Love, Niya

Hello from my neighborhood cafe. It’s a Summer Friday, and although I wasn’t short on time, I wanted to get out of my apartment quick to run an errand, enjoy an iced latte and create from a third space. Whenever I’m in one of these moods, running out in a semi-hurry, I find myself gravitating towards classic style — a tee (Uniqlo baby tees are my best friends, although my latest Depop usage suggests I’m re-entering my vintage tee era), denim (typically a Levi’s 501, whether new or vintage, and lately this pair has been heavily in my rotation), a loafer which is my favorite type of flat (I am constantly alternating between pennies, link is not my exact pair but something extremely similar, and these tassels. If you want to splurge, which I plan on doing for myself soon, buy these). Lastly are touches of interesting jewelry, which, for the most part I have thrifted or bought when traveling. Jewelry is one of those things that I believe are deeply personal and need to be bought on a whim, not necessarily to be shared — sorry, but I will gate keep mine.

The image is pretty clear, though. It’s classic. Simple. Not doing too much but refined in the same breath. It never misses, which is why it’s perfect for the days when I: a. am in a hurry, b. don’t know what to wear, or c. the outfit concoctions I imagined in my head are not actualizing as something I actually like.

Like my uniform, this newsletter is filled with refinement to service the moments where you need a simple return back to self.

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Your mini inspiration vault — delivered from The Archive.

Retail news worth paying attention to.

Raboesy: Perhaps not new for you, but new for me — this footwear brand inspired by effortless, French style carries the most insane assortment of Tabis I’ve seen in the market. I never thought I would be a Tabis girl, but Raboesy is really convincing me otherwise. Currently in my cart are: this classic black leather pair for everyday appeal, this red leather option with gathered details because a red shoe is important and very French, these loafers and also these kitten heels because I don’t think there is such thing as having too many leather thong sandals.

I’m constantly searching for non denim pants that feel put together enough to wear back to a t-shirt. Last Summer, I bought a pair of silk/satin blend pants in black from Reformation which I wore through the Fall and this Summer as well. Right now, though, I want a Taffeta option, preferably something with color to get credit for the fabric. In black, it feels pointless. Perhaps any of these options in my cart will suffice:

• Chan Luu — for when I want an interesting waist, adorable back details and in the mood to wear pink pants

• Donni — for when I want to wear Salmon instead

• Ref — for when I want to look expensive in low rise Chartreuse

Before I go, I want to say that Melodrama may earn commission if you purchase using these links.

Alright.

Adios amour!

xx Niya

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Love, Niya

Hello amour — it’s been some time since we last spoke. My time away from this newsletter birthed a new perspective that I have been wanting to share, but I needed time.

Welcome to the world of Melodrama — a digital publication created for the romantics, the observers, and the well-dressed, like me. Through a subscription to Melodrama’s Substack, you will receive access to Big Spender, the weekly column filled with fashion moments worth paying attention to and the emotions they evoke. This column will be published on Sunday mornings, with the intention of enjoying your morning coffee alongside a slow read in a space that brings you peace. Linked to the weekly column is The Archive, your daily inspiration vault, located on my favorite visual platform, Pinterest.

Enjoy and as always, happy feeling <3

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Inevitably, I want to talk about Summer. It’s depressing that we’re already halfway through the season, but I promise to keep it light. What does Summer make you feel? To me — Summer is for lovers. Summer is for hyper-romanticized life. Summer is for iced cappuccinos, breezy nights, butter yellow nails, mixed metals, salty hair, flip flops, rain drops, dainty jewels, clean perfume, rosy cheeks, kitten heels, freckles, tan lines, sitting seaside, and my favorite — beauty inside of the quiet moments of everyday life.

In the Summer, I want to feel daintier than usual — hyper-feminine. I ditch my leather loafers for sandal heels, paired back to baggy denim and a white baby tee for my typical uniform. Or Perhaps a tank that offers an interesting stripe or delicate lace trim amongst the same base. Effortless, big curls, ring stacks, layered necklaces, a fresh pedicure, dewy skin, cream blush, a tiny bag. You get the picture.

Your mini inspiration vault — delivered from The Archive.

Retail news worth paying attention to.

FYI: I may earn a commission from these links.

GAP x Hailey Bieber: I want to preface by saying this collection is already sold out after maybe a week. Sad for those of us who wanted to buy and didn’t get the chance (me). Not sad for Gap or Hailey. Nonetheless, I’m sure we’ll see this come back in stock soon.

Anyways — Gap, iconic American brand known their casual everyday essentials as well as their multiple viral collaborations, recently partnered with Hailey Bieber on a nostalgic 90s denim collection. The capsule was tight, featuring two pairs of denim — the extra baggy and the low rise loose — both marketed as The Hailey Jean. If I were to guess, I would say the collaboration was birthed when the brand got a lot of buzz after Hailey was pictured multiple times wearing one of Gap’s best-selling pairs, the 90s low rise loose jean, which I also own and wear at least once a week. Pro tip: size up for a baggier fit (I wish I did this), purchase your normal size if you want to appear as the model, and never size down — otherwise the design intent is lost.

Mirror Palais archival sale: If you love romantic pieces, premium craftsmanship, curated vintage and are native to New York or visiting, I would definitely head over to this archival sale in the city this weekend. This brand is known for high ticketed goods, but the craftsmanship is truly unmatched with premium fabrics and small order quantities that warrant the price.

Trend Alert: 3/4” sleeves are everywhere right now. I wouldn’t consider myself a trend-chaser, but this is one that I am willing to lean into because of its inherently classic yet romantic feel.

• Exhibit A: Kotn recently launched a small collection of pretty pointelle tees, all made from lightweight, organic cotton with one of them being this 3/4” sleeve beauty.

• Exhibit B: With Jean, one of my favorite destinations for romantic tops, has several 3/4” sleeve items in their assortment. Although, she’s probably my favorite because the ruffle feels romantic but when paired back to denim, it feels cooler. They also offer a more classic option in a fabric that drapes beautifully in dress form and top form. I fear both are in my cart currently.

• Exhibit C: CouCou, French brand known for their organic cotton undies and loungewear, has been offering this viral raglan that leans sportier than the other options I’ve served up for you.

Ciao for now!

xx Niya

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Sometimes, a girl just needs a bit of a spark to get there.

Anyway, how are you? I hope well. I have missed sharing with you all.

The past month of my life has been spent with family, so many new faces and a ton of solo time. It’s felt incredibly empowering, invigorating and most importantly — fun! I have been trying to master balance in my life and while I’m not quite there yet, I am slowly becoming better at it. I’ve been trying to prioritize my feelings over the meticulous idea of a consistent routine. This works in my favor equally as much as it doesn’t at times, and I’m okay with that. I’ve done my best to let go of control over situations and people, and in return it’s only made me feel lighter. 12:12

I feel like the stage of life I’m in now is transformative and transitional — much like the weather.

The In Between

So, here we are again — in another transitional period between the slow fade of Summer and slight glimmers of Fall. The air is beginning to have the slightest chill in the early mornings. All it’s missing is the beautiful breeze at the end of the day. I know there are many people sad about the end of Summer, but I couldn’t be happier about the start of Fall. I’m about to thrive in my cozy wardrobe. Tailored coats, knee high boots, floor length dresses, cashmere sweaters, merino wool everything, suede bags, loafers, ribbed loungewear sets, cozy socks, deep reds, shall I go on?

Here is what’s on my wishlist (in addition to the above, of course):

Tops

• I’m so obsessed with the minimalism of this merino wool cami. It can be worn now while it’s still semi-warm and also as a layering piece under a jacket or chunky sweater for future weather.

• I’ve had this Realisation Par halter in my cart for months now, and every time I look back at it I wonder why I never purchased. So, I finally did. I imagine myself pairing this with baggy denim and a sleek boot or heeled sandal while it’s still warm out.

• I love a clean, classic style. Everything about this poplin shirt is perfect, which is why I immediately added to cart.

• There are so many things in my cart from & Other Stories’ new arrivals page, including this cashmere tee and the corresponding striped long sleeve tee styled underneath.

• Lastly, and also from & Other Stories, is this cozy alpaca cardigan. Its versatility is what makes it so appealing to me. It can be worn to work or to the movies but also while running errands and just for fun.

Jackets

• I sat with my mouth open for at least three minutes when I saw this parka. The color is so good. The price point is a bit scary though.

• I bought this the second I laid eyes on it. It’s a two-for-one convertible wool cashmere blend jacket — it was just too good to pass up!

I definitely need to focus on buying more coats…

Bottoms

• I’ve been eyeing these oversized wool trousers for at least two months at this point, but I’m still contemplating the $400 price tag.

• So, clearly I have a thing for grey pinstripe trousers…

• When I think of denim to wear for Fall, I immediately think of rinse wash. Take, these relaxed jeans and tailored shorts for example.

• Do I need hot shorts? Asking because it feels like I really need them in leather.

Shoes

• I don’t see price tags when it comes to shoes. So, when I see sexy heels like these or chic The Row alternatives like these, I just have to pull the trigger.

• I’m very intrigued by these square toe loafers. They also come in leather. Still trying to decide if I need both.

Europe Is Calling

I don’t know why Parisian energy has been so alluring to me lately, but it feels like everything I’ve been loving lately is French. Delicate and sexy brands like CouCou and Yse have flooded my credit cards with purchases. Not to mention, corners of my apartment are practically turning into those cute little Parisian coffee shops you see on Pinterest. I even bought a 1960s vintage poster from a precious Parisian man and woman in the West Village. I don’t know what it is. Europe is calling me.

I would kill to be in Copenhagen for all of the cool girl street style, especially during Copenhagen Fashion Week. The glimpses of shows and outfits I’ve seen on Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, The New York Times, and endlessly on Instagram is making me have so much fomo. To be surrounded by all of that beauty, in real life, would be ethereal.

Have you ever thought about what makes cool girls look so cool? It’s their confidence. They exude happiness and a solid foundation of knowing who they are and walking in that. Perhaps, I’m beginning to see this more and more in myself, and it makes me incredibly happy and proud.

With that being said, here are some of my favorite looks from Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Get excited!

That’s all for now. See you next week!

xx Niya

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I was no more than five minutes into my walk when the rain began to pour down on me. My little Target umbrella was not capable of keeping me dry from the pouring rain. The cherry on top was the thunder that followed. So, there I was caught in the midst of a thunderstorm, my white linen pants soaked from the rain, and my hair frizzy as ever. At this point, I could have easily turned around and ran back home, but the remembrance of the salon’s 50% late cancellations fee drove me through the rain and straight to the salon.

On the bright side, my nails came out great and it sparked a bit of inspiration!

Where Is Everyone Traveling To?

How often did you travel as a kid and how does that compare to how often you travel now? What is the average amount of trips a person takes per year? Is Memorial Day Weekend really that big of a deal? These are the things I’ve been thinking about as I walk around the city watching people pop out of their buildings and into taxis with carryon suitcases and duffle bags. I wish that was me right now! A trip to Spain or Japan or Italy or the Caribbean or literally anywhere outside of the US sounds amazing.

I’m dreaming about poolside with a margarita and a good book — can I make this happen in NYC? But also, the thought of sand between my toes, a mojito and a teeny bikini sounds quite nice as well. As a person from the West coast, not being beside a body of water in the summertime feels very strange. Hence, the reason why I began shopping as if I was headed on an island trip. Unfortunately, this trip is only in my head.

Let’s give her some life — shall we?

Exactly one year ago today, I was living it up in Spain, walking around the city for miles and indulging in endless wine and olives. Want to read about the experience? Here you go:

There is something in the European air that makes the people who live there so carefree. They all seem so unbothered with the seriousness of life and choose to just live. I am working towards doing the same. I mean, we all have our stressors and triggers, but I think that as a society — in The States, at least — we love dramatizing our life. And, in return, all I get are head and neck aches. Let go!

When I think of a Euro summer, I think of romance — so the fashion must reflect that.

All The Frills

My favorite types of clothes to wear on Summer days are intricate, feminine and easy. By easy, I mean effortless. Even tricked up silhouettes like these micro crochet shorts or this chiffon halter top are throw-on-and-go pieces. I’ve grown to become a big fan of maxi skirts and dresses as of lately. Last summer, I was all about my red silk midi. I paired it with baby tees (solid and graphic), easy tanks and other iterations of minimal knit tops. This summer, I really want to add this Dissh lace maxi to my wardrobe. I can already see myself wandering around the city, eating, and shopping in that beauty.

When it comes to footwear, I love that an easy sandal can be paired with endless many outfits. I recently purchased this pair of platform leather sandals from Ref, and I couldn’t be more excited to rock them. Heeled sandals are another favorite of mine, especially when heading to dinner and drinks. In which case, I want to look a little more buttoned up.

Buttoned Up

When it comes to city nights, I want a moody ambiance. I crave an aesthetically pleasing restaurant with tasty food, fire drinks and music that’s not too loud but just loud enough. I want to wear crisp fabrics, pleated pants, denim that fits really good, sleek kitten heels and silhouettes that compliment my figure. Perhaps, what I’m trying to say is I want to feel tailored.

Helsa has been amongst my favorite brands for shopping for this exact look. The brand encapsulates a chic, effortless energy that is so captivating! A piece of what draws me into brands — product aside — is their imagery. Helsa, for example, has a very clean and aspirational sort of imagery that feels inviting. There are so many brands that do this well: Frankie Shop and Massimo Dutti for other clean and chic references, Doen and Sezane for feminine and pretty energy, Buck Mason for a classic Californian look, I can keep going…

What I’m attracted to is the beauty in the individuality of each brand. They all have a very distinct look, and to me, that is aspirational.

‘Till next week!

xx Niya

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I really want to shop right now! I’m trying to make more adult, financially responsible decisions at the moment, so online shopping has become my new vice. For this reason, I’ve had to get more creative than usual when I’m getting dressed in the morning. For years, I tried to be the type of person that lays their clothes out the night before, but it just doesn’t work for me. Nine times out of ten, I end up changing multiple times out of frustration because what I wanted to wear doesn’t match what I actually want to wear in the moment. And then I’m rushing to get where I need to be and I’m irritated and my day is starting off with negative energy. I refuse to do that to myself anymore, so now I buffer additional time for myself to get dressed in the morning which, in return, kickstarts my day with a focus on how I feel.

Another thing this does is show a clear pattern in the items you wear on an everyday basis. Usually, when I’m online shopping, the things I end up purchasing are very emotional. But, lately I’ve been thinking about where I have holes and what I need more of. I call this closet analytics.

As the big spender that I am, I made a list of all the things I wish I had in my closet but are sitting in my shopping cart instead.

Summer In The City but Make It Corporate

When running around the city, all I want is to feel airy and look chic. Work attire in the summer has always been particularly tough for me. Most of my Summer wardrobe consists of low cut tops, silk slips of all kinds — dresses, skirts, camis, strappy sandals and shorts that could use a bit more length. None of these options are HR approved, hence, the need for more work appropriate attire.

I struggle with shorts, specifically, which is why I love the jorts I’m seeing in the market this season. And when I saw jorts, let me be clear that my inspiration is late 90s / cusp early 2000s outrageously oversized denim shorts.

My take on this is baggy with a wee bit of tailoring at the waist. For example, this pair from Lioness is in my shopping cart. I actually really like the tailored leg here. The length is perfect, and the wash is really good. I would wear this to work with a kitten heel and perhaps a cotton cardigan on top and my everyday leather tote. On days where I’m not feeling denim and want a different choice of fabrication, these chino jorts are a great option from Citizens. For linen, this Cos pair is everything.

Speaking of linen, there are a lot of chic options to be added to my closet this season. It’s an effortless choice, and most of the things it’s made in come with great ease. If this Massimo Dutti dress wasn’t sold out in my size, I would have snagged it a long time ago and paired it with these leather sandals that are also sold out in my size.

Elevated Essentials

When it comes to everyday items, I need a really good tee. I am a t-shirt and jeans girl at heart, so a good fitting white tee is everything. It’s not just one silhouette either — I need a boxy tee, an oversized tee, a shrunken tee and many graphic tees. The same goes for denim. I have a pretty large assortment of denim in my closet, yet I always find myself rotating between the same mix of vintage and new age Levi’s. I need denim for all occasions and moods. Most days I am on a baggy vibe (here’s my favorite pair), but other days I crave a wide leg. Sometimes, a good straight leg sounds right (this has been more frequent as of lately), but I never do a skinny jean.

In last place come button up shirts. I’ve been on a button up wave lately. I constantly find myself returning to my closet looking for one to wear as a comfy oversized look or as the perfect third layer to my summer look. Summer pops in a crisp striped shirt is my favorite. For example, this ray of sunshine from Frankie Shop. This one is a bit more classic in color but the bold stripe adds a modern twist. Here’s another really good option.

Running Up, Down and Around

The last category of my shopping wants and needs are cute, casual clothes for errand running and dog walking. We all know I like to get dressed up, but when it comes to running around the city or doing small everyday things, I just want to be comfortable and feel effortless.

Enter, track pants. I’ve had my eye on this pair of Adidas track pants for months. I really want them as a traditional option and these as a more fashionable option. Perhaps I’ll buy this elevated silk option which I can pair with my favorite Onitsuko Tiger sneakers. My other go-to option for dog walking, specifically, is a cozy pair of baggy sweatpants. I cannot stand a tailored pair of sweatpants. In my opinion, the only reason to own a pair of sweats is to be as comfortable as possible, so why would I want to constrict my legs and waist? Now that it’s Summer, a sweat short is the necessary next choice behind the track pant.

And that’s where I’ll leave you today — in a sea of beautiful clothes.

Happy Tuesday!

xx Niya

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Speaking of, have you seen the viral videos of a man running around NYC asking people what makes them confident? They’re all over TikTok. He’s spotted celebrities, social media influencers and tons of other strikingly confident people.

Point in case:

@confidenceheistYou have to believe in yourself #confidenceheist #inspiring🌍withconfidence #davidcarmi #confidence #beliefinyourself #selflove

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For me, confidence took a little bit to find. It wasn’t until I started making real efforts to figure out who I am, what I like, what I want, etc. Confidence comes from a deep inner knowing. It has many names — intuition, God, the universe, alignment, balance, self love.

So, what makes you confident?

Welcome back to Big Spender! I can’t believe we’re already at volume 8. This column is my favorite because it’s the foundation of this newsletter. It’s everything I love — shopping, fashion, muses — wrapped into one.

Today, I’m serving up a twist on summer essentials. Enjoy!

Show A Little Skin!

It’s getting hot outside ladies and gents. Summers in New York are hot, muggy and include random spurts of rain every now and then. Time to show a little skin!

Some of my favorite things about Summer dressing are tiny tops and strappy sandals. I also love a good dress, preferably mini, that flows with ease. That really sums up the overall vibe I’ve been striving for lately — effortless. I’m up for anything that looks easy, molds with my body and gives chic.

Aritizia is amongst one of my go-to brands when shopping for two things:

1. Sweats

2. Basic knit tops

Take, for example, this tube. In black, it’s chic and simple. I can pair that top with denim jeans or shorts (perhaps a jort like this one?) trousers or a track pant or maybe underneath a button up shirt with leather flip flops south of the ankles. The options truly are endless, which means it’s a must buy.

Side note: I find the way I’m lusting over flip flops hilarious considering I once hated them. I would wear them often as a kid, but as I got older I began to find them really ugly. And look at me now. It’s funny the way life brings you back to yourself.

Anyways, back to tiny tops. The Frankie Shop is a great destination for very chic and a bit overpriced elevated essentials. For example, this knitted top. My speculation is that it’s a sweater, but it could also be a substantially thick knit. I am very disappointed to find myself on the waitlist for another Frankie Shop item, yet, here I am. Can someone tell their buying department there’s an opportunity for more depth in stock?

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Where does one shop for cute accessories? For whatever reason, I have the tendency to wear the same bag and rotation of shoes at a time. It’s like going in a circle, and I want to break free of it and try something new. For example, I would probably have never purchased a bag like this because it doesn’t feel classic. But, I figured why not? It’s fun, is a reminder to not take life too seriously and is the perfect lunch bag. I would have also purchased this bag if it weren’t sold out. Sad, I know.

I’m really into belts these days. I feel like they add such a subtle touch but make the biggest difference in the holistic vibe of an outfit. Take this one, for example. It’s classic and chic. Adding this subtlety to an outfit can make it feel complete.

Other cute subtleties include shoes like these heeled leather sandals. They look like they were pulled from the 90s, and that’s exactly why I love them. Here is another option if you’re in the mood to have more fun. I love them because they look like they were pulled from Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment.

And that’s where I’ll close us out today — admiring the beauty:

xx Niya

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PS: This week’s issue may be a bit too long for email readers, in which case you can read along on the Substack app!

Per my last post, I’ve significantly reduced my Instagram and TikTok usage, resulting in an ever higher usage of Substack, Pinterest and Youtube. While Substack continues to be my favorite digital avenue for reading, Pinterest has my heart when it comes to visuals. I use my Pinterest profile as a means to manifest my future and also give myself the occasional motivational pat on the back to move onwards and upwards, which is something I’ve been needing a lot lately.

A very relatable Substack thread based on my current feelings:

The majority of people on my recent timelines live on the east coast and have been complaining about their lack of sunlight. I can’t tell if this synergistic energy is my own manifestation coming to a possible fruition or if it’s just a sign that I should express more gratitude for the sunshine I’ve been experiencing lately. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying sunny walks in the morning, brighter nights and weather hovering around 70 degrees. My only complaint is the allergies that this season disrespectfully brings along.

While in this transitional season — not quite done with Winter but also not in Spring yet — I’ve started preparing my laundry list of seasonal favorites. I haven’t started my Spring shopping yet, but if I was, here’s what I would buy into:

Spotted In Playful Femininity

Mood-boosting, playful, simple yet chic and completely underrated like a good ol’ stripe — here comes the resurgence of polka dots.

Patterns, like most things in fashion, are cyclical. So, when I saw tiny dots pop up in Zimmerman’s Resort RTW 2025 show, it felt as familiar as running into an old friend right when you need them.

From the model's’ head scarf to her pink ruffled skirt and sheer black tights, I love the play on variety in shape and size of dots — classic ovals atop of whimsical hearts below.

I’m a sucker for floral appliqués on any garment, and the addition of soft polka dots amongst the black ground is chef’s kiss!

Other examples include:

Romantic Textures

I’ve never been a huge fan of lace. The idea of a lace garment, even in lingerie, has always felt sexy but uncomfortable to me — perhaps this is because of my extremely sensitive skin. However, I must admit how deeply I love the romanticized play on feminine texture in the market right now. From printed organza to lace slips, crochet mini’s and pointelle in luxe cashmere, it feels fresh, flirty and perfect to carry us into Spring and beyond.

What we’re seeing in the market now is a clear reflection of mainstream and indie brands catching up to Chloe’s FW 2024 runway we saw late last year, and I’m not mad at it.

Conversation Starting Jewelry

My jewelry collection is small but mighty residing in a pastel blue bowl I made in a pottery class over a year ago. I rotate between two pairs of small gold hoops and never take off a colorful but dainty necklace I got in Spain last summer. I’ve tried over and over again to be the type of girl who wears rings on a daily basis but haven’t managed to find my staple pieces. No matter how hard I try, the rings last on my fingers for maybe a day and then find their way back to the bottom of my collection. I can’t be the only one who finds them slightly uncomfortable? It could be because I’m not used to the feeling of jewelry on my hands all day. Nonetheless, I’m still trying.

Earrings are my true love, and while I long for more earlobe piercings, I don’t know if I want to sign up for the care portion. It’s a small blip of time for the long-lasting aftermath of added ear candy, but I just haven’t been able to commit.

That’s all for now! See you next week.

xx, Niya

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My shopping wishlist has taken a new form within the past couple of weeks. Lately, my consumption has been focus on things that fuel mental clarity grounded in self-care. For the past couple of months, I’ve been trying to get back into a better self-care routine inclusive of consistent writing, reading, journaling, working out and waking up early! Within the past few weeks, I’ve been searching for a yearly planner to keep me on track with all of the things going on in my personal and professional life. My best friend, when it comes to organizational tools, are planners, and I have yet to find the perfect one for me. I have a short list of criterias:

• A monthly overview to outline important dates such as birthdays, payment/bill due dates, appointments, travel plans, etc.

• Weekly planner pages inclusive of a general overview for top priorities, habit tracking and a separate note-taking section

• A daily breakdown where I can list my to-do list, personal appointments, mood tracker, meal planner, water intake, and most importantly, a daily intention that I can fill out at the start of each day

I fell in love with the flirty cover of this productivity planner from Papier but didn’t end up purchasing because I felt like there was something missing. My next go-to was Etsy, as it’s a great destination for supporting small businesses and attaining unique, often handmade, items. I found a planner on the platform that has lots of monthly, weekly and daily organizational tools but haven’t purchased yet because I’m still deliberating. Here it is. While the spiral notebook is a plus, I don’t love any of the front cover art options. Because of my dilemma with both planners, I decided to take a stab at creating my own.

Similar to the productivity planner I found on Papier, I manipulated the color story of a very similar template I found on Canva.

From there, I built out a daily planning page, again, manipulating elements from multiple Canva templates adjusting the color story, headers, segments and cute little design details to my liking. It took me a few hours to land on this layout, and I think I might just build the weekly and monthly pages I’m looking for, print them out and use these instead of buying a branded one. Another option would be to use this as a digital planner, but there’s something about putting pen to paper to start my day. While it’s not the most sustainable option, it’s just what I’m looking for.

In other news, living outside of the city has really impacted my daily fitness journey. I use the word “fitness” pretty lightly considering I was really lacking a consistent workout routine. However, I did walk everywhere, and I absolutely loved it and miss it dearly. In fact, the most walking I’ve been doing lately is walking my dog around the neighborhood, and even that, I can do a better job at doing on a more consistent basis. Every time I have taken my dog for a walk, though, the first thing that comes to mind is my lack of cute dog walking clothes. If you have a pet, what do you wear (aside from leggings and a t-shirt)? I need something that keeps me warm during the brisk mornings but light enough to keep me from sweating dramatically during my walk. I’m also looking for functionality. I need tops that can hold my phone, keys, AirPods, and pepper spray (I'm currently living in a place with lots of roaming coyotes and would like to keep myself and my small dog safe from them).

My favorite types of tops to wear while walking, but also just in general, are teeny tanks that are fitted enough to not require a bra. As a small chested girl, I have this luxury. This red tank from Free People Movement is adorable, comes in a variety of colors and has a really flattering fit. Similarly, I love the ruching detail at the bust of this tank from 437, paired with its matching v-cut leggings. Speaking of leggings, I like to layer half crew socks over top of mine for warmth (I guess?) but mostly because I like the look. These ribbed socks from SetActive are amongst my favorite ribbed socks I’ve ever owned.

I typically struggle with traditional functional outerwear because they’re rarely ever cute. But, this cropped number from Free People Movement is beautiful, not only because of the color but also because of the belted detail that gives the appearance of a snatched waist whilst walking. There is also this jacket and pant set from Alo that has mesh panels throughout the leg and arms. I wasn’t sure if I liked this at first, but after several glances, I actually think it’s really cool and functional by providing ventilation while walking!

xx, Niya

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Has anything ever felt so good to you that it makes you want to cry? It might sound weird and totally exploits my emotional sensitivity, but I often feel this way when it comes to really good food and really good fashion.

Cue the song, Crybaby, by SZA.

I have had SZA’s new deluxe album, LANA, playing on repeat in my apartment every day since it dropped. I am a huge fan of her music, so I was one of the people that were disappointed when the album was not available the morning it was supposed to drop. Nonetheless, I love every single song and feel like they are all somewhat relatable.

I haven’t been on social media as much as usual as of late because I’ve had a lot going on in my personal life that has taken up the majority of my time. My screen time has declined by almost 30% with my daily average at a little over two hours which is impressive but also so eye opening that I had been spending so much time on my phone! But, of course, TikTok is the one app that I can’t seem to not doom scroll on, and shortly after LANA dropped, I saw a ton of chatter about it online.

While there are plenty of people who love the album, like me, there are a lot of people who don’t. For example, I saw a lot of chatter about how SZA makes music for people with “high self esteem and low self worth”.

Here is another example of some hate:

I have so many thoughts on this.

Is it that us, SZA fans, are losers with low self esteem or is that you don’t know how to enjoy music that is made for sitting with your feelings? You would think that with all of the constant promotion of self-care, therapy and wellness on the internet, there would be more people that are in tune with themselves and less people that are still spewing out hatred.

What is so bad about sitting with your feelings? To me, that should be viewed as a super power because it’s so necessary.

Anyways, what was the last thing that made you cry happy tears? For me, it was seeing this photo of Tracee Ellis Ross in an insanely good green leather jacket from Loewe.

Assuming this is a paparazzi pic, but do you see the way she looks back like “oh, hey”. She’s is so effortlessly cool!

Her look along with the infamous jacket has made its rounds on social media and even landed on Harpers Bazaar in 2023. I’ll admit, I’m late because I saw this for the first time a couple of months ago.

Here is another example of amazing outerwear. Only, this one is from one week at a red carpet event . I love the exaggerated proportions of the trench and the subtle touch of logo at the collar.

All of this got me thinking about the amount of really good outerwear I’ve seen this season. It feels like it needs to be celebrated.

Although it’s still cold outside, I am slowly seeing more brands include resort wear on their new arrivals pages. During this time of year, I typically see a big spike in Denim, specifically in outerwear. I love the fashion-forward play on this pocketed denim jacket from ALIGNE that also gives the appearance of a snatched waist. Barrel shapes have been very popular in the denim landscape for the past few months but mostly seen in bottoms. I find the same pushed proportions of this ALIGNE jacket to be very refreshing in the form of outerwear. If you live in a cold region or just want additional warmth, I would wear these denim jackets as tops and layer underneath warm calf length coats!

Speaking of coats, I am obsessed with this burgundy herringbone wool coat from Rouje. If you’re looking for additional warmth at a shorter length, this J Crew shearling jacket is a great option. It’s very chic and easy to style and layer for Winter.

If you can’t tell, I love a waist length coat with a structured collar. As I mentioned earlier, we are entering the transitional phase between Winter and Spring where brands are starting to offer lighter weight pieces that still offer some layer ability. It’s still a bit early for me to purchase linen, but I love this structured cropped linen jacket in this beautiful saturated red from Ref.

Saving the best for last (in my opinion), introducing Sezane’s Bobby Jacket, aka the Clyde Trench Coat’s shorter little sister. If you want to maintain the trench coat vibe without committing to the longer length, this is a great option.

I hope you enjoyed and are staying safe amidst the devastating LA fires. My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected. Please donate and volunteer if you can!

xx, Niya

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Happy New Year! I can’t believe it’s already 2025. 2024 really flew by, for me, at least. I experienced so much change this year — moving to and out of a new city all in the same year, starting a new job, and a lot of other noteworthy things that are a bit too personal to share. None of this change scared me in the slightest when I was going into it. If anything, I was thrilled at the opportunity to try something new. A lot of the change in my life is slowly coming to an end and the timing is purely coincidental to the start of a new year.

Change can feel really scary. In this strange transitional period, I feel equally as scared as I do hopeful. For me, maturing is realizing this is just life. We go through peaks and valleys and are just trying to find our footing through it all. I am a deep feeler and an even deeper thinker. This gets me into big trouble sometimes because of introspective nature. Ha, my Scorpio is showing. Beginning a new chapter of life simply forces you to be introspective, and it’s not a bad thing. Often times, that deep self reflection brings you closer to yourself.

Even my Instagram feed agrees! Let this be a reminder to slow down and check off the boxes as they come. Oh, and to bundle up because baby, it’s cold outside!

I think we are going to see a big shift in more womenswear brands leaning heavily into femininity. If you keep up with runway shows, you might remember Chloe’s Winter 2024 show that had major boho-chic energy. In general, it feels like we are in an era where womanhood is heavily being celebrated. From a spike in charting female musicians to a resurgence of this energy in fashion, it feels so empowering. Hence, my need for this For Love & Lemons asymmetrical sweater that I plan on wearing for my next girls night out.

For Love & Lemons is one of my favorite brands that solely play in a sexy yet sweet lane. They are usually my go-to for overtly feminine dresses and tiny summer tops, but the last time I was browsing their site, I broadened my horizons and scrolled through a few additional categories. I was stunned by this sweet, cream sweater and short set. During this chilly weather, I’ve realized how badly I need to switch up my at-home loungewear from solely sweatsuits to something a little more exciting.

I have a newfound love for French brands. I discovered the brand Rouje recently through work. The reason I enjoy this brand so much is because it has that same through line of sweetness as For Love & Lemons. This pink mohair sweater is a testament to that. Another brand I found out about through work is Soeur. They have some of the best, most chic outerwear I’ve ever seen. For example, this double faced wool coat that has a detachable collar. If I use girl math, that’s basically one coat for the price of two.

Speaking of…I really want to participate in wearing cold weather accessories. I am already a big fan of cozy socks, both for the purpose of wearing around the house and for walking through the city. It’s just that when it comes to beanies, scarves, balaclavas, good quality ones pack a mighty punch when it comes to price. However, they really are essential if you live in a place that has cold Winters. So, I guess I will be purchasing my first cashmere head accessory, and it will be this. Also, this chic Navy head scarf that has buttons to adjust to my big curly hair. Can’t forget about these cashmere socks, too.

I recently came across a photo of Tracee Ellis Ross in the most insane cherry red patent leather boots on Instagram. She was pictured with two magazine editors (I think?) inside of a store I don’t remember the name of, probably because I was too busy staring at her boots. They were tucked into an oversized pair of black wide leg trousers, just like this (same vibe, different outfit):

What I find the most attractive (appealing?) about fashionable people like Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Hailey and Just Bieber, Princess Diana, Zoe Kravitz, the list goes on… is the way they let their personality radiate through their clothing. That, to me, is what makes someone stylish and cool. It’s the ability to unapologetically show up as yourself everyday.

And with that, I’'ll leave you with this vibe I created, which highlights all of my muses and things that feel like a reflection of me:

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love, Chinaya

How do you feel about the holiday season? Do you have traditions, big or small, passed down or self-created, that have taken root in your life? I have one — spend time with family.

The older I get, the more I want to infuse tradition into my life. I would love to start with my home decor, transitioning my interior along with the seasons as I do with my wardrobe. I also really want to create a recipe journal. At the start of each week, I like to create a weekly dinner schedule to keep my grocery shopping list concise and take the pressure off figuring out what to cook after a full day of work. The goal is to mimic my already established weekly dinner menu into the recipe book with the ingredients listed below so that I can rotate through multiple seasonal staples throughout the year. It may seem small or sound silly, but the incorporating these traditions in my life serves as one more thing to look forward to each season.

When I think of tradition and the holiday season, my mind automatically goes to annual holiday parties. Have you attended one yet? If so, what did you wear? Unless the dress code is made very clear, it can be difficult to find your footing.

For the past month, my inbox has been flooded with holiday campaigns and gift guides from clothing companies and fashion editors. More recently, I stumbled upon this Instagram post of former E! News host, Morgan Stewart McGraw wearing runway Marc Jacobs at her annual holiday party.

When I saw this post, I audibly gasped. The playful, pushed proportions of this head-to-toe look screamed Marc Jacobs. Not to mention, I had just read this article from Vogue’s December issue written by the designer detailing the youthful energy behind his newest collection. This is the corner of fashion I am the most attracted to — the inexplicable, impractical, emotional pieces that really pull at my heart strings.

I feel like that is what the holidays are all about — light-hearted energy and youthful joy — aren’t they?

With the millions of holiday attire out in the market right now, I tracked down a handful of items I would actually wear when hosting or in attendance of a holiday party.

I am an emotional shopper, so when it comes to getting dressed for an event, I want to show out. My favorite thing about the tops on this page are their hints of drama. Whether it’s the chiffon train falling effortlessly off of the FL&L model’s shoulder or the feathers on the Sleeper set sleeve, the vibe is giving she’s not here to play!

That is where I leave you today. I hope you enjoyed & happy holidays!

xx, Niya

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We’ve officially entered the time of year where everyone is obsessing over their yearly Spotify wrapped. I compared similarities with friends and family, but more than anything, I've seen how much these yearly recaps have flooded social media. Alongside Spotify Wrapped, there is Apple Music Replay, creating equivalent end of year music centered recaps but not nearly as talked about.

I am a loyal Apple Music user, but for music specifically. My 2024 replay results were of no surprise to me. If anything, I was very impressed by my loyalty to artists and genres I love. I am embrace how I am to my core.

This year, I learned to embrace who I am to my core and do whatever I can to lean into it. When I love something, I am consistent. Hence, why my most listened to albums this year and last are both by SZA. Her music carries a freeing feeling. Songs like Good Days, Go Gina, Luther are inspiring because they are filled with feelings of wanting to embodying everything you are in the present and future.

The analytics of my music choices inspired me to take a “wrapped” approach to my wardrobe in 2024 as well.

Almost every item I’ve acquired throughout the year has been very classic pieces that have a fun twist. For example, these silver Onitsuka Tiger 66 have easily been my most worn shoe this year. The ways to style are endless, and the sneaker itself is insanely comfortable to walk around the city in.

Wandering around the city, hopping from coffee shops to farmers markets to dog parks, bookstores, intimate boutiques, and more is my favorite part of living in the city. Getting dressed has and will always be a spiritual process for me. I like to open my closet and feel inspired. That way, sifting through my closet for what to wear feels freeing, and I get to be creative in the way I intertwine the pieces.

As important as fashion is to me, practicality is also. In the Fall and Winter, I need to feel warm, so I splurge on polished wool coats and cashmere sweaters. This fine-gauge cashmere sweater from Reformation has been my most worn sweater of the Fall. I love it because it’s one of those pieces that can just be thrown on without thought. It has the perfect shrunken fit, can be easily layered with a white tee underneath to casually poke out of, satin pants, white sneaker. Boom. Too easy. The more I gush about this sweater, the more I realize it’s a sign that I need to add more colors to my rotation.

I also fell in love with Buck Mason this year. It was an instant connection. As I was walking home from the nail salon on a random Saturday afternoon, I decided to pop into my favorite coffee shop in my neighborhood. On the way over, I walked past Buck Mason, paused to look through the window, then kept on my way. A few feet later, I walked into the coffee shop, grabbed my latte, and made a B line for Buck Mason again. I left the store about half an hour later with a bag of goodies and a hit to my credit card balance.

I have been living in their slub tee and ribbed scoop neck tanks ever since and desperately need to go back for a few more colors.

Another major obsession of mine this year were the Levi’s Baggy Dad jeans. These baggy jeans remain superior to all of my other denim in my closet. The perfectly slouchy fit and lightweight fabric literally make them feel like sweatpants which is exactly why I continue to wear them.

When I love something, I really love it.

Some other examples are:

• In the Spring, I was constantly reaching for this heavyweight Mariner sweater. I love how the stripe is equally as grounded in Black as it is in Bone. The ease of the silhouette is perfect for those moments where you just want to throw something on and go.

• I had been on the hunt for a barn jacket for a while when this Everlane barn released. It was, by far, my most worn casual jacket this Fall.

• I am a big fan of SKIMS for their underwear, pajamas and loungewear (so basically everything). This sweats set is extremely comfortable for at-home wear. The only tweak I would like in the sweatpants is the option for a shorter inseam for the under 5’5 girlies like me.

• Aritzia, by far, makes the best sweats I’ve ever owned. They are perfect for lounging around the house, wearing to the airport, grabbing quick early morning coffee, dog walks, and so many more things.

• I bought this Anthropologie bag at least 3 ago, yet I continue to wear it every Fall. The size makes it the perfect errands bag.

• These Doc Marten suede slingbacks (sold out, here’s something similar) are the most comfortable pair of slip on shoes I own. The versatility and elevation of such a casual shoe is too good to not wear with everything.

• As someone who has a short torso but also someone who just embraces my inner Gen Z, mid rise bottoms are my best friends. These bias cut satin pants from Reformation are the most convenient pair of throw on and go pants I own. The comfort and elevated look are impeccable.

That’s all for this week’s newsletter. I hope you enjoyed & happy shopping!

xx, Niya

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With the chilly weather upon us, all I want to do is curl up on my couch in cozy pajamas and loungewear. With all of the Black Friday emails flooding my inbox, I knew it was time to take inventory of my wardrobe and spot the holes so I could plan my holiday shopping accordingly.

First, were sweaters — check. I might have bought one new sweater for the past three paychecks. Next, denim — major check; perhaps I have too many pairs of vintage jeans. I didn’t bother to go through tops because the obvious answer was I have tees for days. Next on the hit list were shoes, which you can never have enough of. By the time I got to loungewear and pajamas, I was shocked at my lack thereof.

The path to my shopping cart was clear, so I scoured through some of the favorite brands’ websites and documented the mixture of items I either purchased or never got the chance to due to selling out.

There is something quite beautiful about the way this time of year invites us to cozy up inside. In this week’s issue, I wanted to explore warmth done in a luxe, easy way.

The CouCou floral printed henley and Sleeper feather pajamas are tied for my favorite look on the page. Both are whimsical and pretty yet also look extremely comfortable. They’re also long sleeves, which is a plus given the weather. Not pictured are the matching CouCou floral printed pants that feature a thin elastic waistband and straight leg shape. Next on my hit list was the Alo chunky knitted hoodie that also has a matching pant friend. Per usual, I copped both.

On the list of things I didn’t buy due to being sold out or because I’m still deliberating are:

• The dark charcoal Frankie Shop oversized sweatshirt with pushed proportions. Not quite sure why I didn’t purchase this given it feels very aligned with my casual at-home style. Perhaps, it’s because I can’t quite understand whether its “lightweight” aspect determines whether it’s Fleece or French Terry? My intuition is saying it’s the latter which is not suitable with what I’m looking for.

• I wish this oxblood Skims set didn’t sell out so quickly. The honest truth is Skims’ products sell out too quickly and can sometimes feel frustrating. On the other hand, that is a part of what makes shopping so fun. It’s the hunt for something that sparks a feeling and suddenly your credit card is out.

• After several attempts at searching for the perfect new pair of sweatpants, I stumbled upon these Aritzia sweatfleece cargo’s. Although I’ve stared at this pair a million times, I somehow still haven’t pulled the trigger. It will probably be my next pair of sweatpants; I just need a little more time to deliberate.

• I still plan on buying this cream Free People jogger set. I mostly want it because the model is selling me on a feeling and an honest reflection of myself — free flowing and happy wearing a pair of giant pants. Psst…here’s the matching V-neck pullover.

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The holes in my outerwear collection can bucketed into three sections: coats, puffers and jackets that function as tops.

1. Coats, wool coats with good drape, to be exact. Reformation has this really good chocolate brown one on sale now. It was too good of a deal not to snag, so you can only imagine my disappointment when I tried to add to cart and saw “join the waitlist” instead. This long double breasted wool coat from Frankie Shop has also been tugging on my heart strings. Sadly, Frankie Shop did not have a Black Friday sale, so this was one of those things that will sit in my cart until I feel strong enough about buying it.

2. Scrolling through Sezane’s new arrivals page is always a good time. I manage to stumble on something I love every single time. For example, I wish I had known about this velvet jacket back in late October so I could purchase it in time to wear for my birthday.

3. I’m in desperate need of a good puffer jacket, specifically one that is water proof and wind resistant. I’m not typically someone who wears puffers — I don’t know why I find them a tad juvenile. However, the second I saw Aritzia’s campaign for matching SuperPuff and RuffPuffs, I knew I had to have both.

That’s all I’ve got for this week’s newsletter. I hope you enjoyed the first issue of Big Spender. Happy shopping!

xx, Niya

Thank you for embracing the new direction that this newsletter is going and for your patience during the past quiet period.

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