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What Made Me Lean Forward This Week…
+CREATIVE CROSS TRAINING: I absolutely loved this musing from Suleika Jaouad about “creative cross-training” and the prompt lower in the post by artist Anne Francey to “draw in the margins.” Many of their points dovetail with my own philosophies on creating: I’ve written elsewhere about finding places/mediums that are low stakes (I find MS Word terribly daunting, but can really get into a flow quickly using the WP editor or a Google Doc — just feel more inviting, less “written in stone”), publish frequently, get out of your own head, and generally avoid thinking about an audience. My job is to put something out into the world, not to mediate or predict or attempt to spin its reception in some way; your job is to decide what you make of it. Mainly, though, I subscribe to the Vonnegut school of thought: create to find out what’s inside.
+CURRENTLY LISTENING TO…the new Billie Eilish album! Landon and I are both obsessed with it. It feels a bit more diverse and exploratory than albums past. I adore “Birds of a Feather,” which has a kind of 90s diva sound to it. I’ve never heard her sing that way! I immediately added it, along with “The Diner” (impossible to listen to without dancing) to the “Jen’s 40th Mix” I’m compiling for my birthday trip with a few friends.
+ADDISON BAY’S NEW COLLECTION: I’m new to Addison Bay, but I’m loving their activewear shirts, both in long-sleeve and sleeveless versions. Great colors and structure, and love the length (covers most of the rear). I’ve been wearing these a lot on mornings I drop the children at school before working out — they make me feel pulled-together. You can see all of my top “active summer wear” picks here.
+OUTDOOR THROW PILLOWS: I was looking for some fresh pillows for my outdoor furniture and came across some really cute options: these bolsters and seat back cushions from Target, and these striped cushions, these framed ones, and bolsters from Amazon!
+ALSO ON MY LUST LIST…This $18 terry shorts set for my boy (like Minnow, but less); and all the pretty summery things below: a gorgeous embroidered dress (under $150!); these fun hand-made earrings; on-trend netted flats; Pam Munson’s Teddy bag, re-issued for summer; a new phone case; and bolster pillows per the note above!
What Made You Lean Forward This Week…
+SPIRITUAL EXERCISES: I received many thoughtful DMs, emails, and comments in response to my diary last Sunday on the blurring lines between discipline, wellness, self-denial, and ease. One Magpie sent me this list of “spiritual disciplines” to practice from poet David Gate. She specifically mentioned that when she focuses on these, she feels herself shift into a “receiving energy.” I loved that visual.
+EVENT DRESSING: Lots of generous comments on me in this Sir dress from this week’s wedding guest dress roundup! I’m rethinking sending it back. One of you described it as “English country manor but very sexy.” Love!
+BESTSELLERS: This nearly-sold out, spectacular vest top was top of the heap. I own it in tan (see me in it here), and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Elevated, chic, sophisticated.
VEST // PERFECT WEDDING GUEST DRESS (NOW ON SALE!) // STRIPED TOP // SMOCKED DRESS // OMBRE STRAPLESS // HYDRANGEA TOP // SMOCKED GAUZE TOP // FAVORITE SWEATSHIRT // BEST LEGGINGS EVER // MY RIDE OR DIE DAY PLANNER // INSPIRING BOOK ON JOY
P.S. The next time I find myself judging, I’m going to ask myself: “what does it matter to me?“