weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. #5
a weekly download of the people, things, and ideas that inspire me
Happy Saturday from Palm Beach! Lots of grandparent time recently…I’m here for my BF’s grandma’s 90th birthday.
Harriett is a hyper-intellectual and superfan of
(an excellent newsletter on U.S. history / politics, if you don’t already subscribe). Nothing gets past her. Which is how I hope to be when I’m 90 (with some meme fluency thrown in). 😉I’ve only been to Palm Beach once before, and am oh-so-inspired by the chic older women strolling around the city. I even flagged down a woman yesterday to see where she got her gorgeous textured white blazer. “Loro Piana,” she coolly replied, though I was hoping for H&M or Zara. I should have known…
If you’re new around here—welcome to the weekly r.e.p.o.r.t c.a.r.d! It’s a weekly grab bag of the ideas, things, and people that I’m loving. Check out the first, second, and third, and fourth issues. It’s a fun, light addition to the VARSITY READER fold.
Let’s dive in!
Without further ado…
Reading: This Atlantic article about why Tupperware is failing is a great one. A bit of a history lesson into Tupperware parties, too!
Recent books I’ve loved: the thriller about an anonymous forum for NYC moms that becomes unmasked, the non-fiction book about a frat drug ring at the College of Charleston, the memoir by a maître d' at NYC’s top restaurants, and the memoir by a personal assistant to a private equity magnate.
Eating: I’m trying to get more protein in my diet. Who isn’t? But will I ever become a bodybuilder who chokes down grilled chicken for every meal? Absolutely not. Two delicious foods that have helped me get more protein in my diet:
These insanely good protein bars. They taste like a Milky Way, and I can’t shut up about the them. I’ve tried the brownie batter, cookie dough, churro, and coconut flavors, and they’re all a 10/10.
This protein powder. I don’t love protein powders and find them all to be chalky and gross. I’ve tried many—and this chocolate peanut butter flavor is by far the best one I’ve ever had. It’s a go-to for snacks / breakfast. I will even mix it into my yogurt sometimes.
Obsessing: Last week, I shared my obsession with this perfect $15 tee. Well-fitting with the perfect amount of slouch, this tee took me through my travels in Greece and London. And I’m currently wearing it as I eat lunch in Palm Beach and endure the 90-degree heat. I have in black & white, and it’s a true wardrobe workhorse!
Secondly, black & white bathing suits. They are chic, timeless, and complimented by the surliest of relatives. I love this STAUD black & white suit I snagged over the summer, but it’s sadly sold out everywhere. My mom is in the market for one and wanted me to find her something similar—so I’m bringing my research to you as well.
Most similar: This $110 option (pictured). I love the halter neck, criss-cross detailing, and extended size range (up to 20/22). Another option—this $115 number that’s a bit simpler. If you prefer a square neck to a v-neck, this $185 option is gorgeous.
Similar, but a little funkier: This $148 option mimics my original STAUD buy with the side cut-out. I love the waist-tie detail—would look adorable paired with white cover-up pants.
Options under $50: I love this $24.99 option! I saw it in-store earlier in the week, and the material felt luxe. Plus, the backside is full-coverage (a rarity these days!), and there’s extended sizing up to 4X.
As the final recommendation, this $32.99 pick. I’ve purchased swimwear from this brand before and it holds up…four seasons later! Classic and a bit funky.
Recommending: If you’re a beauty fiend, you’re in for a treat with
’s new Substack . Julia is a friend of mine from NYU—we were actually lab partners freshman year. She has since forged a career as a beauty marketer *and* shares her obsessively curated beauty finds on Instagram. I swear by her picks (she first introduced me to my beloved compression & lymphatic drainage leggings!) The first two issues spotlighted Julia’s favorite beauty spots in NYC and LA, and I know future editions will be just as juicy. Highly recommend subscribing!Treating: Has anyone ever tried a Russian manicure?! I’ve been on Russian manicure TikTok before, but haven’t made the plunge myself. But then the other day, I met a woman and was *completely* transfixed by her nails. It had been three weeks since her Russian manicure, and her nails still looked perfect—virtually no growth. They’re pricey ($150 for a manicure that lasts 4 - 5 weeks), but I’m curious to try!
Cutting: Mean girls. Per last week’s edition, life is too short!
Admiring: I’m all for easy, throw-on-and-go dresses in the summer. And this adorable $80 white terry polo dress perfectly fits the bill. I’m excited to wear as a cover-up and as a mini dress with sandals.
Referring: If you haven’t already seen the Brandy Melville documentary (titled BRANDY HELLVILLE), you’re in for a treat. I was always very skeptical of the retailer’s one-size-fits-all sizing (which really meant all sizes…up to a 4), but as it turns out, the company is up to way more shady sh*t. I love a good corporate exposé, and this one delivers. You can watch on HBO Max.
Daring: I’m daring to…try running every now and then. I barely made my 6AM flight to Palm Beach and had exactly three minutes to sprint from security to my gate (which was far away). I made it with seconds to spare and it felt like I was reaching Kipchoge-level speed—and I was pretty winded for a good ten minutes. I work out regularly and lift heavy weights, but have always despised running. Especially after spending a week in Greece with my grandparents, I realized that hey, I won’t always be able to sprint! So if you see me gasping for air around Central Park, you can remind me why I decided to endure something I deeply hate. 😉
In case you missed it
A personal plug
If you need one-to-one support with your career or content strategy, reach out. Book a free, fifteen-minute discovery call here.
Liked what you read?
…here’s what you can do to support!
📱Screenshot your favorite part of this newsletter and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @smarterinasec
📧 Forward this email to a friend
➡️ For more of this, follow me on Instagram and TikTok!
***The fine print: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I use, love, and can’t live without.
Julia, you earned my business for life when I bought a package of better-for-you gummy worms on your recommendation. When you tell me a protein bar tastes like a milky way, consider me sold.
Brandy Hellville. Was done so well and so disturbing. These swimsuits are great!! I love them all.