weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. #11

the memoir I couldn't put down, cross-country road tripping, and four fun bags

Happy Thursday! Hi from a random stretch of remote highway in Kansas. I drafted this newsletter earlier in the week—but the mobile version of

Substack

is oh-so difficult to use! Product team, it’s time to make some changes… 👀

I’m currently on a cross-country road trip with my dad and sister. My sister Molly graduated from Santa Clara University last week, so we’re lugging her stuff from CA —> NJ and making some fun stops along the way. I’m sharing more road trip content on Instagram & TikTok—follow along!

My sister Molly and I at the start of our road trip in Santa Clara. We’re halfway through and haven’t killed each other yet.

P.S. 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 last issue here. It’s a fun, light addition to the VARSITY READER fold.

Reading: Recommending a dark and light read this week.

Firstly, it makes sense why the Internet is ablaze over SOCIOPATH. It’s a word that’s tossed around casually—but until reading this book, I didn’t truly know what it meant. The author accounts her life as a sociopath (she was diagnosed in college), and how the wiring of her mind impacted everything she did. There’s some brighter moments in there too, but I won’t spoil them! A must-read for anyone who is fascinated by psychology.

Other recent books I’ve loved: the fiction book about a rich Brooklyn Heights family rife with prenup drama, 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: This week, I rounded up my favorite protein-packed snacks on Instagram. Seven recommendations vetted by those with a sky-high bar for good taste (my picky brother, my even pickier fiancé, and I).

These recs are even more critical on my road trip. Low step count days = I better be making up for it by eating well.

One rec I didn’t include in my roundup are these fantastic chocolate-covered almonds. (They have 1g of protein per pack—not exactly protein rich. But damn delicious).

I go feral for chocolate-covered anything, so I love the mini size of these packs (60 calories each). All flavors are 10/10, but if I had to choose one, my top pick is Lemon Bliss. They taste exactly like kourambiethes (aka the powdered sugar lemon cookies you get at Greek restaurants).

My brother and his friends took a few packs to the beach earlier this summer. Since they were recommended by me, my brother  *wanted* to hate them—but ended up delivering rave reviews. Bringing your own snacks to the beach = way better than paying $60 for a lobster roll in Montauk.

Playing: I’m terrible at giving myself blowouts. I have all of the tools and supplies. Every time I try, I’m a movie star from the front—and a sixth grader from the back. I can just imagine myself strutting into homeroom feeling confident…and then realizing later that the entire back of my head is still curly. 

In fact, I think my lack of hairstyling talent may be God-given. I fall squarely in this Venn diagram.

Even a Dyson won’t change this reality.

A few months ago, I invested in a blowout subscription—and haven’t looked back. An investment, but a small price to pay for feeling gorgeous & pulled-together all week.

I’m fortunate enough to have thick hair that holds a blowout well, but my blowout doesn’t last all week without an assist.

Enter this magic dry shampoo. I’ve sampled dozens of dry shampoos, and this one is by far the best. A powder vs. aerosol application, it only takes a few dabs of powder to make my blowout feel 100% fresh. I’ve turned many friends onto the power of this dry shampoo—it really works, and is a staple on my road trip!

✍️✍️ Taking a page from Sarah’s Retail Diary with this disclaimer! (If you don’t already subscribe, it’s a must for sharp fashion, beauty, and retail analysis). ✍️✍️

• Lots of good stuff in this edition. If you’re reading this post via e-mail, you may need to click through to the web version or read on the Substack app to read it all. I promise it will be worth your time. ❤️

Obsessing: I was lucky enough spend ten days in the Philippines a few years ago. My friend from business school (also named Julia!) is originally from the Philippines, and was *the best tour guide.* I need to go back (I miss the daily mangos!)

Travel is great—but a unique international fashion find is just as special. I discovered an independent Filipina designer (Angelica Rodriguez) who made these adorable hand-woven clutches. I bought one when I was over there for $40 USD, and loved mine so much that I messaged her two years later to purchase another. Sadly, Angelica closed her label due to COVID—and I ended up buying her last five bags. (We are in contact, and I’ve tried to convince her many times to give the bag business another try!)

The bag in all of its glory (as well as my road trip reality).

Until that happens, four well-priced, gorgeous bags that will amp up any look.

Love this mini gold sequin bag! $60 and fits a phone. Would be the ultimate wedding guest bag.

THIS BAG! $25 and adorable. I find that rhinestone-studded bags very much go in and out of fashion. So this is a fun way to try out the trend at a great price point.

A final pick that’s adorable and versatile. I love the shape of this white wicker bag—and how it can add texture to any look. I have a white wicker bag and wear it constantly during the summer for dinners and events. Well-priced at $80! Also comes in tan.

Ok…actually the last pick. I’m always on the hunt for fantastic work bags (this post has even more recs), and love that this bag is a punchy color *and* has an elegant criss-cross detail. And an excellent buy at $60!!!

Recommending: If you didn’t already devour last week’s edition of

Total Rec

, it’s a must-read.

Totally Recommend

is an anonymous marketing executive who provides sharp commentary on fashion, retail, and influencer marketing. She analyzed her iCloud pre-2013 and after…and was struck by how Instagram-optimized her 2024 photos looked in comparison. It shines a light on the many ways how the Internet has changed us. 

Treating: Something I’ve always lusted after (but never purchased) is a fringed Western jacket. I saw a chocolate brown one when I was in Truckee, CA that captured my heart. I decided to hold off…but I have one on my wishlist for the fall.

Love the look of this ivory jacket ($395).

The Ralph Lauren fringed jacket is the gold standard. At $2000, it’s a major splurge.

Cutting: Earlier this week on Instagram, I rounded up the eight social media life hacks that *actually work!* The post has all of my recs, but one I swear by is tossing my orphaned socks and sticking to black & white socks only. Life-changing!

Admiring: I believe in buying good swimwear. When you’re wearing nothing else, you want the one thing you are wearing to flatter and shape you! My friend

Nan Philip

turned me onto this navy one-piece, which I have waiting for me in NYC after my road trip. The navy is sadly sold out, but it comes in a plethora of other colors!

It’s designed by Sabrina Chazen (one of my favorite follows!) for Show Me Your Mumu, and Nan sings the praises of the piece’s crinkle fabric. $158 and a full-coverage back (rare to find these days). I can’t wait to try and know it will deliver.

Referring: A fun read about what CEOs eat for breakfast. Some people only consume coffee—others take the meal very seriously. 

Daring: To be crammed in a car with my family for the next three days! We’re having lots of fun so far, though. ❤️

Road trip recs?

Any must-sees or dos in Kansas City or Cincinnati? We are going to Joe’s BBQ in Kansas City and the WWI Museum—that’s all we have planned. Going to a baseball game in Cincinnati and open to any other suggestions!

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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.