the weekly edit, vol. 2
notes on contradiction — in early motherhood, and in your closet
The first year of my daughter’s life I had no help during the day, save for a few random Tuesdays for a couple of hours, during which I scheduled appointments because I had no other option. It was an exhausting but fun year that cracked me wide open. Wonderful but insanely lonely at times, as my list of “mom friends” was incredibly short, my husband was working long hours, and my parents were across the country, either grieving or caring for their own aging parents. I also dealt with the devastating loss of one of my closest friends- a friend that had so looked forward to meting my daughter.
I was recently describing this period of time to someone (who had clearly been to therapy — complimentary!) in a very matter-of-fact way when they said something along the lines of, “Hey, I had no idea. That sounds awful, I’m so sorry you had to experience that.” Their direct empathy stopped me in my tracks.
A big wave of emotions ensued — one of them being guilt, because discussing the first year of your child’s life, a year during which you were able to be there for all their firsts, should be joyful, right? How could a year that I have some beautiful memories from also sound so challenging when I discussed it?
Because it was both. As anyone who’s ever been to therapy knows- two things can be true at the same time.
Now, on the (much) lighter side of life, I find myself shopping for summer things — so many of which are framed in very specific ways (especially coastal towns... is everyone going to Cape Cod this summer?!). The bright, white, summery dresses are appealing but are styled in such a feminine way that my fear of looking like one of my daughter’s dolls creeps in when I envision wearing one.
But — it all comes down to styling. Two things can be true at the same time with clothes, too.
In the spirit of that idea — today’s letter is full of pieces that read one way and styling that shifts the vibe entirely.
Instead of thinking “That’s too ____ (insert word of choice here) for me” when you’re drawn to something, let’s flip the script on how it’s “supposed” to be styled.
the piece(s): white Le Maregold set
the shift: preppy to funky
the accessories: beaded Ancient Greek sandals, raffia bag with charms, sporty sunnies, bangles.
the piece: CHAN LUU sequin tunic
the both: glam & beach casual
the accessories: tie belt, bralette for layering ease, good pair of jeans, leather flip-flops, raffia tote
the piece: *those* DONNI shorts
the both: sporty & dressy
the add-ons: silky top, heels (in your preferred height), colorful clutch
This lipstick (shade Bronx Baby) is so good it got passed around the table at a recent girls night out.
Bought this top because it was giving Passport to Paris vibes.
Some new cleansers to put on your radar- this one by Mimetique (a company founded by a French chemist), these wipes I now have to have in every toiletry bag, and a super gentle one that I keep in the shower for a quick wash.
NEW TIBI! Can confirm Amy made a perfect pair of camo pants with these.
The rest of my weekly edit picks here.
Made a little rope belt edit inspired by how much I’m wearing mine. Shop here.
Liz, I loved reading this. As someone who reflects upon a very hard two years in a matter of fact way, my mom always reminds me that I really should not downplay it and say "they could've been worse." Sometimes you need someone else's perspective to reset your own.
Also on a lighter note, I posted about that La Maregold set last week and I am so obsessed with it!!! Adore how you would style it
Love these outfits, and also the whole thesis of this post. And to echo your friend, I'm sorry you went through that <3