Life Lately

Dogwood blossoms, shorts with sweaters, instant coffee, and my current home project

Hi! How’s March going for you so far?

I’m resurfacing after going head-down in February, focusing all my energy into finishing some big work projects. I promised myself I’d complete them by the time the first bloom appeared on the dogwood tree down the road. So, of course, I proceeded to freak out a few days ago when I spotted the first bud — because I’m not finished with the projects and how could time be moving this fast??

But…I like to think that the dogwood tree isn’t freaking out about how fast or slow it’s blooming compared to other nearby trees, so I’m trying to do the same. 🤍

And in the meantime, there’s so much to enjoy about this season. Little things, like wearing shorts with sweaters, hanging art around my apartment, and trying a new coffee recipe. Keep reading if you want to hear all about the small things making me happy these days.

Currently drinking:

INSTANT ICED COFFEE

I’ve been a tea girl through and through for the last…decade?

Then my dad gave my mom an espresso maker for Christmas, and my mom and I had the best time standing in their fruit-wallpapered kitchen, figuring out how to use the shiny silver machine. And whoa! The coffee was good!

I loved it, but I really have no interest in investing in a coffee setup for myself, so — (if you’re a true coffee connoisseur, please cover your ears now) — I decided to get a canister of instant coffee and see what I could do with it.

That’s when one of my friends told me that on a recent trip to Greece, she was surprised to learn that instant coffee is a pretty big deal to the locals. Most of the coffee she had on that trip was instant. I was totally romanced by the idea that something deemed not special by one person, could in fact be very special to someone else.

She sent me a recipe for an instant latte she swears by — and yep, gotta say, I think it’s delicious.

Give it a try!

Currently wearing:

SHORTS WITH SWEATERS

I have one foot in winter and one in spring when it comes to getting dressed right now. It’s not time to put sweaters in storage yet — it’s just time to pair them with shorts and flip flops. My favorite!

Sweater and shorts weather. Wearing my Madewell bag, Lioness shorts, and a very old Aritzia sweater. Here’s a similar sweater from Everlane.

I recently rekindled my love for this old Aritzia sweater. Years ago, I loved it so much that I bought a second one off Poshmark. But then I just stopped reaching for them at some point.

I’m so glad I held onto them though because they’re exactly what I want to wear right now. They’ve got that v-neck that I’m loving layered over a crew tee. Mine’s not available anymore, but Everlane has a similar one.

V-neck over crew neck! My sweater’s old, but Everlane has a similar one. I got these brown track shorts last year and they still have a lot of sizes in stock. Bag is my trusty Madewell woven tote. Then I’m wearing my Monica Vinader heirloom bracelet and a new dainty chain bracelet that was kindly gifted from Bryan Anthonys.

Current home project:

HANGING ART

I’ve been hanging art around my apartment like there’s no tomorrow. It’s been so fun coming up with interesting things to frame. Not traditional art, not something aesthetic, but personal things like postcards from friends, printed iPhone snaps, and DIY paintings.

For a while, I thought I might try to paint a self-portrait — something that would represent this new chapter where I feel lighter and happier.

Then the other day my nephew drew this:

It says “This is my aunt dancing” 🥹

As soon as I saw it, I ditched the idea of painting a self-portrait and asked him if I could have it to frame instead. I realized this doodle is my most sacred portrait right now. Because yes, I know I’m feeling happier these days, but if someone else sees it too, it makes it even more real. ❤️

Currently inspired by:

BLUE, BROWN, AND YELLOW (and Hilary Duff’s new album)

Brown is my color in winter, and I have no plans to ditch it this spring. I’m going to brighten it up a bit by pairing it with sky blue and just a touch of butter yellow.

Yellow isn’t technically my color. A whole yellow top right next to my face tends to wash me out, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely off limits! It just means I wear it a little further away from my face. So I’m thinking a minimalist butter yellow bag or a beaded bracelet.

I realized the other day that my chosen spring color palette is basically the same palette as Hilary Duff’s new album cover, which I am LOVING by the way. Have you listened? What do you think of it?

Currently shopping for:

WHITE BALLET FLATS, FOLDOVER PANTS, BOOTCUT JEANS

The thing topping my spring wish list is woven white ballet flats.

Technically I have a pair from H&M, but unfortunately they just aren’t wearable. They’re not supportive and they slip off constantly. They’re pretty to stand around in, but don’t function like an actual shoe. Like Hannah Louise Poston says, they’re not a shoe, they’re a shoe-shaped thing.

My H&M ballet flats that LOOK perfect but FEEL terrible. But still, I am so into the combo of running shorts and ballet flats.

So I’m looking for an pair that’s more supportive, made of a structured material (not fabric or mesh), and hopefully under $100.

This pair from Banana Republic seems to check all the boxes. They are currently $78 and then an extra 40% off at checkout.

These flats seem promising. A bit more structure (so they won’t slip off like my current pair does), a bit more support, and well under $100.

I’m also interested in finding some foldover comfy pants that I can pair with flip flops and a leather jacket, like this. Perfect morning coffee run outfit.

photo credit @nisi

Last but not least, I’m interested in getting a pair of bootcut jeans. This pair from Reformation is my number one pick. I love Reformation jeans because they always make the booty look gooooood, but this pair from Gap also looks beautiful (and are under $100).

This outfit lives permanently in my brain. I know it’s so simple, but what can I say, I love a simple look.

• • •

And that’s all from me today!

How’s your March going so far? Have you listened to Hilary Duff’s new album? Got anything specific on your spring wish list? And (be honest) are you judging me for drinking instant coffee? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Next week’s post is all about spring inspiration. Or rather, how I find inspiration without going crazy wanting to buy all the things. See you then! ☺️

❤️ Caroline