Friday's Simply Smitten

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“Her passions are made of nothing but the finest part of pure love”

-William Shakespeare

Happy Friday! London Bridge is falling down… What in the world is going on with Kate Middleton? Are you also consumed by this bizarre mystery? At first I thought the conspiracy theories were in jest. A few distasteful. However, now I am starting to worry about her wellbeing and whereabouts.

What tipped me over from silly Twitter banter to being a theorist myself is, of course, the infamous photoshopped failure. It’s not the photo in questioned that alarmed me, it’s what followed afterwards. The Palace is clearly aware of everyone’s theories and concerns, so why not have Kate come on Instagram Stories and tell us she is ok. She doesn’t have to reveal anything– we are not owed that. I believe seeing her in person would put an end to all the speculation, and now, allegations that are swirling. My personal theory is that it’s not as severe or consequential as some believe it to be. I believe there was a complication with her hysterectomy and she is taking extra time to heal. I do believe we will find out what is really going on at some point. Someone, whether it be a Royal member or close source, will leak the information.

Besides being completely consumed by #KateGate, my week was pretty busy. Last weekend I went to Raf’s in Nolita with a few friends for brunch. Raf’s is a newish (year old) French and Italian bakery. I thought it was a cute little restaurant that was perfect for brunch, but also would be great to stop by for happy hour. After brunch we went shopping up and down Elizabeth Street and into Soho. It was a lovely day!

I have finally decided to do something about the pain in my neck and traps. For a quick reminder, over two years ago I was in Penn Station running to my train with a large weekender bag propped up on my shoulder. I felt a sharp pain that ran from my neck to my shoulder. By Monday I could hardly move my neck, and if I was lying down I couldn’t get back up. Since then I have gone to the chiropractor and acupuncturist. While they both helped relieve the pain temporarily, it’s 2 years later and I am still having issues. I booked an appointment with a sports medical doctor (recommended by my physician). He assessed my mobility and strength of my neck, back, and traps. Luckily I still have full mobility but it is a little weak. The doctor said that I pulled my muscle and will now have to go to physical therapy to help it heal. It turns out that what I have been doing to help relieve the pain was causing more damage and irritation; massages, foam roller, massage balls, stretching, Theragun. What I am to do now is lay off of it a little– do not overstretch or overwork the muscle. I am now fully modifying my movements while I work out; not using weights at the moment or doing planks. Hopefully going to physical therapy will completely heal my muscles and I can go back to not chronically feeling pain all the time.

My week wasn’t all work and pain relief, Wednesday morning I went to the DIFF Eyewear press preview event at the Carriage House— the one on Christopher Street. It’s this cute little event space in the courtyard behind Greenwich Letterpress. Press previews are different than regular events. They are by appointment only, as they individually take you around to view the seasonal collections. DIFF had their new sunglasses and glasses collection on display, as well as their more athletic line.

After viewing the new collections I sat down with astrologer Frances Vuillemin to read my birth chart. I have done a variety of readings but never had my birth cart explained. I like astrology. I find it fascinating. I do not fully understand all the planets in a certain sector stuff, but I sorta get the gist of it. Anyway, my birth cart reading was encouraging; I am on the right path. Excited for what is to come! The event was lovely and I got to go home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Rosecrans. I absolutely love Rosecrans, I stop by there almost every weekend. Their flowers are so beautiful and unique.

The rest of my week was filled with my usuals: work, DanceBody, and reading. I had a photoshoot this morning with my photographer Lauren. We shot a few spring outfits. I am pretty excited to share!

What I am watching: I finally watched Poor Things… and am now traumatized. I have mixed feelings about it. i think it’s very creative and well made. The acting is phenomenal and Emma Stone deserves all the awards she received. The costumes were fabulous and the set designs were amazing. I even liked the premise of the story. However, I found it to be grotesque and a little too provocative. I am not a prude at all when it comes to intimate scenes in movies or television shows, however, there does come a time when it’s a little bit too much. Poor Things intimate scenes were a little too much and too often. I also understand it is an adaptation of Frankenstein so I, of course, knew going into it there will be unorthodox surgeries and experiments. I still find them grotesque. Overall I thought the movie was thought provoking and creative.

I started watching The Gentleman on Netflix. Another show that I have mixed feelings about. I do like it and continue to watch it, but also do not think it’s the greatest show I have ever seen. The more episodes I watch the more I enjoy the show. I can see it being a hit or miss for a lot of people. Theo James, however, is very handsome and makes watching the show much more enjoyable.

Speaking of handsome men, did you watch the Oscars? I absolutely loved Ryan Goslings “I’m Just Ken” performance. I have watched it a few times since last Sunday and it really brightens my day. It’s so unserious and fun – one of the best performances the Oscars have ever seen. The rest of the show I enjoyed. I was very pleased with how many amazing outfits there were on the red carpet! I had a hard time narrowing it down to a few favorites to share– but you can see my top picks for best dressed of the night here.

What I bought: I am slowly getting ready for vacation! I bought this raffia bucket hat that I have been eyeing for the past few summer seasons. I bought these new raffia slingback platform sandals for a more casual vacay look. Last but not least, I bought this floral dress to throw on for dinner.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

Dresses To Wear On Easter Day

Substack: Style It: Easter Outfits

LTK Spotlight: Swimwear under $50

Top Seller: Print long-sleeve caftan

This weekend I have nothing on the agenda but to get ready for vacation. I still need to shop for some more outfits to wear, as well as a possible new swimsuit. I am sure I will do my usual frolic around the city. If the weather is nice enough I will go for a run on the West Side River Park.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Lindsay Lohan interviews Lindsay Lohan

2. How gorgeous is this dress for vacation

3. A very pretty floral skirt

4. Classic wicker handbag

5. The best vintage and vintage inspired looks from Oscars night

6. Enjoyed this Q&A with Aerin Lauder

7. Queen Charlotte’s only surviving dress

8. 30 elegant spring table and centerpiece ideas to try

9. Could your antiques be haunted?

10.Historical romance series to read

Weekend Sales