The DM | Issue Thirty One
Or the one where where we're writing with a cocktail in hand
When one writes a newsletter, they are also carefully crafting a very intentional personal brand.
You may not even know it’s happening. In fact, it’s better that way. But ultimately, you think what you do about us because of the words we put here. To have control over that brand in writing is much more powerful than a photograph. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words but a sentence (on average) is only 20. So if I want to sound like Gossip Girl but look like Olivia Pope on a white couch drinking red wine, that’s because my words have given you that imagery.
I share all of this to remind you that in a world full of selfies, the written word is still where it’s at. And what’s the secret ingredient to our special newsletter je ne sais quoi?
…That’s one secret we’ll never tell.
This week we’re jetting off to warmer places, so we’re hosting a very special guest, our gal Daisey. You can drop into her DMs here and get her best recs on the daily here.
You know you love us.
From Meg
Currently:
Reading: Finally finishing How to Change your Mind, THIS piece on why the five-day workweek is dead (Huzzah, good riddance, and goodbye), everything Haley Nahman writes (I don’t always agree with her, but damn, girls got words.)
Excited about: Framing my sweet new vintage poster.
Listening to: Euphoria Season 2 soundtrack on repeat. You surprised, bro? Special shoutout to Dominic Fike whose voice makes my heart flutter like a tiny baby bird.
Considering: Getting a cuff piercing this weekend in Miami. How delightful is Studs?
From Devon
Currently:
Heart-eyeing: these uniquely beautiful photos of florals. This would be particularly sweet for the walls of your favorite little lady’s room (or your own).
Listening to: Lenny Kravitz’s Tiny Desk Home Concert (unclear how I missed this in 2020) because good God, I love him, and this ‘stay in bed’ playlist
Thinking: that this might be the ‘hot girl summer’ vibe shift of 2022
Buying: RMS eyeshadow because I used Lindsay’s and well, can’t live without it now
Still in love with: Mérida, Mexico. Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to visit this incredible town in the heart of the Yucatán, and wow. Just, wow. Bright and beautiful buildings, wonderfully warm people, good food and mezcal aplenty, and interior decor and tiles that I will think about forever (scroll through this book Zoe found in a local bookstore). May I suggest that you visit, stat, and stay here, here, or at our fantastic gem-behind-an-unassuming-street-entrance Airbnb. Strongly recommend going full nerd like us and listening to this podcast about the Mayan civilization’s collapse beforehand (credit for that find goes to Jeff, gracias)
Already excited to make: Kenji’s *definitive* new vegetable fried rice recipe when I get home, Earl Gray yogurt cake, and spicy mezcal Palomas because, well, see above
Wanting, but my budget says no: this dress because wedding season is coming/here
From Daisey
Currently:
Reading: The Paris Apartment and The Body Keeps the Score: If you’re like me and need a palate cleanse after talking Big T or little t trauma, I like to pair a novel with my library of intense self-help books. Fun, right!
Excited about: my welcome party outfit for our wedding! I would describe my style as a bougie camp counselor on the regular but when you’re getting married, sometimes you gotta elevate your game. I’m working with a local Chicago designer to create a custom outfit for the first time ever! It’s an investment to be sure, but it’s been so cool to learn about the process and be involved in each step. Here’s Elena’s portfolio – she’s incredible!
Addicted to: herbal face food. Skincare is truly where I spend all my extra energy and resources, it’s my favorite nightly wind-down activity and an important investment for me. I learned about herbal face food from a couple of friends (Kourt + Ella - two amazing movement teachers who I love so much) and gave it a try. I hate to sound like I’m slinging snake oil here, but I’ve never seen such a quick impact on my skin – within a couple of days I could see better tone and texture. Can’t recommend it enough – it’s spicy but also didn’t dry me out too much during Chicago winter.
Watching: The Drop Out – I had to, I had to see Amanda Seyfried bring the Lizzie Holmes eyes to life. I also loved the podcast and am enjoying seeing it on screen. It’s such a wild story and while I obviously condemn fraud, it’s interesting to see how the evolving model of the career, success, and financial opportunity impacts the decisions young entrepreneurs make.
Drinking: NA brews + Canns – I am currently in a season of exploring my relationship with alcohol (look at me, little t, big T, sobriety – hitting all the fun spots)! So, I’ve been exploring the expanding world of non-alcoholic + cannabis-infused options to keep my evenings at least a little exciting. I hate to admit it but, dialing back the booze has done wonders for my anxiety in case anyone else is in the space of thinking about a drinking sabbatical.
Wearing: sundae school – let’s land on what I know you’re all looking for – fashion advice from a has-been camp counselor who wants to look cute but must be comfy. I live in Sundae School fleeces, Chicago is no joke even as it starts to warm up, I live for these as a daily warm but cute little haven!