Week in Review #23: Rethinking how we shop
What really makes a wardrobe work, after all?
Have you had a chance to watch Netflix’s new documentary, Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy? If you haven’t, I highly recommend it. It’s an unfiltered look at how modern shopping habits are shaped by marketing, psychology, and, often, manipulation. Watching it was both inspiring and sobering — and it left me with some big questions I’d love to share with you:
Are we choosing items for their longevity or simply for the thrill of something new?
What role should sustainability and durability play in how we shop?
How do we balance the joy of adding something new to our wardrobe with a commitment to sustainability?
And perhaps most importantly: What does enough look like for each of us?
These questions feel especially relevant as we navigate a world full of fast fashion — SHEIN, H&M, Zara, and so on — seasonal trends, and instant gratification.
Truth be told, my initial draw to quality over quantity was born out of necessity. In my 20s, I didn’t have a large budget to work with, but I still wanted to explore and express my personal style. Over time, my disposable income has shifted, but the philosophy has always remained the same: I’d always rather focus on fewer, better things that I love, that are made well and that will be able to be worn over and over again for years and years to come. A closet of 30 killer items would be better than a closet with 200 so-so items any day.
Why Intentional Wardrobes Matter
When we focus on fewer, better things, we create space for a wardrobe that works harder for us. Key accessories — like a timeless belt, a pair of versatile earrings, or a classic handbag — have the power to completely transform an outfit. They allow us to lean into freshness and variety without feeling the need to constantly buy more.
And then there’s the question of quality. In terms of accessories, materials like brass, leather, and gold aren’t just beautiful; they’re sustainable, made to last and able to be recycled over and over again.
When it comes to clothing (whether new or an epic vintage find) high-quality natural fibers like like organic cotton, linen, alpaca or wool are strong and long-lasting, often becoming softer and better with age.
How I’m Applying This to My Own Closet
This week, I took a good look at my own wardrobe and asked myself: Am I getting enough wear out of the pieces I have? Am I gravitating toward staples that feel like “me,” or have I let trends that I like on other people sneak in? What items bring me the most joy and value?
Your Turn: Let’s Talk About It
Now I want to hear from you. What would your answers be to the above questions? How do you approach shopping with intention? Do you think about the materials your pieces are made of? How often do you reach for accessories to breathe new life into what you already own?
Hit reply and share your thoughts — I love hearing how others navigate their wardrobes and balance consumption with their values.
Here’s to a wardrobe that works for you, not the other way around.
xx
Natalie
December Moodboard
Luxe. Cozy. Communal. Here I tried to capture what this month is all about — connection, warmth and celebration. Also, pretty sure I am going to print out that quote and put it on my wall because it is gooooood.
Skincare Update
On my Q&A this week I got asked for a skincare update and honestly it wasn’t a great one — I’m still trying to manage monthly breakouts, and I’m confident my round of antibiotics over the summer didn’t improve the situation. (Very much working to improve my gut health daily because I know skin & gut are deeply connected!!)
Based on a friend’s recommendation, I ordered 3 products from Marie Veronique to try (I already love their retinol) — this tonic, this serum and this oil.
I’ll keep you posted!
A Few Recent Outfits & My Style Words
Comfort is the name of the game lately and I don’t hate it. In fact, I realized this year that “comfortable” needed to be added into my personal style words because it is so core to how I end up choosing a final look. While I love the Allison Bornstein 3 Word Method, I now have 4 words (I’m sure she’d approve still)…
Elevated
Effortless
Comfortable
Cool
Here’s how I put those words into practice over the past week or so…
Nashville & San Diego — See you next week?!
We have not one, but TWO in-person events next week and I would love to see you there if you’re nearby.
NASHVILLE EVENT
I’ll be popping up at Yearly Co for the morning on Wednesday, 12/11 from 10-12pm. I’ll have some hats, belts, French Pins and sunglasses with me, and of course you’ll be able to shop the gorgeous fine jewelry from Yearly Co. It’s going to be fun! Quick details here:
Wednesday, 12/11 from 10-12pm
Yearly Company
4107 Hillsboro Circle
Nashville, TN 37205
SAN DIEGO EVENT
On Saturday, December 15th we are hosting a very special pop-up event at the NBD Studio with my dear friend Karla Reed from KR Vintage. You will have a chance to shop our curated collection of vintage accessories, NBD accessories, and her one-of-a-kind, reworked denim patchwork jackets. We’ll have champagne and charcuterie and it’s going to be a great time!
Details below, and you can RSVP here:
What I’m Reading & Watching
READING NOW: Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz (from my Book of the Month box).
READING NEXT: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
WATCHING THIS WEEK: Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, Silo (Season 2)
Hope you have a great weekend — until next time!
xx
Natalie
P.S. You might also like…
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Hey Natalie! Apologies if you've already shared this, I'm a new follower - may I ask where the beige trench in the first photo of this newsletter is from? Thank you! Looking forward to consuming more of your writing!
I was wondering if you were planning to sell the style of the Connie Huggies in the New Year? I have worn my pair every day for over two years, but Friday lost one while walking my dog. Do you have any back stock?