Why does it feel like so often I’m starting newsletters and blog posts with something about how rough things have been? (Typically, newsletters are more personal and have some added good stuff, so subscribe if you don’t already.) These past couple of weeks are no exception. In fact, in a lot of ways, things feel worse than ever.

But they are not. We’re resilient and capable and it’s very important to remember that, especially when things feel like they are at their worst.

Looking for ways to actually FEEL better? How about diving into this list of my favorite things and poaching some for yourself? I’m confident we’ll feel stronger together:)

My Favorite Things Right Now

Taking Action

If you feel helpless, you aren’t alone. If you also feel overwhelmed, exhausted and desperate for some change, that’s a common feeling, too. Not worry! I certainly can’t solve all of your problems, but I can tell you three things that I find helpful. Let’s start with the easiest option first: buy paper copies of this issue of New York Magazine and this issue of the Atlantic for information on abortion that you or someone you love may need in the future. Next up, give, give give. Over the years, Poplin has been a supporter of NARAL Pro Choice America and Planned Parenthood. There are so many organizations that are fighting to help women travel to abortions, when necessary, mail abortion pills anonymously and more. Another important way to take action is to actually watch the January 6th hearings, rather than reading the bullet points. This is important folks, make sure you understand what is going on and make your own decisions rather than learning about it through the filters of others.

In the more effort but doable category, I love these postcards because they are easy to write (solo or with the family) and pop in the mail to elected officials regularly. You may know that we’ve had a family tradition of celebrating President’s Day by having our son write to an elected official to advocate for something he cares about. These help with that practice all year long. Finally, If you are feeling fired up and want community, Red Wine and Blue might just be for you. The group empowers suburban women to get out the vote and more. I know, you aren’t technically in a suburb, but that’s okay. Right now, the Great Troublemaker Turnout is a solid place to start. Also, I know we are all steeped in national politics right now.

Self Care thanks to the Softest of Fabrics

Few things are as gratifying as slipping into a dress that feels super soft and almost weightless. It’s tough to find these on the interwebs, but when you get one, you know. My current obsession is this Mara Hoffman dress, which I’ve been wearing nonstop. I also saw a client the other day in one from Artizia (which is having a super sale right now). Look for words like “super soft” organic cotton, lightweight linen blend, or guaze.

4th of July Sales!

I always like to remind you, Dear Reader, that holidays bring sales. So, if you’ve been pining for something, hold off until the nearest holiday weekend. That means now. I used to put together a list so many favorite sales, but honestly, Vogue has a solid list, NY Mag makes this dreamy list and I like this one from Refinery 29, too. so I vote you check them out and I’ll spend my time giving you lots of other tips and tricks.

Your last tracking tool

I’m truly obsessed with my Oura Ring. In fact, I ordered one for my husband for Father’s Day because he was clearly jealous each morning when I checked the quality of my sleep or looked at my activity level over time. The amount of digestible data this ring offers to me is astounding. And not just information about my habits and health, there’s also a sea of helpful articles on improving your all around health, guided meditations and more. Plus, let’s be honest, it looks good.

The New Take on Designer

It’s true. As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time comparing products for clients. Sometimes, designer pieces are the best fit for her and sometimes, they aren’t. There are lots of reasons why an American woman tends to make less than a man over her lifetime, and that means that spending more on designer pieces can hit her harder as a percentage of her income. This is why I LOVE this article about then new obsession with finding the best counterfeit luxury handbag. I wish it were true that buying a full price item ensured where and by whom it is made, but it doesn’t. So, I’m loving the idea of women embracing their love of fashion and their desire to build wealth. Big fan.

The Hipper Sun Hat

You know me, I’m all about the big straw sun hat. Sadly, that isn’t always practical. I also have a deep internal resistance to the baseball hat. Sure, it works for lots of folks, and if sporty is one of your style words, it likely works for you. But, if you are someone who struggles to find a functional hat for outdoor events that is in between these two extremes, look no further than the men’s baseball hat. I know, it sounds crazy. How different can a men’s hat be from a women’s hat, right? Oh, My Dear Reader, so different. More hip hop, less sporty. You’re welcome.

The New Normal Friend Time

There have been so many conversations about our new normal. Is remote work here to stay or is hybrid the new normal? Do we cancel an appointment because of COVID exposure but keep it if we are ill with other symptoms? Things are complicated. And as much as we all love the idea that this is over, it’s clear that COVID will continue to disrupt social time. If you are like me, that means that many friendships suffered. Not to worry! I found a magical solution that has had a profound impact on my life- weekly scheduled walks… with a different person every week. A few months ago, I made a recurring appointment on my calendar to take a walk with a friend at the same time every week. After the walk, I’d go directly to pick up my son from his activity. Quickly, I built up a routine and scheduled friends out several weeks in the future. I realized that during COVID, the majority of my social time involved my the parents of my son’s friends or my neighbors. All delightful folks, but what about time with people I adore? So, I reached out to friends to schedule walks- many of whom I hadn’t seen in years. We always walk near the water and I always feel a thousand times better afterward. Plus, it’s free and COVID has no impact on our outdoor adventures. Highly recommend.

Happy Handbags

When is the last time you bought a handbag? If you are working from home, even a portion of the time, getting out has new significance. Make it count by feeling amazing when you hit the town. The best part about a handbag is that you get to enjoy it all evening because you actually get to look at it, interact with it, use it. Choose one that makes you feel happy when you do.

P.S. Having fun with these posts? Jump on the email list to get all of this and more. Plus, it’s nice to get something joyous in your inbox.