weekly r.e.p.o.r.t. c.a.r.d. #6
some personal news, vintage bags, and the easiest protein snack
Happy Sunday! Major life development—I’m engaged! I shared my engagement story on Instagram earlier this AM. I’m a proud late bloomer (didn’t have a boyfriend until I was 27), and my fiancé was absolutely worth waiting for.
Don’t worry—my content isn’t going bridal. I have no idea what wedding I’m going to have (or when it will be!) But I will absolutely share peeks into the process along the way.
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, and fifth issues. It’s a fun, light addition to the VARSITY READER fold.
Let’s dive in!
Without further ado…
Reading: I’ve been knocked out by food poisoning most of the week—which is something I’ve only experienced one other time in my life. My media diet this week has mostly been catching up on Summer House and Palm Royale (both excellent in their own ways).
But if you’re looking for something deeper, I caught up with my friend Nan earlier in the week—and she mentioned how much she loved this book (which I’ve recommended over and over). Jeff (the author) and Robert (the subject of the book) were college roommates at Yale. It’s an immensely powerful story about socioeconomics, the world of elite universities, and how education doesn’t level the playing field as much as we might think.
A movie based on the book comes out later this year, and it stars Mary J. Blige. I can’t wait to watch (and hear your thoughts on the book once you read it).
P.S. Nan is an excellent follow on Instagram and TikTok for all things fashion and beauty. She’s a PR consultant for interior designers by day and a creator by night!
Eating: Bone broth is my go-to snack when I have back-to-back calls and don’t have time to make a proper lunch. I’ve tried many different varieties, and most fall flat. They’re too salty, devoid of flavor, and make me feel like I’m a Silicon Valley life hacker.
But this one delivers. The tumeric ginger flavor is delicious, and is a quick hit of protein. Highly recommend!
Obsessing: I love the silky pants trend. They’re easy and make every look feel a bit more elevated. I recently purchased these, and am blown away by how high-quality they look and feel. At $45, they’re a steal! They’re from a retailer best known for workwear that’s never on my radar—so I learned about them thanks to a targeted ad. I would sell my Social Security number for good product recommendations ;)
Recommending: I shared on Substack earlier in the week that handbag dupe culture is turning us all into bots. The Row Margaux, Birkin, Chanel classic flap dupes, blah, blah, blah. In the comment section, many of you came through with your favorite independent handbag designers—chime in with yours so I can check them out and support!
If you’re not already looking to eBay as a source for well-priced vintage and designer pieces, I highly recommend. I fell down the rabbit hole earlier in the week when trying to find alternatives for my beloved black wicker clutch. It
The bag pictured above ($43!) is nearly identical to mine—and an embarrassing fraction of the price.
Plus, here’s an entire roundup of vintage black wicker clutches under $100. Excellent pieces for summer events, weddings, or nights out.
Treating: Mother’s Day is coming up, and if you’re struggling to think of what to buy for the moms or mother figures in your life, look no further.
This eucalyptus shower spray is my holy grail. I’ve purchased it for my mom, aunts, new mom friends, and other incredible women in my life. Spray it at the base of your shower, and it will immediately transform your five minute rinse-off into a spa experience. It’s $30, and are there cheaper options out there on Amazon? Yes. But I’ve tried a few, and they don’t work nearly as well. This Black-owned business fully deserves your $!
If you’re not already convinced, a review from beauty expert and new mom
that speaks to its wonder:
Cutting: Pinky toe spillage. You know the feeling. You purchase a great new pair of open-toed shoes…and they seem great. Then you actually wear them—and minute by minute, you can feel your pinky toe slipping out like a broken bird wing.
I was once at a black-tie event in the depths of toe spillage when a friend said to me in typical British wit, “I think little piggy is going all the way home.” I couldn’t stop laughing—but can’t look at my shoes the same way.
So I’ve been reaching for these black knot-front sandals a ton. The open-toe look…without the spillage! At three inches, they’re a great height. But at $350, they’re a bit of a splurge—so I wish I found these no-spillage options earlier.
This $75 pair is adorable and nearly identical to my sandals. Reinforcement on the sides to prevent spillage!
For an even better deal, this pair is $37.
Admiring: This Uniqlo crossbody in a plethora of colors. It’s quickly becoming a reader favorite, and I can see why—$20, hold a sh*t ton, and looks way more luxe than its price. I particularly love the olive 🫒 and lavender 💜colorways!
Referring: I’m squarely a millennial—my 21 year-old sister reminds me of that reality constantly. So I always appreciate smart, sharp takes on Gen Z. If you like fashion, culture, and are perpetually online, I know you’ll like
. There’s only one edition out so far, but I appreciated Lucy’s analysis of the Brandy Melville documentary (an excellent watch if you haven’t already seen!)Daring: To enjoy being engaged vs. hopping straight into wedding madness! Let’s see if I can resist the pull of planning as an eldest daughter 😉
In case you missed it
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Thank you, Julia!!!!!!! Really, really appreciate it. Next edition coming Friday :)
I need to try that bone broth! Thanks for the shoutout! And best wishes on your engagement! 💘