear my cashmere cardigan one last time (old secondhand, similar GAP option). Normally I wouldn’t pair red shoes, but I got this fun hair clip* from a new-to-me brand Solar Eclipse, and it inspired me to give the color combo a try. They offered us a code MEIGHAN15 for 15% off, if anyone wants to peruse their other product lines. I also got a crossbody phone chain* which feels superfluous but I think will come in handy this summer?

Friday

Thursday night game plan: WFH days are my favorite because I shut off my computer and immediately get to hang out with my girl. It’s beautiful outside, so we set up a blanket on the front porch for an hour and watch the neighborhood. When her dad comes home from the driving range, we switch off, and I get to go to the gym. So many more hours in the day when you don’t commute… sigh. Anyways, I have an idea in my head of what I want to wear tomorrow, but am too snuggly in bed to lay anything out.

Friday morning: I wake up and it’s 40 degrees and raining. What?! The silver lining continues to be that I am getting the most out of my layers. So I pull on white denim, a grey blazer, black shoes, black belt and choose a grey shirt over a white one. At the last minute, I also pull on a silk scarf to add a tiny extra layer while I walk to work. TGIF!!!

Full Edit Here

Thoughts of the Week

• This episode on the Happiness Lab Podcast about what screen time does to your body was riveting. I personally have been feeling extremely tired lately, and part of me now thinks it’s because I’ve kept the Instagram app on my phone for the past month or two. I’m trying to make small changes to see if it helps. I’m also going to buy the book because the science behind everything seems so interesting.

Things That Caught My Eye This Week

• One of the big issues I’ve found is that my summer dresses, which I reach for frequently, are mostly smocked and only appropriate at the office when I’m pregnant. I’ve identified this brown sleeveless maxi dress from Me+Em as a good option, and I really love how they style it with a button down underneath in the cooler months. It’s a big price tag, so I’m going to sit on it for a bit, but I do believe it could be a winner in texture, color, and proportion - also the built in elastic in the back acts as a waist defining detail which is important for my body type.

• Very excited to wear these white glove flats* from Margaux. They caught wind of me hunting for a cream flat, and these completely fit that bill!

• I’m also thinking maybe it would be nice to have a non-black work tote for spring/summer. This is an idea and probably not going to happen, but I was perusing the new Tory Burch bags and love the camel and the taupe.

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