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friday's simply smitten

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have”

-Maya Angelou

Happy Friday! It’s been a week of dreamers and believers. From authors to dancers, I spent my week amongst the New York creatives and I loved every minute of it.

Earlier this week I went to Threads first Creator Book Club event at Maxwell Social. Upon arriving I mingled with other book lovers and caught up with some friends I haven’t seen in a while. Then we all sat down for a Q&A with author Jillian Turecki with moderator Yung Pueblo. They discussed Jillian’s new self-help book It Begins with You: The 9 Hard Truths About Love That Will Change Your Life. As well as her past experiences that lead to writing her book. I thought it was an insightful conversation, and I am excited to starting reading it. I do enjoy self-help books. It’s either a nice reminder of your self worth, or it teaches you a new lesson. As someone who is currently single and looking to settle down start a family, I welcome the opportunity to look deeper into myself and how I view relationships. My personal view is that there is always room for growth in all ares of your life. Anyway, the evening was lovely and inspiring.

Last night was truly a pinch-me New York moment. Through Threads I got to attend the centennial performance of broadway’s The Great Gatsby, followed by their gala at the New York Public Library. I have seen the broadway show before, but loved it enough to go again. It’s an outstanding show! The gala was beautifully decorated with Gatsby-ish tables, flowers, and more. I met so many creatives; authors, writers, dancers, and more. Each conversation left me inspired and in awe. There was a special performance by Sarah Hyland and Ryan McCartan who are replacing the current Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby in the show. Sarah and Ryan sang “My Green Light” from the musical. It was beautiful! I had no idea Sarah Hyland could sing, and she can sing! It was an unforgettable evening filed with music, dance, delicious food, and great conversations.

I’ve been dipping my toes in the book influencer world and it’s been a privilege to be a small part of it. That they have welcomed me in with open arms. That is one thing I love most about blogging– that I can dip my toes into different worlds; interior design, books, fashion, art, fitness, beauty, wellness, travel, etc. I love surrounding myself with art and creativity. Being part of the book influencer world has opened me up to new authors, books, friends to discuss books with, and the inspiration to create. I want to continue to, and push more of, content about books on my socials. I hope you enjoy my book recommendations!

What I am watching: I finally watched Emilia Pérez and…. it… was…. interesting. I actually did enjoyed it but it does feel like someone made their Mad Libs into a movie. I love musicals, but I do not understand why they decided to make this into one. It made no sense. The whole thing is chaotic and I kinda loved that for it. It’s definitely camp. I thought the acting was great and the storyline was beautifully heartbreaking. Do I think it deserves to win all the awards? No. Wicked should be winning best musical, but that’s just my opinion. Emilia Pérez isn’t for everyone. I can see why people thought it was awful, and I can see how people think it’s amazing.

The Traitors season 3 is here!! If you are not watching this show you are missing out. Season 1 and 2 are phenomenal. It is still a debate for me whether or not I like this season. However, it has just started and I have only seen the first 3 episodes so I will not make that judgement call yet. I will say I am very unhappy with the first two murders. The two people in the castle I was rooting for and couldn’t wait to watch were the first two out. I will also say that this is the first season where I am rooting for the faithfuls. The past two seasons I was rooting for the traitors, but not this season. Alan Cumming’s outfits, however, make up for any lack of enthusiasm from myself. Serve after serve.

I binged watched the entire Netflix docuseries Polo. The docuseries centers around the US Open, which is the most prestigious competition in the US for polo. They follow a few individual players- some starting out and some that are legends- as they compete in the tournament. I have been to a few polo matches and understand the sport in general. However there is so much I did not know. Let’s be honest I am only there for the pretty dresses, champagne, socializing, and the horses. But I do enjoy the sport and attending matches. I thought it was a great docuseries and I can’t wait for season 2.

What I bought: I did not buy anything new this week but I do have my eye on these red ballet flats. I have been waiting a pair for a while now, but did not want to pay an arm and a leg. I think red ballet flats are very Parisian, very très chic.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

Winter Escape (vacation outfit ideas)

LTK Spotlight: Shopbop sale picks

Top Seller: These brown suede ankle boots– on sale

My plans for this weekend are up in the air. There is a very slight chance I may fly down to Atlanta for the CFP National Championship. I currently do not have a ticket and am looking for one. My family is going so I will join them if I can get a ticket. I am ok with going and not going. I enjoy watching the games at home but being there would be a great experience. If I do not go I will stay here in New York and enjoy a snow-filled weekend of leisure.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Excited to watch this period piece series on Netflix

2. Wear now and into the spring

3. Eyeing this cute baseball hat

4.  Love the color of this cardigan

5. Is Hollywood finally ready to embrace women aging

6. This winter’s viral fashion trends

7. The most anticipated books in 2025

8. How to clean your winter coats

9. 20 things to get rid of while you’re decluttering

10. The benefits of body gua sha

 

Weekend Sales

J.Crew up to 40% off select styles

DÔEN winter favorites 50% off

Over The Moon 15% off select styles code: OTMFAM15

Shopbop extra 25% off sale code: EXTRA20

Sea up to 60% off 

Madewell end of season sale up to 70% off 

Addison Bay warehouse sale up to 75% off

Mango winter sale up to 70% off

H&M up to 60% off further markdown

J.McLaughlin extra 40% off sale

The Avenue donating proceeds to LA Wildfires

Everlane new markdowns up to 70% off

Banana Republic new markdowns up to 60% off, extra 30% off women and men

Ann Taylor up to 40% off full-price items, extra 60% off sale

Talbots 50% off + extra 20% off all markdowns

Byrdie Golf Social Wear 30% off

J.Crew Factory 40%-70% off entire site, extra 20% off orders $100+, extra 60% off clearance 

Loft 50% off winter favs, 60% off sale items

Sail to Sable 30% off everything

Abercrombie 20%-50% off everything

Bloomingdales 25% off card members, 20% off everyone else

Dillard’s 40% off clearance

Serena and Lily 20% off code: NEWFINDS

West Elm up to 70% off winter sale

Lands’ End 40% off full-price, 60% off sale and clearance

L.K Bennett 70% off most items

Sunshine Tienda up to 60% off sale

Lisi Lerch 50% off jewelry, up to 80% off sale items

Lele Sadoughi extra 25% off sale code: EXTRA25

Ciao Lucia 15% of sales will go to the LA Fire victims

Target 30% off activewear, sneakers, and more

Maisonette up to 50% off Duex par Duex

Elemis 25% off everything