Let’s rewind to the very beginning of my history sharing my outfits on the Internet…

At 25, I called it quits on my medical marketing job and dropped out of my night school MBA program. Then I tried (and failed) B2B sales and corporate fundraising, and softly landed in a part time gig helping my mother-in-law with social media for her flower shop. It was an anxious time of change and upheaval, and in the middle of it all, I discovered a delightful distraction: personal style blogs.

If you were around during the Blogspot/Blogger personal style blog heyday, wasn’t it a lovely time? I remember cozying up every evening with a glass of wine and my RSS blog reader, clicking through everyone’s posts of what they wore to their 9-to-5s. It was a bustling community of regular people, sharing their everyday lives through unedited online outfit diaries. Everyone was out there pairing Target basics with unique thrift finds, re-wearing their favorite pieces, print mixing with reckless abandon, and DIY’ing the designer stuff they couldn’t afford. (Remember when buying full-price seasonal Anthropologie or J.Crew meant you were rich, hunny?)

I was inspired and wanted in on the action. I spent days thinking about my blog name. The country was in the middle of an economic crisis — just as I was in the middle of a quarter-life crisis — and without my corporate salary, I didn’t have much disposable income to spend on clothes. I wanted my “little corner of the Internet” to be a creative outlet to catalogue my daily outfits and share budget-friendly styling tips. I finally settled on A Pretty Penny; as in, you don’t have to spend a pretty penny to look cute! (It made sense in my head at the time, but mostly people just thought my name was Penny.)

I hit publish on my first post in the spring of 2010, and kept it a secret from everyone but my parents and closest friends. It felt weird, and a bit self-indulgent, to post photos of myself online every day. I think I started my blog before I had an iPhone — mirror selfies definitely weren’t a thing yet —which meant my husband and I had to bop around near the flower shop with our digital camera, looking for spots to take my daily outfit shots. If someone drove/walked by these amateur photo shoots, I froze like a deer in the headlights. But despite me bashfully hiding my new Internet hobby from my IRL community, my little blog grew — and I eventually stopped having flutters of anxiety when people in my real life told me they were readers.

A Pretty Penny had a very fun run of success in my late 20s. There was a point when I considered making a go of blogging full time, but we had bills to pay and monetization was a relatively new concept at the time (this was pre-influencer and the wild frontier of early affiliate marketing). My mother-in-law was ready to retire, so my husband and I decided to go all-in and take the reigns of the flower shop instead. I rebranded my blog to keiralennox.com and continued posting as a hobby for years, until the last of the loyal blog readers finally moved over to Instagram.

I used to look back on that fork in the road in a Sliding Doors kind of way, wondering what our life might be if we transitioned into the influencer economy instead of local small business ownership. Now it’s 15 years later: we transitioned the family business into the small boutique floral design studio of my dreams; I’m a solo designer making my own schedule and creating beautiful things for a living; and I still sporadically share my life and style online. Life is very good living a little less online.

Oh, and now I’m 40 years old.

There’s something about hitting the big 4-0 that makes me nostalgic for that pre-influencer style community. It still feels a little weird posting photos of my outfits online, because I’m not a fashion girlie and my 20s were a long time ago. But I still love getting inspiration from other ‘normies’ - and I think I have a pretty good knack for styling everyday basics that may be helpful if you’re looking for ways to make the most of a minimal wardrobe.

I thought about knocking the dust off my blog, but Substack feels like the place to be right now. It also reminds me of the creative early days of Blogger; a lot of the Substack creators I follow post their own real-life outfits, with fresh points of view and special details that reflect their unique personal style. (As opposed to the cookie cutter, trend-led sameness that tends to dominate other online spaces.) So when I decided to dip a toe back into posting my own outfit diaries this year, Passing Notes felt like the perfect place to do it.

I have so many thoughts about how my personal style is evolving in this new decade, and why editing down my wardrobe is changing my aesthetic for the better. And while I’m older with more resources than my early blogging days, I’m still pretty frugal about my wardrobe purchases; I don’t think you need to spend a lot of money to have great style. I’m hoping to share all this and more right here, in the new iteration of my old blog series, Style Files. If you’re into that, subscribe to get fresh notes right in your inbox.

TTYL!

Keira

1. This giant rotating puzzle board with drawers. I guess I didn’t look at the board dimensions when I ordered the 1000 piece size, because it’s completely taken over our small dining table and only fits under the bed for storage. But! It brings me an inordinate amount of joy to sort all the pieces by color/pattern and stash them away in the drawers.

2. While we’re on the subject, we’re big new fans of Piecework Puzzles; we completed Slim Aarons’ Poolside Gossip over the holiday break and plan to start ‘La Dolce Vita’ next.

3. And one more focus-related hobby, because I recently turned 40 and decided I need to exercise my middle-aged brain more: I snagged an annual subscription to the NYT Games app for $19.99 during the holidays. Everyone thinks Wordle is That Girl, and she is great, but Spelling Bee has me in a chokehold. And I like to tackle the daily crossword in my evening downtime, now that I deleted Instagram from my phone. (More on that later, maybe?)

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4. I’m obsessed with these non-slip adhesive sole grips. Like the granny in a Franks Red Hot commercial, I put these sh*ts on everything: slippery sandals, slick-bottomed ballet flats, and every pair of heels that make it out of my closet to see the light of day. Not only do they add extra stability and grip for walking in heels, they also keep me from slip-sliding across the wet floor of my flower studio in my favorite everyday flats. I keep ordering more and sticking them to all my shoes. A+.

5. This $34 scuba knit hooded jacket! She looks expen$ive, and you’ll never guess where I found it. (While you’re there, add this boxy faux leather jacket to your cart, too.)

6. AGOLDE 90’s crop jeans. They’re everything I want in a pair of jeans: a perfect mid-rise waist with a vintage relaxed fit; my ideal 26” ankle-length inseam (I’m 5’4”); and 100% cotton construction that holds its shape and holds you in. I bought a light and dark pair, both new-with-tags on Poshmark for, like, 70% off retail.

7. Todoist! This task management app sat downloaded and dormant on my phone for years — kind of like all the paper planners I buy every year then never open after January? — but I started using it in earnest several months ago. It syncs across my iPhone, iPad and Windows laptop, so my reminders, project notes, and to-do lists are always close at hand. It’s reduced the amount of little things that fall through the cracks by at least 80% - and freed up so much room in my brain now that I’m not relying on my memory to juggle it all.

8. World’s easiest yeast bread recipe. My pal, Erica, sent me this simple, no-knead, 4-ingredient around the holidays. I tried it, and can confirm it really is the world’s easiest. (You’ll need a Dutch oven for this recipe; mine is a cherry red, well-loved workhorse from Cuisinart.) Creating a perfect loaf of bread in your own oven is wonderfully satisfying and makes your house smell incredible. Plus, I’m convinced that a slice of warm, fresh-baked bread slathered in salted butter can fix anything that ails you.

This note contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from the retailer if you make a purchase from these links, at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting this free newsletter.

. . .

TTYL! - Keira

1. Necessaire Oak Moss Body Bar. This new addition to Necessaire’s body wash lineup is not your mama's bar soap: it's a silky, lusciously-lathering, gentle cleanser infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid that smells so fresh. (Mossy/verdant fresh; not powdery fresh.) It's nourishing enough that I can get away with skipping body lotion after a shower -- perfect for humid summer days -- and it's also great for shaving.

2. Crown Affair Texturizing Air Dry Mousse. There's nothing that interests me less than wielding a hot hair tool during a triple-digit heat index. I was finishing up my first bottle of Crown Affair's leave-in conditioner and ready for a restock when they lauched the air dry mousse. I added both to cart, and upon arrival, they instantly became my summer hair dream team. After washing: I work a couple pumps of the conditioner from mids to ends for hydration and shine; add a handful of mousse from the roots down; and brush it all through with a Tangle Teezer brush to make sure it's evenly distributed. Then I go about my business, and as my hair air dries, it's smooth and tamed, and my natural waves are softly defined without any crunch. I couldn't ask for more with less effort. Plus, Crown Affair's products smell like a very expensive hotel spa, so bonus points for that.

3. Eadem LeChouchou Lip Softening Balm. I received a PR tube of this balm from the brand, and I liked it so much the first time I applied it, I hopped on their website and ordered two more shades. The glossy formula is thick, so it sticks around on your lips, but it's also weightless and not sticky?! A revelation! Plus it contains lactic acid that gently exfoliates to keep flaking and peeling at bay, and it's not a plumper but I swear my lips look plumper when I wear it. Oh, and it has a cooling metal applicator, which just sends the whole product experience over the edge for me, especially in the summer. Have I effectively communicated how much I love this stuff? (I'm not the only one; it sold out at Sephora shortly after it launched, but you can buy it directly from Eadem.)

4. Allies of Skin 'The One' SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel. Allies is the only brand of skin care I use, and since falling in love with the brand over three years ago, I wondered if/when they’d release an SPF. Well, they just did, and it was worth the wait. If you like SuperGoop's Unseen Sunscreen, this is the rich aunt version. It's similarly invisible, pore-filling, and dries down to a blurred demi-matte finish, but this one is packed with beneficial skin care ingredients and antioxidants. All for just $7 more. It's officially my #1 pick for the best sunscreen to wear under makeup.

5. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick. This one technically isn’t new, but they recently released two new shades, and I love this multi-use cream stick very much so let’s talk about it. Gucci Westman’s edited “second skin” product range is the kind of effortlessly luxurious makeup that makes me happily swipe my credit card for way more money than is reasonable. But! The Baby Cheeks shades are flawless — there’s something for every skin tone. It wears beautifully over bare skin, sunscreen, or foundation. And it’s the only cream blush in my collection that stays put all day, even through Florida heat and humidity. My only complaint is that there’s too much product in the standard size. It’s a clean formula and a little goes a long way, so I’ll never finish my tube of Chouchette — the perfect nude peach — before it expires. I’d love to see more shade options in the mini size, please, Gucci!

Tried-and-true summer beauty favorites worth mentioning while we’re here:

Soft Services Buffing Bar: a powerhouse exfoliator that’s like an in-shower microdermabrasion for your body; use it to prep for the closest shave of your life and/or the most even fake tan application.

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Lotion: I’m generally too lazy to take tan, but if I did, this daily gradual lotion would be my pick for the best results with the least effort. I wrote a detailed review about it on my blog back in 2017.

K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo: if you’re leaning hard on the dry shampoo to get you through a sweaty summer, a weekly wash with this clarifier will get your scalp cleaner than you thought possible.

This note contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from the retailer if you make a purchase from these links, at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting this free newsletter.

I want to have a hot girl summer but it’s too dang hot. I know we’re collectively melting around the globe, so I won’t waste time complaining about the weather here. But as I try to be present and enjoy the temporary slowed-down pace at work, I’m in an energy slump. I’d like to hibernate in my blessedly air conditioned home, eat snacks and watch old episodes of X-Files and Dance Moms, and re-emerge late September-ish.

If you’re also slogging through the season, I rounded up 10 little treats that are getting me get through these dog days of summer.

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• Mike’s Hot Honey. Like the little granny in the Franks Red Hot commercial, I put that sh*t on everything: pizza, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, charcuterie, toasted sourdough with salted butter, and basically anything fried. Buy it on Amazon and get the two-pack while you’re at it.

• The one-pot pasta craze started on TikTok, but like the elder millennial I am, I learned about it from YouTube. (Specifically, this video by Joshua Weissmann.) I make Martha’s version at least once a week.

• BA’s ‘easy-to-love’ chicken thighs and couscous’ is also on regular rotation in our summertime grilling menu. Bonus: it makes delicious leftovers for a packed lunch the next day.

• Last month, Instacart brought me 5 bunches of bananas instead of the 5 single bananas I ordered, so when the time came to turn the bounty into banana bread, I used my old faithful recipe. But this time I added a heaping handful of milk chocolate chunks to the batter and my life is changed.

• Hailey B.’s Rhode Glazing Milk is like a comforting hug of hydration on freshly cleansed skin. Sandwich it between your cleanser and serums/moisturizer for that fresh-from-a-facial glow.

• This K-beauty face sunscreen is so perfect I buy it in bulk. It’s lightweight, hydrating, leaves no white cast or irritation, and wears beautifully under makeup or on its own. It feels more like a lovely moisturizer than an SPF. Husband uses it, too.

• I spray a generous layer of this hydro-grip setting spray on my skin and let it dry down before I start my makeup. Then I do a super light mist again at the end. It does an impressive job of locking down cream products, keeping my face intact in the blazing heat and humidity.

• For my fellow DIY manicure enthusiasts, I can’t recommend this LED system* enough. It gives the look and longevity of gels, but with zero damage and the easiest removal you can imagine. Use the code NAILSKEIRA for 15% off. *gifted

• If you like the look of vintage straight jeans but aren’t a fan of rigid denim, you’ll love these. They have the perfect amount of stretch to move with you + they hold everything in and don’t lose their shape. I bought mine new-with-tags on Poshmark, so check there first. (A note: this style runs small, size up!)

• The problem with getting dressed in a heatwave is it’s asphalt-melting hot outside but often meat locker cold indoors. This $20 cardigan is the perfect layering solution. Size up for a more luxe fit, and toss it over your shoulders when you aren’t wearing it for a touch of minimalist ‘stealth wealth’ style on a budget.

This note contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from the retailer if you make a purchase from these links, at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting this free newsletter.

1. Wedges are back this season, and I’m personally leaning towards sleek 90s styles over chunky espadrilles. As always, Bottega Venetta is leading the trend with their stretch mule wedges, but the Nine West Rovah wedge sandal may just be the next best thing. (And they’re less than 1/10th of the price.)

   

2. declared that all the girlies are wearing Celine Triomphe 01 sunglasses around NYC this summer. I love the vintage oval shape, but I never invest in designer sunglasses because I can’t be trusted to take care of them; I routinely throw my sunglasses in the bottom of handbags and leave them at friends’ houses. These $23 dupes look very promising!

3. Hunza G is the gold standard of cool, modern, one-piece swimsuits. calls them “the denim of swimsuits.” Made of thick seersucker that molds to your body and holds everything in, Hunza G’s greatest hit is a one-size-fits-all classic tank style with a low scoop back that flexes to any size, so it can live with you through many summers (and weight fluctuations). I love that it can double as a summer bodysuit; throw on a pair of denim shorts or linen pants and go straight from the beach/pool to lunch or drinks. ASOS has a well-reviewed dupe under $50.

4. Many of us were introduced to the Lorna Murray bucket hat when Kathy Hilton strolled in wearing one on RHOBH; it looks like a very chic pleated lampshade. First we all giggled, then we all wanted one for ourselves, and then Amazon delivered a version for $43. Bonus: you can fold it up and stow it in your beach bag.

   

5. These chunky Bottega Venetta teardrop earrings went viral last fall when Kendall Jenner paired them with a long silk slip dress and a Ralph Lauren baseball cap for the US Open. I think about that outfit all the time — I’m really into her effortless Bottega & Khaite vibe in general. Anyway! The earrings are still going strong around the Internet, and people swear by these Amazon dupes that will only set you back $15.

Other honorable mentions:

• If you’re planning a European summer vacation, please buy these Italian charcuterie jeans with a matching baby tote so I may live vicariously through you. (They’re selling out quick!)

• This one is more function than fashion, but this $25 Amazon SPF 50 sun hat is the best for keeping the sun off your face; it makes the summer heat a little more bearable. My husband and I both have one, and we use them all the time. (Him for golf, me for walks.)

But I do love to play with a few trends to elevate my everyday basics. There are 3 classics that have made their way back to the top of the trend list this summer, and I’m happy to incorporate their modern iterations into my wardrobe.

First thing’s first…

ballet flats

are trending again and we love to see it. I currently have two pairs in regular rotation: a black quilted classic with a slightly square toe that gives Chanel vibes for a tenth of the price; and a modern metallic gold option with a dainty bow that seems to look great with every outfit I’ve tried. (Limited sizes are still available at Zara, and the silver version is just as good). has me convinced that the only thing I need to round out the summer ballet flat trifecta are these crystal mesh flats that pair well with a poppy-red pedicure.

A note: If you’re like me and need more arch support/cushion than a typical ballet flat can provide, add these $13 ‘superior comfort’ insoles to your Amazon cart and drop them into all your favorite flats. Instant sneaker-level comfort.

I’m also here for the return of the…

summer basket bag

inspired by effortlessly cool French girls and presently exemplified by the Prada Panier wicker + canvas bag. If you don’t have $3k to drop into a seasonal accessory, no worries; there are plenty of alternatives on the market for every budget. I bought this Zara mini basket bag for our moms and filled them with fresh flowers for Mother’s Day, and threw an extra one in the order for myself. More great options: under $200, under $100, under $50, and under $25. (The last one is a dead-ringer for the Cult Gaia Ark.)

And finally…

cargo pants

haven’t been on my radar since 2004 — Jen Aniston’s late 90s orange parachute pants still live rent-free in my head — but it feels like now’s the time to get a few pairs back in my wardrobe as a hot-weather denim swap. For the season, I’m looking for lightweight options like linen, cotton, or lyocell with a relaxed and easy fit; drawstring waists/ankles are welcomed.

These Ganni dupe parachute pants from Mango may be the ticket at under $90. For a more refined option, I’m very tempted by this wide leg style from Reformation, but the Banana Republic Heritage Linen Expedition pant looks promising, too. And if money were no object, I’d spring for these camo Isabel Marant cotton-canvas cargo pants and wear them all summer.

What summer trends have you excited? Anyone else’s brain melting to mush in the heat? I’d also love recs on what we’re watching these days, because the Lennoxes need a new series to dive into. I watched Based On A True Story, and kept hoping it would get better because I loved Kaley Cuoco in the first season of The Flight Attendant, but I think I landed on ‘meh’ by the end. Please drop a comment with your recs!

Product Of The Week

One of my favorite podcasts, Eyewitness Beauty, finishes each episode with the hosts’ product of the week. It can be anything from beauty products to home goods that deserve a little moment in the spotlight. I’m stealing the concept here!

Can’t commit to regular manicures, but want to give your nails an easy glow-up? I have just the thing: Manicurist’s Active Glow treatment polish gives nails a rosy, high-shine glow while treating them with active ingredients to nourish, hydrate, and strengthen. It’s aesthetically similar to the cult favorite Dior Nail Glow but half the price — and with built-in benefits so your nails look better in the buff. (Use code NAILSKEIRA for 15% off!)

This note contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from the retailer if you make a purchase from these links, at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting this newsletter.

I missed last week’s newsletter because I spent all my free time devouring Scandoval updates online. If you’re a fellow Bravo junkie and need to talk through the ongoing saga of this historic betrayal, slide into my DMs on Instagram.

Anywho… This week’s newsletter is a to-do list of sorts, but a fun one. It’s a short roundup of things I suggest shopping, watching and cooking this week. (Your college instant ramen gets an upgrade!) Plus a request for feedback on what books you’re reading lately; I need to retrain my brain to focus on something besides my phone before my brain melts.

Let’s dive in!

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To Wear

Metallic silver platform sandals are stalking me around the Internet, and they just may be the unexpected basic we all need this spring and summer. I can’t imagine a warm weather outfit that won’t work with them.

I have my eye on two pairs that fit my budget for a seasonal trend purchase: these mirror-shine chunky platforms with a practical 2.5” heel (use coupon code GOODNEWS for 15% off); and these $40 Walmart platform heels with good reviews that — if you squint! — look like the cousins of a current style by Jimmy Choo.

The latter will pair perfectly with my new favorite $35 wide leg jeans.

(Honorable mention to these funky chunky Nine West slides.)

To Sniff

I received a sample of Tom Ford’s Bitter Peach perfume in my recent Sephora order, and ugh, it’s so good. I’m waiting for the spring savings event next month to snag the travel spray at a discount. It’s a lovely unisex blend of juicy peach, blood orange and subtle florals, grounded in warm pachouli and sandalwood. If you’re a fan of Le Labo Santal 33, this feels like it’s summery, fruity sister.

Bitter Peach has serious staying power with the tiniest spritz, so I think the travel size will get me through summer and then some.

To Cook

Ever since I watched this video of Bon Appétit pro chefs upgrading instant ramen, it’s become a staple in our weeknight dinner routine. It’s simple, warm, comforting, and super customizable with whatever protein and veggies you have on-hand.

Roy Choi’s instant ramen hack with American cheese + an egg poached right in the broth is my husband’s new favorite.

To Watch

I keep thinking about Eddy Burback’s recent YouTube video about the deceptive world of ghost kitchens. Not spooky specters haunting cooking spaces, but investor-owned industrial “virtual” kitchens masquerading as local eateries that are taking over food delivery apps. And how the rising prevalence of these ghost kitchens affects small independent restaurant owners.

I love an investigative deep dive into a niche topic, and Eddy does it so well. It’s an interesting look into the weird world of future industrial takeout operations; but it also delves into the safety and ethical concerns surrounding these setups. It will make you think twice about which ‘restaurant’ you choose on your next Uber Eats order.

To Read

Okay, I need your help with this one. I used to be an avid reader, but post-2020 my focus is shot and I’m lucky to get through three books a year. Please drop a comment with the books you’ve enjoyed recently, and I’ll make a list of all your favorites to share in an upcoming newsletter.

I’m interested in all kinds of recommendations, but for what it’s worth my personal favorite genres are: page-turning thrillers; coming-of-age fiction; a little sprinkle of magic or the supernatural; and celebrity memoirs/biographies. I used to like dystopian fiction, but that feels a little too close to reality these days, so I’ll pass on that. Ha!

Basically, give me all the satisfying/entertaining/junk-food type of literature that will encourage me to read something other than VPR updates and r/BravoRealHousewives - please and thank you.

Other Links I Liked Last Week

• I am very tempted by this Arket crossbody bag in the prettiest periwinkle suede!

• Thanks it’s from… is a weekly substack of very cool ebay fashion finds.

• Cupcakes and Cashmere shares a helpful post on how to do your own wedding makeup with tips that work for everyday, too.

• Hannah Louise Poston breaks down 3 easy outfit combinations to help you style your existing wardrobe in a new way.

This note contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from the retailer if you make a purchase from these links, at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting this newsletter.

After more than a decade of documenting my style evolution on the Internet, I’ve settled into a simple, casual aesthetic built around classic wardrobe staples I love. I’m happiest with an edited closet that’s thoughtfully stocked with neutral basics, a variety of shapes and colors of denim, structured outerwear, and quality accessories. I really jive with the idea of a daily uniform, and find that I wear a variation of 5 simple outfit combinations through the week.

There’s nothing revolutionary here, but I think these simple style combinations are worth sharing. Maybe you’re trying to figure out your own casual comfort zone, or you need a few style ‘recipes’ for the mornings you’re in a rush. (Any other non-morning people in the house?) These basic combos always work, and never fail to make me feel pulled together and polished with minimal thought/effort.

A note before we dive in: all of the images are from Mango, my favorite online destination for on-trend outfit inspiration. I don’t shop there often — although I do have a fantasy cart filled with stuff I want to buy — but I really like the way they style their pieces. I basically use the site like a giant Pinterest board for OOTD ideas.

(I may actually need these denim and vinyl sandals though.)

Okay, five easy outfit combinations… let’s get to it!

1. Double The Denim

I’m a long-time fan of the denim tuxedo. I have a collection of denim shirts and jackets that I like to mix and match with jeans, and you can catch me in this outfit combination at least once a week.

Friends and blog readers often tell me they don’t feel confident pulling off an all denim look. Here are three of my top tips for styling a double denim outfit:

1. Match the denim tones on top and bottom for a monochromatic look; avoid mixing super contrasting light and dark denim.

2. Play up print and color with accessories — like a statement bag or shoe — to keep things interesting.

3. Try pairing the look with a bold lip. When I do this, I like to keep the rest of my makeup really clean and minimal, and let a bright liquid lipstick or shiny red gloss be the statement.

2. Add A Blazer Layer

When I need to elevate to business casual for a special meeting or event, I throw a blazer over my usual jeans + tee/tank. I find that balancing proportions is the key to making a blazer outfit look modern and fresh. For instance: slim fit blazers (like Veronica Beard’s classic jacket) pair well with long slim jeans or flares; boxy boyfriend styles go well with classic skinnies, or high waist straight leg jeans that are slightly cropped at the ankle; and cropped blazers that hit around the waist balance well with wide-leg bottoms.

I recommend starting with at least 2 neutral blazers in different styles; preferably navy, black, or gray plaid or houndstooth. Then add a wildcard, like a cropped style in a fun pop of color. These will go a long way in your wardrobe remixing!

3. Monochromatic Moment

This is my go-to combination for spring and summer, but it works year-round. Whether it’s a coordinated set (like this linen top and pant) or basics in matching tones, I really love a monochromatic outfit. This is one of the benefits of a wardrobe filled with neutrals: you have endless possibilities for tone-on-tone looks.

4. All Black Everything

The older I get, the more I understand the appeal of a closet filled with black, black, black. A head-to-toe black outfit is slimming, chic and so effortless. My weekday iterations usually include a base of charcoal wash denim — it fades less noticeably and looks better for longer than true black — and casual black ponte knit pants or high waist leggings.

5. The Classic

You can’t go wrong with a crisp button-down and jeans; it’s a timeless combination for a reason. I prefer a little room and drape in my shirts, so I always size up for a relaxed boyfriend fit. If it’s in your budget, have your shirts dry cleaned for that satisfying starched & pressed finished. It will help your shirts last longer vs. machine washing and you’ll feel instantly fancier when you put them on.

. . .

For more everyday style inspiration, check out my ‘Casual’ Pinterest board that’s filled with over 1500 outfit ideas! And to shop the images from this note, click here.

This note contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from the retailer if you make a purchase from these links, at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting this newsletter.

If you’re a longtime blog reader, you know I struggle in the morning. Despite my best efforts to force myself into becoming a morning person, it just hasn’t happened yet… and at this point I’m resigned to believe it never will.

I want to squeeze in as much sleep as I can manage — every minute counts! — before I absolutely have to throw myself out of bed. Then once I’m up, I struggle with time management. I can fritter away precious moments on all kinds of stuff: I scroll through Instagram; dawdle around the house tidying up; or take photos of the dogs being cute and text them to my husband. (Who is a morning person, and gets to work a good two hours before me.)

So, I’m a bit of a mess in the morning. It’s fine! I really thrive midday, lol.

For my fellow morning strugglers, I have a handful of simple shortcuts to help us do the most in the least amount of time.

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Make a Designated Drop Spot

There’s nothing more maddening than a frantic keys/phone/wallet search when you’re already running behind schedule. You can avoid this mayhem with a defined drop zone. Ours is a small console table by the front door. As soon as I walk in the house, I drop my keys and sunglasses on it. And before I go to bed, I add anything that needs to leave the house with me in the morning: my tote bag, to-do lists, scrawled reminder notes, library books to return, etc. It’s all there waiting for me when I head out for the day.

Pack a Lunch the Night Before

I’m trying to get in the habit of bringing a healthy lunch and snacks to work. I find I’m most successful with prepping a lunch if I do it the night before: packing up dinner leftovers; making a big salad with mixed fruit, nuts and goat cheese; or rolling up lean lunch meat with cheese and fresh sliced fruit. These stackable glass containers with snap-on lids are great for the job because they’re durable, reusable, and easy to clean. And this black lunch bag is my favorite — it keeps things cold and looks like a chic accessory.

Plan Your Outfits For the Week

Ok, this may be shallow but it’s the truth: I feel like the best, most productive version of myself when I love my outfit. But my brain doesn’t fire on all cylinders until after 11am, so I like to have options at the ready for stress-free dressing.

Set aside some time on Sunday to plan your style for the week. Consider your work/social calendar, and make a mental note of meetings or events that may require a special look. If you need inspiration, reference your Pinterest style boards or IG saves and recreate outfits with pieces you have in your closet. Then pull your head-to-toe outfits for the entire week. (Use these velvet skirt hangers with clips to pair tops with bottoms.)

Iron as needed, and hang all your week’s outfits in a designated place in your closet. Or, if you have the space, get a small clothing rack specifically for your weekly pulls. I have this one from Amazon in my home office and it’s great quality for around $100!

Your groggy morning self will thank you, trust me on this one.

Be Your Own Barista

We bought a Nespresso Vertuo Next machine to make our favorite lattes at home. It’s been a great investment that C and I both use every day, and skipping the Starbucks drive-thru shaves a lot of time off my morning routine. We like the espresso pods for hot and iced lattes, and Nutpods Cookie Butter vegan creamer + extra creamy oat milk is my current favorite combo.

Corkcicle tumblers come in a fun range of colors, and keep ice frozen for more than 9 hours. They’re perfect to take your home coffee creations on-the-go.

Use Bags Within Your Bag

I can’t get enough pouches. Bags inside bags are my love language. And when my handbag is organized with all my daily essentials, I feel like I’m ready for anything the day may bring. (Check out An Indigo Day’s post on how to organize your purse.)

Lately my everyday tote is organized with clear makeup cases like this one. I can see what’s inside, and switch them from handbag to handbag in a snap if I decide to make a quick purse change in the morning.

I’m also a huge fan of my Bandolier iPhone crossbody case with a matching zip-around pouch that holds my phone, card case, car key fob, and lipstick. It carries everything I need so I can ditch the rest of my bag when I want to travel light and hands-free.

Have Cookies For Breakfast

When I take the time to bake something on Sunday, it’s like giving myself a little treat all week! I found this recipe for healthy breakfast cookies years ago. You can make a big batch on the weekend to have something delicious on hand for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. I like that you can customize the recipe with different nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate. They’re packed with protein and whole grain oats for sustained energy, and pair perfectly with your DIY iced coffee.

. . .

What are your favorite morning shortcuts?

(Seriously, please share them; I need all the help I can get.)

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• BAGGU just announced a collection with Laura Ashley, the iconic brand that splashed bold floral prints across our childhood bedrooms and wardrobes, and it’s really scratching a nostalgia itch for me. Particularly this mini puffer tote with clusters of flowers floating on cheery gingham. It looks just like a comforter I had on my daybed as a kid. (The packable sun hat is also adorable!)

• I absolutely do not need another cream blush in my makeup collection, but Merit’s Flush Balm is one of my favorite swipe-and-go formulas for minimal “clean” makeup days. They released four new seasonal shades, and it took true willpower to pass on this chic set of minis.

• These orange sherbet sneakers are still sitting in my Amazon cart. I asked in an IG poll if I should tap ‘buy now’ and 87% of y’all said yes. I like the vintage style, and think they’ll be a fun pop of color for easy neutral spring/summer outfits.

  

• Alice + Olivia’s spring 2023 denim collection sparks all the joy. Grownup versions of my beloved wide-leg skater jeans + a jacket made of giant pom poms?! The jacket is out of stock all over the Internet, and it’s a good thing; I can’t throw down a car payment on novelty outerwear. I will, however, stalk The Real Real to try to score one secondhand.

• A Mansur Gavriel bucket bag has been on my wish list since the dawn of Pinterest, and at this very moment there’s a white croc embossed mini bucket bag for 30% off in their spring sale. I never thought I’d want a white leather handbag, but I can’t stop imagining summer outfits with this slung over my shoulder.

• And finally, Dermstore is having a beauty refresh sale, featuring popular brands at up to 20% off. If you need to update your skin care or makeup stash, now’s the time. You can shop my top shelf picks from the sale here.

Happy weekend!

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Photo by Karolina Grabowska

'10 Things' is a series I cribbed from my blog archives, in which I share a very random roundup of stuff I enjoy wearing/eating/using. These are things that spark joy in my day-to-day, or make my daily routine a little more enjoyable. Like the $20 ribbed cardigan I own in 5 colors (is that too many?!) and the sugar-free coffee creamer that helped me break my Biscoff cookie butter habit.

Let’s dive in!

1. I’ll kick things off with the best of the bunch: a perfect $20 cardigan that I love so much I bought every color. It’s great quality for the price, holds up well through lots of wear and washing, and you can throw it on over absolutely anything for a little extra cozy in your OOTD.

   A tip for making high street knits look expensive: most designer knits are cut with a generous fit that drapes on the body, and you can dupe this vibe by going up one or two sizes. I always go big on sweaters and cardigans.

2. January’s issue of Bon Appétit included a smoothie feature, and I’ve made this blueberry banana smoothie every morning since: one cup frozen blueberries, one cup unsweetened cashew milk, 1 banana, dash of cinnamon, splash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt*. If I’m slacking on my veggie intake, I’ll toss in a handful of fresh baby spinach. (*BA recommends adding a pinch of salt to your smoothie concoctions — like baking, it brings out all the flavors — and it’s a game changer!)

3. Nutpods cookie butter coffee creamer is another addition to my morning routine. One of my 2020 coping mechanisms was eating a spoonful of Biscoff cookie butter straight from the jar. It was a hard habit to break. This scratches that itch; but with zero sugar and just 5 calories. You can buy it from Amazon.

4. Speaking of healthy snack swaps, whatchu know about frozen KIND bars? Particularly the dark chocolate sea salt almond version, which I swear taste just like a Snickers ice cream bar. I’m never without a box (or two) in my freezer. (Don’t mess with the peanut butter ones; they’re bland.)

5. This is a holdover from my last ‘10 Things’ post in January 2022, and I still use it every day: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist deodorant. This is a super bougie deodorant, but it’s a bestseller for a reason. It smells so good, lasts all day, and a little goes a long way. If you love warm, fresh perfumes — think: smelling like you’re straight out of a warm bubble bath and wrapped in a cozy blanket fresh from the dryer —this deodorant will be right up your street.

6. The RMS “Re” Evolve Radiance Locking Primer is a relatively new addition to routine, but I already love it. I put a thin layer on top of my sunscreen, and it’s like a sandwich between my skin care and makeup. I skip foundation most days, so this locking primer gives my concealer and cream products (like blush and bronzer) something to grip onto. If you’re a fan of the minimal “clean girl” makeup routine, and you want your products to hang on all day, highly recommend.

7. I finally got my hands on Hailey Bieber’s Rhode peptide lip treatment after many sellouts, and I completely understand why they can’t keep this stuff in stock. It’s hydrating and shiny, but not sticky; super comfy to wear. Plus I feel like my lips are in better shape after using it consistently for several weeks.

8. Necessaire recently launched a body cream, and it’s lovely. The brand specializes in face-grade formulas for the body, and the new Necessaire Body Cream feels like a luxurious rich cream you’d find in your skin care routine. It’s super hydrating, but melts right into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. I especially love slathering it on after exfoliating my whole body with the Soft Services buffing bar — it’s a winning combo for the softest, smoothest skin.

9. After more than a decade of #floristlife I finally found shoes that are equal parts cute and practical for work. The Sorel Brex Chelsea boots feel like you’re walking on a cloud, and the thick no-slip tread and waterproof leather design make them perfect for a long day running around the studio; I can stand in these for 8 hours in perfect comfort. I loved them so much I bought them in cream and black.

10. I’m trying to get into Instagram reels for my personal and business accounts to please The Algorithm Gods, but editing them is often an exercise in frustration. (Elder millennial problems.) Temply app to the rescue! It’s filled with templates, music, text, and graphics to help you make stylized reels and Tiktoks in a flash. Just plug your video or photos into a template, then save and upload.

By the way, are you following me on Instagram?

TTYL,

Keira

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It seems soup is having a moment. My Instagram feed is filled with mouthwatering bowls of the stuff; from creamy bisques to hearty stews and veggie-packed noodle broths. I’m not on TikTok anymore, but I hear #SoupTok is thriving with self-proclaimed ‘soup girlies’ sharing their favorite recipes and memes. On my personal radar: New York Times dropped a roundup of 24 soup recipes in my inbox last week, and last month I read a Bon Appétit article titled, ‘On Soup Internet, Everything Is Cozy and Nothing Hurts’.

I think we’re all searching for extra comfort these days, and a hot bowl of soup always delivers. Plus, during a time when many of us are stretching our grocery budgets and trying to cut back on food waste, a big pot* of homemade soup really comes in clutch. With a few affordable pantry staples, a portion of protein, and whatever produce you have on hand, you can make magic.

Now, let’s get into soup mode with 4 tried-and-true recipes I love. Add these to your weeknight meal plan, or cook an extra big pot on Sunday and have the leftovers for lunch all week.

Bon Appétit Gingery Chicken Noodle Soup

This chicken noodle soup is kicked up with a healthy dose of zesty fresh ginger and warming curry powder, and finished with quick-cooking wheat noodles like ramen or udon. You can knock it out in about 30 minutes from start to finish, so it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. I’ve already made it three (four?) times in 2023.

For maximum flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs with skin. But if you’re lazy like me, use boneless skinless chicken thighs and save yourself the stress of wondering whether there’s a sneaky chicken bone hiding in your soup.

A tip for noodle soups: I like to prepare made-to-order servings of noodles separately as I need them, instead of cooking a large amount in the broth all at once. This way, when you heat up leftovers it won’t turn into a noodle mush.

Diane Morrisey’s Creamy Tomato Soup

You know why @dianemorrisey is my favorite food account to follow on Instagram? Because she puts the entire recipe in the caption of each post/reel. It’s so handy!

Diane’s cream of tomato soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese. You know how some tomato soup just tastes like tomato sauce? This is not that. It has lots of butter, garlic, and caramelized onions that make it oh-so-delicious. (A quick note: the original recipe calls for fresh thyme, but I use dried and it works just fine.)

You’ll need a blender to get this one silky smooth; an immersion blender is your best bet. The first time I made this soup, I used my regular blender and learned a very messy, skin-scalding lesson: hot liquids may explode all over your kitchen if you blend them at high speed without properly venting the lid. Save yourself the trouble and buy this $35 immersion blender with 44,000 reviews on Amazon.

Carrabba’s Copycat Spicy Sicilian Chicken Soup

Thank you, Coco & Ash, for giving us a very good dupe of Mama Mandola’s chicken soup. Of the four recipes, this one is the most work, but don’t worry, it’s still easy. You need to wash, peel and chop a good amount of veggies, but I promise it’s worth it. When we feel under the weather, or I have a stash of veggies in the crisper that are nearing their final days, this is my go-to.

Again, I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Many years ago, my husband almost choked on a chicken bone at Carrabba’s while eating this very soup — afterwards the server told him, “that’s how you know it’s homemade!” — and it’s a trauma we try not to relive. Ha!

NYT Cooking Braised White Beans and Greens w/ Parmesan

I don’t know if this one technically qualifies as a soup, but it’s brothy comfort in a bowl and a Lennox house favorite, so I need to share it. Take a couple 99-cent cans of white cannellini beans, a few handfuls of chopped kale, store bought chicken stock, and a few other pantry staples and you have a super satisfying meal that comes together super quick.

New York Times Cooking is a recipe subscription I love, but you can find a free version of this recipe here.

I need you to serve these brothy beans with crusty slices of sourdough bread, lightly brushed with olive oil and grilled in a skillet. It’s non-negotiable.

The recipe calls for fennel and I haven’t used it once — still delicious. And I substitute dried herbs for fresh. (Because after the squirrels destroyed our first attempt at a patio herb garden, we never tried again.)

But that’s the beauty of soup, isn’t it? You can improv a recipe and use what you have available, and it almost always turns out just fine. There’s probably a metaphor for life in there somewhere…

. . .

* If you’re an advanced-level soup girlie, I recommend investing in a cast iron enamel Dutch oven. Le Creuset is the GOAT but it’s heckin’ expensive. Sometimes you can luck out and find Le Creuset pieces at HomeGoods, so keep your head on a swivel in the cookware aisle.

As an elder millennial, my love of 90s nostalgia runs deep. One of the things I miss most about the pre-internet culture of my youth: the art of passing notes. We filled pages of loose leaf paper with glitter-penned bubble letters to share the urgent news of the day, updates on the status of crushes, and funny inside jokes. Then we folded them meticulously into triangles — or origami shapes for the advanced artist — and covertly passed the paper parcels around school to our besties. We rivaled the USPS in delivery efficiency, and could spread news almost as fast as Twitter. (Okay, not really; but it was an impressive communication network for its time!)

The thrill of receiving a freshly penned note back then was a dopamine hit greater than any text or Instagram DM can deliver today. So when I decided I wanted to start a newsletter this year, I landed on calling it Passing Notes. I want to conjure that warm-and-fuzzy feeling of getting a carefully crafted letter from your BFF, only in your inbox instead of your Jansport.

The content will be similar to the stuff I used to share on my blog (and still share on Instagram) but in a weekly(ish) format that will vary from bite-sized link lists of cool stuff I find around the Internet, to bigger blurbs about style + beauty stuff on my radar, to personal essays. I promise to show up to your inbox with the same care and attention I poured into perfecting my handwriting way back then.

I haven’t been this excited about writing to friends since 1999!

Are you in? Check yes or no.

TTYL,

Keira

Photo by cottonbro studio