In The Notes App | 5.24.25
Plaid for Summer, Espadrilles for Style, and Tongue Scrapers for Wellness—A Little Bit of Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed
You know the drill. One long ongoing note in my iPhone. Here are the highlights from the past few weeks.
When I think of plaid, I think autumn weather, pumpkin spice lattes, football, and fall candles—like all basic gals in the world know and love very well.
But plaid is now associated with summer. Who knew? Is plaid the new floral? I don’t know about that, but she is definitely demanding some attention this spring/summer. Plaid is making its way into warm-weather style this year in the form of traditional plaid and gingham.
I’ve seen plaid featured in tank tops, skirts, dresses…even purses! Burberry is so grateful for this moment.
We are not wearing heavy plaid in 100-degree weather. That’s a legitimate safety hazard. Let’s focus on the plaid print on lighter fabrics like cotton, linen, or poplin. And the color palette doesn’t have to be traditional autumn tones—it can be lighter, more “summery” colors like yellow and baby pink.
Plaid can be mixed with solids or, for a bolder move, paired with more plaid or other prints like leopard, camo, or argyle. As we know, it pairs gorgeously with materials like denim (think denim shorts! and maxi skirts!) and leather (hello, Cher & Dion from Clueless!).
Now, if you know me, I’m not quite that dangerous or bold when it comes to getting wild with plaid. Listen, never say never, you might catch me at summer camp pickup wearing leopard pants and a plaid tank. But for now, I like it best paired with solids and simple accessories.
How I’m Styling The Trend
I recently got this adorable plaid/gingham tank from the GAP x Doen drop. It’s mostly sold out, but I’m going to link some other plaid favorites!
Favorite Gingham Pieces
Gingham Tops: Anthropologie off the shoulder top // Old Navy gingham top // Madewell gingham tank // Madewell gingham top
Gingham Bottoms: J.Crew gingham pants //Target gingham pants // Quince gingham skirt // Madewell gingham pants // Anthropologie gingham skirt (LOVE this!)
Gingham Dresses: Madewell gingham dress // Madewell mini-gingham dress // Anthropologie red gingham dress // GAP gingham dress // Old navy gingham dress
I wrote a lot about the polo I wore to the airport when I visited Palm Beach in April. I was continually inspired by an amazing Substack author to expand my horizons. My newest obsession is this J.Crew classic polo—which is on major sale right now. I sized up, and I love the boxy, cropped look.
Usually, I hate logos…it’s a weird thing I’ve had since I was a kid. My mom used to try and buy me sweatshirts with “GAP” on the front, and I would feel the urge to faint.
However, this little J.Crew logo feels so cool and preppy—like I’m ready to go play some tennis!
How I’m Styling The J.Crew Polo
Listen, I know it’s weird, and I know it may be confusing, but… tongue scraping is so legit. Its history spans thousands of years back to ancient Indian medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.
It’s considered a detox practice, and honestly, I need all the detox in my life possible.
The practice of tongue scraping can help with oral hygiene and overall wellness. Here are some of the benefits:
Scrapes buildup from areas where brushing misses
Reduces risk of tooth decay, plaque, and gum issues
Fights bad breath
Enhances taste (not sure I want this…I need food to taste bad, not good, for my own physical benefit)
And probably so much more that I’m unaware of. I’m not sure if it’s accomplishing all the things listed above, but my incredible dentist also corroborated that it’s a great habit to start, so in the name of health, I shall do it!
This is the scraper I’ve been using. And for the love of God, rinse with soap after use.
I also tried “oil pulling,” but it honestly makes me gag, so I had to stop.
I’ve been reading so much lately. I honestly don’t know who I think I am. I posted on my Instagram asking for book recommendations, and so many people enthusiastically came to my rescue…until they asked my favorite genre… which is… non-fiction and self-help. WHAT A NERD. So here’s what I recently read and enjoyed:
Before being named the U.S. Surgeon General, the author wrote Good Energy by Casey Means. Politics aside, I enjoyed the book. It got a bit sciency at times, but overall it was a great reminder of choices I can make to improve my family’s and my own health. Reason for reading? Half curiosity, half hoping it’d explain why I eat 3 PM chocolate like it’s a survival tactic.
I liked one of the messages about being in control of your own health. Sometimes I have an ache or a pain and I’m convinced it will be my last day on earth. There were moments where she reminded me that I know my body best and am my own best advocate for health.
For example, with my 4,323 herniated discs in my neck right now, I was immediately offered spinal fusion surgery, and it honestly may be my destiny. However, I’m not ready to go down that road quite yet. Being able to identify chronic pain but not feel rushed into surgical or medical intervention has been good for me… (for now).
There were definitely some things I feel like I already know; the importance of whole, unprocessed foods, eating fiber, fats, and veggies.
But there were great reminders about the importance of NEAT, being outside in nature, sleep, my circadian rhythm, inflammation not being a fixed destiny, and actionable steps to improve these things in my life.
Not sure I’m ready to wear a glucose monitor 24/7, but I do love a nerdy health read.
Like I mentioned above, I’ve been finding a true love for reading lately—so much that I read one of my self-help books and then share what I’ve learned with my 10- and 7-year-old. I told them I think we need to start eating healthier and exercising more. I also shared findings from another book where I talked to them about video games and their negative effects.
My son’s response to my newfound love for reading was, “Mom… you need to STOP reading IMMEDIATELY!”
Espardille Shoes
Add this to the list of common words I cannot spell. It’s such a classic shoe. I decided to showcase this instead of the “jelly” sandal because I feel like this shoe is pretty timeless. You can go for one with a heel, a platform, or just a more casual flat style. They can dress up any summer dress or pair of plain denim. Absolutely loving these J.Crew espadrille flats!!
Don’t get me wrong, I love foot freedom in the summer, but I’m willing to accept a bit of confinement to look this dang cute. They are always in style and can be worn in so many different ways.
How I’m Styling Espadrille Flats
In the spirit of wellness, I wanted to share a few things I’ve been doing lately to help me feel good. For the record…I’m not a medical professional—just a C+ influencer.
Morning walks — replacing some doom scrolling with movement.
Turning my shower to freezing cold for the last 60 seconds. I’m not sure if it’s improving my well-being, but it feels like a great challenge.
Eating a kiwi every day — kiwis are so high in vitamin C, fiber, and more.
Gua sha and face yoga before bed. If lymphatic drainage is the key to looking snatched, then I guess I’ll try it.
“Awe walks” — for part of my walk, I take out my headphones, leave my phone in my pocket, and just walk, appreciating the nature around me.
POV: You take one walk by an lake and now you think you’re Thoreau.
“Being your spicy weirdo self instead of trying to be everyone’s cup of tea makes you noticeably more attractive.” - Case Kenny
Not fashion/style related but I really loved this post from Bree Groff - some fun and attainable ways to add joy to your work days!
I also loved this post from from Sogole Kane about the power of shell-based style in these warmer days. Not to be dramatic, but this is the summer of shells.
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my work! You literally deserve a medal for making it this far. APPRECIATE YOU ALL!
Did anything inspire/intrigue you in this post? Let’s keep the conversation going! Comment below!
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Thanks so much for sharing the 20 short rules! I'm loving this post! So much inspiration.
Thank you so much for the shout out Traci!! And I adore gingham in the summer- it’s such a fun and easy option. Your polo +shorts look is also 💯 copyable!!