the march eighteen
pulling all-nighters with 1k new friends, watching the cherry blossoms bloom, and finding delight in stripes and louis vuitton.
It’s no surprise that another post is late, and let’s just say March really kicked my ass. For the majority of this month, the only productive things I managed were posting a daily note, reading a few stacks, and calling it a day with an occasional post here and there. It wasn’t my most productive month by any means, but I’m cutting myself some slack now that I can finally breathe through both nostrils again—after days of tissues piling up in my trash can (three boxes, to be exact, all emptied in four days). Safe to say, I was more than ready to close the door on quarter one.
I won’t bore you with more tales of sickness, though, because like March, it’s in the past. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Let’s dive into the 18 things that helped revive me this past month, with a few sprinkles of favorites from April so far. Enjoy!
Fresh out of the slammer that is the four white walls of my cramped room, I was finally outside for more than the usual twenty minutes that make up my daily routine—either my morning commute or a quick walk across the street for a smoothie. I was ready to stretch my legs and explore a new city—or rather, revisit an old one. I had booked this trip a few weeks ago, randomly while on the phone with my mom. We were reminiscing about the time years back when she took me to Washington, D.C. for a national history competition I competed in. I didn’t win (tragically), but that’s beside the point.
I’ve always loved Washington, D.C. There’s something about the city that brings the little history nerd in me to life—it’s like a massive textbook you can walk through. So when I found out my flight landed on the same weekend as peak bloom for the cherry blossoms, it felt like the stars aligned. History and flowers? What more could a girl want?
With just one day to explore, I had a tight five-hour window to make the most of it. I landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 10 a.m. and hopped in an Uber, watching the scenery roll by as we crossed the Potomac River. My first stop: the Washington Monument Grounds, where I’d kick off my walk toward the Tidal Basin to see the blossoms in all their glory.
Passing Independence Avenue, I made my way to the monument through crowds enjoying the annual kite festival, then veered toward the Smithsonian museums. I ducked into the Museum of Natural History first—a necessary escape from the 80-degree heat and cloudless sky. As the crowds picked up, I pivoted to the National Gallery of Art, which I’d somehow never been to before. It's now a new favorite. Cool, quiet, and surprisingly uncrowded, it was the perfect place to slow down and take everything in.
After a bit more exploring, I wrapped up the day at Union Square, watching people and kites dance across the sky. As the clock ticked down, I made my way back to the airport feeling recharged and inspired from a few short hours in one of my favorite cities—before heading back home to NYC.
Hey Harper Phi Phi Hoops - These have been my go-to earrings for the past five years. They’re timeless, durable, and surprisingly affordable—proof that style doesn’t have to break the bank.
Dairy Boy East Coast Trucker Hat– I grabbed this at one of the first pop-ups I attended after moving to the city. It’s a 10/10 hat that somehow avoids the dreaded hat hair—major win.
ASOS Boxy Cropped T-Shirt – A last-minute pre-trip buy that totally came through. It’s breezy, comfy, and ideal for long plane rides and nonstop walking.
ASOS Half Moon Studded Bag– The perfect everyday bag. It fit my portable tripod, phone, wallet, keys, travel fragrance, and lip essentials—without ever feeling bulky.
ASOS Suede Jacket – Another last-minute purchase that I loved, even though the weather turned out warmer than expected. Still, it made for a great airport layering piece.
The Guizio x Puma Speedcat – These have become my go-to for errands and travel. Lightweight, comfy, and ultra-versatile—they go with just about everything.
One of the biggest highlights this March was hitting 1,000 subscribers on this little corner of the internet I call home. I still can’t fully wrap my head around it. When I first launched this Substack, I genuinely thought it’d just be me and my mom reading it—and honestly, I would’ve been perfectly happy with that. But to see this community grow every day, and to feel the love and support in each comment, message, and share, is something I’ll never take for granted.
Your kindness, encouragement, and creativity are so inspiring. I’m incredibly grateful for each and every one of you who takes time out of your day to read my words. Thank you for being here. Truly.
Betrayal, secrets, and plot twists with a mix of early 2010s pop girl music sprinkled in is the perfect drama-induced cocktail of entertainment I needed on my Saturday afternoon in Hell’s Kitchen. Immediately once the news of the cast came out with my queens Havana Rose Liu, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Julia Lester, Kathryn Gallagher, and Kristine Froseth, I knew I had to snag a ticket.
Set in 2014 at a tiny liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania, All Nighter follows five roommates trying to survive finals week—but their caffeine-fueled study session quickly unravels into something deeper. As the night stretches on, tension bubbles to the surface, long-kept secrets spill out, and friendship lines blur in the most chaotic, relatable way.
Snag your ticket before May 18th HERE!
Mirchi by Kim - Founded by model Kimaya Singh, Mirchi by Kim celebrates Indian craftsmanship and bold designs. Inspired by Kimaya’s life between New York City and India, the brand blends traditional embroidery with contemporary silhouettes, creating one-of-a-kind statement pieces that highlight vibrant elements of Indian culture.
Reome – Created by Joanna Ellner, a beauty editor-turned-founder, Reome is a minimalist skincare brand that focuses on skin barrier health with calming, effective formulas.
Bahia Maria – Founded by Maria Claudia Bahamon, this luxury swimwear brand is all about feminine silhouettes and sultry designs, inspired by tropical elegance and timeless sensuality.
Skin by Browniee – Founded by Browniee Marie, this beauty line emphasizes gentle, nourishing skincare made especially for melanin-rich and sensitive skin.
Casabana – Founded by an aunt-and-niece duo, this ready-to-wear brand is rooted in deep connection and heritage. Their pieces strike a beautiful balance of contrasts—effortlessly sexy yet sophisticated, boyish yet feminine—inviting you to see yourself reflected in their mirror of style and story.
Freja NYC – Launched by Jenny Lei, Freja NYC creates vegan leather handbags that are functional, minimal, and consciously made—designed to keep up with modern life.
Dae – Founded by influencer and Arizona native Amber Fillerup Clark, Dae is a clean haircare brand inspired by desert botanicals, offering products that bring hydration, shine, and breezy vibes.
Henry Rose – Launched by actress Michelle Pfeiffer, Henry Rose is a revolutionary fragrance brand that prioritizes transparency, safety, and sophistication in every scent.
Kulfi Beauty – Founded by Priyanka Ganjoo, Kulfi is a beauty brand born from the South Asian diaspora, celebrating identity and self-expression through vibrant, inclusive makeup.
KHOI – Founded by Khoi Vo, this namesake label blends contemporary design with Vietnamese heritage, offering fashion-forward pieces with cultural depth and a strong sense of identity.
SABO – Launched by best friends Thessy Kouzoukas and Yiota Karalouka, SABO is an Australian fashion label that serves up effortlessly chic.
Here are the products I’ve been loving this past month, the ones that have earned a spot in my daily routine and just might find a place in yours too.
Phlur Strawberry Letter – My most complimented fragrance by far. It’s not overly sweet, has great longevity, and smells like freshly picked ripe strawberries—light, fresh, and totally irresistible.
Soft Pinch Contour – Like all of Rare Beauty’s products, a little goes a long way. I already love their blush formula, so I had high hopes for the contour—and it delivered. It blends easily, doesn’t dry down too quickly, and gives a natural, sculpted finish.
Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen – A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that layers well under makeup and leaves my skin feeling calm and protected. A new staple in my skincare routine.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Adaptogens, and Coconut Water – My go-to mist for travel, work, or a day out. It’s a refreshing pick-me-up that hydrates and gives my skin a quick, dewy boost whenever I need it.
Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil in Watermelon – I finally tried this after receiving a gift set from my mom, and I’m obsessed. While I’m usually a sparkly gloss girl, this one stole the show. Smooth application, no gritty shimmer, and it actually keeps my lips hydrated.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer – After a post-sickness glowbar facial, I was desperate for some serious skin relief—and this moisturizer came through. My skin was parched from the cold and being under the weather, but this helped bring it back to life.
Tower28 SOS Spray – This spray has been a game-changer for calming my redness flare-ups. I keep a travel-size version in my bag to spritz throughout the day for quick relief and refreshment.
The INKEY List Caffeine De-Puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream – A new favorite in my morning routine. I’ve started to notice a real difference in the brightness and puffiness under my eyes—definitely a keeper.
Slip dresses, tank tops, long skirts, and breezy button-downs encapsulate the minimal ‘90s silhouette that makes up Laura Harrier’s wardrobe. This minimalistic styling done by Harrier and the help of celebrity stylist Danielle Goldberg (reputably styling Kaia Gerber, Grete Lee, and Ayo Edebiri to name a few) always nails the perfect balance of effortless and polish. She has been leading the ranks as one of my style muses for the past few years, especially during the warmer months when her style truly shines. Whether she’s in a linen set or a body-skimming slip, there’s always an ease and confidence that makes her outfits feel both timeless and current.
As my Substack continues to grow and take shape, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want it to evolve—visually, emotionally, and creatively. Over the past month, while I spent more time than I’d like to admit curled up in bed, one thing kept circling in my head: change.
I’ve been craving a shift. Something that feels more like me.
Rebranding isn’t as simple as changing a logo or picking a new color palette (though I’ve definitely gone down that rabbit hole). It’s about defining what this space really is—what I want it to feel like, say, and reflect. And truthfully, that’s been the hardest part. I like to think of myself as a bit of everything the sun touches—someone who loves so many things that trying to neatly package it all feels impossible. My brain is constantly firing off new ideas, which makes settling on one clear direction a bit chaotic.
But I figure the best place to start is with the basics: who I am, and what feels true to me right now. So here’s to exploring, refining, and letting this little space shift and stretch to fit me a little better.
Here are a few standout Substacks that have been lighting up my inbox this past month with inspiring, thought-provoking, and downright delightful reads.
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Wardrobe Thirteen by
has been one of my top reads this past month. She expertly blends personal stories (my favorite being Thirteen Things), cultural observations, and critical analysis to dissect fashion’s business and influence. Her unique perspective on style and commerce makes it a must-read for anyone passionate about fashion and culture.
If you're in the mood to learn the ins and outs of sewing, look no further than
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I’ve been loving After Hours by
this past month. This weekly newsletter is the perfect place for style inspiration, unique finds, and thoughtful reads—plus, it's sure to leave you feeling inspired. I especially love her branding and the brain dumps she shares, making it a refreshing and relatable read each week.
The winter shed is finally here, and my closet and I couldn't be happier. Here are a few pieces I’ve been eyeing this past month to help bring my spring awakening to life.
Lately, this past month, I've been loving stripes. It’s such an effortless print that adds just the right amount of umph to my looks without feeling overwhelming. Whether it’s a classic, subtle stripe or a bolder version, it’s the perfect pattern to elevate an outfit and keep things interesting while still feeling relaxed and timeless.
Back in January, during my mom’s weekend visit to the city, we stopped by the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami pop-up in Soho. While there, I managed to snag a small but special item—the limited-edition LV x TM Monogram Multicolor Jane Notebook. At the time, it was in such high demand that it had to be back-ordered, so I patiently waited weeks for the call that it was finally ready for pickup.
When the day came, I made my way back to Soho, first stopping at McNally Jackson Books to browse and grab a new read and a magazine. Then, I headed to the LV store, which—being a Sunday—was bustling with shoppers. After a bit of a wait, I was finally handed my perfectly packaged notebook. Finally in my hands, I made my way home to Williamsburg, feeling like the long wait was totally worth it.
I’m not sure anyone would classify being sick as a favorite—especially after spending the entire first week of the month in a constant cycle of chills, fever, sore throat, sinus inflammation, and to top it all off, my time of the month. Yeah, March definitely kicked my ass. I even had to miss seeing Hamilton after scoring rare $90 tickets—something I’m still pretty upset about. But hey, we keep it moving.
After being completely wiped out and with allergy season creeping in, I figured I’d share a few things that helped me survive—so you don’t have to endure the same kind of March madness I did. First up, the one thing I regret not buying sooner: a humidifier.
Truly, this little machine became my holy grail. It made the air in my room feel breathable again, kept my throat from feeling like sandpaper in the mornings, and helped with the congestion that just wouldn’t quit. I never realized how dry and stale the air in my space had become until I turned it on for the first time. Game. Changer. It made resting actually restful—and I don’t think I could’ve made it through the worst of it without it.
One of my favorite standouts this past month has definitely been magenta. It’s such a refreshing punch of color—bold, lively, and full of personality. While I’ve been loving the softer tones like butter yellows and airy light blues, magenta brings something new to the mix. It’s unexpected but still wearable, making it the perfect way to shake up a neutral or pastel-heavy palette with a bit more edge and energy.
Fashion Cafe New Orleans Mug – I couldn't resist this unique find! The Fashion Cafe in New York, once a hotspot for fashion lovers and celebrities in the '90s, was a gathering place where style and cuisine collided. Though it closed its doors years ago, the memorabilia lives on, and this mug, which brings a piece of that iconic era into my home, is a fun reminder of the intersection of fashion and culture.
ASOS Polka Dot Set – The perfect spring ensemble—playful, breezy, and effortlessly cute.
Satin Coach Bag - THE Spring bag that will definitely be making an appearance in my spring wardrobe.
GlowBar Facial – Much needed post-sickness skin TLC. My face felt refreshed and revived.
Sabrina Carpenter Tickets – To celebrate hitting a milestone on my Substack, I treated myself to tickets to see Sabrina Carpenter on Halloween.
Metallic Coach Bag – Another milestone gift on my Substack journey, the cute pops of color makes it such a nice addition to my growing Coach collection.
Another favorite of mine this past month was Doechii’s stunning Paris Fashion Week debut. She absolutely owned every look, but my top moments were her edgy, sculptural ensemble at Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli ready-to-wear show and her barefoot, boho-inspired appearance at the Chloé presentation. For her first Paris Fashion Week, the rapper brought boldness, originality, and star power—she did not disappoint.
Here are a few of my favorite reads from the past month—each one left a lasting impression, offering fresh perspectives and creative inspiration in its own way.
Another favorite this past month was getting to see the cherry blossoms on my day trip to Washington, D.C., as I mentioned earlier. It was my first time experiencing them in peak bloom, and it truly lived up to the hype—so dreamy, delicate, and totally worth the trip. I was so obsessed I even bought a Cherry Blossom Sonny Angel, which arrived the very next day—now a tiny reminder of such a sweet, fleeting moment.
Lately, I’ve been feeling like something’s missing—like there’s a lack of real substance in what I’ve been creating. Maybe it’s the month I spent rotting in bed that made it louder, but the feeling’s been lingering.
When I first joined Substack, I didn’t have a clear plan. I just wanted to write. And for a while, that was enough. It felt exciting and new—uncharted territory. But now, as the platform shifts (hello, TikTok-style posts on my feed) and my own ideas evolve, I’ve started craving a rebrand of sorts. Not just in visuals or tone, but in purpose.
I want my posts to feel like they’re giving something—not just to you, but to me too. I don’t want to write just to write. I want to feel like there's meaning behind it, that we’re all walking away with something—an idea, a feeling, a moment of reflection and/or inspiration. I’ve been wondering if that’s coming through, or if I’ve just been offering low-hanging fruit that lacks nourishment. Maybe I’m being too harsh. But maybe not.
All I know is, I want this space to grow into something that feels intentional. Something that’s more than just words on a screen.
1. thank you so much for the feature 🫶🏼 such a compliment, i’m so glad you like after hours!
2. need you to check out kara yoo jewelry (amazing women owned brand)
3. also need you to try the kiehls uv serum when you need face sunscreen next
4. I love your graphics so much, re-brand be damned!