Weekly REPORT 3/10
I was in Austin for the weekend! I stayed with Theiija and got to meet all five of her roommates, which pulled me right back into the beautiful nostalgic chaos of college. The high of the weekend was hanging out at Radio City and Beer, which was classic Austin in every way. Everyone was outside enjoying the food trucks in the yard or coffee from inside, there was a live folk festival happening and I chatted with multiple sweet strangers. I think I was there for around 3 hours, and even though Theiija and I had to move inside because of the crazy winds, it was such a pleasant afternoon. Low of the weekend was definitely waiting in the freezing cold outside of Bird Bird Biscuit for 40 minutes for a subpar meal.
I’m on season 5 of my Gossip Girl rewatch and I’m so baffled at how the writers decided to completely omit the fact that in season 5, Dan, Serena, Blair and Nate were all supposed to be in college. All of the sudden, Serena and Nate are working full-time, Blair is attempting to become a society princess before reuniting with Louis and Dan is a waffling author. I understand they might’ve felt that college was hindering their characters’ storylines, but I wish they would’ve somehow written it out, or speedrun early graduation for all of them. All of the scenes with Georgina at the tail-end of the season feel so emotional to watch after Michelle’s passing. Also, honorable mention to the guy that plays Georgina’s husband because I’ve found him so comedic and endearing this time around.
Quite a stuffed report this week, you’re welcome!
READING
Lewis Hamilton for Time Magazine: It was so nice to get a full article to learn more about him and the thought process behind moving to Ferrari. Hamilton has always been relatively humble, so to see him get (rightfully) a little fiery and cocky in this interview was exciting. The comments that Ferrari or Hamilton agreed to this move purely for marketing purposes are insane. Ferrari is Ferrari and Hamilton is Hamilton- they don’t need the publicity. They’re established and iconic within F1 and always will be. He also talked about the lack of diversity within the Ferrari team, the strides he’s made in that area at Mercedes and how the racism of Italian fans was a consideration in his decision.
“Don’t ever compare me to anybody else,” says Hamilton. “I’m the first and only Black driver that’s ever been in this sport. I’m built different. I’ve been through a lot. I’ve had my own journey. You can’t compare me to another 40-year-old, past or present, Formula One driver in history. Because they are nothing like me. I’m hungry, driven, don’t have a wife and kids. I’m focused on one thing, and that’s winning. That’s my No. 1 priority.”
How to find meaning in your life: I love Psyche so much. Really good article to get you to evaluate the four main pillars in our lives that usually provide meaning in our lives: close relationships, community, work and spirituality. Then, they provide ways for you to tap into these different pillars and just generally reground yourself. Obviously, I’m lacking in the community and work “domains of connection” as they’re coined, and partially in close relationships in terms of my close relationships in Houston (outside of my family). I’m going to look into ways I can get more connected with various hobbies and groups in Houston. The work pillar is a tough one, because obviously I’ve been job hunting since graduation, but I'm going to look into courses or other skills I can improve on while I figure out my career shit.
Barry Keoghan for Wonderland: The styling for this shoot is simple, and I really enjoy it. He talks about his tendency to approach projects and relate them to certain animals, which helps him tap into the soul of certain characters. Missed his cute little face!
France’s ban on PFAS and its impact on the fashion industry: For my internship at WashU as a Comms Intern for the Office of Sustainability, I had to attend one of these conferences during Earth Week (or something adjacent) and I attended one about PFAS chemicals. It was such a confusing seminar for me because they were using so much terminology that I was unfamiliar with, but after more research I realized that PFAS chemicals are ever present in the fashion industry! It’s insane how every sector is connected. This article talks about ‘forever chemicals’, called PFAS, which are used to manufacture clothing to make them waterproof, stain proof, increased durability etc. They break down very slowly and contaminate the water, air, soil etc. for years and they inevitably end up in our bodies. France has banned PFAS “including textiles, clothing, shoes and the coatings that make them waterproof— are forbidden from 2026…” The article also discusses PFAS alternatives, the impacts of the PFAS ban, and how companies such as Patagonia have moved away from the chemical, although the transition hasn’t been without difficulties.
EATING
Caspar’s Fermentables lox bagel: Great bagel! I think the founder is from NY or NJ and wanted to bring that style of bagel to Texas. This was definitely light on the lox, which was a little disappointing, but it was still pretty filling. I did, however, truly love the in-house brewed ginger kombucha. 4/5
Pastries from Swedish Hill: Theiija and I happened to sit next to Danny Amendola here, who I only recognized because he was on DWTS. Learned from Google that he’s from The Woodlands! Isn’t the world so small? Anyways, I got a croissant and kouign amann, and both were delicious! Definitely doesn’t rival the bakeries in SF or Paris, but paired with the Swedish coffee (cold brew, oat milk and coconut cream), it was a great breakfast before I drove home. 4.5/5
PLAYING
Jonathan Anderson for “Are We On Air” podcast: Music is a massive part of my life and has so many ties to my creative process and memories, so this was such a fun listen to see how it impacts Jonathan’s creative process. He talks about separating the creative identities between JW Anderson and Loewe. Him describing JW’s song as “Disorder” by Joy Division is oh so fitting. Jonathan also talks about the fashion industry’s obsession with “Being cool all the time” and the importance of time in building true longevity for a brand. He also delves into the lack of constructive dialogue within our current Western world, how we hate something, leave it in the dust and leave a wake of destruction in the process. Also, he mentioned “Good Ones” by Charli as a song that gets him ready to go out- I knew I loved him for a reason. Will die on the hill that Crash is an underrated masterpiece.
“We love the Internet and information, but we don’t know how to deal with it”
BOF Simon Jacquemus interview: I’ve never heard Simon’s voice before, and I was taken aback by how soft spoken he is. I forgot how much I missed hearing the French accent. I think the fact that his ethos for the brand has been “I need to be visible” since inception puts so much into perspective about the brand’s marketing campaigns, creative direction, chosen ambassadors etc. I don’t love the interviewer and his questions, but Simon did his best to navigate some annoying questions about the business side of the brand.
Silvia’s vlog in Rome: Just a joyful, sweet little video. Watched while I was making dinner. She also thrifted a version of my dream red leather jacket, and it gave me confirmation that I should wait till I’m back in Europe to find it instead of caving for the polyester one that Desigual is currently selling which I included in a report a couple weeks ago.
OBSESSING
Central Market coconut water: I don’t know why, but I’m having a coconut renaissance. I’ve switched from oat to coconut in my drinks (coffee, matcha tea) and I can see coconut water rivaling my random impulse kombucha purchases at HEB.
Jonathan Anderson interview for ShowStudio: The intonation and pacing of his voice is exactly the same, even 13 years ago, and I absolutely love that. Someone in the comments said that he’s an architect and his medium just happens to be the human body. I think this is especially relevant in his earlier collections for his eponymous label. His vision and passions are just as clear 13 years ago as they are now, and his authenticity is so refreshing. I’m a little confused by what he meant in “Fashion cannot be elite. In the modern world, it isn’t possible. If luxury is a form of elitism, I don’t want to be part of it”, because isn’t elitism the foundation of luxury? Especially when it started with custom tailoring and pieces for the uber wealthy who could, how do elitism and luxury not intertwine? Would be curious to hear his thoughts on that today. This interview was also a year before he became the creative director of Loewe. Little did he know the life-changing news around the corner!
RECOMMENDING
Colman Domingo on Brittany’s Royal Court: Brittany has such fun questions, and Colman was so pleasantly surprised by them. He’s so witty and endearing and I LOVE his laugh. “Skunk is quite cunty”- Coleman Domingo, 2025. They both love playing out a bit, so it makes for a very fun dynamic to witness. I need to watch Sing Sing.
Under the Banner of Heaven on Hulu: I was missing seeing Andrew’s beautiful face, so I decided to watch this show which has been on my list for a while. Little did I know the Mormon rabbit hole I was going to go down. This show is about a murder that happens in a small Mormon town in Utah, and how an influential family’s dive into Fundamentalist Mormonism became the family downfall, as well as the demise of many in the community. Andrew plays a Mormon detective, and I think the moments that are most captivating are when you see him struggling with his faith as he tries to navigate this murder and the truths it brings out about the origins of Mormonism, as told through historical flashbacks. The last two episode got a little overcomplicated and introduced a couple too many characters, but the last five minutes in episode 6 are an acting masterclass from Andrew.
TREATING
Thrifted items from Austin: I got a black mini skirt for $9 at Cheapskate Thrift and I’m very excited about it. It’ll be great as a summer basic because its lightweight (linen-adjacent fabric) but fits well with going out clothes too. The star of this mini thrift haul is this beautiful chocolate brown vintage Ralph Lauren striped dress I got from Vintage Hideout. It fits me so nicely, and I think this will be perfect for the summertime. $38 and worth every penny!
Margs at De Nada: One thing about Austin, they’re going to eat up an outdoor seating area! The restaurant part of De Nada looked quite small (I wasn’t inside for very long), but the outdoor area was sprawling. I think most people just go there for their strong margaritas, but I’ve heard good things about their tacos! Very cute spot to hang out with Theiija and her roommates.
