I wouldn’t say I’m the most technically inclined person. I mean I can use my phone and my computer but I have been known to have some special words for Siri and on more than one occasion I have genuinely considered calling the men in the little white coats. That said, and considering I thought Substack was a sandwich, I think the first blog went off somewhat swimmingly…or maybe with one or two hiccups. First off, the blog is available to all of my subscribers. With horror I saw something about pledging for a future paid subscription and although flattered that so many of you would, my team thankfully took that off.
Now, onto business. I promised talented guests and I’m delivering. Read on for the first guest appearance by my very talented daughter, Ivy (I know, I know, I’m her mum so I have to say that but also it happens to be true).
As for me, I’m looking forward to experiencing a real spring now that I’m in Pennsylvania more frequently for my QVC line. Don’t get me wrong, Dallas brings other spring excitement (tornadoes, anyone?) but for some of the spring colors that are inspiring me, I’m looking forward to being among the daffodils (literally). I’m deep in design mode for future collections and fresh off a short trip to Miami with Michael, I am feeling inspired by the South Florida chic ladies-who-lunch. Read on for more, including my latest obsession (surprise, it’s shiny and wearable).
It is nearly impossible for me to imagine the full span of human history. I could have been born anytime. I could have come into myself as a woman at any point across thousands of years.
My mom and I call while I am lodged in my Providence home during a historic blizzard. She stands on a balcony in Florida, and as her eyes scan the salt-coated sand, the waves pushing the shore closer to them, my mom spots small seagulls dotting the beach. She sends me a grainy video, and in it, the seagulls—true locals of Palm Beach—begin to pitter patter in droves. They retreat into the rolling surfaces of June grass, sparkling in rhythm with the light. How cute, I tell her.
I begin to think about odds. What are the chances that I am in the eye of a storm? That I arrived in a human body rather than a seagull’s? That I get to receive a cinematic video within seconds?
What are the odds that out of all that time, I arrive in a world with the internet, where my writing might reach other families of trans kids, where I was born in 2004 and not 1904?
And so my mission becomes clear: I will use this platform to speak about what matters to me, to collapse the distance of time and place. I often think about the role of history in the present. The past is not so far away. What might my life have looked like if I was born ten years later? Thirty years earlier? How will the world grow to understand the intricacies of daily life for girls like me? The act of writing is ecstatic because one is constantly uncovering. Writing itself might be a form of time travel, and I intend to use it.
Before you consider surgical intervention, which I have nothing against by the way, here are a few ways to brighten the visage and lift the cheekbones.
Pop that collar and pull your hair up, the upward line of the collar brings the eye of the observer up. Magical but effective.
Wear shine and sparkle close to the face - this can be a reflective earring or my current obsession, chokers. They frame the face so beautifully. It’s like traveling with your own lighting team.
Forget the bold lip. Instead, play up a smoky eye.
Add your blush high on your cheekbones to further lift the eye.
CARLA
Traveling to a different city always gets my creative juices flowing. First, all the people watching on the way to my destination. The airport, where you can find both fashion gems and disasters! Michael and I headed down for some sunshine but thankfully got overcast days and rain (my favorite). That didn’t stop me from wearing bold, delicious color. Florida practically demands it.
I’m currently obsessed with Bridgerton (finished in one weekend) because I need something mindless and entertaining (with lots of sex), eating Trader Joe’s Chocolate bars (the BIG ones, you need a pick axe to break them) and this Greek Beet salad (not together), lately I don’t have enough time for a novel but frequently visiting the vogue.com runway section and reading about all the new collections, and lastly Miami gave me a hankering for some Cuban rhythms, so I’m listening to Buena Vista Social Club on repeat.
IVY
I recall one of my poetry teachers saying they know they are doing their job well if their students are speaking and grinning at one another before the start of class. Lately I have felt that. Coffee before class, walks after, conversations that spill into the evening. I don’t think creativity blossoms in a vacuum.
I have spent a lot of time in the cool darkness of my room as the blizzard whipped through Rhode Island. For warmth, I have been watching and rewatching Girls — I do think Lena is a genius. Mostly, though, I have passed the time flipping through the taut pages of memoirs, poetry collections, and plays. I just finished The Years by Annie Ernaux, a collective memoir of a rapidly changing France that mirrors my own experience of coming-of-age in a strange and uncanny way. I am now reading A Sand Book by Ariana Reines, which is incredible, and recently finished Kill Dick by Luke Goebel. As for plays: BLKS by Aziza Barnes, Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks, and The Flick by Annie Baker. I think more people should read plays. They freeze time in a unique and almost utopian way. Cold War Choir Practice by Ro Reddick is an all-time favorite and currently playing at Clubbed Thumb in New York. And when I shower, I always seem to blast Blood Orange, SOPHIE, MJ Lenderman, and lately, Donna Summer.
CARLA
I can be a touch obsessive (who, me?) and right now I cannot get enough chokers and bold necklaces in my life. My current designer obsessions are (still) Robert Lee Morris and vintage Grossé who produced high-quality costume jewelry for Christian Dior in the 50s, 60s and 70s. I mean look at this beauty. Check out my inspiration. And I wouldn’t be a 50+ influencer if I also wasn’t on the search for the perfect but still chic shoe that doesn’t aggravate my knees and back. The Gemini in me toggles between a high-end kitten heel by Ferragamo and an accessible Zara dupe. And if you’re following me on IG, you have seen the toe fungus saga but come on, these nail polish bandages are genius, and maybe a bit disturbing. Lastly, speaking of bold lips…I currently can’t live without these shades, Prada Fuoco and my dear friend Trinny London’s Just Joyous. But I’m also waiting with baited breath for the Westman Atelier lip balm because they have never let me down. All perfect for chasing away the last bits of winter and welcoming spring.
IVY
I've been trying out lots of new glasses. I really want a large, red frame. I want my face to be simply overpowered by the frames! But my prescription is very high… I've also been in search of some good maxi skirts as the snow dissolves and spring blossoms. A good overcoat is a must. Same with skinny jeans. I hate to say it but they're coming back. I also want a restock of the BareMinerals blush-bronzer. And I always want to buy books. BERLINDIA! by Daniel Holzman, published by 1319 Press (I studied abroad in Berlin, and have been trying to write about it since). I have been eyeing The Collected Poems of Chika Sagawa translated by Sawako Nakayasu. I'll buy anything by Eileen Myles.
From fashion SOS moments to everyday dilemmas, ask me anything right here.
XO
CARLA
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