Rat Diet No. 1

What I'm consuming that isn't super depressing.

Just a couple of quick notes up top:

• My friend says I use a lot of parentheses. (Sorry.)

• After I mentioned Plasticana clogs in my first letter, the brand’s founder, André Ravachol wrote me an incredible open letter on the company website. I just want to say: thank you for reading, and for your great sense of humor!! Now is the perfect time to buy Plasticana’s recyclable waterproof shoes.

• My mom is very concerned that I purchased those $900 Celine jeans I mentioned two weeks ago. Don’t worry, I did not. I just meant that I would if I could.

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What I’m Dumb Obsessed With:

I’m not ashamed to admit that I am an active participant in the Taylor Swift x Travis Kelce relationship mania, so much that I actually tuned in to the game last Sunday night. Here’s why:

• I love when celebrities do their jobs, which is provide us something to talk about other than our own depressing lives—and boost the economy while they’re at it.

• I love harmless conspiracy theories.

• It’s fun to have a crush!!! I know it’s probably not real, but Taylor Swift is uniquely skilled at harvesting those stupid, bubbly, obsessive feelings that keep us young and alive.

In conclusion: Forget Mad Men, it’s time to start re-watching Friday Night Lights.

What I’m Doing:

I went on a culture shopping spree this month and somehow didn’t get COVID.

• I went to a Liberty semifinals game at Barclays Center and had the time of my freakin’ life. Fran Lebowitz was there! So were Alicia Keys and Tierra Whack. Remy Ma performed at halftime. The MC did this dystopian free throw challenge with an audience member where they had 60 seconds to try to win as much Bitcoin as they possibly could. It was incredible. (Wait, am I sporty now?) If you can, try to go to a finals game.

• I saw Stop Making Sense at BAM and now I finally get the whole giant suit thing. (Demna was clearly inspired this season.) Great White Guy Dance Moves.

• I was supposed to go see my friend Emma’s play, Mary Gets Hers, but it was the Rainpocalypse and I’m so sad that I missed it! More dates, please!

• I also saw JOB with Frank from Succession and it was honestly too much for me. But afterwards, I got French onion soup and a patty melt from Revelie Luncheonette, the new Raoul’s diner, and it made my day.

• I went to see the New York City Ballet, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

• And I’m traveling to London next week, where I’m going to see the Hot Priest play every single role in Uncle Vanya. It’s going to be mad, as the Brits say. Can’t wait.

What I’m Reading:

• This throwback New Yorker story from 1944 about New York’s war on rats.

• This Curbed story about the most influencer-friendly spot banning photos.

• #Jess wants me to tell you not to buy these Crocs, but idkkkkk, the more I look at them, the more I want them…

What I Want to Buy:

• I saw a guy running errands in my neighborhood in this Snow Peak fleece and it reminded me that I forgot to buy it last year, when it was still in stores. It looks like you can find it (and in a few other colors) on secondhand sites.

• I love this store, Rennes in Philadelphia. I would like this neck scarf and this beautiful blazer, and this hat.

• While I’m in the UK, I’m going to see if I can try to find this Cawley coat in person.

• I’ll never reveal all my RealReal obsessions, but I wish I could get this Norma Kamali jumpsuit from the ‘80s; this Mugler skirt suit; and this Prada backpack.

What I’m Actually Buying:

• Change your underwear, change your life. I’ve been looking for an easy, comfortable bra for everyday, and I found this one from Negative that I’m really into. It’s super soft and actually flattering. Kind of tight, though, so maybe size up.

• Heattech, obviously. I didn’t realize they make an “ultra light” version now. This is helpful for someone like me who always wears it way too early in the season and ends up sweating profusely at functions.

• I check every single day to see if this Muji men’s trench coat is back in stock in my size... Pray for me. I’ve been to the Soho store four times now and no dice. This Uniqlo U one is also out of stock. Argh!! The Great Trench Race is real. By the time I get the one I want, I’m sure it will be puffer season.

• I went hard on Pleats Please because it’s so easy to pack in a suitcase and I like a uniform when I travel.

What I’m Laughing At:

The original Shop Rat!

What I’m Listening To:

I’m in Scotland with my family right now and I didn’t realize that Sophie was from Glasgow. RIP.

NEXT TIME: Something substantial to chew on.