I’ve written over the years about the concept of a woman of substance — my life’s aspiration. I first came upon the idea during a period of my life where I very much doubted myself. Career transitions and a string of years that asked instead of answered had left me wraith-like with worry and insecurity. I was straining to sketch out a dress form I might eventually fill; if I could only identify its dimensions, perhaps I could model myself against it. I began to pay close attention to women who seemed to possess the centeredness, strength, and warmth to which I aspired. I noticed the ways they responded — or did not respond — to difficult situations, unkind words, minor turbulences. I now call those women to mind in countless daily interactions. I think, What would my neighbor do in this circumstance? Or I imagine my sister-in-law navigating a routine frustration with her characteristic grace. It helps to have these models to call upon, these strong sister figures. They are my true north.
Let me share here, again, my working definition for a woman of substance:
Over time, I’ve come to see a woman of substance as someone so at ease with herself, she can give herself to others without self-diminishment or self-projection.
She can be happy for friends, and sad for them, too, without losing anything of herself.
She can listen without interjecting her own story; she can marvel without battling jealousy; she can endure unkindnesses without questioning herself.
She does not need the last word, the biggest laugh, the adulation, the apology: she is full without the feedback.
She stands still in her center.
Post-Scripts.
+I adapted these words into a letterpress print here! I think this is a sweet way to honor a sister figure, a mentor, a mother, a best friend. This has been one of the top-selling items in my recent release of prints. I love the way this print looks float-framed in this inexpensive 8×8 lucite block.
+More on sisterhoods here and here.
+Advice from sister figures in the Magpie community here.
Shopping Break.
+Tuckernuck new arrivals that are sure to go quickly: this knit dress and this oversized chunky knit (the definition of hygge!)
+A top seller yesterday: the $38 taffeta pants. Target’s answer to Donni!
+These $85 Liberty-print track shorts! Adorable!
+Three really chic pairs of jeans: these wide legs from SLVRLAKE (also cool in brown); these Citizens in a boyfriend silhouette; and these barrel legs from AG.
+Can’t stop thinking about this statement jacket from JA. I love the way she styles pieces like that — keeping the rest of the outfit super classic and simple (a crewneck sweater in a coordinating color, a great pair of jeans). She also just released her best-selling button-down in denim!
+$65 pointelle set. Very Leset. Pair with a statement fleece and clogs for school dropoff!
+Obsessed with this Meg Ryan-coded pleated khaki skirt?! Imagine with a boat shoe and button-down!
+While you’re there: Faherty’s Labor Day sale is still ongoing! Pieces to contemplate: this colorblocked windbreaker, this henley to wear all fall long, this chic poplin maxi in navy or red. (Imagine paired with an on-trend bandana scarf around the shoulders!)
+This cardigan just launched to the top of my wishlist. Actually also love it in blue, paired with chocolate brown?
+Deeply cool twist on a puffer jacket.
+New barrel leg sweats at F+E! Try code CHEERS.
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