declaring myself officially "OUT" in 2026
5-4-3-2-1: outfits, obsessions, reads, non-shoppables, & a random thought
Disclaimer: It feels hard to write right now when the world feels on fire. I don’t want today’s post to feel insensitive—so we’re keeping business as usual, with care. If you’re struggling, I see you, and I hope this brings a little comedic relief.
I think it’s safe to declare myself and my toxic traits as “OUT” in 2026.
I’ve been loving all the “ins” and “outs” lists floating around Substack. Every single one makes me laugh — and also fills me with a mild sense of dread, because I inevitably read them incorrectly and briefly panic that something I love is officially “out,” only to reread and realize I wasn’t paying attention (sorry, taylor).
That said, I think it’s time to officially declare myself officially “OUT” in 2026.
I’m full of bad habits that drive everyone in my orbit insane. Sadly (for them), these are “out” habits I will not be giving up in 2026.
Instead, I’ll be embracing them even harder as I enter my new year, same me era.
OUT BUT NOT LEAVING IN 2026
Unfortunately, this is who I am. Remember, these are for laughs, not sympathy!
1. I will continue oversharing at a maximum capacity.
I will continue oversharing at an elite level. My pulmonologist asked if I subscribe to James Clear’s Atomic Habits newsletter. I said yes—and immediately overshared that I’d modeled my own 5-4-3-2-1 newsletter after his… about fashion, with most of my life habits being atomically bad.
It got awkward. The scribe in the room definitely giggled… and absolutely typed it into my medical notes. Perf.
2. One-Month Obsessions
I will feel incredibly passionate about something for about a month and then wake up one day and decide, I no longer care about this.
3. Permanent Guilt
Guilt for no reason. Always. A habit since age seven. Don’t mind me while I apologize for existing.
4. Screenshot and email hoarding
I will hoard screenshots and never delete emails because I’m afraid of losing something wildly unimportant. I will also never look at these saved items due to overwhelm.
I will continue operating on Pinterest with a single board, “Aesthetic.” (As of today, it has 1.1k pins)
5. Giving everyone 100% while my life is in disarray.
Giving everyone 100% of my energy to help them in every way — while being completely unable to manage my own life (specifically my tragic allergy to laundry).
6. Buying notebooks, using three pages
I will most likely buy another notebook to add to my collection of notebooks that only have the first three pages filled out.
7. Not opening mail
In 2026, my unintentional strike of not opening mail for extended periods resumes as usual.
8. The communication guilt spiral
I will not stay in touch. I will then feel horrible about it. I will self-loathe. I will still not stay in touch. Brace yourself… I will forget your birthday.
9. Letting a 3:00 p.m. appointment ruin my day
Resuming my obsession with letting a 3pm low-stakes doctor appointment ruin my entire day.
10. Side Quest Adventures
I regret to inform you: I will be veering off on side quests more than ever. Last you saw me, I was starting the laundry. Now, I’m researching the best red-light mask, starting a free trial, and will almost certainly forget to unsubscribe before I’m billed.
In conclusion, I am not evolving in 2026. Thank you for understanding.
Feel free to add me— and my bad habits— to your “OUT” lists this year.
What’s Inside: Here’s our gameplan for today - a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown, you know the drill!
👗5 recent outfits
❤️4 obsessions
📖3 great reads
🎵2 non-shoppables
💭1 random thought
P.S. - This may be too long for your inbox. Click “View entire message” at the bottom of this e-mail or read the entire post here! 🔗
LOOK 1
Took my new cream blazer for a Monday stroll to work. Love her. A perfect transition back to work after two weeks of loafing. These sheer socks, first spotted in Kelly Williams’ note here, are now a full-on obsession—cute and keeps your ankles toasty.
LOOK 2
I have a deep, inexplicable love for wrap sweaters. Evonne Sturm suggested building our outfits with silhouette in mind & this one felt just right with the black flowy pants!
LOOK 3
Is it truly Rambling in Style if I don’t show an outfit with my stirrup leggings? Maybe that would be the code that I was kidnapped—my newsletter goes out and the leggings aren’t featured. (JK, don’t call 911.)
LOOK 4
Noelia Santana started a style challenge to work with some of our least-worn pieces. This fringe suede blazer is so cool but sadly been rotting. Wore her simply, keeping the look effortless—hoping I made Noelia proud (she’s a legit stylist).
LOOK 5
The Zara sweater that keeps on giving. Switched up the look from last time to push myself to outfit-repeat my heart out.
As Joni Mitchell said, “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone,” and that’s true for this overnight mask. Last night, after shattering the glass on the bathroom floor (Four-Shirted-Husband™1 saved the day) I realized I love this so much I’ll be repurchasing. If that’s not true love, IDK what is.
I feel like I don’t talk about this as much as I should. This little powerhouse is truly my favorite kitchen appliance child. The price was so right, I can use whatever beans I please without fear of gunking up the machine, and it makes the perfect shot of espresso every. single. time. When I travel, I actually pack this machine with me. Aggressive, yes. But so am I.
These pants were first shown to me by the great, Libby McCurrach, who wasn’t sure she needed them. Shockingly, we didn’t buy them in November—but snagged them last week on super sale. I plan to wear them casually and with gold heels for a fancy look!
TIMOTHEE CHALAMET & KYLIE JENNIER MEMES
I don’t know why these memes make me laugh so hard. But I’ll take authentic belly laughs anywhere I can get it these days.
JUST FINISHED: EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU
Can’t believe I read and enjoyed a fiction book, maybe I AM evolving? Loved this one, recommended by my literary guru, Danielle. I have my own ideas for a different ending, happy to DM them or share directly with my girl, Jo Piazza.
NEW SUBSTACK PUBLICATIONS!
One thing I love about Substack is connecting with others. After almost a year, you start recognizing names in the comments/likes. Two of my kindest and most brilliant supporters have now started their own Substacks.
1️⃣ Carla Salazar’s publication, Ay la vida…
2️⃣ desiree’s publication, xo, des
I am so excited for both of them and I know you will love their work!
GOOD NEWS: WHAT WENT RIGHT IN 2025
With things feeling so heavy lately, I’ve been trying to balance reading the actual news with some intentional warm-and-fuzzy feel-good stories. I really enjoyed this roundup of the top 25 good news stories of 2025.
AFFIRMATIONS FOR A BADASS
Okay, it’s sort of shoppable but doesn’t have to be! You can google random affirmations and print them out. My best friend and her husband came over, and she gave me these Affirmations for a Badass cards. We decided to make a game of it— each of us had to read an affirmation out loud with a straight face. We laughed so hard we literally cried. I was so proud of the Four-Shirted-Husband™ for declaring himself “fierce.”
DANCE YA PANTS OFF!
We love kitchen dance parties in this family. My kids have scars from two of my favorite songs: my karaoke go-to, It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by Celine Dion, duh. And Viva Las Vegas by Elvis which is my ultimate “dance around the house and get my zoomies out” jam. I’ve done it several times this week and highly recommend it if you need a quick dopamine hit—or if you’re just shy of your 10,000 steps for the day.
This random thought was inspired by this post by Amie McNee where she wrote something that really resonated with me,
“I have an intolerance for a life that doesn’t sparkle.”
Amie said what she said. Can’t tolerate a life that doesn’t sparkle—and honestly, neither can I. Write the post. Wear the outfit. Make the art. Reclaim your time. Connect. Engage in what TRULY matters to your soul.
LET’S ACTIVATE FULL SPARKLE MODE THIS WEEK AND EVERY WEEK IN 2026!
🗨️LET’S CHAT: If you had to declare one thing officially “OUT” for yourself this year, what would it be? Let’s giggle. Or, what’s one thing that makes your life sparkle?
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. I may be self-declared as “out” in 2026, but your support keeps me from completely disappearing into my side quests.
If this made you smile, hit the heart 💗, re-stack it 🔁, or share it 📤—those tiny taps make a HUGE difference.
Feeling generous? You can also buy me a coffee to say thanks! ☕
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If you’re new here, HI! The Four-Shirted-Husband™ is my husband. He has four shirts and a lot of fashion-related opinions.
Buying a notebook and using three pages is so me too 😂❤️
Exactly what I needed to start my day in the best way possible! This was one of my favorites yet—I love that you’re continuing to simply be you. I felt very seen by the hobbies that last a month and the notebooks with only the first three pages filled out lol (in our defense, why does stationery always look sooo good and make you feel like you can dream big and start fresh? Anyway!).
Also, I have questions about this espresso machine! I’m looking to upgrade my Nespresso, but I’m low-key intimidated by anything that requires more effort than pressing a button. Do you have a separate grinder for your beans, or do you buy coffee that’s already ground for the machine?
And on another note: loved your outfits—would absolutely wear the one with the wrapped cardigan today.