*Image above via Andi Csinger.
I’m back asking for more of you! I have loved nothing more than reading through your hilarious, insightful, astute responses to my previous asynchronous icebreakers (see earlier ones here, here, and here). Feel free to copy and paste and respond in the comments.
+High heels or designer sneaks? (Or neither?!).
+What’s the most out of character thing you’ve ever done?
+Are you sunrise, daylight, twilight, or nighttime?
+Your most-used emoji.
+Song that you sing at the top of your lungs.
+What trait do you find most attractive in other people?
+What trait is the biggest turn-off in other people?
+If you had to pick a uniform and wear it every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
+Something your parents or caregivers told you constantly that you once found irritating and now value (and even say yourself).
+Last thing you bought.
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I’ll go first with my answers!
+High heels or designer sneaks? (Or neither?!). Heels! I love to have impractical fun with fashion.
+What’s the most out of character thing you’ve ever done? Quit my job to start something entirely new. I did this four times in a row, and it still does not compute. I am so cautious in every other way!
+Are you sunrise, daylight, twilight, or nighttime? I prefer sunrise experientially and philosophically — “every morning, a million miracles are born!” and I am at my creative best then, too — but if I am honest, I am twilight. A bit heavy-on-the-vine and retrospective in the sense that I spend so much time in the “after,” processing and thinking. I try never to linger on the past but I do need time to digest. It’s almost as though I don’t fully complete an experience until much later in the day, or week, or month, when I’ve sat with it for a good while and written roundly through it.
+Your most-used emoji. The red heart. So apt — I wear my heart on my sleeve.
+Song that you sing at the top of your lungs. Whitney Houston “Run to You.”
+What trait do you find most attractive in other people? Open-heartedness.
+What trait is the biggest turn-off in other people? Tie between arrogance and a lack of civility, especially in the forms of talking over people and making people feel small or dismissed.
+If you had to pick a uniform and wear it every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Harrowing question, as I like to mix it up. But if pushed: a midi-length dress that nips in at the waist. I feel my best and most empowered in a flattering, feminine dress! Plus my pearl earrings, my watch, and my wedding band.
+Something your parents or caregivers told you constantly that you once found irritating and now value (and even say yourself). “Don’t look back” and it’s corollary, “just let it go.” My Dad has always had a full-steam-ahead energy and has advised me on countless occasions not to dwell or let things fester or get lost in the “what would have happened if…?” I used to feel that these words steam-rolled over my petty dramas — didn’t he realize how much that sister had hurt my feelings? or how unfair it was that I hadn’t gotten into Princeton?! Now I appreciate his focus on letting bygones be bygones and instead dialing in on the present. It’s as pragmatic as it is philosophical. Carpe diem! Keep moving! Onward!
+Last thing you bought. This is convenient but totally non-staged (I swear), but a few items off of the Amazon Drive that Charlotte Groeneveld has been hosting for Good+ Foundation, a non-profit with which Charlotte and I are both closely involved. Good+ Foundation works to dismantle multi-generational poverty by pairing tangible goods with innovative services for low-income fathers, mothers and caregivers, creating an upward trajectory for the whole family. I’ve written about them a lot in years past, but it continues to pull at my heart strings. Can you imagine enduring the intensity of new parenthood without being able to afford diapers or formula or having a safe space for your baby to sleep? Good+ provides a safety net. You can send parents the items they need (diapers, formula, etc) using this link.
Shopping Break.
+These placemats are so fun. Also love this scalloped woven tray from the same Etsy site!
+Now that so many of us traveling again, I have to tell you what a lifechanger one of these inexpensive travel kits is. Instead of having to buy drugstore brands or mini sizes or samples of everything, I just decant my must-haves. It is SO much better!
+These pink glass tumblers are so fun for an evening of rose and charcuterie. (Gals’ night in?)
+These rattan and pearl earrings are so up my alley.
+Love the length of this linen weekend shirt — could double as a cover-up! (More of my favorite cover-ups here. By the way, this gauzey cover-up (on sale from $128 to under $40) arrived and is SO soft and flattering. I love the length and sleeves and just know I’m going to live in it at the beach this summer.
+This blouse is so gorgeous.
+These inexpensive pouches are the key to organizing my cosmetics/haircare/skincare samples and overflow (i.e., statement lipsticks and shadows and blushes I don’t wear daily). I keep them organized by category (lip / skincare / etc) and stow in a big bin under my sink.
+This botanical print dress is darling! (And I think a pretty good deal at $150. Looks more expensive!)
+These tiny New Balances come in such good colors. More cute footwear for littles here.
+Adore the colors of this green and pink striped sweater.
+Sephora’s spring promotion ends today! All my favorite beauty picks here.
+Reformation has released so many gorgeous pieces this spring. Love this dress in the pink gingham!
+I think I need this shell barrette. So fun! What a spectacular accessory for a beach bride. (More bridal finds here.)
+I can’t help it – I think I am obsessed with these clunky, trendy “dad sandals” I’ve been seeing everywhere, including at Dior but especially at Chanel. They are so not my style but I keep thinking about them. You can get the look for less with this pair at J. Crew. I would pair these kinds of sandals with loose-floaty dresses to balance it out — something like this caftan.
+Speaking of trendy sandals, I am also loving these fisherman-style sandals. So unexpected in the lavender.