Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“Every experience has its element of magic”

-Hermann Hesse

Happy Friday!! Holy heatwave New York! I have my AC and my fan going, trying to cool off from the heat. The older I get the less desirable it is to be outside in this type of weather. Well, at least without a pool to dip into. We are in a heat advisory until Sunday and I am trying to avoid being outside as much as possible. Wear your sunscreen!

Last weekend I went over to Nolita to shop. I haven’t been in that area for a long time and it was nice to be back! I love going to Sèzane and shopping other stores on Elizabeth St. Sèzane has the one of the prettiest stores in the city. They used to have a little cafe in it, but they seemed to have taken it out since the last time I was there. The entrance is always decorated with lots of flowers and inside is très chic, just like their Parisian clothes. I also went to two new-to-me stores; abbobe which had a lot of cute home decor and jewelry, and Modern Mystic where I bought a new crystal, but really wanted the Schitt’s Creek candle collection. And I just found out they also have a Dolly Parton candle and I am about to hit purchase.

What I am watching: Last weekend I watched Netflix’s new adaption of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I absolutely love it! I know that is an unpopular opinion. The movie has been getting backlash for its somewhat modernized script. I guess since I knew that going in it wasn’t bothersome to me because I was prepared. And honestly it doesn’t happened that often, a few modern words here and there. Overall I loved the movie. It was cheeky and romantic. It gave me all the right feels; I cried, laughed, and felt hopeful. I could feel Anne’s pain and hopeful longing for Wentworth. I surprisingly have never read the book (which I need to!), so I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. I highly recommend the movie!

Last night I finished the 3-part documentary series Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons on Hulu. As someone who grew up in Columbus, I am dumbfounded by what was reveled in the documentary. Of course I know about Les Wexner’s ties to Jeffery Epstein when it all came out during the arrest back in 2019, but I didn’t know the extent of their relationship. I also knew how toxic VS was because I have friends who worked at corporate, and through stories I have heard from those in the fitness world who trained the models. I also have heard rumors of Wexner’s sexuality since I can remember. I think everyone in Columbus has heard those rumors. What gave me the creeps is knowing Epstein lived in the guest house at Wexner’s estate in New Albany. I have been on that property a few times for events. Pretty much the majority of Columbus has been to the Wexner estate at some point. Although Wexner name is forever tainted, he has done a lot for Columbus. New Albany is a gorgeous community to live in. We have hospitals and performing arts centers named after him. He employed the majority of Columbus through his companies. It’s hard to see a man who has done so much for my hometown having ties to someone so demonic.

Besides the Epstein stuff, it’s really fascinating to learn about the company and its marketing strategies throughout the years. They really did so much for malls across the country. After watching this and the Abercrombie and Fitch documentary, it’s no wonder Millennials and Gen X women have body image issues. In hindsight looking back on it now, I see how much damage it did to our culture. But at the time none of us really thought much of it. I do believe VS was trying to empower women, and in a way they did. They helped us own our bodies and our sexuality; being able to wear lingerie just because we want to. But VS didn’t progress from there and the image became toxic. As someone who has dealt with body image issues their entire life, I love seeing inclusivity now in brand’s marketing campaigns. I mentioned this on IG Stories- but I once read a tweet (or maybe it was on TikTok) where the person said the reason why Millennial’s have ED and body image issues is because fashion in the early 00’s wasn’t about clothes, but about our bodies. It’s completely true. I just hope Gen Z has a healthier outlook on their bodies now that there is so much inclusivity out there. Yes you can compare Instagram filters and photoshop pictures into toxic and unattainable body image, but now WE have the power to choose what we see. WE can choose to follow people and things that make us feel included, that make us feel good, and that make us not feel alone.

What I bought: I am still sharing and working on teacher’s Clear The List on Amazon. If you have one– please send it my way through my IG DM’s and I will share it on my IG Stories!!

I ended up rebuying this dress (in lavender) in a size x-small. The small is a little big, but I want to compare the two sizes and will return one (or both). I also bought this scalloped hair clip.

On the blog:

Veronica Beard New Arrivals

What Books I Read This Past Spring Part 2

This weekend I have nothing planned except to escape the heat. Maybe I will go see the new Where The Crawdads Sing movie. Usually I go running on the weekends, but since it is so hot out I am going to DanceBody instead. I haven’t been to DB since June and I am almost a month behind on the dances. I spent most of this week learning a few through their breakdown videos and will probably learn a few more before class on Sunday. Besides dancing, I have a few errands to run, books to read, and perhaps a short walk around the city to get some fresh air. I really am trying to avoid the sun though, ha. Can we please bring back parasols? Anyway, I am heading to the Hamptons this week for a very short trip, so will most likely get things ready for that as well. Overall allowing whatever floats my boat happen this weekend.

Have a wonderful weekend

1. The best Jane Austen movie adaptations

2. Eyeing this beautiful floral dress

3. This classic sun hat is only $39

4. A cut bow top

5.Enjoyed this interview with Only Murders in the Building costume designer

6. Emily Henry is the undisputed queen of romcom books

7. Swooing over this Block Island house

8. The saddest news for NYC

9. How to use google street view to travel back in time

10. These cookies sound and look delicious

Sales happening this weekend