Hello from London! I’m here for a very special wedding—my BF’s two best friends from preschool are getting married 🥹.
Does anyone else get emotional when they travel somewhere and think about how much they changed last time they were there? I was last in London in 2019…I was here solo for a few days before meeting a friend in Paris and Amsterdam.
And I wasn’t in a great place. Most of my close friends were in relationships, which dramatically changed my social life. I was braving the NYC dating scene one app date at a time, with no one even remotely promising in sight. Career-wise, I was fresh off of two years at a company that damaged my confidence and wasn’t the right fit for me, and was about to begin a role at a new firm.
But my solo time in London allowed me to lay the foundation for my content creation and coaching pursuits. So here’s to travel as an outlet for adventure, exploration, all the exciting things—but also a major reset.
2019 in London. If anyone out there has recs for a raw hem denim jacket, please share! This was one of my all-time favorite Zara finds, and it’s unfortunately lost in the ether (or was swiped by my mom and sister) 👀
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:
So You Think You’ve Been Gaslit (The New Yorker): 'Gaslighting’ has become a ubiquitous cultural term. But what does it *actually* mean? This article dives in.
Meet the Parent Whisperers (Town & Country): I’m not a parent. But I’m fascinated our generation’s infinite access to parenting advice & resources. This information overload has led to an explosion in the parent coaching space—because some will pay eons to become “the perfect parent.” 😱
Mom who moved family from the US to Denmark, one of the world’s happiest countries: How tipping is different here (CNBC Make It): I always tip 20% or more. But when I get a tip prompt at self-checkout? No way. I devour every article about tipping culture.
Briton says becoming world’s oldest man at 111 is ‘pure luck’ (The Guardian): We’re part of a culture fixated on living well, eating right, and extending our lifespans. But whenever I read articles about the world’s oldest living people, their secrets seem to be…cigarettes? Fish and chips? A glass of wine every night? 🤣
Career tip of the week
I’ve recently been dealing with some persistent mean girl energy. And while I’d love to wave around some sage and call it a day, it’s not going to play out that smoothly.
No matter your age or stage in life, you will always encounter mean people. Unfortunately, these folks may very well be your boss or co-worker. A few principles that have grounded me throughout this saga:
99.999% of the time, it’s not about you. Who else has walked away from a mean girl situation examining their outfit, hair, and literally everything they’ve done since they emerged on Earth?! Me. We are all flawed—and I’m the first one to recognize my faults. But when vitriol towards you is so targeted and ongoing, it’s coming from your opponent. Not from something you’ve done.
It’s not that serious. I think of this famed Kardashians meme often. Even when mean girl energy feels heavy, the world has way more serious issues on its hands than your own drama. Let it bother you for a second and move on. Because stewing in it isn’t productive (and that’s exactly what the other person wants!)
Embrace the people around you who *do* cherish you. Finding that core, ride-or-die circle of friends and family is a lifelong pursuit. So any time mean girl energy pierces that bubble, take cover with those who love you. And at work, that means leaning on a trusted mentor or co-worker to shake you out of your haze and remind you of your worth.
Two damn good buys
This column is usually called “one damn good buy.” But my finds have been so good lately…and I simply can’t gatekeep.
I love a good jean jacket. But for some reason, I’ve never LOVED white denim jackets. They often feel too casual for fancier dresses and are sometimes the wrong length for outfits. Jury was out…until this find.
The ultimate throw-over-everything jacket, the zipper makes the jacket feel fancier than a traditional jean jacket with buttons. And at $135, it’s a great price—but looks (and feels!) way more expensive.
I didn’t bring this jacket on my trip—a massive regret. When I get back, I’m excited to pair with dresses, jumpsuits, and my beloved olive green cargo pants.
Who else feels slapped in the face by these WILD designer handbag prices?! And designer clothing in general? I walked into Chanel in London yesterday for fun, and a pair of jeans caught my eye. They were $4000. Whoever buys those needs a dose of humility and a financial coaching class…stat.
I also don’t understand handbag dupe culture. Why would you buy a dupe (and look like the masses!) when you can buy something that’s way more unique and memorable for 1/4 of the price?!?
In any event, this adorable bag fits the bill. Adorable! $25! Not a designer replica! And most importantly…fits a PHONE! I have a wicker clutch in a lighter shade, but wanted one in a shade darker—and stumbled across this beauty.
I know I’ll be wearing to summer weddings and events! And when people ask me where it’s from, I will proudly say Amazon 😉
It also comes in this lighter shade! Love ‘em both.
In case you missed it
How I snagged an internship at HarperCollins at 16 (and the career lesson for all of us)
The professional no-no I hear every day (and an easy reframe)
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.
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***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.
So many great links in one read.