a seasonal wardrobe flip induced spiral
plus, a Q&A with Yasmine of @yasminereads
hi! happy no-Chella to all who celebrate…except for consuming vids of Taylor and Travis in the crowd. it doesn’t count!!
have you ever woken up before 7a on a Sunday and found yourself in an organizing terror? maybe it’s the spring cleaning bug, maybe it’s the stress of suddenly needing to pack for a warm weather destination, or maybe it’s just my inner Virgo coming out and rearing her ugly head, but I spent the better part of the morning flipping my wardrobe over to summer clothes, and in turn, spiraling!
not only was this exercise timely because I needed to access my sundresses and coverups for an upcoming trip to Mexico City and Cabo, but also because I spent the better part of my friday therapy session discussing the idea of when “it” is ever enough.
what is “it” exactly? and how is “it” related to clothing? well, for me, the quest for enoughness is related to…everything—and most certainly the clothes I have in my closet and, in turn, how they make me feel.
I’ve always struggled with fashion. nothing makes me revert to my insecure middle school mind faster than needing to select an outfit for a date, a girls’ night out, or a trip. I know, I know…how is this possible, you ask? as someone who is seemingly always on the go, so you’d never believe how IN MY HEAD I get on a weekly—if not daily—basis on the what-to-wear of it all.
to assuage my spring spiral, the quick fix would be to swipe my card on a [insert affordably priced mass retail brand] haul. but what I’m coming to realize is that short-term solution never feels as good six months later.
as I pull out my summer clothes and take inventory of what I’ve got on hand, I’m realizing that so many of my dresses are brightly patterned statement pieces that surely, at the moment I purchased them, felt like the fix to whatever fashion emergency I was facing—likely a trip, a birthday party, a work function. these trend-forward pieces (ones that were most definitely primely merchandised at the front of Mango/Zara/J. Crew for a blip) haven’t aged well, and they certainly don’t represent the types of clothes I want to wear today.
so, what’s the fix? more consumerism? more clothes?
for the moment, no.
not only do I need to save my disposable income for a jam-packed couple of months of personal travel (after Mexico, it’s onwards to Paris, Stockholm, and Copenhagen) coming up, but I want to be able to shop in those places and source more unique pieces while there. I crave more moments like the fleeting one I had this morning when I came across a well-constructed white cover-up I bought in Cannes that has no brand name on it, which prompted me to immediately smile, remembering the little shop and the kind French woman who sold it to me. I want fewer moments like the one where I picked up a neon green crochet coverup that make me question, “what the hell was I thinking?”
so, if you’re still reading, I hope you weren’t hoping for a solution. I don’t have one. well, maybe I do. a well-adjusted person would probably say to stop consuming so much “get ready with me” or “spring fashion” TikTok content that creates a comparison trap, but honestly, that’s not happening any time soon. TT scrolling is my refuge!!
instead, I need to be able to find a way to make pulling from the wardrobe I have to feel fun again! I’ll keep you updated if I manage to pull it off. otherwise, I’m more than open to commiserating about the mental gymnastics that come with getting ready! any and all tips on how you navigate it all in the comments are MORE than welcome. xKD
meet Yasmine
Kayla Douglas: Yasmine, tell us a bit more about your origin story and how you wound up as a content creator in the book world.
Yasmine: It all started in 2021! Post-COVID haze, I was on Cape Cod with family and friends, reading on the beach, inspired to create an account about my book reviews so I could stop harassing people on my personal Instagram page lol. I was already following other book accounts, so I took the plunge! This community and bookstagram has become so much more than just book reviews because I thought that was all there was to it. But now it's my creative outlet, solace, and little book sanctuary with a community full of amazing people. I have been a reader since I was pretty young so it's been so much fun to have others to connect with online about my favorite books!
KD: What's been your favorite thing about connecting with your online and IRL book community?
I think being able to show off your personality online at the same time as obsessing about your favorite books with others! I have found some of my BEST FRIENDS in this book community and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm very grateful for it. It makes me a little emo, thinking about the people I've found in this space! Don't worry Mom, I'm still staying safe!! Meeting friends on the internet!
KD: With so many new books being released, how do you decide what to read next?
I honestly get really overwhelmed about it, whoops. The number of books coming out and being able to live a life wanting to read all the books before you die (sorry, I don't mean to be morbid lol). There has been such a major push for books in the publishing industry, too (which is so much YAY), but I think it's all about prioritizing what I like to read and making sure I DNF books I don't. I can't beat myself up trying to read one million books a year. The overconsumption and oversaturation, it's just a balance. As long as I'm happy reading the ones I do read and gravitate towards! Quality over quantity.
KD: You're headed to a desert island—which five books are you bringing with you?
Well, I'm thinking beach reads but I'm honestly just thinking addictive reads I'd read on repeat. I'd probably bring Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings, a book from the Addicted series (literally any of them), The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan, Beach Read by Emily Henry, and Real Americans by Rachel Khong (a new release coming at the end of the month)!
KD: Tell us about the most recent work of fiction that left you with a book hangover.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. It's my lifeline/bloodline/obsession and favorite book. I have a tattoo! A WORK OF ART. I had such a horrid book hangover after, I'll never forget it. It still lingers YEARS later. But recent one? Probably The Beartown series, RIP my emotions.
KD: What book is on your TBR that you're most excited to pick up?
Real Americans by Rachel Khong and Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (who are we kidding here!!! I need it)
KD: You're running the New York City Marathon this year to support Brooklyn Book Bodega. Tell us a bit more about what that entails and how people can support!
Omg yes!! I'm so excited! Thank you so much for asking! Last year I watched the NYC Marathon and just cried watching the joy and pride from family and friends seeing loved ones running. It was so inspiring, I knew I had to sign up. I used to be a competitive runner so I'm excited to get back out there again and run for me and a charity! I'm running for Brooklyn Book Bodega which provides access to ownership of books, building community, and creating a passion for learning through free events and literacy-based community programming. Their mission is to increase the number of 100+ book homes for kids 0-18 in NYC! You can support my fundraising page here (if you so choose, I'm forever thankful)!
KD: What are some of your favorite neighborhood spots to buy, borrow, or cozy up with a book?
If I'm not reading in a bookshop, I love reading in any park. Cozying up under a tree with shade and a blanket! Or sitting outside on a patio with a beverage and a book. Reading outside is a personal fav but I also just love reading in bed! But specifically where to buy from, I love Book Club Bar in the East Village. I'm excited for Liz's Book Bar to open in Carroll Gardens come June 2024! Black-owned and woman-owned!
KD: The Sunday Series was conceptualized as a love letter to my favorite day of the week. If we were with you in New York on Sunday, where would you take us to spend the afternoon?
I'd probably take you to hot yoga with me and the farmers market after! I also love going on walks on the West Side Highway and stopping in St. Jardim for a hot chai (Aperol spritz or natural wine will do too). Happy Sunday!!
KD: Where can we keep up with what you're reading next?
You can keep up with me on Instagram! Hi, I'm @yasminereads
The Song of Achilles— epic. I read that and Circe in Sicily— her writing is so special.
Thank you so much for having me! 🫶🏾 you’re the best