If I Had Your Address, Here's What I'd Send You This Week

Remember the days of clipping newspaper and magazine articles, writing letters and sending photos in the mail? In a time when so much of my life is online, I admittedly crave getting something personal and tangible in the post every once in a while. It just makes me feel special to know that someone was not only thinking of me, but cared enough to cut it out, write a note and spend the 82 cents on a forever stamp to have it hand delivered right to my door.

My grandpa Hobie was the best at this. He would clip an article and slip in a note that simply said, “thinking of you.” No unnecessary fluffery, just a small note that made me feel incredibly loved. I must be channeling him lately because I recently felt compelled to read real magazines again (below is a picture of my desk right now).

Substack may be the closest thing online to getting something in the mail. It’s far less “look at me” and far more “look at this” and that’s a beautiful thing. I’m all in for sharing inspiration, advice, special moments and stories. And that’s my hope for this post…that you would find something new that lights you up (even if it’s in your email and not in an envelope).

Here are some things that reminded me of all of you (that I couldn’t resist sharing):

1. A couple in Brooklyn renovated their home to make it feel old: I love this idea. As someone working through a home renovation, I feel like I have an allergic reaction to new construction. I’ve just always been more of a brownstone vs. an amenity building type of person. I’m looking for some quirks and a lot of charm. I think most of that charm comes as a new space collects memories, but I also don’t think it hurts to give things a head start with some special details.

_{(Image credit: Seth Caplan/New York Times)}

2. Loved reading this interview with Meg, the founder of Dorsey conducted by . Especially her Dad’s advice.

3. Ina Garten shares 6 summer recipes. Some food just tastes better in the summer (hello Jersey corn and tomatoes). Rather than eating the same old menu we eat all year, I’m excited to try some new things that we can eat outside on a nice day… starting with this one tomorrow! Also waiting for another hot day in August to make this lemonade with Millie and Welles. Her rice krispie recipe is already our family’s favorite. Have you made them?

4. How fun are these pull on shorts from the Rosie Assoulin x Target collab?!

5. Now streaming: Ok I know I couldn't clip this one, but I’d write about it in a letter! I’m actually not a big TV person, but one of the benefits of spending most nights in a book is that when I do feel like a night to zone out, there’s no shortage of great stuff I haven’t seen. The two things that stood out to me on this were The Devil Wears Prada 2 (so interested how they capture how the world of fashion has changed since the first one came out) and A League of Their Own. We’re on a huge kick showing our kids old movies and we can’t wait to watch one of my all time favorites with them. I’m going to sound like a grandma, but they truly don’t make movies like this anymore.

_{©Columbia Pictures/Everett Collection}

6. Really enjoyed listening to this podcast episode! Have been following @thisoakhouse for years and can’t wait for Annie’s book to come out September 15th.

7. 8 Fall trend predictions: Which one might you try? Two-toned shoes seem to be trending, and I’m here for it. It’s funny they call this a trend, I find them so classic (these are these are my forever favorites), but maybe we’ll see some new variations! Also animal prints? Yes, please! I’m not sure if I could pull off an animal print coat (like below!), but this tote or a cute pair of flats would be a fun way to add a touch of trend to our everyday wardrobe staples.

_{(Image credit: Fendi/Launchmetrics Spotlight)}

7. Loving everything in varley’s pre-fall collection. Especially this short trench.

8. House and Garden UK shares how to make the most of small bedrooms: I can’t explain how much I love this. There’s something so intimate and cozy about a small bedroom. I understand the appeal of a bigger bedroom if it’s a space you spend a lot of time in, but if rest is the goal I honestly think I sleep better in a room that feels more like a cocoon (but maybe that’s just in my head!). The variety of colors, little nooks, and creative storage in these examples make me feel so homey and warm and safe.

9. In no way wishing away summer(!!!!), but how pretty is this floral sweater?

   

10. 25 Wonderful books your 10 year old would enjoy: It’s such a tricky age because some books are too easy, but most of the books at her reading level are too mature. We’ve read Nothing Else But Miracles and The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli (both on the list) and loved both!

11. Bought these burgundy loafers and they just arrived today. Love! So chic for fall.

    

12. Practicing all the self-control to not buy every single beauty product uses/recommended in her post yesterday, What’s Inside My Makeup Bag As Someone Who Wants to Look Like They Don’t Wear it.

13. On my fall wishlist - the nude version are by far my favorite/most worn lifestyle sneaker and after seeing all the chic women in Europe pair sneakers with dresses (which I thought looked so good), I think these would be perfect.

I know that wasn’t quite the same as a clipping in the mail, but I hope in some small way this post reminded you of that feeling (or at least helped you discover something new to enjoy and/or share).

Something new this week! Let me know what you think.

xx,

Meg