Five Things (7.3.26)

Mrs. Kleofas’ Rooster by Gyula Krúdy + The Row 90’s Bag

1. June came and went, then the sun returned to usher in July. There’s romance in the gloom, but only in small doses. (Consecutive weeks of grey, in summer, don’t suit my temperament.) But perhaps it was necessary; as much as I was plagued by insomnia this month, June was also a time of deep rest. I slept in often. Worked in even, unhurried spurts throughout the late afternoon to early evening.

What a delicious luxury to wake up without an alarm or worse, a Slack or Teams notification—then roll out of bed to write.

2. Live shopping on TikTok, specifically for pre-loved luxury bags, has been my vice. It’s the millennial and Gen Z equivalent of QVC and late-night infomercials. A dangerous thrill, really. And while it can be fruitful for building an interesting bag collection—shoppers get access to exclusives typically only available in Asian markets—this has also been a front-row seat to behavioral economics. The ecosystem is fascinating, with a language entirely of its own.

Is anyone interested in a firsthand guide?

3. Paloma Wool finally opened in L.A., and I’m eager to report that the Mopit—the viral halter top—is as flattering as you see online. Do I need another top like this? No. Do I want this in every color the Spanish label offers? Yes.

4. I’m down to my last Muji Polycarbonate Ballpoint Pen. I hoarded a stash of these, even settling for the 0.7mm tip when the 0.5mm was nowhere to be found—even on eBay, where I stocked up on a pack of 20 from some random seller. Stationery lovers will understand the feeling, I’m sure.

5. ‘Tis the season for guava juice! Happiness, in a fresh-pressed bottle. (Another favorite I should buy in bulk, come to think of it.)

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xx