I spent last week alone at home with just the three dogs while everyone else was at camp or on vacation down the shore. You know what I did with my time? I spent way too much of it on social media. I love Instagram and Twitter, but they are complete time sucks. The worst feeling is wanting to get a bunch of stuff done, and only getting part of it done because I dithered my time away chasing likes and retweets. I would have felt much better about my time if I had written a few more blog posts or watched “Rebecca” (my next movie in my Best Picture Winners project) or finished one of the several books I’m reading. Now, I didn’t sit on the couch for a week straight and do nothing, but I always feel better with the more I do. I know this, yet I still have to fight against it. Can anyone else relate?
What I need to do is focus on writing, followed up by mental recovery times like exercise, reading, and watching movies. It’s an input/outfit flow. Empty the tank by writing, fill up the tank with the others, and repeat. The problem is that filling up the tank is easy. Emptying the tank is hard. That’s where the work is. As a writer, it’s so easy to find excuses why it’s not the right time to write.
This carries over into personal style too. It’s easy to shop. It’s easy to fill up the closet. It’s hard to wear the suit. It’s hard to iron the shirt. Those are the “work”. But the same secret applies too. Doing the work feels better. Wearing the suit feels better than throwing on another pair of jeans and a t-shirt…when you would rather wear the suit. If you want to be a t-shirt and jeans guy, go right ahead. I have no issue with that. However, if you want to be a suit guy, just wear the suit. You will absolutely feel better.
For now, here’s a lot of great things to fill up your tank:
I felt so inspired by Steffy’s post on Instagram. She put into words what I’m feeling better than I ever could.
This Vogue profile of Tom Ford is everything!
I’m loving this sport coat for fall!
I want every single thing in this “Get the Look”!
Even if you’re not from New York, Grace’s trip guide is full of bucket list trips.
Get ready for some rainy fall days.
I firmly believe that dressing appropriately for situations is a major key to looking stylish. Simon provides a wonderful walk-through of formal to casual.
Stephanie has me so excited for 5G networks!
The Cheaney sale combined with a weak Pound makes it the perfect time to shop this sale.
Stunts are just as important to a good movie as everything else. It’s time the stunt people were considered for an Oscar.
I’m always on the lookout for a good face scrub. Style Girlfriend had me covered!
I’m obsessed with these stripes!
It really is the details that make all the difference. I loved this deep dive into stitching.
Do you work in an office or remotely? Automattic is entirely remote, fascinating!
Nike Killshot 2s are back in stock. That is all.
David’s access to the Brooks Brothers’ archive is just incredible!
As is Sarah’s access to Lilly Pulitzer’s! Haha!