Being Off Social Media and Cozy Winter Essentials
Starting 2025 off strong
Hello! I took a brief hiatus from all social media and Substack over the last month or so, which was honestly incredible (I highly recommend). Originally, I just needed a break from constant online stimulation, which felt exhausting, but being off everything eventually made me realize how badly I needed to be with myself again. I read books, spent quality time with family and loved ones, took up meditation and breathwork, browsed online without being fed a constant stream of products on Instagram/TikTok, cooked…. and I pretty much feel like a whole new human. So if you’re considering disconnecting, take this as your sign.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of ACOTAR, and decided to stop after the first book. Anyone else??? I just started The Women by Kristin Hannah (my favorite author) and am also reading a very special non-released book (but bound to be a NY Times Best Seller) by one of my best friends who is an aspiring author. It’s amazing and I am so proud of her.
I’ve been loving the meditation and breathwork app, Open. I have been doing the January meditation challenge and definitely feel a difference when I start my days off with this.
But back to regularly scheduled programming… kind of. I recently had a bit of a lightbulb moment. While this platform has been such a source of inspiration and a creative outlet for me, I was getting so caught up on things being perfect, while most of the newsletters I read and enjoy on here operate as more of a stream of consciousness. They’re messy and real. So you can expect more of that from me going forward. I’d love to know your guys’ thoughts on this!
It has been very cold in New York. Freezing. So naturally, now I have a sick obsession with jackets and coats and I’ve found some pretty good ones. I recently purchased this and this. Both very warm and easy to throw on.
I’m shocked at how much self control I had while in Jenni Kayne. I walked away with the jacket, but I’m still dreaming about this and this.
I like the idea of a cropper puffer coat and Quince has a few really great options here and here.
I am very close to biting the bullet on this Toteme gem, which I have loved for years. I’m particularly drawn to the length and the all black.. Very chic, albeit an investment piece for sure.
I also can’t stop thinking about this. My dream coat.
Fleeces have always been a staple in my winter wardrobe. I am partial to the original Patagonia Synchilla pullovers (going back to my high school days in CT)—there are some really great vintage ones out there. My husband got me this one from Acne Studios a few years ago as a gift. I’ve been wearing this one from Gramicci nonstop. It’s great to have a few of these around to throw on if you’re working from home, running to a workout class, or just want to be cozy on the couch. These are also really good by Isabel Marant Etoile , Conner Ives and Free People.
When it comes to hats and gloves, Carhartt has been a go-to of mine, but I am ready for an upgrade. Something elevated and cashmere like this or these. If anyone has recommendations, please send my way!
I’ll be doing some ski trip shopping and planning over the next few weeks, so will report back with some of my findings. Stay tuned!
I’ll leave you with a few photos (below) from my quick trip to my family’s home in Connecticut earlier this week. There’s nothing better than a snowy day in the burbs.
Thanks for sticking around here! Talk to you all soon!
xx Alex
