Links are a Love Language

Weekend Reads v. 24.8.2025

Credit: Getty Images for Unsplash+

Before “influencers,” there were magazines and the recommendations of friends over lunch or during a walk around the neighborhood. But then magazines gave way to blogs, and blogs gave way to social media, and then it became a herculean task to keep up with what the Joneses were doing. Everyone, it seems, has an opinion on what you should wear or buy or watch. 

When a friend sends me a recommendation via a link, it feels like a gift. I collect links from my text messages, DMs, emails, and social media posts. I store these precious bits of digital wisdom in folders just in case any manner of scenarios pops up. Headed to Tuscany? Have I got the restaurant to book! (Never mind the fact that I’ve never been to Tuscany.) Looking for a memorable gift? How about this random customizable bag I found at 9:47pm on a Tuesday night when I should have been winding down to sleep. 

I realize my weekly list of links comes to you during an age where it seems everyone is sending curated emails full of brand partnerships and affiliate links. I must admit I’ve started to roll my eyes when yet another influencer leaps off my Instagram screen and into the Substack ocean with the promise of a weekly email full of thoughts and recommendations that will knock my socks off, and now will I please pay the monthly fee. 

Anyway, what I suppose I am saying is – thank you for reading this. I have not built a massive following nor do I consider myself someone who is exactly breaking ground on what is new or cool. But I do love receiving a helpful tip, and so I try to channel that helpfulness into this weekly email. I’m so grateful you’re here!

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Remember when we all wore Clinque’s Black Honey lipstick? Here’s a take on that blessed cosmetic staple in lip balm form from Finding Ferdinand.  (I purchased and will report back on whether or not this tiny tube lives up to the hype.)

I stumbled across this Italian brand for clothing and homeware, and gosh I am swooning over the colors and patterns! If anyone is in Palm Beach or East Hampton, please visit their boutique and FaceTime me!

Tory Burch has a new apartment in Paris, and I probably shouldn’t be invited over because I would most assuredly spill something. 

Funky jewelry that kinda feels like that crocheted granny-square afghan everyone seemed to have in the late 1970’s. 

This lovely knock-off of these Prada suede sneakers would be a nice addition to your autumn wardrobe if you’re into autumn wardrobes. (Found via this Substack)

Pink Chicken has some really amazing clothing for kids right now. 

Some guidance on how to use AI to leverage your career. 

“Are you rude with money?”

Pros weigh in on how to make the fluffiest pancakes. 

You guys, I don’t think I’m ready for the ruffly decor of my youth to make a comeback, but somehow I am loving the patterns Cathy Nordstrom creates? 

I am intrigued by Rothy’s new line of shoes that look like velvet (but are still effortless to maintain).

A new collection of comics from storyteller L.E. Mullin.

Have you ever followed online auction houses? I’ve seen quite a few, but I’ve never been brave enough (or patient enough) to really embrace this form of shopping. Designer Jen Mankins was interviewed for the Substack Big Salad, and she shared a few tips that I thought were interesting.

“I’ve found great pieces on online auctions, like Wright or LiveAuctioneers. It can be intimidating but try not to be intimidated. Watch a few auctions first, so you can see how they work. When you’re ready, go into the auction with a HARD number that you won’t go over. It’s very easy to keep bidding, and it can add up quickly. Also, if you go on 1stdibs or Chairish, you can make an offer to the seller — they’re almost always willing to come down 10-20%.”

AH! Napa cabbage salads remind me of my assistant days at a record label when diet cokes were large and served over crushed ice, phones rang constantly, and we didn’t have to worry about last night’s shenanigans being documented on social media.

“Why do we leave notes on top of mountains? It’s personal.”

Apparently we should stop goal-setting and do this instead.

“For one, a goal is often focused on an outcome, for example, acquiring 5,000 newsletter subscribers in the next 25 weeks. What makes a pact so effective, explains Le Cunff, is that it focuses on the process and output. In this example, instead of the goal, a pact would be publishing 25 newsletters in 25 weeks.

In essence, the pact puts you in the driver’s seat, putting you in control.

Goals are often hopeful, based on wishful thinking: “I’ll do this, and hopefully this happens.” A pact is more about discovery: “I’ll do this, and let’s see what happens.”

 And it’s those discoveries, says Le Cunff, that can be truly life-changing.” (Source)

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine enjoyed an upscale version of the Tequilaberry Salad at Ad Hoc, and I can’t stop thinking about how I must make this ASAP! (But with Duke’s instead of Hellman’s and with fresh herbs and maybe a dash of Big Night’s Glitter.)

A playlist to wind down the summer. 

How was your weekend? I hope it left you feeling recharged and ready for this last official week of summer.