welcome to my nostalgia era: favorites, outfits & slow living
5-4-3-2-1: outfits, activities, favorites & jordyn sharfe!!
Welcome to my Nostalgia Era!
No one in my life screams nostalgia more than my daughter. If Disney’s Inside Out 3 ever made a Nostalgia a main character, she’d be perfect. She hates change, dislikes things that are new, and relishes memories of past joys. These could be memories of her pre-K class, a family vacation, or an old couch we used to have.
It could be the post-holiday buzz, but I’m feeling the same yearning for nostalgia. Look at recent topics in my newsletters: junk journaling, print magazines, board games—and now, our new record player.
The other day, as the fireplace roared and Johnny Cash spun, my son said softly, “Mom, I know a lot of kids my age wouldn’t think a record player is that cool. But I think it’s really cool.”
Both kids have been asking questions, watching the records spin, and declaring “Ring of Fire” is their new favorite song, a nice break from K-Pop demon hunters.
Shortly after the purchase, my parents came over with a huge storage crate of their old records. We sorted them, reminiscing about whose they were and when they’d listen. Seeing my mom and dad’s handwriting on the sleeves was something I truly treasured.
There’s something about buying a record, taking it out of the sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and hearing that click. You can’t skip songs or switch artists. Just one continual string of music from an artist you love. When “Hey Porter” played, it brought me back to when I was accepted to TFA Memphis and received a CD of Memphis-inspired artists. We told these types of stories as we watched the record spin.
We’ve been scouring second-hand sites and planning trips to the local record store. There’s a thrill in finding a record, committing to it, and just hitting play.
Is it ridiculous to think of this record player as a metaphor for life?
You can’t rush a record. No shuffling, no scrolling, no skipping tracks—you listen to Side A and then Side B.
Records carry memories and demand connection. Waking up, coming downstairs, and hitting play has become a grounding ritual. Heck, we did it this morning at 6:00am before SCOPE drop off!
Some records have imperfections—beautiful flaws that make the experience even more special. Every skip makes us giggle.
Life, like a record, unfolds in order. You can’t skip the hard parts, but the little scratches and pauses are part of the music.
My daughter would say it took me long enough to join the nostalgia-loving party. But I’m happy to be here, gathered around the record player, singing “I fell into a burning ring of fire,” and thinking of life’s beautiful, painful, memorable moments.
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! 🔗
What’s Inside: Here’s our gameplan for today - a 5-4-3-2-1 countdown, you know the drill!
👗5 recent outfits
🎥4 nostalgic activities
💵3 recent purchases
⭐2 great brands a la Jordyn Sharfe
🗨️1 quote
1. WORN TO A FAMILY PARTY!
Still obsessed with this cobalt blue sweater. Casual with black-wash jeans, finished with my black western boots.
2. NYE READY!
This was the look I styled for ’s NYE post. Bedazzled sweater buttons sold me, versatile pants went from work to sleepover, sparkly earrings, and cozy slippers tied it all together.
3. ERRANDS AROUND TOWN
My chaperoning-a-playdate-and-driving-around-town look. I will NEVER give up my fleece shirts from Lauren Dudley Stephens.
4. WORN TO DINNER WITH THE FAM!
We went out to dinner after the Christmas Eve pasta leftovers officially defeated my Pepcid. I love this Native-made cardigan, styled with straight-leg jeans and brown western boots.
5. NYC BOUND (ROUND 2)
Finally, everyone was healthy, so we did NYC right: the tree, family-style dinner, solid hot cocoa, and the Harry Potter store. Low boots (my Four-Shirted-Husband™ rarely Ubers) a hat for the ~30 degrees, and my bandana scarf—true MVP.
Here are four fun nostalgic activities to bring joy to your day!
1. LEAVE A PUZZLE ON THE TABLE 🧩
Once it’s out, I’ve learned my family naturally gravitates to it. Before you know it, we’re all part of this collective effort to complete it. The 300 piece works well for my novice skill level. (Suggestions: Takeout Window Puzzle | Vacation Dogs Puzzle)
2. LISTEN TO AN ALBUM FROM BEGINNING TO END 💿
Pick an album from your past and play it start to finish. I was chatting with Caitlin Brady about record players, and we agreed—listening to a whole album just hits differently than a random playlist. (Suggestions: Carole King, “Tapestry” | Fleetwood Mac, “Rumours” | Lauryn Hill, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”)
3. MOVIE NIGHT FROM THE PAST 📽️
Dig up some childhood favorites that spark joy. Popcorn and jammies are a must. Turn your living room into a campsite and set the mood! (Suggestions: Blank Check + The Mighty Ducks (3 is my fave)
4. NOT YOUR AVERAGE GLOW NIGHT 🕯️
I got this idea from Bree Groff who calls this an “1800s night” in this post! Lights off, candles on, no screens, nowhere to be. Cozy up with a book, play a game, listen to music, or just tell stories. (Suggestions: Battery powered candles or flashlights, no fires!! please!!)
Recent purchases I would defend in court.
The knit beanie (outfit 5) is gorgeous. I got it on sale in two colors. It kept my head warm in the city and has the perfect slouch. I wanted cashmere, but I can’t be trusted to care for it properly.
This has been our best recent purchase: a fully automatic record player. Seriously, I just put the record on and hit start—no needle dropping required. Did a lot of research to make sure I got a great turntable for dummies.
Due to my “bricked life” lately, I haven’t been shopping as much. I didn’t have time to scroll the J.Crew sale properly, but I did snag this piece. An ivory blazer was a gap in my wardrobe, and I knew it would get a lot of use. I sized up for a slightly oversized look, and yes, shoulder pads are a vibe.
A new little treat popping up in my newsletter from time to time: Takeover At The 2! It’s a chance for another writer/expert to share two things of their choosing.
Jordyn Sharfe was one of the first Substacks I subscribed to. Her personal style constantly inspires me, and a little secret….she’s just as genuine, kind, and down-to-earth in real life.
Meet Jordyn Sharfe 🫱🏼🫲🏻
Jordyn’s Take: 2 great brands
Two recent brands that I am obsessed with:
A new-to-me brand Lisa Marie Fernandez for resort wear. I recently bought this cotton Terry coverup for an upcoming family trip. It’s a splurge for what is essentially a glorified towel but I just think her stuff makes good sense, coverage and wear for a PG-rated family vacation dressing.
A pharmacist at the drug store recently recommended this $10 lip chap from Uriage. God’s gift to chapped lips. Bonus obsession is this lightweight long sleeve from COS with thumb holes. Worthy of writing home about as a great layer piece.
If you want more Jordyn (which, honestly, we all do), you can find her publication on Substack: The Hardware Store. Lucky for us, she hits publish every Friday!
On brand with today’s post…
“Steve Jobs was a pioneer of digital music. But when he went home he listened to vinyl.” - Neil Young
Even the techiest, black-turtleneck pioneer can’t resist the charm of a real, hands-on experience.
🗨️YOUR TURN! What’s a little nostalgia ritual that brings you joy? A song, a game, a movie—anything that makes you pause and smile. We want all the ideas!
That’s all for this week. As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here. I appreciate your support beyond words!
Cue the vinyl xo,
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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That cashmere bandana is so cute. Pls make more outfits with it so I can live vicariously through you! Recently I watched She's All That and cringed at all the unfunny moments but also took a lot of mental snapshots of the 90s lewks and Laney's cute hair.
I love the record to life analogy- it’s so true!! And now I desperately want a record player!!!