Week in Review | 02
An anniversary, my first-ever bag launch, and what a difference one year makes.
This week has been a big one and I’m definitely ending it on a very positive note feeling filled up and grateful, and also very reflective…
First, Brian and I celebrated 15 years together and 13 years of marriage on Tuesday! Below are some little moments from the day — we both took the day off from work and enjoyed a full day of hanging out together for a walk by the coast, a day at the spa and dinner out at one of our favorite local spots, Wolf in the Woods. It is an absolute gem of a restaurant here in San Diego and you must go if you haven’t yet — their corn soup will change your life.
Secondly, yesterday Abby Alley and I launched the Basket Tote privately to our email lists and they sold out by the afternoon! We are blown away by the response and decided to open up a pre-order for anyone who missed out on it. It’s always scary to put something new out there in the world, and I’m so glad to see that so many of you love it too. I’m really proud of how it turned out and will be wearing it all spring and summer long.
Lastly, I’m admittedly in a very reflective mood this week because it was exactly one year ago today that I launched a business that didn’t end up working out. While I’m not interested in rehashing that, I can’t help but see how much can happen in one year. I never could’ve imagined 365 days ago that I’d be sitting here in my little studio by the sea, talking about a bag I designed, packing up orders from my own brand, and feeling legitimately low stress and happy. The Natalie that existed on April 19, 2023 was so far from that place, it’s wild.
Why share this? Even if just one of you needs to hear it, it’s worth it — don’t confuse a bad season for a bad life. Just because something isn’t working right now doesn’t mean it’ll be like that forever. A lot can change in a week, a month, and certainly a year. Follow your gut, keep at it, and don’t lose sight of what’s important to you.
Whew, okay, off my soap box now. Let’s keep things moving…
Thought of the Week
3 Effortless Spring Looks with Sézane
Blue, cream or gold, which do you like best for spring? Which would you be more likely to wear? I couldn’t possibly choose because I wore all three this week — for work, mom life & a date night out. I love how easy, comfortable and casual they are while also feeling elevated and cool (aka my ideal combo).1
Currently Reading: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
I started this one in Hawaii and expect to finish it by tonight — I’m so close! What are you reading right now? Anything worth recommending? Let us know in the comments so we can add it to our “to read” lists.
Until next time!
xx
Natalie
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We are looking at a season that may be radically relieved by a year from now. This post was such an encouragement. Like the sight of loved ones' waiting for you with water and big cheers a mile from the finish line. Thank you for vulnerably sharing your own life and growth with us. It's always an encouragement. Your leadership is a gift, Natalie.
Also, SO PLEASED about the sellout! What both NBD and AA are doing to reallocate American spending to purchase ethical, sustainable products, made by women so they can empower and support themselves - you all are doing such good work for humanity. This is the Kingdom showing up on earth. Thank you.
Congratulations celebrating your anniversary!!
You have a decade on my husband and I; already feel like the last three years have flown by! Sounds like the most beautiful way to spend it together.
And more Natalie soap boxes please! I look forward to winding down on your Substack with a glass of wine after the babies are in bed. It’s my dangling carrot through bedtime routines 😅
& cream! I can never turn down the dreamy cream fits. Even though blue is my favorite color the cream is just so elevated and classic to me. 🤍 makes me feel so feminine which is refreshing after spending all day in workout clothes.