Screenshot Show & Tell: Pt. 1
Overpriced swan glasses, crooked jackets, honest writing advice, Clairo's perfect bangs, etc.
Hello all,
It’s the last week of the month, so I’m in the mood to do some round ups! For today’s letter, I thought we could browse through my screenshots folder.
Similar to the humble notes app, I truly think the screenshot folder on our phone has the ability to document our lives in such an interesting way. This digital library of spontaneous snapshots, quick reminders and rapid fire musings all make up a small tapestry of who we are and what we like.
While there’s tons of ways to save, curate and bookmark our musings on digital apps, there’s something so archival about taking a screenshot of your screen. I also think the physical sensation of pressing an actual button scratches a certain “itch” for us.
I’ve always said that taking photos or screenshots throughout your day/week/month can be its own form of digital diary-keeping. But it can feel that much more fulfilling if you stop and think about what you’ve been eying and why.
So here’s a little show and tell of my screenshot folder — enjoy!
There’s absolutely no reason I need these swan-shaped glasses for $1,200 but they made the screenshot folder regardless. They have a certain modern look to them that are almost toy-like. They’re from the 1970s but don’t they also look like something you’d wear to a ‘90s rave.
I went to the salon for a much-needed haircut with my camera roll filled with photos of Clairo. Because, of course. She really has the ideal messy, slightly wavy baby bang situation happening. My hairdresser even showed me how to use metal clips to create a natural waviness in your bangs — it’s a delicate dance I’ll need to play but I’m determined to achieve this look!
I always feel the urge to put every last piece of knitwear away when it gets warmer, but this image from 1999’s Balmain collection reminded me that a light cardigan should not be buried away. This look truly reminds me how sexy a cardigan and dress pants can be. And those ballet flats!!!
One of my favorite local Cleveland artists, Whitney Anderson Rooney recently started making candles in a mosaic-style and I’m so in love with them.
I took a virtual writing workshop with Joy Sullivan a couple years back through Literary Cleveland and since then, she’s become one of my favorite writers to keep up with on Instagram. Her writing advice, such as this kernel of wisdom I screenshotted about her imperfectly perfect writing routine, is so down to earth and inspiring.
This bit especially I can’t stop thinking about:
“The feeling that if I don’t write in this precise instant — while the world is still young and urgent — I won’t write at all.”
I’ve been recently obsessed with this creator’s outfits so much that I’ve been immediately saving her posts before my eyes even register them. Her use of jackets and brooches is unparalelled and she somehow creates such a perfect balance in her outfits even when they’re 90% statement pieces. This look is just incredible: a beautiful silver necklace (that I will be searching for ASAP), an aqua-colored crochet cap and an incredible WOODEN clutch!
Speaking of silver swans. I’m pretty sure this was an Instagram ad that grabbed me hook-line-and-sinker. Sometimes you see an item that has so many elements of your favorite things (swans, compacts, silver) that you simply must document it as proof. Jury is still out if I will get it but she’s just sooo beautiful.
Spring statement jackets always pop up in my brain around this time — how to style them, where to get them. I screenshotted this one from TikTok because I want to reverse image search it and find something similar (maybe in a different color because I currently have tooooooo many black jackets). But I mean, just loooook at that curved shape and the RUFFLES!
The only Coachella performances I’ve been caring about were from miss MARINA!!! Her looks have been so incredible, but especially this purple corset/bubble skirt ensemble. I’m convinced that I can somehow recreate this look for my 30th birthday party…stay tuned.
Speaking of my birthday…I don’t know why but I think working in a shadow puppet theater into your party would be a fun thing. That idea was inspired by this image that I can’t for the life of me find the original source of!
My home screen was looking quite lovely the other day, partially because I replaced the wallpaper to this dreamy landscape of pink horses by Andre Brasilier. Anyone else feel like changing your wallpaper after a while is equivilanet to switching up the art on your wall?
You ever see a TikTok that looks like it’s going to be an anthropological relic one day? There’s been a lot of those lately. This being one of them.
That’s all for this issue! Let me know if you’d like to see this as a series…
Much love,
🌹 Arbela
If you’re reading this, I appreciate you 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.