VARSITY READER: issue #1

article roundups, my five favorite gifts, and a soapbox on smart shopping

Nov 21, 2023

Welcome to VARSITY READER!

If we haven’t already met, hi—I’m Julia, a content creator and personal brand expert. My handle is @smarterinasec across Instagram and TikTok, and my aim is to make you smarter every day (in some way!) through my content.

I was compelled to call this newsletter VARSITY READER because…I am one. Reading was my varsity sport growing up (along with writing and eating). For everyone else out there who got a B- in gym—this one’s for you.

Without further ado…

My favorite articles of the week (not shared anywhere else!)

As a varsity reader, I run through articles like athletes run marathons. There’s no way I’d be able to share every article I read (and adore!) on social media each day. Here’s four more, just for you:

How to Hijack a Quarter of a Million Dollars in Rare Japanese Kit Kats (NYTimes: about an unsolved candy heist)
Friendship Anxiety Is On The Rise — & It’s Brutal AF (Scary Mommy: who hasn’t felt that their friends randomly hate them for no reason)?
A novel prison program for pregnant women and their babies (NPR: this Minnesota program is the first-of-its-kind)
'Mrs. Doubtfire' at 30: Director Chris Columbus on Robin Williams' one-of-a-kind talent, their last conversation ever, and the possibility of a documentary (Business Insider: I recently rewatched this movie, such a gem)

Soapbox of the week

As holiday shopping madness hits its peak, a few reminders as you navigate social media.

Fashion content creators are not representative of real clothing consumption habits. You might see a fashion influencer wear a different coat every day and think, “Hmm, do I need six more coats?” No. Content creators are gifted product by brands round-the-clock—so most of those coats were likely free. In addition, the more that fashion creators shop, the more they can link for you and earn affiliate commission.

This is not a knock on fashion content creators world in any way—they work incredibly hard and earn every cent of commission. I’ve simply found that it's easy to get sucked into the vortex and think that I need to overhaul every item of clothing in my closet. As I type this, I’m sitting in my childhood home wearing Forever 21 sweatpants and my varsity tennis team T-shirt. I won’t be replacing these items with chic loungewear anytime soon. 😉

Many high-end brands are majorly on sale—but don’t accept returns. Read the fine print when you’re shopping sales. So many of my favorite brands (Veronica Beard, Alexis, Kilte) are 60%+ off this week—but I’m not buying anything. I need to try on garments to see if they’re worth my money!
You probably don’t need that shirt—get a blowout instead. There have been a ton of times where I *felt* like I needed a shopping pick-me-up—but I was really searching for a confidence boost. I put down my laptop and walked into my favorite $25 blowout spot…problem solved.
And one more thing…I’m wearing the same damn thing to both of my Thanksgiving gatherings this week. I feel great in my outfit—so why stress about recreating the wheel? Also, it’s different sides of the family. Give me a different audience and I’ll give you…the same freaking outfit.

Five foolproof gifts

My rant on consumerism aside, we all DO need to buy gifts this holiday season. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that if I like something, I talk about it a lot. Sharing my top five gifts that I’ve given again and again (that have impressed the most persnickety relatives).

Time! No affiliate link to this one. Memories of a special day spent together far surpass a random sweater. Over the past few years, I’ve gotten my BF’s mom, my mom, my BF, and I tickets to a Broadway show for Christmas. I treat to lunch beforehand as well, and it’s been a wonderful day every time. Other experience gifts that are less pricey—foot massages & lunch, tickets to a monster jam rally (my dad is quirky and this was the perfect gift last year), spending a day in NYC together (museums and food galore).
An electric kettle. I don’t drink coffee, and have used my electric kettle every day since I got one for Christmas last year. I have the sleek black kettle from Fellow ($132 down from $160), and love how it looks on my countertop. If you’re looking to spend a bit less, this Amazon version looks exactly the same and will run you $55. Pair with an adorable box of tea and boom—what a great gift.
The NYTimes Birthday book. I got this for my grandpa and dad last year, and it was a major hit. It’s a gorgeous hardcover book with the NYTimes front page every year of their birthday. It ranges from $100 - $145 depending on the fabric you choose, and it is so worth it. Both my dad and grandpa are huge history buffs, and they said they’ve read their books cover-to-cover numerous times.
A bougie basket of food items. Everyone doesn’t need another sweater—but everyone DOES eat! A custom basket of high-end food products is a foolproof gift for anyone. However, you need to go the extra mile and assemble it yourself. Sorry, Harry & David. Some of my favorites to drop in—Legally Addictive crackers, homemade PB-stuffed & chocolate covered dates with a sprinkle of salt, and Jamón Ibérico. And they’re not basket-sized, but I’ve ordered 1-900-ICE CREAM’s national shipping drops so many times (sign up for texts so you don’t miss out).
Book of the Month! I’m a voracious reader, so books are a significant line item in my yearly budget. I’ve given (and gotten!) BOTM numerous times—it’s a monthly book subscription box. You can choose from a three-book ($59.99), six-book ($89.99), or twelve-book ($184.99) subscription, and it will always delight the reader in your life.

Career tip of the week

I couldn’t resist—here’s two!

If you’re looking to make a career change in 2024, be open about it this holiday season. If someone asks you over Thanksgiving what you’ve been up to, respond with, “Work has been great, but I’ve recently been thinking about shifting from (your current field) to (new field).” Add a bit more context, and then close the loop by casually asking, “If you know anyone in that space, let me know—I’d love to be connected!” People love the ego boost of being helpful.

And yes, you should say this to everyone you speak with—regardless of age. Aunt Millie might not know how to use her phone. But her neighbor’s daughter is an executive at Hulu. You never know!

If you’re speaking with someone and want to get to know them better, don’t jump to the most boring line of inquisition—“What do you do for work?” Instead, pivot to “What have you been up to lately?” It opens up a much richer discussion!