Love List 007

I hate to admit I haven’t written a Love List since January and I feel sad about it. For too many reasons, I have felt less inspired which has led me to feel less creative. The past 5 months have slipped by in a flash and my to-do list has only been getting longer, not shorter. But with every stagnant period in my life, there always comes a break where I feel like myself again, find joy in the small things and often have a jolt of creativeness.

The Love List is not supposed to be too serious and mainly a moment for me to express gratitude and appreciate a few things and moments every month. Just like Patrick Kelly who wrote down everything that brings him joy, which inspired me to do the same.

With all that said, here are ten thing that have recently brought me joy and I hope something or someone brings YOU joy today!

1. Gin Gimlet

   I was introduced to a crisp gin gimlet a few months ago and it’s now my go-to drink! Something about it feels nostalgic, probably because my grandmother always drinks gin. I’ve enjoyed broadening my drink options (finally, at 32 years old!) and this feels like a perfect one to take me through summer. I’m still figuring out the best gin brands…any suggestions?

2. Vogue Poland

   I recently had the honor of being featured in Vogue Poland as an archival collector. Moments like these remind me of how grateful I am to spend my days researching, preserving and sharing fashion history. What began as a personal passion continues to open doors I never could have imagined. The feature felt especially meaningful because my family immigrated from Poland to the United States in the 1800s, making it feel like a small full-circle moment. To be recognized by a publication connected to my family’s roots was both deeply personal and incredibly special. It served as a reminder of how our histories travel with us and how unexpected it can be to reconnect with them through the work we love.

3. Gainsborough at The Frick

   Few things inspire me more than spending time at The Frick. The current Thomas Gainsborough exhibition is a reminder that elegance never really goes out of style. The portraits, fabrics and attention to detail feel as relevant today as they did centuries ago.

   

4. Mini Orchids

   I have become completely charmed by mini orchids. They are delicate without being precious and somehow make every room feel a little more thoughtful. A small luxury that delivers far more joy than its size would suggest. Pro tip: I like to purchase mine at Whole Foods.

   

5. Rebecca Taylor on The Real Real

   Rebecca Taylor was one of my favorite designers in high school. For every special occasion, I seemed to find my way into one of her pieces. I remember exactly where her “section” was at Neiman Marcus, too. Lately I’ve found myself searching the brand on TRR and it’s become a bit of a time capsule. I’ve even come across pieces I once owned and completely forgot about. Seeing them again feels like reconnecting with a younger version of myself and a reminder that great clothes often carry far more memories than we realize! I had this exact dress!

   

6. Roberto Cavalli Prices Then & Now

   It was peak pandemic, Summer 2020, and I was browsing The Real Real when I decided to purchase a few things as a treat as there wasn’t much else to do. One of items being a stunning Roberto Cavalli dress that was $92 (exclusive of tax and shipping)! I recently found the same dress for over $1,000 on TRR the other day and my jaw dropped. It’s such a perfect example of how vintage prices have skyrocketed. In this case, it went up 10x!! It makes being in my position so interesting because I wonder how the prices can keep going up? Will the pendulum swing and we will see a vintage Cavalli dress for under $100 again?

   

7. Vintage Roxy

   I’m not sure what led me here, but I was thinking about my first internet purchase ever (like, ever) which was a pink Roxy, Hawaiian print rolling suitcase. It was the first time my Dad ever let me use his credit card and it became a moment that imprinted my brain. Roxy was THE brand for young girls and I’m sure I saw this suitcase on Zoey 101 or in a magazine and decided I needed to have it too. My Dad had no problem buying me something practical and knew I’d take care of it. I’m almost positive this suitcase is still somewhere at our house! This thought a few weeks ago led me into a deep dive of the brand. I was trying to find a photo of the suitcase when I started shopping for old board shorts. I’m excited to wear these this summer and remember those fun childhood memories and the happiness the brand brought me all those years ago.

   

8. Intersections Podcast feat. Elaine Agather

   I listened to Elaine Agather’s conversation on the Intersections podcast and found it incredibly inspiring. As someone who grew up in Fort Worth and attended both high school and college there, I’ve always admired seeing women from my hometown achieve extraordinary success on a national stage. Elaine built a remarkable career in finance, an industry historically dominated by men, while earning a reputation for leadership, integrity and relationship building. What I found most compelling was not just her professional success, but the way she speaks about people, community and long-term relationships. She’s a reminder that ambition and kindness are not mutually exclusive and that some of the most influential people lead with both strength and grace. She’s currently the Global Vice Chair at JP Morgan Private Bank and has gone through 11 mergers. Listen to her interview here.

9. Bumper Stickers

   Perhaps it's the Americana in me, but I’m fascinated by bumper stickers. The funny ones, the political ones and the really weird ones. I wonder what possessing people to put them on their cars? Here are a few good ones…lol!

   

10. Becoming Less Impressed

    The older I get, the less impressed I am by titles, status and appearances. What stands out now is character, consistency, generosity and curiosity. It’s one of the most freeing shifts I’ve experienced and one I hope continues with age.

That’s all for now! Thank you for being here! Happy summer xx

Chandler