the may eighteen
a yeehaw-worthy cowboy carter night with 2,000+ new friends, unexpected color obsessions, and weekends home in breezy summer whites.
And so, another month is tucked away in the 2025 filing cabinet—and in the back of my mind for good. If you didn’t notice, I skipped my April Eighteen. It wasn’t intentional at first—I had it nearly finished—but my heart just wasn’t in it. I was going through the ringer that is life. Sure, there were a few peaches that overflowed my pits, but April felt more like a downpour. The showers hit harder than I’d like to admit, and they trickled right into May, which you probably noticed from the lack of posts I had planned to share with you all.
But in that unplanned pause, I finally found room to breathe. I went home for the first time in three months to escape the chaos of city life. I attended a few career events that reminded me why I’m here. I reconnected with myself a little. And now, as I write this, I’ve just dropped my mom off at the airport after a much-needed weekend together in the city.
So for now, here are my favorites—a mash-up of April and May. Things I’ve seen, done, liked, loved, and everything in between. Enjoy!
Hitting 2,000 subscribers on Substack felt surreal—like a tight-knit circle that somehow keeps growing without losing its closeness. I started this newsletter simply wanting to write and share what I love, and now, it feels like I’m writing to friends. Whether you’ve been here from day one or joined last week, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, messages, and thoughtful replies remind me why I do this, and I’m so grateful we’re building something special together.
The Cowboy Carter Tour at MetLife Stadium was more than just a concert—it was a full-circle weekend with my mom, wrapped in country glam, Beyoncé-level theatrics, and the kind of memories that make your heart ache in the best way. She flew up to join me, and despite a storm looming the day before, the skies cleared just in time. We beat the crowd for merch (yes, I snagged the red cropped jersey), were first in line for bag check, explored the CECRED pop-up, and were gifted a cowboy keychain straight from the haircare heavens. From snacks to seats with a perfect view, it was all aligned. Seeing Beyoncé take the stage—again—alongside Blue and Remi reminded me why I keep showing up every era. She's still that girl, still the queen. And now I can say I saw her first in New Jersey.
When I moved to New York, I had one goal: get a job—or go home. After a year of feeling stuck in my childhood bedroom and drained by the endless post-grad job hunt, I needed change desperately. So I gave myself a deadline—three months to make something happen. That meant juggling three internships (only one of them paid), sending out countless resumes, and saying yes to anything that could open a door. One month in, I got the call I’d been waiting for. And now, after over six months of showing up and putting in the work, I was officially offered a full-time role—and a promotion. After finding out that news, it was the first time I actually felt secure in my career and also my work. I had proven to myself that I could make something out of nothing, that the risk was worth it.
Fresh, sweet, and just the right amount of tangy—that’s exactly how I want this summer to feel. Lately, I’ve been completely obsessed with strawberry-scented everything, and I think it all traces back to childhood visits to my grandma’s house in Mobile, Alabama. After our weekend goodbyes, my mom and I would take the winding backroads home, always making a stop at the local flea market. There was a vendor who sold tiny bottles of essence oils in every scent imaginable, and without fail, I’d always choose strawberry. That little ritual became the highlight of my week and maybe this spring, I’m just trying to bottle that same kind of simple magic.
Phlur’s Strawberry Letter: My most complimented fragrance this past month. It’s a nice blend of sweet, not too much floral (I’m not a big floral girl), and just the right about of woodsy notes that don’t overpower the delicate strawberry aroma.
Burberry’s Her Elixir: A big thank you to
for putting me on this one! If I’m not grabbing Phlur this is the next I pack with me in my work bag. The jasmine combined with the vanilla and berries is a nice even gourmand scent that doesn’t give me headaches throughout the day wearing it.
This was one of the first Broadway shows I ever added to my must-see list, and back in April, I finally got to cross it off. I saw Little Shop of Horrors from the front row—yes, front row—with Liz Gillies and Milo Manheim leading the cast, and it was pure campy perfection. The energy, the vocals, the puppetry—it was all so fun, weird, and electric in the best way. Sitting that close to the action made the whole experience feel even more surreal.
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
Earlier this month, I had the chance to step into skincare science at its most luxurious during the Dr. Strum Signature Glow Masterclass. It wasn’t just a product deep dive—it was an experience in understanding your skin from the inside out. We broke down myths, analyzed our skin using high-tech scans, and discovered exactly what our routines were missing. After a calming session in the red light therapy room (complete with dreamy background music), we left refreshed, glowing, and with a tote of goodies to match. Definitely one of those "treat yourself" moments I’ll remember.
Orange has never been my go-to—actually, it’s probably been my least favorite color for as long as I can remember. But something shifted last month. Maybe it was the way the summer light hit just right or how shades of tangerine, burnt sienna, and marigold kept showing up on my Pinterest boards and online shopping. Suddenly, I was drawn to it. The warmth, the boldness, the energy—it all felt magnetic. It’s funny how your style can surprise you like that. Orange started slipping into my wardrobe, my content, even my mood.
Back for round two at the Manhattan Vintage Spring Show, and this time, I came without a wishlist—just vibes. The Metropolitan Pavilion felt like a treasure trove of eras, fabrics, and personalities.
I ended up leaving with a delicate seashell bracelet that whispered summer, even though I wasn't really looking for anything. While nothing will ever top last visits' $10 Chanel belt moment (a once-in-a-lifetime find!), there’s something sacred about the hunt. The vendors, the stories behind the pieces, the chance to touch fashion history—it’s all part of the charm.
There’s something inherently clean, hopeful, and indulgent about whites in spring. From creamy linen trousers to crisp poplin shirts and delicate lace dresses, the palette isn’t just a color choice—it’s a mindset. I’ve been gravitating toward monochromatic white outfits more than ever, finding joy in their simplicity and softness. It’s the kind of neutral that doesn’t fade into the background but instead captures light and mood in a way no other shade can.
The last time I went home was during the Super Bowl, which, in retrospect, was far too long ago. So when I finally booked a flight back to the South, my soul exhaled. Flying into New Orleans and seeing my parents waiting to greet me before the familiar drive to Mississippi felt like hitting the emotional reset button. I was met with tail wags from my dog, West, and beach walks that reminded me how quiet and healing home can be. My mom’s gumbo was, as always, the unofficial star of the trip. There’s something about Southern comfort food and family time that nothing in the city can quite replace.
There’s something oddly poetic about the olive. Maybe it’s the moody green tones, the deep brown contrasts, or the subtle elegance it brings to everything from martinis to mood boards. In May, one of my posts exploring another good pairing went viral, and I loved watching others fall in love with this understated palette too.
This May, I had the chance to attend Adweek’s Social Media Week—a total pinch-me moment as someone dreaming of living and breathing brand storytelling full-time. The three-day event felt like a crash course in content, community, and creativity, led by some of the sharpest minds in the industry. I got to sit in on panels across a wide range of categories, from entertainment to tech to lifestyle. One major highlight was hearing from Chicken Shop Date’s Amelia Dimoldenberg on the magic of maintaining virality while staying true to her own unique brand voice. Bethenny Frankel brought her signature unfiltered energy to a session about being bold and owning your presence online, while Love Island Season Six winner Kordell Beckham shared how demand and identity evolve post-reality TV (and yes, I got to meet and chat with him after!).
I also got a deeper look into the strategies behind building and sustaining digital audiences from some of my favorite companies—like Olipop, Spotify, YouTube, Nissan, and the NFL—each offering a different lens on how they approach growth, storytelling, and platform dynamics. One standout panel featured Discord and Substack, where
, Substack’s Head of Lifestyle, spoke about cultivating communities in unexpected spaces—beyond the algorithm, beyond the norm. I walked away with a notebook full of insights, a renewed sense of direction, and a clearer vision of what it means to create with intention in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape.
This past month has been full of inspiration, and my "Good Pairings" note series has been a big part of that. It's been so rewarding to see my community enjoying the series, and I can’t wait to continue bringing a little inspiration to your day.
During a quick work break, I strolled a few blocks over to check out the reopening of the Baggu store in Williamsburg—and it turned out to be the perfect midday refresh. As I waited in line, I was treated to coffee, sandwiches, and sweet bites from Loveless Coffee, setting the tone for what felt like a mini celebration. The store itself was just as playful and colorful as ever, with a refreshed layout and rows of irresistible pieces. I ended up leaving with the Green Gingham Cargo Shoulder Bag (my new go-to), the Julia Heuer Packing Cube Set (truly a work of art), and the Pearl Metallic Standard Baggu because... how could I not? To top it off, I scored a free water bottle and hat with my purchase. Tote therapy at its finest.
One rainy Monday, I picked up a bouquet of Stargazer lilies from Trader Joe’s, and suddenly my week turned fragrant and bright. Their heady scent and vibrant pink centers filled my tiny apartment with energy and calm, a much-needed balance. It reminded me how small indulgences—a $5 flower moment—can shift your entire mood. They’ve since become a repeat purchase and a recurring joy.
Here are a few of my favorite reads from this past month that have truly inspired and captivated me. Each one has brought something unique, from fresh perspectives to creative insights.
Summer prep is underway, and my cart’s quickly filling up. Here are a few warm-weather pieces I’ve been eyeing—and adding to my cart.
GIRL!!! Every day I log on, excited to see your ‘Good Pairings’ series. It’s such a lovely way to spark some inspo in the day. Like a microdose of creativity. Congrats on 2K (!!!) subscribers. And literally want to shop your e-cart.
Thank you for including False Start! I loved that interview with Laura. Also: HUGE CONGRATS ON 2K SUBSCRIBERS!