Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T: April 22-28, 2024
Alison Pegg
“Karma’s a relaxing thought…”
In hindsight, it really is. But it’s also a serious ass-kicker.
As I write this intro this week, I’m laughing at my “self-care sermon” I wrote last week. Shortly after thinking I had it all together, everything snapped, including the muscles in my neck.
Isn’t if funny how our body is just goes “Nope! Not holding it together anymore!”. Like it’s reminding you that pushing yourself to your limits isn’t going to bite you in the butt later. At least I learned that I internalize stress WAY more than I thought I did, so maybe, just maybe, this won’t happen again.
That’s karma.
Here’s this week’s Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.
Reading
Trends: Dupe the Vibe, Not the Look Pt. 1 (The Creative Pragmatist)
Like last week, I spent the majority of this week staring at two large computer screens, heads down in work. So taking time to read anything, was a bit of a stretch this week, especially reading anything on a computer. My Substack app on my iPad once again was my reprieve, and there’s no one better to get you out of a funk than Amy Smilovic. If money was no object, my closet would be filled with her Tibi line, but in the meantime her Substack, The Creative Pragmatist, is great inspiration to get that cool-girl Tibi look. She shows how to lean into the vibe of spring trends, without having to buy the whole look. By focusing on the trends elements, instead of the literal pieces of clothing brands and influencers are trying to sell. Her outfit formulas are a great start at reimagining my own closet, and I can’t wait to get started.
My buttermilk banana bread. c 2024.
Good intentions me bought bananas early last week, with every intention of having them for a healthy snack. Stressed out me noticed they were almost brown on the counter over a week later. What does one do with a bunch of over ripe bananas? Why make banana bread of course! Having tested a few different recipes in the past, I find the banana bread I enjoy most has buttermilk as an ingredient. This banana bread recipe from Two Peas & their Pod utilizes the magic ingredient, and it couldn’t have been easier to make. Oh, it’s delicious too.
Playing
Taylor Swift and the Tortured Poets Aesthetic (Culture Study)
Swiftie is a word I have a hard time categorizing myself as. I love Taylor’s music and have seen her in concert multiple times, but the obsessiveness that comes with that moniker isn’t for me. With that said, I love a good pop culture deep dive on Taylor’s immense power, and this podcast fit that bill perfect. Joined by Sarah Chapelle, of @taylorswiftstyle, Ann Peterson’s latest Culture Study pod dives into how Taylor does, and doesn’t, use fashion to promote her music and image. Some favourite parts of the episode for me were chats on Taylor’s inner cringe, her street style, and is she the ultimate cheugy millenial? It’s a fun super listen.
I’m not sure when it happened, but all of a sudden I’ve been obsessed with white cat eyed sunglasses. Maybe it’s a desire for La Dolce Vita, maybe it was this B-list substack - I don’t know, but I can’t get the idea of this frame out of my head. And of course, Le Specs, one of my favourite sunglasses brands, has the perfect pair. I love how sharp the lines are on these Velodrome style, they look more like the Prada version, and less like the other trending rounded shapes. Now to resist that ever prevalent “add to cart” button.
Recommending
39.25 in. Stainless Steel Weeder Aluminum Handle (Fiskars)
Homeownership is great, isn’t it? Am I officially a lame homeowner because I’m recommending a weeding tool? I was seriously debating on whether or not to put the Fiskars Stainless Steel Weeder in the obsessed column this week, that’s how much I love this thing. Dandelions, be gone! Stubborn weeds, goodbye! I won’t stretch and say weeding the yard is actually fun, but this tool helps prevent hours of frustration and pain and really does remove those big suckers.
Treating
My new Crocs! c 2024.
In 2024, I officially joined the Crocs crew. But don’t worry, I’m no where close to dipping my toe in jibbets world. Having just waxed poetic about a weeder above, it made sense that I needed to add a shoe to my gardening ensemble. But not just any shoe, something that I can hose down at the end of the day, but also something where mulch can’t creep between my toes. These Crocs Dylan Clogs are perfect. And even better? They barely look like Crocs!