Loving spring in New York. We had a few hot days that made me worry humid summer was about to creep in early, but we’re back to sunny 50s–60s and I’m not mad about it. I love this kind of dressing—sweater, tee, light jacket in the morning, pants with open-toe shoes, and being able to peel off a layer by the afternoon.

Life lately is mostly Mom duties with my “almost” 7-year-old and my 4-year-old, and it’s been really rewarding. My older daughter’s preschool teacher—who I love—is now my younger one’s teacher too. The other day she told me that during an Earth Day lesson, she was explaining how we take care of the world—animals, plants, and people. And my sweet 4-year-old excitedly said, “My mommy is my world, and I have to take care of her!”

I’m sharing this because 1) kids say the best things, 2) it felt like a little affirmation for all the thankless hours of mothering when my kids have zero appreciation for me, and 3) this sentence will be burned into my memory and carry me through their teenage years when they—and their sentiments—may not be as sweet, precious, or cute.

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Marcel

There aren’t too many things that will drag me from Brooklyn to the Upper East Side. I love a lot about it—especially the galleries—but unless it’s a friend’s birthday or I’m invited to something, there are plenty of restaurants downtown I love just as much that are easier to get to.

That said, when I heard Marcel was opening in the Met Breuer building, I knew I had to go. It’s a collaboration between Roman and Williams and Sotheby’s, which explains why every last detail is perfection. The decor, the millions of dollars of art throughout the restaurant (all for sale), and the food, beverage, floral arrangements, and service—it was exactly what you want a night out in NYC to feel like. A reminder that hospitality here is not dead.

It was everything I needed—minus the excruciating price points, but c’est la vie in NYC.

Although you can find gorgeous images online of all the exquisite details, here are a few snaps below.

Things I Did Buy This Week

Home ownership is a blessing and a privilege—and then you hit the decade mark on appliances and suddenly it’s a lot of “adulting.” It’s not even May, barely into Q2, and I’ve already replaced my refrigerator, dishwasher, blinds (which just decided one day they were done opening and closing), HVAC system, and one of two boilers. Truly…a drag. Not exactly the kind of purchases I gravitate toward, but what can you do. Even when you buy well, things don’t last forever.

On a more enjoyable note, I bought a bundle of hellebore and that felt like a treat. Did you know they’re one of the few cut flowers that thrive in hot water? When they start to wilt, you trim the ends, give them a slight smash, and put them in hot water—they come right back.

Things I Didn’t Buy This Week

New Phoebe Philo—now that’s what I call self-control. Loving the studded gig bag.

Should I do a Mother’s Day gift guide or has everyone already bought their Mothers or themselves something? Also, my friend and I were laughing how many Moms out there make their own brunch reservations for Mother’s Day — finding a lot of husbands think it’s possible to put off until the day before and then are shocked when nothing is available ;P

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Ciao for now.

— C

We’re finally tapering off what felt like the longest winter New York has ever endured. I’m cautiously optimistic about warmer weather.

To be fair: it was frigid, but we had a lot of blue-sky days. That made it more tolerable. Spending a week in Miami during the season’s most aggressive blizzard didn’t hurt either.

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Things I Didn’t Buy This Week

Obsessed with this The Row jersey dress. The styling: layered whites, socks, kitten heel pumps, the monochromatic nature of the look — yes please and thank you. But: white jersey at that price, with small children? Not realistic. I’ll admire it on someone else and wait for a high-street version.

Things I Did Buy This Week

I am into the idea of an oversized jersey dress (see above). For me black is more feasible due to my lifestyle as a walking napkin. At what age does one’s children stop wiping their grime, slime, and other unmentionable fluids on their mothers?

I might tie something around the waist or wear with a long necklace, keep the ease of the jersey dress while making sure it doesn’t read pajamas.

Planning to wear it with my The Row jellies (which have cracked in several places — disappointing quality, will likely replace with the Amazon version), Alaïa flats, Emme Parsons leather flip flops, and combat boots when the sidewalks inevitably turn to sludge.

Buying flowers this weekend. Forcing the season, if necessary.

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Thanks for reading!

— C

So it’s been a minute. Or a few months. But who’s counting?!

I paused paid subscriptions because I got bored forcing a topic every week — and couldn’t deal with the pressure of carving out extra laptop time to say something “clever” or “useful” when some weeks I genuinely had nothing to say. It started to feel like a constant loop of here’s what to buy or here’s what I bought, which wasn’t why I wanted to write in the first place.

All that to say: I’m here again. Probably sporadically. And I hope you still enjoy reading TUESDAYS when it runs.

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WARMER DAYS

December feels like it was a year ago, and January somehow lasted 75 days. If you live in New York — or know someone on the East Coast — you’ve probably heard nonstop about how cold it is and how much snow we’ve gotten.

The one upside? Fashion people are finally embracing something I’ve never abandoned: a good coat. More fur, faux fur, vintage fur, shearling — less puffer energy. And honestly, it’s fun. Because in January and February, the coat is the outfit. Nothing else is being seen or shown anyway.

Backing up to December for a second: I spent a really lovely week and a half visiting family and friends in Tucson and Phoenix. We stayed at the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix and I can’t recommend it enough, definitely request a renovated room. It’s beautiful, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s protégé Albert Chase McArthur, with elements and art by Frank Lloyd Wright throughout the property.

The other highlight — important enough to share — is this: if you’re ever in Arizona, anywhere near Phoenix or Scottsdale, you must go to Taliesin West. It’s the house Frank Lloyd Wright built and lived in, and it’s spectacular. You can do a self-guided audio tour, and it was an absolute feast for my eyes.

For more Arizona tips DM me or message me on substack, I’ll tell you what I know.

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Nice to be back!

— C

After stepping away from full-time work to take on full-time Mom mode, my fashion week attendance has understandably slowed down. That said, I was never really showing up as an editor, buyer, or influencer anyway—my involvement was more behind the scenes, usually with brands I was working with directly.

Fortunately, I have some very talented friends with emerging labels that totally capture what I love about New York fashion: originality, edge, and that certain cool you can’t quite define. A quick spotlight on two of those brands—both growing quickly, still under the radar, and sitting in that sweet spot where gifting (yourself or others) feels like you’re in on the secret before everyone else is.

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NYFW

The lovely Ashley Moubayed is the designer and founder of Don’t Let Disco, a very cool jewelry brand rooted in beading. She started it as a side project while still working at Christie’s, and her pieces reflect a totally unique sensibility: thoughtful, playful, and unlike anything else out there.

Beautiful displays of trompe l’oeil oysters made from beads and coral, set on stunning silver platters, all accompanied by a live harpist!

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A fun necklace I made at her presentation, which took place at the chic Café Zaffiri. She had tables set up where guests could sit and design their own pieces using upcycled beads and cords.

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This post is really about what I’m consuming—reading, eating, listening to, etc.—plus a little fashion inspiration for good measure.

If you want the full Substack experience, it’s just $5/month. Consider making this wild splurge, or share TUESDAYS with a friend. It’s not just for moms.

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Listening

Podcasts

• The Economist – The World in Brief

• All-In

• Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud

• Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

Music

• Wish Soundtrack

• K-Pop Demon Hunter Soundtrack (because: kids) Even

• Self Portrait by Bob Dylan

• Annie Fischer, Vol. 1: Concertos by Mozart & Schumann

Misc
My daughters figuring out where “middle C” is on the piano. They’ve started lessons, and I’m surprisingly cheerful about the plinking and plonking that lies ahead—even the wildly off-key bits.

Reading

Books

• Haven’t started it yet, but pulled out Victory City by Salman Rushdie

Audiobooks

• Just downloaded They All Came to Barneys by Gene Pressman

Substacks

• The Flair Index

• I’m Sick, coughs* by Tish Weinstock

• Wearstler World

• Storm Journal

• The Free Press

Children’s Books

• Small Stories of Great Artists

Misc
A million emails from the girls’ school and the parents’ WhatsApp group.

Eating

Savory

• Kimchi from Goshen

On-the-Go

• Jacobs Protein Bars

• Happier’s Walnuts

Drinks

• Bellocq Tea — especially the Siam Basil Lemongrass blend

Indulgence

• Carissa’s croissant bread. Unreal.

  

Smelling

Car

• DS & Durga Big Sur in the Rain air freshener

Home

• Flamingo Estate Adriatic Muscatel Sage candle

Perfume

• Tom Ford Santal Blush — going on 13 years and still in love.

  

Buying

Home

• Air purifier

Kids

• Piano book

Gifts

• Mini Rodini sweatpants

Me

• Sole Sister’s Kolhapuris

Moodboard:

What I want to wear right now—mostly things I already have in slightly different versions: leather pants, beige sweaters, chunky denim shirts, black tops, and black jeans. I'd love to find more navy.

I’m obsessed with everything from Khaite’s Resort 2026 show—mismatched animal prints, leathers, florals. Planning to pull out my Alaïa pony hair zebra bag a lot.

That said, the real standout for me was Khaite’s Pre-Fall 2025: simple, everyday pieces paired with killer boots. Perfection.

— C

Late August always brings a shift I look forward to. Even before kids, I’d feel it — the urge to update my wardrobe or grab a fresh notebook (I’m still all about paper). It’s less about new beginnings and more about getting my act together for the months ahead.

Now, with kids, back-to-school takes on a literal time. Growing up in the suburbs, I’d go with my mom to pick out a few new clothes, a binder, some notebooks, maybe a Sanrio pencil case. As an ‘80s and ‘90s kid, I spent hours covering textbooks with brown paper bags—no screens, just the satisfaction of a neatly folded edge. It was straightforward.

Today, with my girls, I’m deliberate about avoiding the consumer frenzy. We’re not hitting stores for a haul. My oldest is using the same backpack as last 2 years. My youngest didn’t have one, so we purchased one. I did, however, open a browser tab to J.Crew’s sale section to replace a few outgrown items.

How do you handle back-to-school? The fashion industry is in overdrive this time of year—trunk shows winding down, brands prepping for NYFW.

I lean into the momentum of changing seasons. It’s less about shopping and more about moving forward. What’s your approach?

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Back to School Brands for Kids

If you do want or need to shop. Brands I love for kids.

Zara — Fast fashion, sure, but their kids’ cotton clothes are cute and hold up decently for the price. Pick carefully.

Mini Rodini — Pricey but top-notch quality. Super eco-friendly, with sales if you watch for them.

J.Crew — Always on sale. Fun tees, solid basics that last.

Backpacks — Fjällräven Kånken for durability, or State bags for cute, sturdy vibes but at a $$$$ price point.

Lunchboxes — Omie wins. Keeps food separate, survives kid chaos, has a compartment for hot food. Not dishwasher safe.

Limbo

That end-of-summer limbo hitting hard? Keep the kids busy with these quick projects to prep for the new routine.

• Bookmarks: Craft some with cardstock, stickers, or paint. Keeps books organized and kids creative while making them excited to read.

• Keychains: Big trend alert—kids love clipping these to backpacks. Beads, charms, or braided cord work great, otherwise buy a fun kit (see below).

• Workbooks: Dust off those math and reading pages.

Get them ready, and survive the wait.

If you’re in New York and your kid’s school (like ours) doesn’t start until the Wednesday after Labor Day, but you’re stuck at work, here’s a fun idea. For kids 5 and up, bouldering classes are a blast. Sign them up for a one-day camp, like those at Brooklyn Bouldering Project. Drop off your kid, pick up a mini mountain climber.

Moodboard: Back to School for Mom

I recently snagged my second pair of Rúadh jeans in a faded black wash, and I’m obsessed. The high waist and straight wide-leg fit are perfection, worth every penny for a denim lover like me. As a former denim trend forecaster, quality jeans are my obsession, and these are an investment I’m happy to make.

Our school’s drop-off and pick-up scene is laid-back, to say the least. Most of the caregivers (not parents) handle the routine, and with a crowd of professionals rather than creatives, there’s zero peacocking. No one’s trying to out-dress anyone else, which I appreciate. Still, I love clothes and want to be intentional with my casual style without overthinking it. You know the saying: you can have a clean house, well-dressed kids, or look good yourself—but only two out of three. I’m trying for mediocre all three.

My go-to plan for effortless drop-off style? A mix of sportswear (think leggings and hoodies) paired with “real” shoes and structured, tailored outerwear. I’m also all-in on denim-on-denim as a forever uniform, thrown on with easy slide-on shoes (these are not mine, but such a dream). For this transitional weather, I’m leaning into short-sleeve knits, my usual jewelry stack, and those Rúadh jeans with loafers or my studded Alaïa ballet flats for a little edge.

Another trend that is so easy to work in without buying anything new is tying a button down around the waste. It changes the silhouette in a fun relaxed way while giving you an option if suddenly you need an extra layer.

What’s the dress code like at your school’s drop-off? Are parents bringing their A-game, or is it a sweatpants parade? Every school has its own style culture—share yours!

Thank you for reading.

— C

After pausing from work life to be home with my youngest daughter, I now find myself just a couple weeks out from sending her off to pre-school. This made me reflect on all the contradictions of motherhood.

It’s the most thankless yet profoundly rewarding role I’ve ever held. It brings out the very best in me—patience, love, resilience, but at the same time, the absolute worst—frustration, exhaustion, moments of chaos.

If I could go back to my younger self, I wouldn’t chase parties, or slave away at work, skip family gatherings for work trips, splurge on clothes, or obsess over any number of insignificant pursuits.

Instead, I’d choose to have more kids.

I know, it’s almost laughable to say that on days when I’m yelling at my husband or girls, craving just five minutes of “me” time. But even on the toughest days, my two little girls are the center of my life, the only part that feels truly indispensable. This isn’t to say a life without kids lacks meaning—far from it. It’s just that time has a way of shifting your lens. I’m curious to see how I’ll feel in my 50s, 60s, and, if I’m lucky, my 70s and 80s. In my 20s and 30s, you couldn’t have paid me to believe I’d love motherhood. I mean, I was married for 15 years before even considering kids.

It’s funny how perspective changes. I had to remind myself of this the other day when I was desperate to be anywhere else, doing anything else (preferably alone, let’s be real). But I want to hold onto this truth: the things that feel so urgent, so stressful, so all-consuming today often fade in importance. A year from now, two years, or definitely a decade, they rarely matter as much as we think. My girls, though? They’re what endures.

I don’t want to carry mom guilt. I think it’s inevitable to some degree, but always choosing my girls over everything else feels like the right place to be. Sometimes that means pausing work; other times, it means working longer hours to provide. It always means sacrifice.

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I’m such a sucker for marketing—but even I had to chuckle at the new Skims face wrap. It probably won’t do much—yet surprise, surprise: it’s sold out. Hey, whatever floats your boat. Maybe it’s like a placebo—if $48 (before tax and shipping) makes you feel a little lift, maybe it’s worth it?

It’s always a temptation anytime we see a serum, or a gadget, or gizmo, that promises: no pores, bags will disappear, jaw line will be snatched …without needing an actual needle or a knife.

So in today’s newsletter, I roped in esthetician extraordinaire Kristyn Smith to break down what’s actually realistic—sans the invasive stuff.

PS nothing will help your under-eye bags if they are genetically puffy and cute, but then, with age, become herniated. If it sounds like I’m an authority on this topic … it is because I am! Do yourself a favor and book the blepharoplasty, I did it and 0 regrets!

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Realism in the Age of Social Media

Kristyn Smith Introduction

We have heard from Kristyn Smith before on this substack, but wanted to hear her opinion on what is practical, realistic, and actually doable sans injections and going under the knife.

Kristyn has 22 years of hands-on experience in advanced skincare, her career is focused on treating complex skin conditions, supporting clients through seasonal shifts, and building a clinical practice that blends science with simplicity. She is the founder of Practise NYC, a studio rooted in education, expertise, and long-term skin health—not trends. She has worked in both medical and holistic environments, which means she has seen firsthand what works and what’s just good marketing.

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I tasted my first feeling of parental freedom this week. My youngest is old enough that I conned persuaded my oldest daugher’s camp, which is held at her school, to allow the 3 year old to joi…

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If you follow me on instagram it probably seems like we have fully moved to embraced our holiday in Italy. It was a long trip, but in the best way possible. We loved every second of the sea, sun, food, and history, but it’s the best feeling when a trip is winding down and you know you’ll be so happy at home too.

I’ve brought this up so many times in past posts — young kids don’t need too much to be happy, but it’s the adults that take everything to the next level. Well that’s sort of the case on this trip too. Of course our kids enjoyed being in Sicily for vacation, but the highlights, if you ask them, are things like: the random farm kitty that visited us daily, the many cups of granita and gelato, and the pool. Guess what?!? We could have been in a dinky town in the USA without traveling as far and I think they would have still had the “best day ever” as they so often proclaim after life’s simple pleasures.

A friend of mine recently took her 3 kids to Boston for a family trip and they did so many fun things. When asked what their favorite part of the vacation was, they said it was seeing the racoons that were out scavenging on their porch. HAhahahaha it just goes to show, the change of scenery is often for the adults’ benefit. The kids really just need quality time with us, plus some easy “treats.”

After the pay wall: staple toiletries I travel with particularly in the summer,
what I didn’t buy, but perhaps you should, and what I did buy.

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I feel lucky every time I get to be in a new country. We are now on day 5 or 6 (I’ve lost count) of our family holiday in Sicily.

Back when I was 21 I was taking a gap year from college and my boyfriend, now husband, was a Lieutenant flying Black Hawks for the US army. We used virtually every penny we had on travel. We were very fortunate that we lived in Seoul, so a long holiday weekend or a week long trip could land us someplace far flung and fabulous like Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, even Myanmar.

After returning to the USA and landing in NYC, we still didn’t have major funds as we were in grad school, but traveling anywhere for a long weekend wasn’t as exciting. Not only did it cost more than traveling in Asia, it also landed you somewhere not quite as exotic as Indonesia or Tibet…(nothing against upstate NY or the Hamptons).

So now we are older and have more discretionary income, but we have two young kids, a 6 year old and a 3 year old. The way I look at it is — with young kids — we pick destinations that cause the least amount of pain for the most amount of joy. So things like traveling far, but not too far, if it’s only 3 days and not a week or more, all enter into the calculus of relocation vacation. We tend to select easy countryside trips rather than culturally interesting, busy city trips.

Every summer for the past 3 summers we’ve been taking trips to various Italian islands. First it was Pantelleria, then Sardinia, and this year Sicily. I have to say I had lower expectations for Sicily, but I am so pleasantly surprised by how wonderful it has been. Mind you, we are skipping Taormina, of White Lotus fame, and staying in beautiful more rustic small towns. What we’ve learned is that despite plans, much of travel ends up being happenstance ie are the accommodations as wonderful as the online photos depicted, did any flights get delayed, is anyone getting sick on the trip etc. The day after I wrote this draft our rental car died hahaha. You gotta just remember how lucky it is to have a broken down car in a beautiful place where you’re happy, together, and with cell service!

After the paywall: an adventure which went awry, what I’m reading / wanting to watch, and things that I have packed for several warm weather vacations without fail.

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Summer is in full swing and I’m making the most of it while doing my damndest to not buy new things. We have lots of fun things in the works, such as a trip to Sicily, and I’m feeling inspired to make small additions to my closet while wearing what I own. The whole buy better, but less concept — only works if you’re really wearing those better items, not saving them for a “special” occasion or continuing to buy buy buy.

Below the paywall are some amazing forever jewelry (hello ), some summer makeup I am loving and generally what I like for summer fashion as well as inexpensive, but cheerful Zara sale items that work for people over 20 ;P.

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We went full on into summer. No camps, no structured plans, just a day by day weather appropriate full-on day of beach, pool, food, cartoons, crafts, and little else — welcome to mommy day camp Sag Harbor edition!

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What I wore

My girls and I (ages 6 and 3) spent a week out in Sag Harbor to kick off the recent kindergarten graduate’s summer vacation and to escape the city heat. Below what I wore each day! We spent the majority of our time bopping from the backyard to the beach, with quick jaunts for food or ice cream in town.

LOOK 1:

Matteau very lightweight voile cotton shirt with a floral prints (one of the only brands that do girly prints that I like).

Sophie Buhai coquille necklace

Very old leather woven Bottega flip flops

Citizen of Humanity Marlow jean shorts via GOOP a few summers back

LOOK 2:

Maria McManus top and pant

Jil Sander x Birkenstocks

Very old Clare Vivier woven bag (maybe 12 years old)

Arielle Ratner earrings and Rebecca Pinto earrings and rings along with my usual jewelry from my Mom and my constant companion Cartier ring.

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Summer is fully here, even in NYC where it was nonstop rain for truly an absurd portion of the year. Now we can complain about enjoy record high heat.

With school out and everyone itching for summer travels I wanted to highlight a few friends’ and readers’ recommendations in cities they are well acquainted with. They are all moms mostly with younger children and their recommendations are authentic, personal, and not what you’ll find from other sources. First up is Sacha Pytka’s Paris recommendations. She enlightened us with excellent long haul flight tips for parents + kiddos in this previous newsletter.

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“Still don’t know what I was waiting for and my time was running wild…” lyrics from David Bowie’s Changes. While not totally applicable here, let me do what “we” In the Year of Our L…

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““What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick.” Miuccia Prada.

It is funny how much an outfit can convey. You instantly …

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I met Sacha Pytka at a mutual friend’s wedding in Tuscany years ago. This was pre kids for both of us. I was married, she was dating (her now husband) and I saw her at…

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I think modern motherhood is sometimes stressful in different ways than in the past. Not that past motherhood was better or by any means easier, but our modern western culture espec…

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I grew up with blessed skin, was sooo lucky, no acne as a kid, no issues to speak of, but here’s the catch — I didn’t realize how good I had it, and basically did everything…

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Mother’s Day is coming up! Instead of a gift roundup I wanted to share a collaboration created by a Mom I know and admire — Joyce Lee, designer and creative consultant, mommy of 2, and au…

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