Weekly REPORT 2/24
I’m trying to reconfigure my gym workouts to better align with my personal fitness goals, and it’s been a little overwhelming as someone who has stuck with a pretty similar routine for the past year and some change. I’ve been trying to figure out some new machines, which always feels so deeply embarrassing.
Has anyone else noticed that their TikTok is super reactionary lately? I was on my FYP and liked one workout video, one Megan Thee Stallion edit and one Invincible edit, and all of the sudden those three topics were the majority of my page within a minute. I don’t mind more Megan Thee Stallion edits of course, but I feel like I don’t have a great balance of content on my page anymore- some days feel very skewed to topics I only liked one video about. I don’t want to add into the TikTok ban conspiracies, but this is definitely a change in the algorithm that’s more recent, and one of the reasons I spend way less time on the app than I previously did.
Like most people are, I’m watching White Lotus Season 3, so I didn’t include it in my ‘playing’ section because it felt obvious. I’m seeing Role Model on Friday and I’m so extremely excited! Loved his ‘Sally, when the wine runs out’ music video and I can’t wait to boogie in real life. Not to be annoying, but I’ve been a fan of him since 2019. However, I won’t be camping out for his concert because, rarely ever is it that serious. Last week of February! How the hell did we get here! Have a great week. Happy Black History Month!
READING
History of the fashion show: Fantastic overview of the history of fashion shows, filled with information I didn’t know and information I was happy to be reminded of. I think the democratization of fashion shows is more of an advantage than disadvantage, but of course, I understand the unhappiness with the lack of attention paid to the actual collection at these shows. I especially understand the frustration with “the circus” as it’s coined in the article, because I have a deep love for fashion and its history, but it would be unrealistic to hold all fashion show attendees to similar levels of love and knowledge. However, I do think standards for these shows, and its attendees, would benefit from being reimagined.
Algerian genocide at hands of French: An article discussing the Algerian genocide at the hands of the French, and how France has still not acknowledged the atrocities or attempted to provide reparations for them.
Linder exhibition in London: I’ve never heard of this artist Linder before, but her work is very captivating. I also found a lot of her interview answers to be really relevant to where I am in life right now. It just feels prophetic and I’m going to try to keep these quotes in mind as advice moving forward.
“Also, we need to fight for the right to fail, because the pressure to succeed paralyses your creativity. You don’t all have to be a success all the time. I was invisible for decades. So take hope, because your success may take a long time to come. Sometimes you have to wait for culture to catch up with you. If that is the case, it’s often nothing to do with you – it’s how receptive and permeable the culture around you is. So remember, they just don’t get it, but one day they will.”
Mike Amiri for Interview Magazine: I know a little bit about Amiri’s history, but this interview was a great balance between informative and personable! If you missed my F/W25 show thoughts, you can read them here.
EATING
Rodeo Goat: This place had some wacky burger combination that I just know my brother would absolutely love. I got the Ranch House which had bacon and onion marmalade, arugula, white cheddar and ranch mayo (a dream condiment if I do say so myself). The marmalade was a little too sweet for my taste, but overall, it was a fantastic burger! I split both regular fries and sweet potato fries with my mom and they were great. Best of all, the place had the best ranch for dipping. Definitely want to go back!
PLAYING
Keinemusik Giza set: I totally understand the hype. When they started playing Michael Jackson around 49 minutes, I was fighting the urge to do a little dance in my seat at the cafe I was at. Seeing them live at an insane location like this would be an absolute dream.
My Fault London: I want to be supportive of the amazing chemistry between these two characters, and I believe this is based on a Wattpad story, but the fact that they’re stepsiblings is icky! Between the Cruel Intentions remake, this and the first episode of White Lotus alluding to possible incestuous relationships between the siblings, it’s all a little much for me. Anyways, the soundtrack is fantastic (Charli, Troye, between friends, Olivia Dean) and the movie is really entertaining! Of course, there were a few cringey moments, but that’s to be expected with these sorts of adaptations. Also, Asha has fantastic hair- I couldn’t stop staring at her curls.
How I started my life over: This was comforting to watch as someone who is still figuring so much shit out. It’s videos like these that give me hope that I can build the life I want working in a creative industry despite the world telling me it might be impossible. I think the segment about the age pressure is especially relevant, and I have to remember that there is no set timeline for success!
OBSESSING
Doechii for The Cut: Doechii is one of those artists that just reinforces all the reasons why I love being a darkskin Black woman. This styling is everything, this interview is everything; in her own words, she is everything!!
Harris Dickinson for Chicken Shop Date: I’m trying to be sane about this but just know I have watched this multiple times. I’m not going to gush about how insane their chemistry is or how Amelia broke character when she was attempting to drink the milk. Just watch for yourself to see the magic. Love him bad, and I’m watching Scrapper this week.
RECOMMENDING
I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel: Full review here. A deeply delusional and witty main character who chronicles her obsession with a man she cannot have and his first mistress. Introspective chapters that read like short essays and dives into the systems of oppression that impact the way she moves through the world. 4/5
TREATING
Fabric and sewing supplies from Joann’s: Joann’s is going bankrupt, but I don’t think the store near my house is closing down which I’m very grateful for. I got new fabric shears which have kind of changed my life and have been sewing away! More to come on this soon.
Cadente: I went for happy hour on Thursday! It was freezing out and I was craving queso and a yummy little drink. I got a Paloma, which was delicious, but the queso wasn’t anything mind blowing and it was pretty small for the price.
