Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T 11/4
It’s been raining consistently the past few days here in Houston, and it feels like the earth knows that election day here. Just know that tomorrow, I’m going to have a glass of wine or cocktail and be in bed my 10pm.
READING
Banality of online recommendation culture: Love, love, love this article talking about recommendation culture and the aim to guide others on how to “live better consumerist lives”- a phrase which really sat with me. I, of course, am fully engrossed in recommendation culture. One of the reasons I started this blog was to selfishly expand on my recommendations that I give in these weekly reports, which I was initially only sharing with friends. This article uses the Perfectly Imperfect Substack as a prime example. It was cool to learn more about PI’s origins and the founder’s initial vision for the company. To no one’s surprise, he used to work at Facebook. I also appreciate the perspective of when recommendations really catch wind, and you lose the feeling of having a unique connection to it. Reading this was very “Is this play about us”, but I don’t mind the callout and the reminder to gatekeep what’s truly personal.
Unpacking the current obsession: Everyone loves a trinket, but the hold that small toys have on Gen Z right now is really crazy. I didn’t know what Sonny Angels were until early this summer and I feel like it’s everyone’s secret obsession. I think also with people trying to “Jane Birkin-ify” their bags, trinkets like keychains, little plushies etc., people are just really tapping into collecting culture. Some of the styling I saw in NYFW S/S shows had a similar eccentric, playful, trinkety energy as well as big brands such as Chopova Lowena and Heaven, which are mentioned in the article. Interested to see how long this trend lasts, and how it evolves to take different forms.
EATING
Nutella: I rediscovered Nutella this week and I’m feeling just generally revived. It’s definitely sweeter than I remember, but still tastes like the joys of childhood.
PLAYING
Urban designer answers questions for Wired: In another life I'm an environmental architect. I think city planning is so interesting, and I plan to go down a little rabbit hole of discovery with the new podcasts I just added to my Spotify. Also, Alexandros Washburn, the urban designer in this video, saying that Paris is one of the cities doing city planning the best is just another reason to add to my laundry list of why I must move there.
Finneas interview for triple j: This is such a satisfying interview to learn more about Finneas’s album. The interviewer asks insightful questions and has a great rapport with him.
Finneas being interviewed by Billie for Spotify: Billie interviewing Finneas for Spotify in this beautiful little clearing area in LA. They talk a ton about the album, his process making it, reminiscing on their childhood and how Finneas and Billie are feeling about their tours.
Billie goes through her career for Vanity Fair: Love her, love her, love her. So insane to see her move through her whole career and reflect on where I was in life as she was releasing music. The fact that she says her career “so far” in the beginning just shows how far she’s come, but also how much lies ahead.
OBSESSING
Buffalo Boots shoes: Thank you Isabella Vrana (@isabella.vrana97 on Youtube) for introducing me to this brand. The metal details on the first pair are so beautiful.
Feed Me on Substack: I honestly don’t know how I found this Substack. Likely TikTok, but I don’t remember signing up for it? However it came into my life, I’m grateful! Emily Sundberg, the creator of Feed Me, has a sort of holistic approach in talking about current events, food, skin care etc. and her opinions around all of it, as well as interviews with various guests. I haven’t unsubscribed yet, and am even contemplating upgrading to the paid subscription, so she’s definitely doing something right.
Sling bag from This Uniform: If you know me, you know that light blue is my favorite color, hence why it’s in the color scheme for this blog, but I don’t really wear a lot of light blue. However, lately I’ve been drawn to light blue in clothing and accessories and this bag is a particular standout. It’s over $400 for only God knows what reason, but a beauty nonetheless.
RECOMMENDING
Ca7iel & Paco Amoroso on Tiny Desk: Clips of this Tiny Desk were popping up on my for you page so I checked it out and wow, I was not disappointed. I’ve never heard of this duo prior to watching, but I’m obsessed with the jazz feel (if that’s the right genre?) of this live performance. People in the comments were saying that their released music doesn’t have this same sound, and leans more electronic pop so I’m intrigued to dive into their discography and see what’s what.
TREATING
Nothing? Truthfully guys, I can’t rack my brain for anything I treated myself to last week. I barely left the house and didn’t do any online purchasing, although plenty of online browsing was done. Not sure if nothing in this section is a good or bad thing?
