hi, I’m Michelle! welcome to my corner of the internet - featuring weekly inspirational updates for everyone from vintage lovers to small business owners. I chat about everything from my current obsessions to small business tips, what’s on my mind lately, new vintage arrivals in the shop, and deep dives into my vintage business.
Oh my. It’s June. The month of my birthday. The cusp of summer. Warm days and long nights. June feels like the start of a new year for me - and yet I’m still trying to find a good cadence to my schedule, and a better balance in my daily routines. I guess it’s okay to just keep doing our best - day by day , little by little. Keep looking for joy.
Lately I have been doing a pretty good job of keeping “wants” on my wishlist , and evaluating any “impulse” purchases by asking myself a few key questions:
What purpose does this fit?
Will I wear/use this a lot - how will I style it? How does it help me/my lifestyle?
Does it serve an immediate need - or can I wait and think about it?
pants - these really have been an immediate need for me as my weight has fluctuated recently, so I’m trying to help myself out a bit by filling a few gaps in my wardrobe with pants that make me feel good, feel comfy - and will still fit me as my weight bounces around ( as it’s always done ). Le sigh. Just remember - clothes should fit YOU not the other way around, so take care of yourself, and have some grace. Have fun, and dress for joy - so if you own something that is making you feel bad about yourself, get rid of it immediately ( or hide it away ) so you aren’t shaming yourself daily for being a human in a body living in this big beautiful and weird world. love you!
lately my go-to has been the Le Bon Shoppe Arc Pant, and I popped into Pipe & Row to try on some other colors in person, but ended up with the Damsen Madder pant in Leopard. Which I have been wearing literally non-stop. They are comfy, I can wear them to work, and go with everything. Plus - they will hold re-sell value if at some point down the road they don’t fit me how I want.
It’s important to think of the next stage of your clothing’s life whether you are buying new or second-hand. Will the quality hold up? Does the brand hold value? Will it outlast micro-trends?
second - I just purchased a pair of pants from Playdate Vintage made from up-cycled materials. I have been really wanting a pair of red pants ( but after trying on the LBS Arc pant in red I wasn’t sold yet ) - and I’m glad I waited because these are SO cute, and I can wear them forever since they have a stretchy waistband. I haven’t taken the off since buying them!
drink - Confession - I hate le croix. Sorry not sorry. They hurt my stomach and make me feel bloated. I just don’t like sparkling water - but especially not le croix.
anywayyyy….. since I quit drinking over a year ago ( let’s talk about this soon? ) I just drink water and coffee, but sometimes water is just so boring. I am always trying all those colorful fun drinks you see at the store, but none of them have been my favorite - until I discovered Olipop. Oh boy I’m truly in love. They taste like delish refreshing versions of all your favorite sodas without the cane sugar or weird fake sugar. Plus they don’t hurt my mouth to drink - and they don’t make me feel bloated. Maybe it’s the pre-biotics? Have you tried these yet?
My favorite flavors in order :
Cherry Cola > Watermelon Lime > Vintage Cola > Orange Squeeze > Crisp Apple > Grape > Strawberry Vanilla > Cherry Vanilla
( Root beer is okay, but is missing that “punch” , and the Ginger Lemon was too much even though I’m a huge Ginger fan ).
DND - let’s talk about the joys of turning your phone off. I’ve done ( and been trying ) a few things that are slowly giving me back my sanity -
Daily alarm for bedtime - My phone is set to go off at 10:30pm every night as a reminder to “get ready for bed soon” or to take a melatonin. It’s been maybe 6 weeks since I started and I can now physically sense 10:30pm coming before the alarm goes off, and by the time it’s 11pm my body is ready for bed. It’s good night from me. bye!
Putting my phone away for an hour before lights out, and not checking for the first hour of being awake. Everything else can wait. The days I remember to do this I feel much more relaxed, less manic, and don’t waste the first 3 hours of my morning scrolling and getting lost online. This habit is a hard one to set, but I’m trying my best!
Next up: a two-week Instagram cleanse. Wish me luck!
one last thing! knitting - I taught myself how to make something new, and while the learning curve was high ( I almost gave up it was so frustrating ) - I can now happily knit one of these bad-boys up without referencing a pattern or YouTube video, and is a much healthier use of my evenings and TV watching time.
I have the Bandana for sale in my webshop ( with more to come in a future drop later this month ). I have been wearing them and styling with my favorite outfits and they are getting SO many compliments. Made from 100% merino wool by my own two hands. I’m in love ( and they are so satisfying to make! )
and now to share a few things off my wish-list:
The Heeled Ballet Shoe from Either/Or - I mean, or really any of their shoes! I went on a hunt for Fisherman Sandals ( still haven’t found the one yet ) and came across the Either / Or Fisher Platform ( which is actually even cooler to note that they are based here in Seattle ). I’ve been on a hard core converse 70 and adidas sneaker obsession ever since I broke my leg 4 years ago. I sold or gave away most of my heels and boots due to discomfort - and now that I’m on my feet most days for markets or working in restaurants I’ve never really needed “fancier” shoes - but there is something about the Ballet block heel that looks comfy, cute and well made. It’s calling me - I just need to find a way to try these on in person before pulling the trigger.
In other note: these Fisherman Sandals by Frida Salvadore are really lovely - and both are from brands that are ethically made and use 100% real leather - so you know they are going to be upstanding and comfy!
Meals Chef Pant in Linen - Are you a Meals fan? They have that kind of iykyk following, and I have a few pairs of their cotton chef pant - which are the best, especially for someone like me who has been on a weight fluctuating journey lately. I am in love with the new round-up of colors in linen - but am stuck between Avocado and Oatmeal. Or Chocolate? Or do I just get the OG Chef Pant in Denim??
update on ARQ: This month they opened their website to subscribers for 24 hours with a quick re-stock of their basics. TBH I was bummed to only see white & black - but it sounds like the secret launch was a success! and they will be back again soon ( but in more colors? ) Fingers crossed. In the meantime Pansy has re-designed their bras ( yay! the straps seem WAY better and won’t stretch out like before ) and I love their low-rise undies. Beyond that - there are no other brands that hit quite like ARQ ( and I’ve been looking… )
I’m on the hunt for a cute Big Fluffy Spa bathroom - like this one? It has to be sustainable, SOFT and oversized. I want to lounge around and drink my morning coffee on the porch - but feel like I’m on vacation and at a fancy hotel. I have never been a robe girl, but have been wishing lately for one - so maybe it’s time?
Thanks for reading and checking out some of my favorite things!
Feel free to add your thoughts to the discussion below;
xx M
Michelle Moore is a Seattle-based creative, vintage curator, photographer, writer and educator. You can catch her at an up-coming pop-up, swing by on a night she’s hosting at the restaurant in Ballard, order one of her hand-knit Beanies, or hire her to host & plan your next event.
connecting you with good clothes + good people.