weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. #12

a juicy drama / thriller read, a $40 sweater set that looks $250, and article recs

Hi! Happy Sunday! It’s September 1st…but doesn’t feel like it. Here’s to a relaxing next two days before fall sets in.

Holding onto the last moments of summer with this strawberry donut.

Let’s dive in!

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: This week, I was on the hunt for a juicy LDW read. A damn good story that could carry me through the last of summer.

I’ve picked up a few books over the last few weeks, but none of them have grabbed me—so I didn’t finish any of them. No shame in that! Not every book is for you…and you’re not for every book.

This book DELIVERED. It’s a gossipy, fast-paced book about the wild world of NYC private school admissions. Lots of drama—but also, deep confessions about parenthood that really make you think. If you liked FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE, you’ll love this read. Highly recommend!!!

Recent books I’ve loved: the fiction book about a rich Brooklyn Heights family rife with prenup drama, 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: My sister and fiancé are both gluten-free. So I’ve spent a *lot* of money finding the best gluten-free snacks—because a lot of them taste like dust.

These everything bagel crackers are delicious—and a perfect addition to your charcuterie board. Great on their own, but I’ve also paired with guacamole, chutney, and cheese. And totally fooled me as a gluten-full snack. Don’t taste gluten-free in the slightest.

Playing: I’m playing with the idea of not spending money as soon as I go outside…but feeling like I do. Stay with me. This summer, I developed a habit of grabbing an unsweetened peach iced tea at Sant Ambroeus in the AM and then going on an hour-long walk. I loved this little routine—but it added up.

I love my glass water bottles (and always have a few stocked in my fridge). But sometimes, I don’t want to tote around my water bottle on a long walk.

Enter good ol’ Amazon to solve the problem. I ordered a stash of plastic cups, lids, and straws so I can mimic the coffee shop experience at home. I can make a fancy drink, toss it when I’m done, and save some cash.

…definitely not a global warming solution, but a damn good money saver.

It’s a great vessel for my beloved protein matcha (full recipe here and all products here). If you’re a Greenpeace girlie, I’m sorry—you probably hate this recommendation. But does it give you solace that I’d be using this amount of plastic anyway??? Self-induced vs. being handed it by a barista.

Obsessing: I only own four items of clothing from Amazon. Because most clothes from Amazon…look like they’re from Amazon.

Not this set. $40, but looks way more expensive. The perfect throw-on-and go pieces—the first time I wore it, two women stopped me on the street to ask where I got it. I proudly shared it was from Amazon (though I’m sure they expected me to say Alice & Olivia).

The sweater material is thick, flattering, and great for fall. The kind of set you can travel in and still feel pulled together. I know I’ll be reaching for it again and again!

Recommending: As a hyper-consumer and perpetual scroller, I’m always craving content that makes sense of our complex marketing & brand landscape.

zoya

’s Substack is exactly this! Analysis of the brands, trends, and marketing that influences us most. I know you’ll love every edition.

Treating: I’ve been on the hunt for a gold charm necklace that I can add to for special occasions. The charm offerings are overwhelming—so I asked my friend

Sarah Shapiro

of

Retail Diary

to narrow down her favorites. You can find her recs here!

If you don’t already subscribe to

Retail Diary

, it’s a dream for anyone obsessed with fashion / retail / merchandising. I read every issue top-to-bottom.

Cutting: Subscriptions I don’t use. I set a calendar reminder to go into my Apple Subscription every month to make sure none slip through the cracks.

Admiring: It’s sale season. I’m overwhelmed by the amount of shopping content out there—and not here to add to the noise. Three recent purchases that are worth every penny:

1. This throw-on-and-go jumpsuit. Fits like a dream. $168 and can easily be dressed up or down.

2. This oversized olive 🫒 sweater. I’m a sucker for anything olive, so I saw this sweater and immediately headed to checkout. $47! Adorable with a white tee layered underneath or draped over your shoulders. Comes in a ton of other colorways too (tan, blue, black, and cream).

3. This striped button-down. Comes in a variety of other colorways, but I love the contrast stripes at the cuff. $41! Great as a cover-up—and excited to wear in the fall with a sweater tossed over my shoulders and jeans.

Referring: I savored three articles this week:

• New Yorker article about declining public school enrollment (so many parents are choosing homeschooling!)

• New research about how scrolling through online videos increases feelings of boredom. Though we didn’t need a scientist to tell us that!!!

• Washington Post article about an emerging, ultra-friendly social network (a mix of Nextdoor and Substack).

Daring: I did something wacky in the name of fashion. It might work (or be a total fail). For my future BIL and SIL’s wedding, I was set on wearing green to one of their celebrations. I scoured the Internet for hours, but couldn’t find anything I loved.

And then I came across a stunning white dress. And no, I wasn’t about to be that wedding guest. It came to mind that I could take this white dress and dye it green—so I did. I found a cheap place in Florida that specializes in fabric dying and sent it off.

I’ve only seen pictures so far (haven’t tried it on yet), but I’m floored. The dye job is impeccable and looks like something purchased off the rack.

I’ll share more about the process / a picture of the dress after their wedding is over. So far, though, it seems like a great fashion hack!!!

In case you missed it

• Seven famous women who got fired…and went on to lead incredible careers

• Nine articles about the retail industry that will change the way you shop

• Eight women who hit their stride later in life

• Custom stationary on the cheap ($35 for a pack of ten!)

• Eight documentaries that will inspire and empower you

• Five cultural norms from other countries that are sorely needed in the U.S.

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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.