dispatch 2: things that i find incredibly chic
a list that came to me on the train one morning
On good days, I’ll spend my 45-minute commute to work with my nose in a book or listening to a podcast. But let’s be honest, most of the days I’m *shamefully* on social media, feeling desperate to regain service at every stop to continue my mind-numbing scroll. Guilty as charged!
This week, I decided to let my prefrontal cortex breathe a little bit. Aka, instead of filling the void with noise, I sat there thinking of things that I find incredibly chic…because why the heck not. It was interesting to see what niche things came to mind first, and even that tiny act of creating (versus consuming) felt like a refreshing reprieve from the monotonous hamster wheel. I welcome you to do the same, and since I’m nosey as hell, please report back on what tops your list.
My little list of things that I find exceptionally chic (and a bit rock and roll):
Doing the crossword in pen (you’re braver than I)
Drinking black coffee (also braver than I)
Carrying cash + a lighter
Giving someone your number at the bar (bonus if it’s on a cocktail napkin)
An unexpected shoe
Keeping momentos on your fridge
Having a signature scent
Reading on the train (very hot indeed)
Not having social media. Alt: Doing things and not posting about it. As a chronic oversharer, this could never be me, but I deeply admire this ilk of people.
Negorinis (I’m partial to this one)
Biking everywhere in the city (also partial to this one)
Sending snail mail
Being kind to service workers (a non-negotiable)
Giving a flying f*ck about something, anything really (politics, the environment, art, creative projects, whatever floats your boat)
Speaking multiple languages
Traveling with only a carry-on
Simple skincare routines (enough with the 10 steps already)
Listening to the news while making your morning coffee (this is a deeply nostalgic practice that reminds me of my grandparents every morning)
Remembering to call people on their birthdays
Carrying a little notebook and pen in your purse at all times
Learning people’s names (we’re talking: your bodega guy, the doorman at work, after people introduce themselves, etc… regrettably, not my strong suit)
Wearing a sun hat at the beach
Saying “holiday” instead of “vacation”
Spending time making a lovely meal for yourself
Calling your parents to tell them you love them
Farmers’ market produce peaking out of a tote bag
Scouring eBay or Facebook Marketplace before buying something new
A white tee + lived-in vintage Levi’s
Displaying items with sentimental value in your home
Bringing a deck of cards to the bar
Making tomato sauce with fresh ingredients versus buying a jar
Playing an instrument
A shower beverage
People with green thumbs (I simply cannot keep a houseplant alive)
Going to live shows
Fresh flowers in your space
Mix-matched secondhand glassware
A blunt bob haircut (Marino, if you’re reading this, you’re the blueprint of chicness)
Reading the signs at museums with actual interest
Putting effort into your costume for themed parties (I deeply cherish an active participant who doesn’t let their ego get the best of them)
Buying items locally versus ordering online
That’s all my brain could muster for the time being. See you again very soon (I hope) x