This newsletter came to be because of my awareness of and constant battle with the space I represent. Capitalism is the pits, but it’s also a system I play an active role in.
This is the American story for many, especially right now. Legacy media outlets, social media, and our relationship with consumption—even for the more conscious and informed around us— are more and more of a struggle every day.
As for me:
I make my living marketing products to people, and I enjoy it. I like discovering new things. (I mean, I’m literally selling things in this newsletter.)
I’m also deeply enraged about our current systems and the outlets that let us get to the place we’re in.
Both things can be true. While I’m not sure of the way forward, I hope you’ll join me in adopting new ways of responding, even if those responses feels small.
A few “small” responses that mattered this week:
Yesterday’s shopping ban
Philly’s school district acting in support of trans students
On a micro level, I’m doing the same when it comes to what I’m wearing. More on that below.
What I’m wearing and why:
I’m lucky enough to be in Paris next week and decided I could buy a few things for the trip. Instead, I overthought it and ran out of time. (When I sat down to shop, I ended up ordering a long sleeved t-shirt and some dried beans.)
Ultimately I did the “shopping in your closet” trick and, like the way I’m trying to think politically, I approached it differently.
In choosing outfits, I went to the coat closet instead of the sweater pile. Nothing groundbreaking here, but enough to shake up my mindset and help me identify the opportunity in front of me—even if it felt small.
We have to make more decisions like these going forward. It matters, whether it’s your closet or the global political stage.
Trench Coat (old Club Monaco sample —this one and this one are similar), Midi Skirt (this one and this one are similar), M. Gemi Sacca Donna Loafers ($298), Maximum Henry Wide Belt ($145)
Three beauty products I’m using right now:
Ah, the simple things. A beautiful hand soap in a glass bottle made me happy this week. In the spirit of giving, the family who runs Activist lost their home in the LA wildfires, so please consider supporting if you can. (Manuka honey is excellent for immunity, makes a great moisturizing face mask, and tastes delicious.) Dry brushing is something I love always, but especially this time of year—like scratching itches you didn’t know you had.
Susanne Kaufmann Hand Soap ($45), Activist Manuka Immune Elixir ($40), Dry Body Brush ($5.99)
One organization to focus on this week:
Last Prisoner Project: I love this group. LPP works to set free or reduce the sentences of those incarcerated by cannabis offenses that are, of course, no longer illegal.
Thanks for being here,
Robin
Love this Robby
Robin I love your brain. Also - the belt cinch!!!!