The stuff I'm into right this very moment
Newsletters = Blogs 2.0. And I mean that in a good way.
First things first: Why a newsletter? I had a blog many years ago (launched in 2008, while I was studying abroad and living with a family in Northern Spain) that I only posted to sporadically. It actually led to some really cool experiences — like being named the inaugural Maxxinista with TJ Maxx — but it was something I didn’t commit enough of my time to to really nurture.
Things have changed in the last 13+ years (sheesh). I graduated college, launched a full-time career as a writer and have since worked for dozens of publications, including Eater, Buzzfeed, Bustle and PEOPLE. I mostly write about the news but have also focused a lot on lifestyle and beauty writing (and, as you can imagine working for an entertainment publication, I do sometimes dabble in all things celebrity). My obsession with pop culture isn’t just because I’m “very online” but because it is quite literally what I am paid to do. So why not talk about culture, fashion, celebrity (I will make a solemn vow, however, not to talk about The Slap) in a more casual way?
I guess this is basically a blog, right? But now, the time seems right to nurture it. I don’t plan on posting OOTDs like I did in my college fashuuuun blog, but instead will use this to share other stuff I love: sure, some fun fashion finds but also: shows I’m watching, articles I found fascinating, songs I can’t get out of my head, recipes I made and can’t stop thinking about. I’ll send out this newsletter once a week, on Sunday mornings. So you can read it with your morning coffee.
You in? Subscribe, if so. I give good email.
Now for the round-up of the five things I’m very into this week.
A vibe-y chocolate mousse: Did you guys read the wonderful GQ article last July, about Bistro Vibes? Bistro vibes is a descriptor for the the clean-lined 1990s aesthetic that encompassed everything from food (think Spago) to fashion (Donna Karan, Calvin Klein). “Laid back, but obviously thoughtful,” as writer Jason Diamond describes. Chocolate mousse falls under this category for me. It’s decadent, but doesn’t take itself too seriously and something about it feels a little throwback. It also couldn’t be easier, particularly if you adhere to this Chrissy Tiegen recipe, which utilizes the microwave and only a handful of ingredients. Note: the Rice Krispie topping situation is wildly addictive and you will be eating it by the handful while you wait for the mousse to firm up in the fridge.
A scandal that won’t stop: I get very addicted to scandals. Pretty much any and all of them. Watergate. Fyre Festival. Hilaria Baldwin. Hulu’s The Dropout delves into once of the most-covered scandals in recent memory: that of Theranos, the blood-testing startup that grew to a $10 billion valuation in under a decade, and then all fell apart (because, well, spoiler alert: they weren't exactly doing what they said they were). I listened to the ABC News podcast, watched the HBO documentary, and read the Wall Street Journal reports that ultimately led to Theranos’ doing. So I didn’t necessarily think I needed anymore Theranos content. I was wrong. The Hulu show hits all the notes for me: the acting is terrific (Amanda Seyfried really embodies the awkward-but-still-somewhat-conniving Elizabeth Holmes), the settings, soundtrack and costuming brings you back to the early aughts, and the storyline manages to illustrate the seriousness of the scandal. Highly, highly recommend.
A cheap thrill: I kind of forgot how much I loved this product until I used it the other day, but the Aztec Secret Clay Mask (which costs less than $15 for one pound) is one of those all-time-greats. It’s a powder and if you mix it with equal parts apple cider vinegar, it will create this stinky, frothy potion that you smear on your skin and allow to dry. It’s not a “fun” mask, in that it sort of freezes your face while it dries and comes off in clumps (I recommend just jumping in the shower once it’s dry), but it really works. It deeply cleanses the skin and, if you have any breakouts or problem areas, it kind of calms everything down.
A perfect cup of coffee: I only do one cup of coffee per day but I am very addicted to it. My routine is to wake up, shuffle to my coffee maker, and pour myself a cup to drink outside while I look at Pinterest. I started buying Woken during the pandemic and haven’t looked back. They make both grounds and pods (which is great because I have a Ninja coffee maker and a Nespresso and like to alternate depending on the day) and the best part is they are compostable. They are also just plain delicious.
A silly sock: I love a good pair of socks. Worn with sandals, heels or sneakers, they add such a fun, subtle bit of personality to an otherwise standard outfit. These, by Kule, are my latest jam. I can’t say no to putting on a happy face.
Some recommended reading:
• Ukrainian designer Jean Gritsfeldt spoke to Vogue about his latest collection, which he unveiled amid the Russian invasion of his home country.
• Carnivalcore is the new cottagecore.
• The Wall Street Journal spoke to several people who recently left their full-time, salaried roles to instead do contract work — and they’re reaping so many benefits (better pay, more flexibility, more time with family). I am a big proponent of contract work and can speak from experience when I say that it gives you so much more control over your life (not to mention pretty much unlimited earning potential).
• This tweet:
Thanks for reading. HMU (I’m @vchamlee on Instagram) with questions/suggestions/comments/what you’d like to see and what you’re loving these days.
I’ll leave you with this…