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ALSO INSIDE: tons of women-owned business to shop from and things for the perect bed rot/wallow this weekend
Hi friends! I hope everyone is doing as well as possible – I am really not doing so well and I’m sure many of you might be feeling the same way. On that, I just wanted to say – my DMs are always, always open, and I am always happy to talk. The only way we’ll get through this is in community – we’ve got us always!
Along those lines, my mom said something to me on Wednesday morning that was painful to hear but true: there is no one stronger or better at bearing pain but continuing on than women (and anyone who has identified as a woman at any point in their lives). When I think about it, I know it’s not fair or right at all and it is exhausting – but it’s true. Even in the most basic sense, as 12-year-olds while still very much in our childhoods, we are informed that we will experience some pretty intense pain and symptoms every month for 40-50 years of our lives. Even at that age, we just learn to cope and sneakily find ways to clean literal blood off of our clothes.
All that being said, I think every one of us who is feeling pain and fear after this week’s results needs to take time to rest and heal and recharge as much as they need. But after that, I know we will come back with strength, determination, and hope – like we always do.
Along those lines, I was really inspired by this TikTok from @rachelinarealway this week (she is a GREAT creator if you don’t follow:
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Similarly, I also really liked this one from @claudiacarlucci_. Both center around the fact that women have MASSIVE buying power in this county and control over where money flows – and that is only becoming more true.
And I don’t know about you all, but for the next 4 years and for the rest of my life, I don’t want to inadvertently give a penny to corporations and men who don’t believe in my fundamental freedoms and support a man who has caused the entirely preventable and painful deaths of women.
SO, with help from these fabulous videos, this week I am making a list of some of my favorite women-owned (and women-supporting) brands and items that I will be shopping for now and in the future :)
CLOTHES:
I have just learned about the very cool company Wat the Brand and now I am OBSESSED with this subtle black bow cardigan ($120) for upcoming holiday parties!
I knew I loved Vrg Grl for its fun and effortlessly cool pieces like this neutral but funky cardigan ($45) and this beautiful linen shirt ($29) but now, I also love that it’s owned by a pair of sisters 🥹🥹
And speaking of brands I love, Damson Madder is ALSO women-owned and, of course, iconic in all ways, like this actually perfect white embroidered shirt ($73).
One of my favorite people I follow on Depop, @segundamanito, designs and upcycles clothes! I am particularly obsessed with her martini collection, like this adorable upcycled tank ($18) – like picture this in the summer!!
Along those lines, I also love Star Garden Apparel on Depop and her incredible cropped tees like this paper doll-inspired one ($25)!
MAKE-UP:
Not only is Mango People woman-owned, it is also plant-based, sustainable, and based in Ayurvedic practices… and basically, I need their multi-stick ($27) right now!!
I think we all know Dieux and covet THAT reusable eye mask ($25), but it’s even cooler that they, as a brand, actually give a sh*t about people (also, check out this version of their eye mask, could be a fab holiday gift!!)
When I lived in Chicago, I walked into Mojo Spa one day and met the owner and was absolutely mind-blown by her yummy candles ($22)… that melt into a MOISTURIZER that you can use!!!
Love her or hate her (or have mixed emotions about her but really enjoyed the book like I did), queen girl boss Emily Weiss really did something special when she created Glossier and gave me Balm Dotcom ($16) which I have now been addicted to for over a decade lol.
ACCESSORIES:
My favorite present I ever got my mom was this pendant ($71) from Catbird (which is also my favorite jewelry in the world – it’s pricey but they do have some more affordable options!).
My prediction for this winter is that the head wrap/bonnet like this adorable one from Lisa Says Gah ($36) will be all the way back this winter. (And the brand is ofc owned by the ever-cool Lisa Bühler.)
Y’all know I love quilted bags but LOOK at these stunning ones ($60) from Kelsie of Danae and Dru!! I’ve never seen this shape before, I NEED one!
You all also know I am a huge, huge fan of Jie and DVNE Jewelry Co. (I know we all went feral for her pebble necklace) but personally, I cannot shut up about most of her jewelry, including these gorgeous chunky pearl earrings ($29).
One more thing…
Speaking of female founders, y’all know I am obsessed with Zeen and I want to send some love to Liz and her incredible team. I also put together a little post of all the comfy cozies (from friendly brands) that I want to lounge in while I wallow this weekend – because sometimes a good wallow is needed!
Extra special shout-outs here to:
Lexi Larson!! I am a longtime follower and stan, and it’s been so cool to watch her launch her loungewear line, Sunday Cherries (the pink one!).
I think those slippers with the oysters and caviar detail (from woman-owned brand Laines London) are to die for!
I did not know my longtime fave Quince (with that fab dark beige knit button-down) was woman-owned until now and it makes me very happy :)
More Fun Stuff
Some of my favorite (and most cathartic and/or commiserating) reads this week came from Amy Odell on why we need to shop right now, from Platonic Love on songs for hard times, and from shit you should care about with a whole, much-needed newsletter on things we can feel happy about. I really can’t emphasize how much I appreciate you all and this Substack community <3
Especially now that I need to distract myself, I cannot stop watching advent calendar unboxings on TikTok (which also goes against the whole point of advent calendars I feel??).
More cool girl gift guides!! And get something for yourself, we deserve it!
Speaking of, I’m trying to have the best November possible at this point given what’s happened – this guide is super helpful, as is The Drama Club (Eli Rallo)’s Notebook November series on IG!
The most-clicked links last week were the first cool girl gift guide I sent (isn’t this creator SO good?), the tomato hoops (guys, I think we sold them out lol), and, ofc, the pebble necklace from Dear Madelaine!
ALSO, now more than ever, I want women and communities of color and everyone who is being threatened right now to get their bag. This is my ShopMy referral link – please feel free to share it with anyone (and make sure if your friends use it, they are using YOUR referral, not mine!!).
Love you all, take it easy, see you next week <3
Some great new-to-me brands in this round-up — thank you for sharing!!