Note Pad, #2
Kendrick revitalizes the denim industry, Galentine's, and digital window shopping
I have two modes at the gym. I derive my ability to push towards a personal best in a chest press, a cable row, a barbell box squat, etc etc (pick your soldier) either from the multi-layered depressing realization that a British man was the loss of my life or by an unrelenting four and a half minute diatribe about what a loser Drake is. There is no in between. Last week, it was the latter. Obviously. GNX also proved to be a great soundtrack to set to my window shopping as I made my way through my second month of a no buy - including not buying some cute new flares. It also happened to score many of my G/P/Valentine’s outings over the last week - which I hope you all also had some time spent with the ones you love most.
🔗 Affiliate Links: Throughout this newsletter I use affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase, I may get a small commission — at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting Liner Notes.
I Am Flared Up: We let the concept of a single sided story die. I turn the phrase “speak my truth” over and over in my head sometimes. I don’t know if it’s a symptom of everyone on the internet simply wanting to be heard and/or seen. Or perhaps because in a climate so divided we think that a “balanced” story is one where sourcing quotes from a reasonable, level-headed professional must also be placed on the same serious axis as the platitudes of an irate, rabies-infested possum. But I think, far too quickly and without enough fight, we too readily acquiesced to this idea that there are “three sides to every story.” Sometimes, there is actually only one side. Sometimes, there isn’t your version of events, my version of events, and what actually happened. Sometimes, there is only the truth. And in the incredibly important case of Kendrick Lamar’s slamming little pair of Super Bowl jeans I must impress upon everyone that despite some people calling them otherwise those were flares. Flares! I will accept bells - given the bottom of the shape could have been hemmed to fit his patootie 5’5” frame. But bootcut? BOOTCUT? I would rather cease to be than let this factual fashionable transgression go any further. Eileen Carter wrote the delightful (and accurate) headline for GQ: “Kendrick Wants To Know … Are You Flared Up?” I sure am, Eileen. I sure am! Not just about those jeans and how since Sunday I have been looking for a pair of my own. I like these and these. But about the accuracy of referring to said jeans by their proper style name. Unlike Maliha Shoaib who queried in a headline for Vogue: “Will Men Buy Bootcut Jeans After Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance?”. I don’t know if they will, Maliha. But if they’re hoping to emulate Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance I sure hope they buy flared jeans!
Very Cute Flats: Had I not recently purchased a pair of leopard flats - to add some “Edge” to my wardrobe per my Three Words - I would be seriously considering these new ones from Margaux. Though I’m readily looking forward to adding more animal print to my closet in 2025, I will admit that I am going to be - rightfully - picky about that print. I think I prefer a leopard print more muted and brown. Some veer far too yellow and the proportion of the pattern also matters to me a lot. But this pair looks very good and promises to be the brand’s most comfortable yet. Margaux kindly sent along a chic two-tone pair. I love how polished a pointed toe can be, but they’re also often uncomfortable. These, by contrast, are very comfy. The padding also makes them feel extremely luxe. Aren’t they very Chanel?
Do I Like V Necks? I made the swap to the crew neck a few years ago but I have lately been seeing a lot of outfit inspiration photos hit me of perfectly oversized, deliciously chunky, knit sweaters … with a v neck! In looking back, I think I made the switch because I specifically didn’t like myself in v neck tees - but could I be into a v neck sweater? Here’s a few that I am eyeing: Red | Grey.
Spring Cashmere: On the note of knitwear, I’m also very into ‘lighter’ cashmere for warmer seasons ahead, like a loose sweater tee.
Statement Earrings: One gap in my jewelry collection that I’m also seeing a lot of lately are statement earrings. The honking kind that takes up a good chunk in covering your bottom lobe. I own a number of hoops in varying sizes for the proportional “statement” I’d like to make, but none that cover as much surface area as these sculptural beauties. Knot | Square | Linear.
Examples of Flourishing: If your Word of the Year is anything like mine — ICYMI, it’s “flourish” — I wanted to make an active effort to surface up content that keeps the energy going. This video by confidence queen and Chief Executive Officer of “I’m The Hottest Shit Alive” Ilona Maher ought to do it.
Interviewer: How do you deal with imposter syndrome?
Ilona: I don’t have that. Is that that thing where you feel like you don’t deserve something?
Interviewer: Yes!
Ilona: I don’t have that. I feel like I deserve everything I have gotten. I worked very hard.
Interviewer: So basically you’re saying, “Don’t even acknowledge it”?
Ilona: No, I’m saying I don’t have that. I think some people get told you have that or you’re supposed to have that but I think it’s okay to be proud of what you’ve done.
As well as this stunning human whose Reel got me out of bed the other day.
📖 Word Of the Year: In case you missed it, a personal essay where I talk about life post-publication and also my “word” I’ve adopted as an ethos for 2025.
The Best Day Of The Year: Last weekend, some friends and I booked a hotel room downtown for a Galentine’s staycation. We got ready in our suite in a flurry (thankfully I had pre-planned my outfit as a TS-approved copy + paste #IYKYK) and headed to dinner at Capo where we Lady And the Tramp (sans Tramp)ed all over some meatballs, glasses of wine, bowls of pasta, and a rich chocolate finisher - split amongst four forks (two of us were sadly missing). When we got back to our hotel room off came the cute outfits and on went the baggiest sweatpants from our respective homes. We dove under blankets and talked until 2am. We talked to relieve ourselves of the perceived isolation that we alone were exhausted, that we alone were self-conscious or bitter or selfish or jealous or needy. I’ve been friends with this group since we were 20. We’ve seen breakups and weddings and births (in true “my friends all smell like weed or little babies” fashion we even accommodated our littlest group addition who hasn’t taken to a bottle just yet). It was such a healing and restorative escape in our own backyard. Complete with facials the next morning, obviously.
The Second Best Day of the Year: Not to be outdone, but Mr. TSS and I went to “our” place on The Drive for tacos and cocktails on the actual 14th. We’ve been coming here for years and years. The mezcal negroni cannot be beat.
Things To Love: Valentine’s Day was an excellent reminder of some pieces I’ve loved and loved for years that remind me of, well, love. Like Taylor’s “Sarah Exact” garnet ring — the style is called “Heirloom” for a reason. It’s something you’ll want to keep forever.
Next on my horizon? I’m imagining a stunning and infinitely classic thing like a diamond tennis necklace. I’ve loved seeing this style really come back into trend. And not just for special occasions. I’ve loved seeing luxurious items becoming things to be embraced and worn on the regular. Turning the daily into something special. One brand I’ve been eyeing in particular is Dorsey who specialize in lab grown jewelry - making luxe items more accessibly priced than traditional diamonds. Of course, I’m also eyeing some of their emerald pieces like this trillion infinity ring.
What I Read: I’m currently sitting one book ahead of my annual reading goal which is delightful! This month I read: Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors, Want by Gillian Anderson (audiobook), and The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. The latter was particularly very touching.
How has your week been?
My honeymoon is also in Paris later this year! Details of your itinerary (and outfits, natch) would be much appreciated! 💚
I was first shaking my fist in the air in solidarity, then dying laughing at 'I am flared up'