Welcome to The Muse Letter (previously called: A Love Letter To). This is my weekly column where the extra thoughts, fascinating reads, and little obsessions of the week come together.
MUSE LETTER 01
Hello and welcome to the Sunday letter!
Okay, I swear, I’m not starting a new series. Actually, I’m renaming/reformating an existing one. In short, “A Love Letter To” will now become “Muse Letter” and instead of monthly, it’ll be weekly(ish)!
Why? Well, I want to check in weekly as a practice for myself and for the enjoyment (hopefully) to you with more content. I also want writing to become a gentler and playful practice that I check in with more often in a way where I don’t put too much pressure on myself. This will also serve as a purpose to show the thoughtful offcuts of things that may not become full essays, but I still want to express in little blurts.
Anyway, I think a fresh start can always do some good, don’t you?
Last week, I wrote about my wedding being over and having to put away the big white dress into storage. It has brought up so many feelings about endings and conclusions. For me, these endings come with this innate need to create more beginnings as a replacement. Speaking of which, I published my first advice column this week, too:
And maybe I’ve just always been obsessed with endings in a way, in the same way I’m obsessed with beginnings. It’s the middle part that I can’t seem to get the hang of. But I hope you join me as I figure that out!
I may write more in these intros in the future, but for now — here’s what I’ve been musing about recently…
PINS & MUSINGS:
+ WORDS OF WISDOM | I’ve been going through the archive of a podcast I’m really loving right now, WorkLife with Adam Grant, and this episode with Brene Brown on vulnerability, its power and its limits was very englightening. Another favorite: this interview with Rebecca Solnit on opinions and the internet.
+ BROWSING | I’ve recently been trying to offload some Ebay watchlist items, because there are frankly SO many. Here’s some items I’m still shocked are not sold yet:
There are so MANY Coach bags on my list -- this Bleecker Legacy flap bag is to die for.
Next, silk Gucci scarf that is quite reasonable priced and is the perfect minimalist print.
A Brighton leather and metal card wallet that I stumbled upon while searching for a card wallet. Isn't it precious?
Everyone's been talking about the Campus Frye boots, but have we forgotten all the other amazing designs they have? Like these short burgundy "Veronica" moto boots.
+ WATCHING | I think it’s fair to say that Caleb Hearon currently has the funniest podcast on the internet right now. This recent episode with Mary Beth Barone had me in tears from laughter.
+ WEARING | I’ve realized that one of the chicest things you can do is wear a large, soft, leather clutch under your arm like you’re carrying a log for the fire. When I was in New York back in September, I brought my go-too leather crossbody crescent bag that I love dearly. At one point in the night I went into the bathroom to touch up my lipstick before we were planning to go to a nicer cocktail bar. I decided, in the moment, to tie the strap shorter into a knot to point where it was just a little handle. The change in attitude I felt as I walked out of the bathroom with holding the bag under my arm as opposed to across my body was palpable — it’s like I brought it from day to night. I have a gold vintage one that does the trick (I used it for my rehearsal dinner) but I’d love to add a light blue one to my collection — maybe like this or even this one.
+ BROWSING | I’ve been finding myself getting excited about wearing bracelets again…for the first time in like 10 years!! Specifically when we’re talking about chunky cuffs on top of long sleeve tops.
+ READING | This recent column from Ask Polly left me in tears on a groggy Monday morning. If you’re looking to kick your self-doubt in the butt, read it. One of my favorite lines:
“When you feel worthless a lot of the time, it takes a lot of greed and selfishness to keep nagging at the world to give you the best parts in the play. Yes, greed and selfishness. Sometimes these dark, grabby feelings are just as important as courage and determination. Sometimes you need to be restless and impatient in order to become audacious.” - Heather Havrilesky
+ LISTENING | For your bedtime consideration: a perfect ambient album to fall asleep to (coming from someone who usually needs absolute silence).
+ READING | Another purpose for these weekly check-ins may well become me sharing a favorite Mary Oliver poem of the week. I’ve been reading and re-reading Devotions for over three years and it’s become a sacred ritual. The one that caught my eye recently — her poem, “Yes! No!” Especially this last line: “Imagination is better than a sharp instrument. To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
+ WEARING | finally gave in and bought a sweater from Quince — a casual, slightly cropped navy number — which I received this week. I won’t lie, I love it so much and I’ve worn it every single day this week.
As always, thank you for reading and being here,
See you next time!
— Arbela 💐
If you’re reading this, I appreciate you so so much !!!!! I also have a podcast that I’d love for you to listen/watch if that’s your thing! If you have any questions or ponderings about style and life, submit to my advice column here! Also: you can shop my closet here and follow me on Instagram and TikTok.