Just coming off of the most lovely week at the lake with our family. I’ve shared my absolute love for the lake before, so I won’t bore you with it again here. I think I’ve maxed out my use of the phrase “in my ___ era,” so I’ll do my best not to declare this my fishing era.

A few weeks ago, I formally declared my love for fishing. At the lake, I stayed committed to the cause — one ultimate goal: catch a fish at all costs. I was willing to wrestle a fish out of the net of a five-year-old who caught one in my vicinity.

“At all costs” meant, at times, making it appear as if my Four-Shirted-Husband™ was a single dad who worked two jobs, and I was just some middle-aged grandma among the young children casting and reeling on repeat.

And then, it happened. I felt the tug, saw the splash, and had a mild panic. If I reel this thing in, then what do I do? I felt like I needed heavy-duty gloves! I wasn’t equipped for this task, and my husband was floating in the lake somewhere. I wondered, AM I BUILT FOR THIS? I whispered to myself, “You are an independent woman.”

Alas, it happened, and I reeled in my first fish. And a new hyperfixation slash nonproductive hobby was born.

Therefore, it only felt right to create an entire post dedicated to outfits inspired by the various freshwater fish in our lake. I reel-y hope you love it. 🎣

Some affiliate links are included below.

Fish File: Big, bold, and the undeniable main character. A perfect mix of athletic and dramatic, with iconic stripes!

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Striped Bass

Fish File: Quiet confidence. Prefers golden hour, minds its own biz and somehow always looks expensive without trying.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Walleye

Fish File: The outdoorsy bestie who says, "Let's just do a quick hike," and then somehow you’re scaling a damn mountain. Equal parts athletic, adventurous and incapable of sitting still.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Smallmouth Bass

Fish File: Sunshine in fish form. Bright, cheerful, and always looks like it's having a better day than the rest of us.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Yellow Perch

Fish File: Small yet charismatic. Gives "I'm just pumped to be invited" energy and somehow becomes everyone's BFF by the end of the night.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Bluegill

Fish File: Low-key slightly intimidating with those teeth. Serving luxury villain energy.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Chain Pickerel

Fish File: In my opinion, the “influencer” of freshwater fishing. Confident. Competitive. If fish had hair, this one would always be pretending there is an invisible fan blowing its hair back.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Largemouth Bass

Fish File: Bottom-dwelling legend. Doesn't care what anyone thinks. Prioritizes comfort over trends.

OOTF (Outfit of the Fish): The Catfish

Recently on Rambling In Style

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s fun to be enthusiastic about something. I shared with my husband that I want to get a vest, and he chuckled before realizing the degree of seriousness in my voice.

As we navigate life and try to find hobbies that provide genuine enjoyment, who cares if you’re a “try hard?” Who cares if you wear a t-shirt with the band to the actual concert? If you’re enthusiastic about something because you love it, lean in with your whole heart!

Even if that means wearing fish earrings, a bass t-shirt, and a Patagonia fanny pack for no apparent reason.

You only get one shot at this life, so you might as well have fun doing it.

Well, that was oh-fish-ally fun. Which freshwater fish icon do you identify with the most? Let me know in the comments!

Leave a comment

That’s all for this week. Keep it reel, my friends. The dad jokes will not stop.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

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Have no fear, we’re not having a preschool graduation party. I’m not sure if this was a niche experience of my own in a college town like Boston, but does anyone remember those ABC parties — as in anything but clothes? People would roll up wearing things like a trash bag, a sheet, newspapers… I mean, the possibilities were endless.

I decided to take a little break from all of our clothing rambling and instead investigate each person’s ride-or-die product that is anything but clothing. I asked this crew to share their favorite product that they irrationally love and that makes their life infinitely easier — something they are constantly refilling, repurchasing, and thanking the universe for bringing into their life.

Take out your cute little notebooks you bought on January 1st that may still be completely blank as of today (or maybe that’s just me and I’m projecting), and prepare to take notes.

Here’s PART ONE (yes, get excited another one is enroute!) of the holy grail lineup…

Some affiliate links are included below.

(The Seasonalist) — Turbie Twist Microfiber Hair Towel

One of my most-used items is the Turbie-Twist. It’s thin, wraps my hair up perfectly after a shower, and makes me feel glamorous, like a 1950s starlet. Pairs nicely with a robe and slippers. I love the TT so much that it receives a place of honor in my suitcase when I travel--and I’m carryon only. The TT makes the tiny packing cut of must-have items.

(An Unquenchable Thirst for Color) — Olio e Osso Balm

Olio e Osso balm has been an object of adoration for me for many years. It’s a sheer lip and cheek product made up of a handful of natural ingredients, like olive oil and beeswax. It’s my all-summer/ any weekend go-to; plus it smells citrusy and moisturizes my skin. I like the tea rose and berry colors — there are hues for anyone, but plum is my favorite because it has a hint of sparkle.

(Brands and Bobs) — L.L. Bean, Boat & Tote

The thing I can't live without is my $50 L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. Bought as a spoof to DIY the Tibi version, it unexpectedly became my daily work go-to bag. It holds everything, zips up, stays on my shoulder, and handles wear beautifully. I have the all white version and it looks incredibly chic with every outfit. Seeing similar styles crop everywhere from Phoebe Philo to Toteme validates that this canvas staple is all I need.

(Usha Joy) — SM Nutrition, Vitex

Vitex is the one purchase I’ve been making for 30 years and never once regretted, which makes this a personal record. Simply to temper the intense PMS/PMDD rage that perimenopause has only sharpened, like a 2B pencil readying for an unwilling exam! I take a few pills when the temper flares, and I turn from someone best avoided into merely “difficult before coffee.” It is not a cure, sadly, but it offers just enough mercy and comfort for everyone in the house.

(Getting Dressed) — Sleep Crown Pillow

Sincerest apologies for recommending a $200 pillow, but the Sleep Crown is worth the hype. I am a very light sleeper. Couple that with a husband who snores, and you’ll do almost anything to muffle noise. This pillow is light and fluffy so it doesn’t feel suffocating when you place it over your eyes. It feels like a gentle hug for your head (weird, but trust me it’s very good).

(Dressed In Context) — Fenty Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation

Fenty Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation is really that girl 💁🏾‍♀️ I’m a mum of 2 cute, hellion toddlers and an angel kindergartener, so I’ve perfected the 5 min makeup routine, natch. This is buildable, easy, light touch, and I have multiple shades so as I tan through the summer I’m always covered, literally. My cupboard stays stocked and ready, always! Plus, I’m always happy to support Riri get her bag

(Anna Eleri Hart) - Koba Foot Cream

I wasn’t a foot cream gal at all until the Koba one came into my life. It’s truly miraculous. I’m on my 6th or 7th tube. What looks and feels like an ordinary cream, somehow makes my feet look like I’ve just left a salon. Strongly, forcefully recommend this to anyone and everyone!

(Le Petite Colombiana) — Flamingo 5-Blade Women's Razor

The item I thank the universe for, or whoever the genius was that invented it, is the razor. As a beautiful Latina, I have body hair. I'm progressive, but not that progressive, letting it all grow wild is where I draw the line. Baby skin is always the goal. This brand never irritates my beautiful brown skin.

(The Girls Column) — BÉIS, The Travel Backpack

As a gal who travels often, this bag was a game-changer. The trolley pass-through alone makes airport travel so much easier. I chose the backpack over the Weekender because it’s more comfortable for navigating terminals (and getting steps in before a long flight!). Other standout features include the lay-flat packing design, key leash, PVC outer bottom, and waterproof pocket. I will say that I tried a cheaper option, but this version can’t be beat IMO.

(Finds By Ginny) — Ember Mug

If you’re a busy woman or a mom like me, I can’t recommend this enough. I used to reheat my coffee or tea multiple times a day because I’d get distracted and it would go cold. With the Ember mug, my drink stays at the perfect temperature, so I can actually enjoy it whenever I get back to it.

Another unexpected bonus? I’m completely content with it. I don’t feel the need to keep adding to my coffee mug collection anymore because this is the one I reach for every single day. It’s one of those purchases that has truly earned its spot in my routine.

(Mad For) — Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask

This is, without question, a ridiculous luxury I've become emotionally attached to. You're probably thinking, who needs a $70 silk sleep mask? (it was a gift!) Turns out... me. Unlike every other eye mask I've tried, it's oversized enough to completely black out the world, ridiculously plush, and actually stays put all night. If my little ones haven't tiptoed into my room yet, the minute the summer sun starts punching in before I'm emotionally available, this goes on. It has the aesthetic appeal of a tiny duvet velcroed to your face—which my husband never fails to point out—but you'll have to pry it from my well-rested hands. I even travel with it. No blackout shades? No problem.

(Stylé) — R.E.M Beauty’s Eclipse Blush & Lip Stick

A bit embarrassed to admit that I get anxious when I don’t carry a blush stick that doubles as lipstick with me. It’s one of my deserted island items—there is something in my brain that wakes up the second I put it on, like caffeine. Every year I become obsessed with a different one. This year it was REM Beauty’s; kind of under the radar, but I’m obsessed with its long-wearing brownish hue. Westman Atelier’s blush stick is pricier, but the texture is so luxurious—I use it for a natural-looking flush.

(Immensely Dramatic) — Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

I really love Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms, but I also am hopeless at keeping track of them. I like a lip gloss that has a bit of color and very little stickiness. I also need an emotional support lip balm/gloss with me at all times. The mini set saves me because I am constantly tossing them in my pocket, a desk drawer, a tragically unorganized tote bag. Having multiples means I always have one near-ish, for under $25.

(The Style Bulletin) — Wrinkle Release

This is one of those things that sounds too simple to actually work but LET👏🏻ME👏🏻TELL👏🏻YOU👏🏻 I use this spray on basically everything because you won't catch me ironing or steaming anything in advance. A few sprays, a light tug and shake, and it looks like I tried 💁🏻‍♀️

(Derm Views) — RMS Supernatural Radiance Serum

Is it trite for a dermatologist to choose a sunscreen as her favorite product? Absolutely. Do I care? Nope 😂 I love this so much because it’s a true multi-step hero. As someone who is redness/rosacea-prone, this gives me the perfect amount of coverage, glow, AND it’s my daily sun protection. I’ve been using this for 4 years straight and honestly am not even tempted to stray!

(Spilling The Tea) — Bloom Effects Tulip Dew Shield & Glow Sunscreen

Nothing is sexier than protecting your skin and this is a product I use year round. Summer is here babe and this sunscreen is your best accessory.

ME, ! (Rambling In Style) — Coslus Water Dental Flosser

Well, she always knows her place—she’s got style, grace, a winner, a lady. Is she my water flosser? You betcha. I asked the Four-Shirted-Husband™ for tips and he agreed: this is my most beloved ride-or-die (besides my dogs). Since my Invisalign journey (don’t get me started, I LOVE INVISALIGN), my teeth are straighter, but food gets stuck more often. This queen keeps me from unknowingly walking around with something in my tooth because approximately 98% of people would rather let me embarrass myself.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

BIG THANK YOU (!!!) to all who contributed, and if you’re looking for fresh, new content on Substack, I cannot highly recommend these writers more! I also specifically want to thank , because it was while I was contributing to her incredible post that this idea was born.

This was super fun and I have decided it needs to become a series. There are so many other people I’m dying to know what they’d pick. Plus I have FOMO’s cousin, FOLSO (fear of leaving someone out). Stay tuned for Volume Two - COMING SOON, when we need a sartorial palette cleanser around here.

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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I’m in my summer Traci era, which also means meta Traci is fully online. And nothing captures that better than this ancient parable: “The Old Man Lost His Horse.”

This is one of those things that weirdly comes back to me in serendipitous times. It’s a reminder that events aren’t inherently good or bad in the moment we experience them. We tend to label things quickly based on immediate outcomes and a very narrow view—but those meanings often shift as life unfolds.

The horse running away seemed like loss, until it wasn’t. The injury seemed devastating, until it wasn’t. Sometimes we truly don’t have enough information in the moment to fix its meaning.

We live in a world that pushes us toward instant meaning (and instant everything).

We rarely see the full chain of consequences (good or bad) while we’re standing inside the moment!

With so many things in life, we just don’t know yet. So if you’re like me and tend to immediately label everything as either “this is the best thing ever” or “woe is me, LIFE IS OVER,” and then spiral into despair, repeat after me:

Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows?

Be patient and let the story unfold. You’ll never see it clearly in the middle of it.

Affiliate links included below.

LOOK 1 - worn to work

Aligne kindly gifted me this tank, and I immediately thought of the way styled it here (exactly how I envisioned it in my brain). I challenged myself to add a bit of my own flair.

LOOK 2 - worn to a celebratory dinner

Does a fifth grade graduation warrant a fancy(ish) steak dinner? Absolutely yes.

LOOK 3 - worn to work

The Knicks fits cannot and will not stop. Snagged this independently designed tee because what's more NY than Jalen Brunson x BEC?

LOOK 4 - worn to work

It's giving safari, but in the best way. Really in my longer-shorts era (personally prefer even longer than these), but then again, I'm not quite sure I (or Adam Sandler) ever left it.

LOOK 5 - worn to work

The fumes were running low on creative dressing as we neared the second-to-last day of work. I looked around and noticed at least 89% of teachers were, in fact, in their comfy clothes with Birkenstocks. Happy to be part of that statistic.

LOOK 6 - worn to the last day of school!

There is no day like the last day. It's full of gratitude, a collective exhale, and the excitement of finally getting to recharge. I told my pal that, as I've shared before, this shirt is the most superior tee of all time.

I also need to have a moment for these shorts. I ordered a few sizes to see which I liked best, and it was worth the hassle of returning the extras. The length is perfect, the thigh breathing room is exquisite, and there are no rips or distressing. WIN.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s the week. Bad luck. Good luck. Who knows? We’ll find out later.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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If The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’s Amanda Frances can manifest a husband, we can manifest the summer of our dreams.

I always spend time between Christmas and New Year’s creating a vision board for the year. I think I’ve realized one of the many reasons I don’t stick with it is that it’s too long-term. An entire year is too far ahead for me to think about. If you know me, I can barely think about anything beyond the next 48 hours.

Maybe I’m a seasonal mood board-er?

I wanted to sit down and think about this upcoming summer and what I envision it looking like, feeling like, tasting like, and more. This ended up being so much fun, and I’ve effectively trained my algorithms to become an echo chamber for my exact wishes.

The first part of this post sets the visual scene of what the perfect summer looks and feels like to me.

The second part takes that imagery and turns it into some fun outfits that feel aligned with the summer I’m manifesting.

Enjoy the scroll!

living

eating

drinking

listening

traveling

feeling

resting

passing time

connecting

simplifying

wearing

Affiliate links included below.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

Alright, the intention is set and I’m giggling with excitement thinking about the execution! Even if nothing in this post resonated or felt like something that matters to you in the near future, I hope it at least inspires you to sit down and think about your goals, wishes, and hopes for the future.

Don’t forget, next BBQ: hot dog AND hambuger! Get wild. YOLO. Dare you to document it.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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This week felt super booked and busy, which you’ll definitely see reflected in the outfits below. But despite the calendar, I’m finally starting to feel like summer is actually around the corner. I think even my nervous system can feel it.

My students are basically done, my own kids’ graduations are behind us (which, for the record, turned out to be a complete tearjerker after I spent the entire year insisting an elementary school graduation was NBD), the sunlight feels endless, and even our dinners are starting to look more like summer—cue a good watermelon and feta salad!

The record player has been spinning songs that scream summer (ahem, Creedence Clearwater Revival), and I’m writing this from my favorite spot with my now double-shot of espresso. Yes, if you’ve been here long enough, you know that coffee order doesn’t sound right. My gastroenterologist convinced me to cut back from three shots to two. Tragic. Don’t get me started.

Even my outfits start to shift this time of year. They become a little more relaxed and comfortable.

There’s something magical about that first moment when the summer feeling finally arrives.

For me, the perfect summer is a slow one. Camp drop-off and pickup. A few quiet hours to work on things I’m passionate about. Time to sit in complete silence and drink my coffee while it’s still hot.

I’m not a booked-and-busy summer person. I don’t want something on my calendar every day or plans made weeks in advance. When people (very kindly) start trying to schedule things with me, I almost shiver. The rest of my year is packed with commitments, appointments, deadlines, and obligations.

Summer, for me, is meant to feel spontaneous. Slow. Free. A little wild. The kind of season where there’s room to change your mind and let the days unfold instead of constantly trying to manage them.

Now for my favorite part of the week recap: the outfits!

Affiliate links included below.

LOOK 1 - DAYTIME

Can a basketball team be your entire personality? IDK, but watch me try. Broke out the OG Allan Houston jersey and, naturally, had to make it fashion.

🏅Unsung Hero: THE BEST Full Shabang Self-Tanner EVER

I swear by this self-tanner. I've probably talked about it here before, but I genuinely haven't found another one that comes close. And trust me—always use a mitt and this cute little brush for your hands and feet.

LOOK 1 - NIGHTTIME

A little outfit change! Alexa: play “Graduation (Friends Forever)” by Vitamin C. Elementary school graduation ceremonies are so special.

LOOK 2

I’ve been waiting an unreasonable amount of time to wear this beauty of a dress. Sizing didn’t cooperate, so I sized up and outsourced it to a tailor. Snaps for Traci for not giving up.

LOOK 3

The wrinkles are your proof that these shorts actually survived a workday. If HR has questions re: shorts to work, I’ll be citing my Substack readers as expert witnesses.

🏅Unsung Hero: Face Self Tanner & Brush

Trying a new self-tanner from a brand I’ve never used before is low-key terrifying. But this one was gifted to me, and I got good vibes, so I decided to go for it. It gave me the perfect subtle glow, and I was obsessed with the application brush.

LOOK 4

This is going to sound wild, BUT I have been influenced by . I’ve been watching Austin style this striped shirt with so much color and creativity that I had to try my own slightly less ambitious version. Please default to her for expertise.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

And that’s the week—outfits solid, schedule a little too busy for my liking, but optimism is quickly rising. If you work all summer and are reading this, I respect (& love) you, and also… I will not be adjusting my enthusiasm.

Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

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I have to say it…it’s a great day to be a fan of the New York Knicks.

I actually deleted the intro I had already written for this post because it suddenly felt completely irrelevant to how I’m feeling right now.

There really isn’t much more to say than this: this team, this playoff run, and this series have brought so much joy to so many people. It’s hard not to love this group.

I have friends who had never watched a basketball game in their lives who can now tell you everything there is to know about every player on the New York Knicks (they are binging the Roomates podcast as we speak, lol). Family members who lost interest during the dark ages of the Knicks have completely reignited their spark. Even better, we've finally converted my son from being a random Phoenix Suns fan (seriously...how did that even happen?) to proudly jumping on the Knicks bandwagon.

I think what’s made this run so special is that every player seems to have a story. There’s something magnetic about watching people who were overlooked, doubted, or counted out rise to the occasion and prove everyone wrong. It’s the kind of story that’s impossible not to root for.

I’ll leave you with a video that explains it far better than I ever could. But for the moms, dads, coaches, teachers, and every other parent-like figure reading this, let it be a reminder: keep telling your kids—and yourself (!!!)—that the sky is the limit. Believe in them, and in yourself, before the rest of the world does. Never let someone else’s opinion convince you that your dreams are too big.

@elise_devlinGame 4 tonight! #nbafinals #knicks #jalenbrunson #basketball #mindset

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Which somehow brings us to what I wore this week.

MONDAY

I once wrote an entire post about this wrap skirt. I believe I described it as a skirt I would run into a fire for. It's a phrase I use when I really love something with my whole heart—usually reserved for a select few people and animals.

🏅Unsung Hero: A Go-To Polish Color

There is power in having a no-brainer-go-to nail polish color for your mani or pedi. Mine is forever this one!

TUESDAY

I recently saw something on Instagram that said if you’re cheering for the Knicks, you must have taken the Regents exams—the New York State standardized tests that still haunt many adults’ dreams.

Ironically, while our students were busy doing their Empire State duty and taking them, I was able to dress a little more casually than usual.

Last year, I ran a poll asking whether nice shorts are appropriate for work. I remember so many people saying they weren't work appropriate, and I still have to respectfully disagree. How is a skirt appropriate, but a well-styled pair of shorts isn't? Please go off in the comments.

WEDNESDAY

Wore this to my colleague’s retirement party and was reminded I have 30-something years left. Cool, cool. Have no fear, I was home in time to change into my comfy clothes and watch the Knicks' Game 4 dub.

🏅Unsung Hero: Knicks Championship T-Shirt

Sorry. I had to.

THURSDAY

We had a mini heat wave in New York on Thursday and Friday—why I chose to wear jeans, I have no idea. Let’s just say I immediately regretted that decision when the AC went out in my classroom at noon.

I’m blaming this sticky heat situation for the stye in my eye and the tragic farewell to several makeup products. RIP. We really don’t talk enough about the devastation of having to toss perfectly good makeup when this happens. Might start a support group.

🏅Unsung Hero: Summer Corn Chowder Recipe

Soup in the summer feels dangerous. Air conditioning helped. So did this corn chowder.

FRIDAY

A student saw this outfit and told me she had just been telling her friend that she has a teacher who can “literally pull off anything.” It is forever etched in my memory as one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me.

I told her it wasn’t always this way. I used to hide behind clothes that wouldn’t make me stand out, always playing it safe, per se. But once I figured out how to dress in a way that made me feel good, I stopped worrying about what other people thought.

Now I genuinely like what I like, and if it makes me stand out, so be it. It’s an incredibly freeing feeling.

Dobby is free!

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s the full report for this week. As always, thank you for being here.

For those of us who have spent a lifetime rooting for the New York Knicks, we're still floating on cloud nine. So if you happen to see one of us smiling for no apparent reason or acting a little out of character, just let us have this.

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Subscribe now

Life has been booked and busy lately. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in that way where you have incredibly limited resources to devote to anything other than staying hydrated, fed, clothed, and sheltered.

When life starts to feel this way, I enter ultimate Aquarius mode. This is a unique trait of the rarest of horoscopes: we simply disappear for a bit.

For me, it's often when I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, need to recharge my social battery, or am avoiding some sort of emotion.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about enthusiasm. Not in the toxically positive sense, but in the way it feels to be genuinely enthusiastic about something completely outside of yourself, getting dressed, or your own vanity.

And it’s been showing up for me through sports.

The Four-Shirted-Husband™ and I have been lifelong Knicks fans and this run has been so fun to watch.

Lately, my algorithm has been full of Jalen Brunson's wisdom, KAT's deep love for his late mother and the Dominican Republic, New Yorkers watching games in the streets because the bars are packed, and someone projecting Game 2 onto the side of a building so people who couldn’t get inside could still watch.

We popped into Brooklyn over the weekend, and as we walked through Park Slope and made our way to Barclays for a WNBA game, I could feel that same enthusiasm everywhere.

The game was really for me. I was excited like a three-year-old on Christmas. But the energy in Barclays was contagious. Even my husband, who isn’t exactly a die-hard WNBA fan, enjoyed it.

And yes, I brought my son to a women’s basketball game so your daughter won’t ever have to explain why she belongs there.

My daughter went to the game semi-interested—she plays basketball and sees me watching it all the time. She came back from the merch shop with the Four-Shirted-Husband™ wearing a vintage Rebecca Lobo jersey and a snapback New York Liberty hat.

She rolled up to our seats, and I genuinely had no idea who this child staring at me was. Then I realized that underneath that flat brim was my little angel.

She spent the rest of the game watching female athletes do incredible things on the court—dancing, waving the flashlight on my iPhone, high-fiving everyone in the family, and turning into an absolute nervous wreck every time the score got tight.

The moral of this rambling story is that when your check-engine light comes on and you retreat into your tiny, quiet space, sometimes the solution is enthusiasm.1

Maybe it's sports. Maybe it's gardening. Maybe it's a hobby, a project, a book series, a reality show, or a random hyperfixation that makes zero sense to anyone else.

Whatever it is, when you find the thing that makes the spark come alive again, lean all the way in.

Before I start sounding like a C+ motivational speaker, OOTW it is.

Affiliate links included below.

LOOK 1

I wore the outfit I styled last week to work and to the hair salon. I had a dual appointment—myself and my mop-headed son. We both needed help, just in different categories.

LOOK 2

A friday teacher fit coming right atcha! Topic of the day: teaching the multitudes of Bill Clinton’s presidency while actively maintaining a fresh hair moment.

LOOK 3

Worn to chaperone the 5th grade dance. This dress was a Mother’s Day gift to myself (among many other things I allowed others to give me). The dress felt great, my son loved getting dressed up, and my husband did a variation of the worm. All is well.

These shoes were gifted, and I cannot say enough good things. I walked 0.6 miles to the dance and 0.6 miles back in them with ZERO break-in period. That’s Olympic-level caliber success.

🏅Unsung Hero: Great Lip Combo

LOOK 4

I think I am in love with linen vests. Paired beautifully with my goat-ed jammie-adjacent pants and all is good in this world.

LOOK 5

A friend texted me, “How are you?” and my reply on Wednesday was, “wearing really floaty, bright colorful pants - going to do my best to take on the day.”

The day was truly taken.

LOOK 6

I wasn’t sure what to wear for a meeting at my kiddos’ school. When I saw the Four-Shirted-Husband™ roll up in a t-shirt and shorts, I changed course.

If “I could be in Positano but I’m actually in an elementary school” was an outfit.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

And just like that, another week down. Go find something to be ridiculously enthusiastic about. Love ya, mean it!

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A few weeks ago we had one of those rough, rainy weekends where all youth sports are cancelled. An introvert’s dream! We decided to go have dinner at The Melting Pot. It was my first time and it was wild.

If you’ve never been, it’s a moody little spot where you dip everything in cheese, cook your own meat (it required a food thermometer and a prayer), and finish the meal with chocolate-covered everything.

It was an ADHD-er’s nightmare in the best and worst way. I was using an app on my phone to track everyone’s protein, timing how long each thing needed to stay in the pot cooking. I was juggling multiple timers like I was running a tiny feral kitchen. I cannot answer an SOS text under normal circumstances, and now I was conducting a full executive-function triathlon while being responsible for whether or not my entire family got salmonella.

I digress. The real star of the night was our waiter, ✨Nicholas.✨

You could tell he took his job very seriously—but also understood it as a performance/experience, a chance to entertain rather than just facilitate a DIY fondue situation. He kept us laughing the entire time and made sure we were never without pound cake (critical).

He danced and sashayed through the restaurant, carried a bedazzled order book, and wielded a pink fairy pen in honor of his favorite good witch, Glinda. When things slowed down, he’d pause to chat with us (especially the kids) about everything from knock-knock jokes to Pokémon to Super Mario.

The best way to describe him: fiercely himself. And it radiated through the entire restaurant. I rarely write reviews, but my kids were begging me to leave a Google review for him immediately before we even left.

It was a good reminder to never sand down who you are. Spread joy simply because it feels good to do things for others instead of just yourself. Be awkward, cringe, intelligent, memorable, beautiful, and weird with reckless abandon.

Don’t hold back who you are. Weird it out, baby! Be fully yourself and stay magnetic. BE LIKE NICHOLAS!

Affiliate links included below.

Three easy spring outfits, drawn mostly from what I own. Because if it works once, I will absolutely wear it 47 more times.

CLOCKED IN: FOR THE OFFICE

OFF DUTY: CASUAL FIT

WEEKEND MODE: FOR DINNER PLANS

Your microdose of Chicken Noodle Soup for the Substack girlie’s soul.

A few recent acquisitions. Traci-Approved 🏅

1. of You Didn’t Ask noticed in my post I declared myself a scent snob. As a true Substack girlie, she said let me test your nose and sent over perfume and candles from her company, Ranger Station. Just a gift among pals. Never have I ever opened a package and immediately DM’d someone a full breakdown. I am in-love with the perfume she sent, and I cannot stop lighting this candle. I went online immediately and ordered a scent for the Four-Shirted-Husband™ (Father’s Day), plus a backup candle for the inevitable sad day this one runs out. 1000/10.1

2. I spend a lot of time in the pool and picked up this cobalt blue bathing suit on sale at J.Crew. Super flatering scrunchie material wore it last weekend at the lake!

3. Snagged this paracord necklace from a MDW sale. I haven’t fully dove into the paracord trend, but this felt like a nice entry point. Love it styled with a white dainty top so I look only partially prepared to rappel down a mountain.

Here’s what I’ve been up to lately, it’s a lot of interests for one nervous system.

• I finally decided that life is about balance and I can’t just make ice cream all day. Currently reading (like the rest of the world), Yesteryear—so far, so good.

  Unlike viral clothing, which tends to turn me off, I cannot not hop on a viral book bandwagon when it appears.

• Last year I declared a new obsession with fishing. After a weekend at the lake, it’s been reinvigorated. I told my husband I spent three hours fishing, and he quickly corrected me it had been six hours. I still have not caught a fish, but my daughter did (within 5 minutes) which feels DEEPLY unjust. Fishing is wildly soothing and strangely meditative for me. Just me, a folding chair, and A LOT of cuss words. Someone get me an “I’d Rather Be Fishing” shirt STAT.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s all for this week’s snacky snack. Go be weird on purpose.

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1

I told though her intention was not for me to post like this about her products - I REFUSE to gatekeep. Reddit thread snip referneced, I tell no lies:

I had a funny moment with some youngins this week that sent me into full meta reflection mode. I showed them my high school lacrosse photo. Not exactly my most glamorous moment, but they very sweetly informed me that I’ve experienced quite the ✨glow up✨ since the early 2000s. Honestly, I think most of it comes down to getting Invisalign as an adult — a journey I enjoyed wayyy more than the average person.1

But it did make me wonder: what exactly is making me “glow,” per se? It’s certainly NOT a pregnancy glow, I’ll tell ya that much. I think it’s finally reaching a point in life where I understand myself on a deeply authentic level.

• In middle school, I wanted to blend in. No bling, no risks, just wanted to be like everyone else.

• In high school, I wanted to be comfortable. I usually had practice or a game after school and needed outfits that required minimal time spent in the rogue HS lockeroom.

• In college, I wanted to belong. It was the first time I really experienced my version of How The Other Half Lives (dramatic, but you get it). Going to a university where many people had a lot more than I did was the first time I remember longing for things other people had.

• Post-college, I wanted to look professional. Pencil skirts, button-downs, low heels — I was a grown-up! Or at least someone who owned a lanyard and an Ann Taylor Loft cardigan.

• My early 30’s were the age of reckoning. Enter the IDGAF era. I started learning how to actually do my makeup (aggressive smoky-eye years… oof) and wearing things that made me confidently stand out.

• And now? Late 30s feels like the sweet spot. The phase where I finally understand myself enough to love myself exactly as I am. The phase where I don’t care if you like my outfit, think it’s “too much,” or even like me in general. The phase where, if it doesn’t make me feel like a million bucks, I don’t want it. The phase where I can see something and say, “that’s so me,” and truly understand why.

So when someone — including me — shares something they love, a great deal, or something they wear all the time, pause for a second and think about your own journey. Be selective about the things that make you feel like a gazillion bucks.

Because the journey to truly knowing myself took decades.

I know what I like and what makes me feel my best. And I hope somewhere in this blog, you find a few things that help you feel like yourself, too.

Now that I’ve fully psychoanalyzed my personal style journey, onto the week!

Affiliate links included below.

MONDAY

A very average Monday. I decided to resurface my daughter’s recorder from the estranged cabinet above the stove. She has been snake charming us with her incredible renditions of “hot crossed bunz.”

Feel free to experience the live concert below. No refunds. ⬇️

🏅Unsung Hero: Sleep Stone

Does it help me sleep? IDK. Does this magical stone feel like an instrumental part of my nightly turndown experience? YOU BET.

TUESDAY

This linen dress was the showstopper of the week! It has this gorgeous tie detail in the back. The wrap style in the front took me very long to figure out — at one point it looked like a torture device. But practice makes perfect, and she’s perfect!

🏅Unsung Hero: Easy Hawaiian Chicken Dinner

I hate cooking dinner. Sometimes I think about the next 100 years of my life and feel a bit sad that I will have to share this responsibility with the Four-Shirted-Husband™ FOR-EVER (gender norms, who?). This easy dinner saved the day!

WEDNESDAY

I’ve learned there’s nothing I love more when someone writes me a little note. I love it in my Poshmark packages, on my Starbucks cup and most recently on my UberEats taco order!

Kelly is truly also an unsung hero, and I know in my heart she’d love the fit below.

🏅Unsung Hero: Astrological Necklace

This is my favorite daily necklace for a few reasons. First, my daughter and I twin wearing it, and we think of the iconic Space Snake™. Second, it’s waterproof, and I don’t have to use my fat fingers to take it on and off every day.

THURSDAY

Went on a field trip that did NOT warrant the fit I have on below. I wore a grey T-shirt, jeans, and dad sneakers for the trip. My coworkers immediately clocked that I was leaving the building because I looked like I was either about to mow the lawn or chaperone kids. This is what I changed into after.

🏅Unsung Hero: Stand-In-Hair Straightener

My go-to hair straightener is the grossly expensive GHD one. It died, RIP, and I snagged a new one until I could muster up the courage to repurchase. I think this $30 one is a VERY good alternative.

FRIDAY

I was told Friday’s look was “giving ice cream.” Has my Ninja Creami obsession gone too far? The shirt was a strawberry-vanilla swirl, the white sweater was the whipped cream, and the khaki pants were the cone. I did not design this intentionally, but I accept the classification.

🏅Unsung Hero: iPhone Alarm Dance

I’m not sure why I can’t stop watching this reel. Each dance he performs matches the iPhone sound perfectly. AI can never replace this level of creativity. BRB- changing my alarm to radiate.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

What a week! A glow up, my daughter dropping her first single on the recorder, and Kelly the Uber Eats driver making my heart so happy.

See you next week with a Midweek Snack!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Another week in the life! I have been having so much fun with these posts and I hope you’re enjoying them, too.

They’re a weird exercise in reflecting on the week—while you’re in it, everything feels absolutely insane, but from a zoomed-out lens, it turns into laughter and “did that really happen?”

It’s no surprise I have a lot to say, and I hope that these posts inspire you fashionably but also remind you that life isn’t that serious. We are all out here messing up, trying our best, terrified our kids and loved ones may need extensive therapy when they’re done with us, but ya know what? We show up anyway and we prepare to do it all again the next week.

Let these posts always serve as a reminder for you that while maybe the “looks” project as “put together,” no one really is. We’re all out here fighting for our lives, blissfully of course.

I hope you enjoy my week of cringe, clarinets squeaking, repeat songs, my need for ice-cream-anonymous, and more.

KEEP DOING THE BEST YOU CAN OUT THERE!

Affiliate links included below.

MONDAY

You know I love a good hyperfixation. The Four-Shirted-Husband™1 absolutely crushed the Mother’s Day game (thank god for his sake). I got a Ninja Creami. I tried to fight it for so long, but as they said in the iconic movie Coyote Ugly, “can’t fight the moonlight.” I succumbed.

I am literally obsessed. I’ve made homemade chocolate, vanilla bean, Dole Whip, cookie butter, and don’t even get me started on the mix-ins. Next on the agenda: frappuccinos, mocktails, sorbet. THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST.

There are some awesome Substacks like that drop really fun recipes like these!

🏅Unsung Hero: Ninja Creami

For all reasons listed above. She’s everything I hoped for and more.

TUESDAY

I feel like at some point someone is going to be like, “Why is this chick at the doctor every week?” Just know I’m very okay — just a bit of a medical mystery.

But here is, yet again, another doctor’s office fit. Also peep the new shades — another Mother’s Day gift picked out by our favorite Four-Shirted-Husband™.

🏅Unsung Hero: New Lip Balm

My sister gave this to me for Mother’s Day and said a co-worker swears by it. Not gonna lie, I REALLY love it. AQUAPHOR: YOU ARE STILL MY #1.

WEDNESDAY

I promised that I would do my best to stop saying MaYcEmBeR multiple times per day. And although she has granted me permission to keep using the cringe phrase (it gets the same groan as saying “6-7,” which is apparently SO lame now), I am fully living and breathing Maycember.

We had my son’s 5th grade concert. Have you ever been to an elementary school music concert? Just wow. A few key observations:

1. Shoutout to all the music teachers out there. I played the clarinet for 100 years, and I still want to collapse every time I hear that thing squeak.

2. The kids did a lovely job.

3. My head hurt. It was really hot.

4. I think at least one song in every set should be a millennial bop. Imagine if, out of nowhere, they started playing Destiny’s Child’s Survivor? The place would go wild.

🏅Unsung Hero: The Puerto Rico Song

Maybe it’s auditory stimming, maybe it’s because I love Puerto Rico, or maybe it’s because the song is a straight-up bop.

THURSDAY

The fun continued as we ran one kid to a softball game and the other was out biking in the wild. I was getting ready to do my nightly turn-down when I shared with my son that I didn’t think we’d make the art show. His audible despair was enough for me to literally turn off the shower, throw all my clothing back on, and go view their masterpieces.

But, as you would expect, it was so worth it. Their art looked fantastic! I still cannot get over my daughter’s “Space Snake.” HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE!

🏅Unsung Hero: Cream Blush (Color: Petal)

Cream products scare me. I can’t stop using this gifted blush after a week of trial. Also sorry to report that wearing Ariana Grande’s makeup line will not, in fact, unlock your ability to sing Defying Gravity like she does. WOMP WOMP.

FRIDAY

At work we were talking about how to get dressed in this weird NY weather. I shared with my co-workers that I look at the temperature on my weather app and add about 5 degrees. The building is always hot, and the PM is always warmer than expected. Someone called my strategy “brilliant.” Perhaps I have a budding career as a meteorologist in my second life. Or perhaps they were just being nice.

The students were big fans, and before I even started the lesson, I was told, “Mrs. L, I like your fit today!” Name a better feel-good moment…I’ll wait.

🏅Unsung Hero: New Sunglasses!

Love these new sunglasses. They’re small enough to give “cool-girl vibes,” but wide enough to satisfy my oversized-sunglasses-loving millennial heart.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s it. Another week of functioning(ish) in society. We shall regroup and do it again next week. Love ya, mean it!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

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It’s been a WILD week—busy, heavy, and exhausting. I’ve been trying to intentionally choose joy as much as possible. AP anything teachers know it is literally a sprint to the finish line, and we are deep in it right now with AP exams. We is tired.

So I made my Four-Shirted-Husband™ build a fire so we could have s’mores. In class, we learned about the Space Race while I played outer space ambiance videos on YouTube and floated through the classroom like I was in a NASA-adjacent dream sequence (next year I’m getting an astronaut costume)1. I listened to my new Kacey Musgraves vinyl on repeat, baked cookies on a weeknight, took a eucalyptus epsom salt bath, walked my pups, called a friend, moisturized, ordered tacos for takeout, and chose humanity over anger more times than I can count.

I read the news with caution. I somehow got my hair to survive three full days sans wash. I watched the WNBA. I wore a matching pajama set. I (mostly) chose empathy over rage. I went to bed early.

I did the things! I hope you will too.

Here are some fits and unsung heroes from another very average, very ordinary week of a very tired AP Gov teacher.

Affiliate links included below.

Monday

All I’m going to say is this fringe shirt was a stunner. People literally stopped me in the hallway to compliment it, which led to me shimmying the fringe in agreement. I will say there were some challenges involving restroom logistics, but all was okay.

My seniors took their AP Government exam and felt great. College Board hit them with a fascinating argumentative essay prompt: develop an argument as to whether social movements or congressional actions have done more to expand voting opportunities.

Anywho, here’s the fit…

🏅Unsung Hero: Body Wash

What on earth is in this that makes it smell so incredible? This was gifted to me (bc I harassed them), but honestly I’ll go right ahead and continually gift it to myself with my own damn money. For the record: this is coming from a HUGE scent snob.

Tuesday

After work, I had to get lab work done. Fine. I booked online, looked cute, felt cute, and entered a waiting room with no desk, absolutely no human authority structure, and a ton of confusion.

They called my name and the phlebotomist immediately complimented my outfit. Good sign. Then she started making phone calls, googling things, and I sat there long enough to make myself anxious just looking at the vials and needles in the room. SOMEONE GET ME AN APPLE JUICE.

She came back and said they couldn’t run the test. I begged to let me call the doc, but with 20 minutes until closing and a room full of increasingly hostile walk-ins, I was released into the wild.

Malice toward none, but I cried real tears in the car.

All this to say: I took this outfit off so fast in a fit of rage, a flat lay is all I have for you.

🏅Unsung Hero: Fantastic Tortilla Chips

Let’s just say I was salty and needed some joy. These were great.

Wednesday

This color combo was fully inspired by the one and only in this post. I started the day with the sweater around my waist and spent the remainder of it wearing it 52 different ways, only to arrive at the conclusion that I liked the look better without it.

🏅Unsung Hero: Curling Wand

paid me the kindest hair compliment last week, so I’ll share with you my tool of the trade: this very solid, budget-friendly curling wand. I simply cannot figure out how to use a legitimate curling iron.

Thursday

I didn’t expect to channel a Salem Witch Trials x Country collab on your average Thursday, but here we are. And honestly, I’m not really mad about it. Someone redeemed the situation by saying they “love a monochromatic moment!”

🏅Unsung Hero: Matching Jammie Set (top | bottom)

I usually wear an XL t-shirt and basketball shorts to bed. This Target set is a massive yet easy upgrade for me. (I go up two sizes in the shirt for max comfort)

Friday

I was hesitant to wear this gingham vest with temperatures only peaking at sixty degrees, but it was a perfect fit for a human like me who always runs hot. I taught about the fall of the Berlin Wall and reminded my students that one year before this iconic moment a bouncin’ baby girl was born weighing 7 lbs 11 oz with blonde hair and blue eyes… dramatic pause… ME! Crickets.

🏅Unsung Hero: Tanning Lotion

I SWEAR by this stuff. Listen, if the “guns” are coming out but the sun isn’t really out yet, a tanning lotion I put on at night (with a mitt) that’s pleasant and gives me an AM glow is a non-negotiable.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

That’s the week. Wishing you, your mamas and mom-like figures a wonderful Mother’s Day! I did the things, you do the things. We ride again next week.

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

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It took a long time to get to a place where dressing myself had nothing to do with what anyone else might think. I remember middle school like it was a full-time surveillance system. Every outfit decision felt like it was being judged under a microscope that, realistically, only I could see. I wish mini-Traci understood that literally no one thinks about you more than yourself.

Now, 20-something years later, I no longer dress for an audience or the approval of others. I get dressed embracing the idea of pushing the edges of “traditional” dress code and show up in clothes that simply feel like me. Sometimes that means “overdressed.” Sometimes it means a little loud. Either way, authentically me.

No secret around here, I’m a high school history teacher. I’m not dressing for the office or corporate America. The hallways are my runway. My students are my daily audience, and honestly, some of my most enthusiastic (and brutally honest) supporters. Occasionally, I even receive unsolicited style feedback from teenagers in pajamas, which I accept with grace and mild resentment.

Luckily, I work in a place where people are genuinely accepted for how they show up. I like seeing how each person expresses themselves in their own way.

Here are a few outfits actually worn to work this week. These were snapped after the workday, which is all the proof needed that they were truly worn: clothing wrinkles, frizzy hair, and a strong need for sunglasses to hide the EOD mascara drip.

I paired each look with an “unsung hero”—something that did heavy lifting that day but doesn’t always get the shoutout.

Affiliate links included below.

Monday

Last week’s spring styling with cowboy boots really reminded me how much my boots bring me joy. I tossed on the blazer to give it a slightly more formal look.

Almost a tragic experience in all-white as I got sloppy with my espresso-making barista skills. Live to tell the tale.

I changed after work into my comfy clothes because I had a dentist visit where I got my teeth cleaned and cheated on my dogs with Hazel the best therapy pup ever!

🏅Unsung Hero: Supershine Moisturizing Hair Cream

Run it through my strands after I shower and helps prevent frizz-o-mania from getting out of control.

Tuesday

I bought this blazer for an award ceremony a few weeks ago and refuse to allow it to be a one-hit wonder. As a professional shopping sleuth, I was bummed to see that after I purchased it, there’s a much less expensive version floating around.

🏅Unsung Hero: Lint Brushes

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: they don’t call them “German Shedders” for no reason. Hairy Dogs + Black Clothing = a battle I lose daily.

Wednesday

Wednesday I had to take care of some personal medical needs—the audacity! I decided to dress comfortable yet put together for my appointment. After spending 90 minutes in the waiting room, I was super grateful I chose comfort over having a stylistic moment at the ENT.

🏅Unsung Hero: Nervous System Regulation Playlist

Nothing gets me amped up with anxiety like a 12:00pm medical visit. This frequency playlist convinces my body we are, in fact, safe-ish. Or it’s a placebo effect, IDK!

Thursday

Wearing this look to work: normal. Wearing this look to my 5th grader’s “Gym Show” — AKA watching him play “Gaga” and juggle a plate on a stick — was arguably a bit aggressive. Outfit-wise: what feels good feels good, can’t stop the feeling!

🏅Unsung Hero: Cropped Barn Jacket | Second Hand: XS, S, M & L)

I snagged this beauty second hand for a fraction of the price. It’s the perfect light layer when the weather has ZERO respect for consistency.

Friday

Would you believe, after outing myself to the internet for putting on white lash primer at least once a week and forgetting the mascara afterward, that I would do it literally the next day? Have no fear—I had my handy provisions pouch with mascara to quickly apply between period 3 and 4.

I feel like this look’s inspiration was a combination of ’s note & ’s pink/green color combo in this post.

🏅Unsung Hero: Mini Mascara

This tiny mascara literally saved the day from yet another missing eyelash morning.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

It’s been a minute since I’ve done one of these, and if you’ve been with me since the beginning, you’ll know that this type of content was my starting point here on Substack.

Usually by Friday I get pretty sick of seeing myself in a mirror and taking a picture, so I’ll try to sprinkle these posts in when I have the self-confidence, good lighting, and gusto.

Love ya lots. Dress like yourself. The rest will follow!

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I’ve been thinking a lot about the phrase “don’t poke the bear.” In other words, don’t provoke something powerful or it might come back twice as hard.

I was raised by parents who taught me to stand up and speak up, not to be afraid of poking the bear. Last week, something at my kids’ school felt off. Not small-off. Not ignore-it-off. BIG OFF! So I did what I tend to do best: I made the call, dropped some facts, stayed calm, and poked the bear with a smile.

It worked. The situation was addressed for my kiddos and all the others in the same boat. It felt incredible. That being said, not every outcome is like that. And I’m not suggesting we go out on the prowl looking for daily fights. But I do think we default too often to “it is what it is” when something needs to be questioned, myself included. Complacency can be comfortable (and remarkably stress-free), but sometimes it becomes complicity.

To be fair, this “poke the bear” energy has definitely gotten me into sticky situations before. My Four-Shirted-Husband™ would agree I have two toxic traits:

1. I believe I can befriend or domesticate every wild animal in existence. The bear will not maul me because it will sense my EXCELLENT VIBES. Duh.

2. I believe, to my core, I can fist fight grown men double my size.

I’ve learned I can’t (and shouldn’t) poke every single bear. I also do not, in fact, have superhuman strength—I have herniated discs and a sour tummy. TBH, it’s kind of shocking I haven’t been punched in the face yet.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t poke some bears.

I hope this encourages you to speak up about something you care about this week, even if the bear is a little scary.

A hard pivot into something completely different. One of my favorite closet acquisitions of 2026 has been my western boots. Here’s four ways I’m wearing them this spring.

Affiliate links included below.

• I decided after 38 years it’s probably time I create a work pouch of eMeRgEnCy things. I’ve finally had enough of showing up to work realizing I put on lash primer (which goes on white) and forgetting to put on my actual mascara. So help me god, if one more person tells me I look “different,” I’m giving myself permission to go home for the day.

• Literally counting down the minutes/seconds until Kacey Musgraves’ new album drops tomorrow!

• I was today years old when I realized it’s perceived as “strange” that I don’t use to-go cups when I travel through life. My preferred method of transport is to bring the mug into the car sans lid, take a quick sip, and hope for the best. I feel like my college experience dancing & balancing bevvys at T’s Pub in Boston (IYKYK, RIP!) prepared me for this moment.

• I got the mini version of the body stone lotion bar for Mother’s day gifts. And I thought to myself, ya know who else would like this? ME. Plus it’s a rec!

• I think I need this for my pool this summer. Some people count calories, I want to count how many pool naps I can take without drowning.

• I am eyeing these CZ drop-earrings - I feel like they’re a great less expensive version of the popular Dorsey pair.

• I am obsessed with this scarf bag and am staying patient and vigilant on the secondhand market.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

Now go forth and poke responsibly—see ya soon!

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

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It’s state testing season right now. My kids are getting ready to take their big, scary “state exams.” They use the acronym A (answer) + D (detail) + D (detail) as a formula to answer questions, and as someone who holds that very diagnosis, it makes me laugh every time.

Last night we were going over it, and I was trying to explain to my tween son that the details actually have to support the answer. I gave him a very sophisticated example (met with immediate eye-rolling). I said, imagine my answer is: Dogs are my favorite animal. And my details are: Dogs have super cute fluffy butts, and birds are scary. Do you see how the second detail doesn’t support the answer?

He agreed.

But out of nowhere, my daughter (who is always listening) started hysterically laughing from downstairs.

And then, naturally, we all lost it.

I thought they were used to these kinds of bizarre comments from the “weirdest mom ever,” but it was a good reminder that genuine laughter is actually good for the soul. Let’s not take life so seriously this week, k? Apparently spontaneous laughter significantly lowers cortisol levels and WE ARE SO HERE FOR THAT.

And for the record, the next practice passage was on raccoons. The NYS Department of Education described them as “pests,” which feels like an injustice. Don’t @ me (or 🦝).

One great piece I personally own and love. Styled three ways. That’s my kind of math. Drum roll please…the Beige Quarter-Zip!

Affiliate links included below.

Think of it as Chicken Noodle Soup for the middle-aged girlie soul.

• I am basically allergic to small talk. I’ve been trying to improve by having casual chit-chats with people at work. Apparently, brief, low-stakes interactions reduce loneliness and improve health outcomes. I am simply doing my part.

• This year, my daughter decided, out of nowhere, that she wanted to try softball. We were ecstatic. She had to pick “walk-out” songs to play when she comes up to bat. I think she chose the most iconic ones: Big Guy by Ice Spice and The Final Countdown. What would your walk-out song be? I shared mine in ’s post from February.

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• I recently snagged these snakeskin slingback heels that are 10/10. Low heel, comfortable, felt cute, did not face plant.

• I love noise cancelling the universe with my AirPods. I just struggle to locate them. I truly believe the OG string headphones can never be topped.

• I am a deeply dehydrated person. I was not drinking eight glasses a day. Now I carry an XL water bottle/tank and haven’t missed since. I also tell myself it’s toning my arms as I lug it around school like a hydration mule.

Random things I’d absolutley allow as a token of appreciation for my mothering duties. Non-clothing items only.

• This beaded bamboo bag.

• A handmade ceramic polka dot fish espresso mug set.

• A cute secondhand pouch for my infinite amounts of unorganized stuff.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

And that’s your snackie for this week. Keep me in your thoughts as I drain my social battery attempting spontaneous small talk. Good luck out there.

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I can’t be the only one who feels this way, but vacation Traci is truly the best Traci. I do my life’s best work when there are no deadlines, no appointments, and no decisions.

When I vacation, I am a BIG do-nothing. I do not go on excursions. I do not exercise. I do not even engage with other humans. I simply do nothing.

If it were up to my Four-Shirted-Husband™, we’d be taking a boat to Monkey Island and UTV’ing into a volcano. They say opposites attract, and if that doesn’t seal it, the difference in our nightstands will. His: perfectly curated, everything has a spot. Mine: four empty bottles of water, a stack of unread books, and one AirPod that is never charged.

But I do appreciate that he knows that while, yes, a vacation can be memory-making to the max, that’s not what all of them are. Some are literally a recharge button for me.

This is not to say my kids have horrible childhoods and I am a mean mom who sits on a lounge chair for five days. But then again, lol… Some of our trips as a family are devoted to doing “the things”—Legoland, mini golf (my kryptonite next to gel nails), and water sports.

But let this be your permission slip to recognize when some trips need to be everything BUT that. They are trips where you need to be a slug on a rug. Take these moments of downtime whether it’s a tropical vacation, a weekend to yourself or an hour of self-care. Take them often, take them unapologetically and take them to be your best self.

Even after a vacation where I intentionally chose a hotel geared more toward adults my daughter cried real tears and told me it was the best trip ever. It wasn’t the splurges—we did none. It wasn’t the activities—we barely did any. It was simply time together, nothing more.

Maybe, just maybe, Vacation Traci knew what she was doing.

This week has been weird. It was 40 degrees in the morning and 80 by the time I got home. I didn’t want a coat, but I needed something. Enter: the oversized black blazer.

Affiliate links included below.

• I’ve recently been playing checkers against my daughter. Although I’m showing improvement I am still being obliterated by an 8 year old daily.

• On the last day of vacation I couldn’t wait to get my morning crepe, only to see the crepe station was closed. Devastated is an understatement. Problem solved: I bought a crepe maker (& this fool proof mix) and I am now someone who makes crepes at home.

• Yes, another white dress. I scooped up this one on sale and I love it. I sized up because she was a bit snug. I think it’s the perfect graduation dress.

• Dark chocolate almonds. Someone explain to me why these are the most perfect ratio of chocolate to nut.

• This skin tint. I always switch to this around spring/summer. There is no real reason I can identify for this change, especially for someone as rigid as me. I like to add bronzing drops for a slightly bronzed glow.

• This lace trim mini skort. Skirt + Shorts = opportunity to participate in many activities. I know the influencers at the Masters were very upsetting to some because of their short bottoms. I am not an influencer, and I am not at the Masters. I do not understand golf. I hate mini golf the same way I hate a gel manicure. Therefore, you may see me out and about wearing this one.

• I really want a quality woven tote bag, possibly a Mother’s Day gift. This one looks perfect and the reviews confirm it is. Mama’s gotta wait for a sale.

• Do I need this embellished sunglasses case? No. Is it cool? Yes.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

Alright, that’s all I’ve got for you. This concludes today’s broadcast.

Thoughts and prayers to my fellow friends as we fight for our lives during allergy season.

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We spent a week in Punta Cana as a family - minimal screen time, maximum buffet attendance, and outfits that had no business being worn to hibachi.

We stayed at a fabulous all-inclusive that truly met all of our needs. Sidenote: where are my fellow Costco members? Are we using the travel perks? Because the air-conditioned van with an iPad that had our last name on it while others melted waiting for their airport ride… an absolute gift from the Costco gods & goddesses.

I think my husband and I are the most low-key hotel guests of all time. We waited too long to book our weekly resys, said whateverrrr, and ended up rolling the dice on the buffet for every meal except hibachi on our last night.

Reviews had mixed feelings about the food, but for my family this was a major upgrade from my weekly rotation of Taco Tuesday and “burnt burgers if mom grills.”

My son will take a bite, look visibly unwell, and say, “Mom… this is very good.” My daughter asks me to remove all the “black stuff” before her lips touch anything I’ve made.

I am a self-proclaimed chaotic packer. This usually looks like me throwing random things into a suitcase followed by a full spiral on the bed staring at the ceiling announcing, “I have nothing to wear.”

Tbh, I have a lot to wear. I used collections to plan this trip and I’m not being dramatic when I say it changed everything. 1000/10.

I didn’t pack anticipating nightly buffet dinners instead of the “luxurious restaurants,” but as our girl Joan Didion said (and quoted in her last post), today is all we have.

So I dressed the hell up for the buffet.

Every. Damn. Night.

Here’s my trip recap. Fits and unsung heroes. Nothing over the top, nothing unattainable, just good pieces styled well and worn to the buffet like they deserved.

Affiliate links included below.

Day 1

We flew into the DR and arrived at our room around lunchtime. Ordered room service quesadillas, Dominican coffee (highly recommend), then swam before our buffet bash.

I made sure to get a mani/pedi before the trip even though sitting in a nail salon is my personal version of exposure therapy. On the way back from dinner I stubbed my toe. RIP to my pinky toenail. Trip continued.

Buffet Fit

🏅Unsung Hero: Packable Steamer

Saved the linen. Never traveling without it again.

Day 2

We are a beach in the AM, pool in the PM kind of family. By day two I had successfully befriended all the hotel cats.

My kids also learned a few things this trip - mainly gratitude. Whether through tips, genuine thank yous, or a simple buenos días.

Beach/Pool Fit

Buffet Fit

🏅Unsung Hero: Sunscreen

No cast, immediate reapply energy. Shockingly elite.

Day 3

By day three, the buffet was still hitting. I have a resurrected love for crepes and could genuinely eat poached eggs and plantains every day forever.

There was an inflatable pirate ship obstacle course where I enjoyed watching kids (mine included) and adults face-plant into the pool while I sipped my virgin piña colada, giggling quietly behind my sunnies.

Beach/Pool Fit

🏅Unsung Hero: Cadence Packing Containers (*gifted)

Magnetic, organized, excellent for carry-on-ONLY life.

Day 4

Decided to try and get my fitness on, but the universe reminded me I was extremely dehydrated. Nothing Zofran couldn’t handle. Back on my feet in no time. Rookie mistake: no electrolyte packets.

Hibachi night was a blast. Our personal kryptonite as an anti-social family, and yet we thrived. Met some lovely fellow New Yorkers and yapped it up.

Our chef Eddie kept us laughing. I spent a solid portion of dinner worried he’d try to throw an egg into my mouth while I was wearing my new favorite dress. Crisis averted.

The highlight: a fork-juggling mishap that landed directly on my Four-Shirted-Husband™, whose personal kryptonite is, in fact, a stain.

On the way out, there was a silent disco. My first experience with this social phenomenon. The Cupid Shuffle, the Wobble, the Macarena—I was in my element. I quite literally had to wobble myself back to the shower.

Beach/Pool Fit

Hibachi Fit

🏅Unsung Hero: Gradual Tan Lotion

I’m all about enhancing the glow when you’re only away for 5 days.

All in all, we had such an amazing trip! We loved the hotel, the staff, the weather and a pool big enough that we didn’t have to socialize with other couples at the bar. Listen—we are works in progress, k!?

We would absolutely return. You know it was a great trip when your kids cry because they have to leave. Although my son deeply missed watching WWE and my daughter missed her 1,212 stuffed animals.

It felt really special sharing Dominican culture with my kids—so full of color and life. I have a feeling I might have more to say about this trip… beyond the buffet. Stay tuned.

Hibachi chef Eddie referred to me as “Queen” when he served me, so I will be signing off accordingly.

Sincerely,
Your Hibachi Queen 👑

💓 If you enjoy reading (or listening to) Rambling in Style, here are a few ways to show your support: tap the heart, restack this post, leave a comment, subscribe, or share with a friend!

Feeling generous? Buy me a coffee here—just a tip for my work, all love, no strings.

Last Week on Rambling In Style

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