ICYMI: The Aria Trench, Lush Life At Home + Selling My Handbag Collection + Affordable Bags For Spring
A glorious roundup for Easter Weekend, from yours truly. To read in full, be sure to read in the Substack app :)
Hello Lush Life friends,
I’ve been having a great deal of writer’s block lately. I, like so many of you, have been overwhelmed with the state of the world- that sinking feeling of constant chaos. Some people fight, some people freeze- and if you’re like me, maybe you retreat.
After a few days (too many to count) of being an indoor cat, in my home office- I finally decided to step outside for fresh air and to see a friend’s (Dalyah Jones) art exhibition that she curated with an incredibly talented artist, Brian Junior.
It was the medicine I knew I needed, and didn’t know why it took so long to muster enough energy to move about the world.
The past few weeks I’ve seemingly been in a haze- tackling life’s problems, spending a great deal of mental energy processing all the changes happening in our country, and of course, the world.
When I feel, I feel deeply- it’s so difficult to turn that side of me off. I do often wish I could just bury my head in the sand and be oblivious to everything happening.
It’s put me in a space of lethargy, with many days feeling unmotivated, uninspired, obsolete.
Today feels different though.
Today, I woke up, following my morning routine, did marathon strength training with my personal trainer, and began to deep clean the apartment.
Cleaning has always allowed me to mellow out my thoughts, and to help brighten my mood- I resumed my simmer pot (I hadn’t put one in on a few weeks, and its a mood booster for me), pressed play on a lovely record, and zoned out!
I’m hoping you lot have a lovely weekend, and find time to get back to center, whatever that looks like for you.
Today’s musing is a mish mash of things, some worth documenting- and some probably are TMI.
Cheers,
Aria
*Affiliate Links: I want to be transparent about how I earn a living. My curated edits feature affiliate links, which allow me to retain a commission for creating and promoting my content, and items I love, sort of like a referral fee. Should you decide to purchase, the brand is responsible with sending me a small commission for plug and promotion. This of course, is at no additional cost to the consumer.
The Perfect Simmer Pot for Spring
If you’re new here, welcome! Please know that ever so often, I chat on my love for a simmer pot!
It’s incredibly simple, yet it has maximum impact. Freshens and scents the home, creates ambiance- and if you’re scent sensitive, I think a simmer pot is the perfect way to freshen your home without overwhelming your nose.
I’ve tried so many different recipes- from dried rose petals to mint and so on.
My favorite recipe is one I snagged from Williams Sonoma many years ago, and it’s tried and true.
I use my dutch oven, and use the following:
Recipe:
2 tablespoons of Vanilla Extract
1 whole lemon, sliced
3 sprig of rosemary
A handful or dash of peppercorns
3-4 cinnamon sticks.
Et voila, you’re all set. I refill once a day to prolong the simmer pot as needed/desire. I also skip peppercorns from time to time when I run out and honestly, I don’t think I notice a huge difference.
You can see the original recipe to bookmark here.
What I’m Listening To:
We know I exclusively listen to Jazz and classical music, and have for a number of years.
These days, I have no idea who the new pop star is unless of course, my personal trainer plays them on his playlist for our workouts- or scrolling through Instagram.
That said, I have fallen back in love with this record. I remember when this album was released- a departure from Larrieux’s eclectic neo-soul roots, and an album sonically simplified in constrast to her repetoire as an artist.
This record makes me feel like Spring season, embodied. With her spinto soprano vocals, crisp and ethereal over classic jazz standards.
It’s a short album- give or take 45 minutes. But it’s lovely. I’ve been replaying it on repeat. Out of all of her records, I’ve more than likely streamed this the most.
This was her unexpected wild card album, but I think it’s actually some of her best work. I wish it got more praise for it’s role in contemporary jazz music.
Handbag Funeral
If you follow me on instagram or know me personally, you’ll know this has been a 3 year journey, slowly but surely whittling down my luxury designer handbag collection.
3 years ago, I had an impressive designer handbag that I was quite fond of, and at many times quite proud of. Each of the 50-75 pieces were symbolic of all the incredible milestones I had made in my illustrious career- from the early days running a transgender drop in center or coordinating behavorial health research studies for UCSF and SF State University- and of course, the more memorable efforts as a Senior Advisor to a Mayor, the public policy work and of course, The district.
While I felt proud of these accomplishments, I also have had to acknowledge that these pieces were acquired in an attempt to self soothe. When no one congratulated me, I congratulated myself. And much deeper, my obsession with these pieces was a form of escapism from the realities of my day to day.
I’ve written on this a great deal on this platform previously- so I’ll spare you the full story.
That said, The Real Real retrieved the final 14 pieces I had been holding on to. Intermittently this past 2 years, I’ve slowly but surely parted ways with my favorite pieces- some of them a time capsule of yesteryear, some were sentimental- pieces I wore to the Great Pyramids of Giza and throughout Egypt with my partnership with Intrepid Travel, or Switzerland. The clutch I wore to have tea The Queen of The Netherlands. My first purchase in Paris after previous trips to Paris where I was broke. And many others, were unfortunately less considered impulsive purchases acquired during my travels.
(I am that person that when I travel for work or play, I kind of go “balls to the wall” about everything, excited to be out of the house.
I have had a history of getting caught up, only to have buyer remorse when I return home and look at the new item and the Citi Bank statements).
But I have the memories, and I certainly have the photos. But moreover, I am proud that I am releasing something that is not serving me anymore.
I have retained my most favorites, but I did whittle everything down to 6 bags I could not live without. And who knows- I may whittle down even more.
The point in this for me, is really zeroing in on my journey to redefining what abundance looks like.
Redefining success.
And, I have spent a fortune on these things- they need to be worn. I want to wear my pieces down to the ground.
Until the wheels fall off.
I run my own business, I work from home.
My closet began to feel like a museum of a past life. A life I no longer lead- and now feels foreign to me. A shrine if you will.
I am still a fashion girlie, and am luckily working with brands I adore- so I need variety for styling that I imagine most might not need. But even so, I am so much more content.
Let’s also not kid ourselves- things are also scary, especially as a freelancer. There are multiple motives in this exercise- self preservation, saving for a rainy day, and ensuring I am able to clear invoices with my partners, and keep working.
I wish it wasn’t a component, that I just organically found my way in this direction- but I think it’s also ok to normalize complexity. I am having a raised consciousness whilst at the same time ensuring my financial needs are met as my work has slowed a great deal. Two things can exist, simultaneously.
Down the line- I’ll be sharing links to my The Real Real listings from my closet, and perhaps to yours.
Some are pieces of iconography from Gucci, Loewe, Fendi and more.
And some, are not bags but scarves (Hermes, Gucci) and accessories.
More soon.
The Aria Trench
I didn’t design this beauty, but I’m lucky to be a muse for Cynthia Vincent, founder/designer of BAACAL.
I’ve shared with you all in a number of musings recently, and am excited that this coat has been released. BAACAL does currently sponsor 1-2 musings per month, and I excitedly also receive clothing in gratis, which has been fantastic in helping me decide which pieces I absolutely love and are the new heroes of my wardrobe.
The ARIA trench is literally ME in a coat. If you know, you know I love my precious handbags (alligator and snakeskin bags- PETA don’t fight me!), and I love animal prints.
They to me, are incredible neutrals- forever timeless, a pop of vibrancy, and yet somehow, understated whilst being bold.
If you are someone who lives in neutrals- the ARIA trench will be your workhorse top layer for most of the year. A fun injection of print that will blend seamlessly in a neutrals color palette. If you tend to live in Black, I definitely suggest the leopard version of the Aria trench, as it’s so classic.
The python print will pair well with those soft grays, chocolate browns, beige, ivory, cream, and peach tones beautifully.
For me, it’s the perfect lightweight jacket. The fabric is incredibly soft and fluid, while still having great weight.
If you are someone who lives in color, a peek into my instagram and you’ll see I’ve already styled it in pink and color blocked, and plan to do more.
I live in Houston, where today is 91 degrees- and has been the past few weeks. It won’t cool down again until next January (look at me learning the weather patterns!).
But many of you are in climates with true 4 season weather, and I highly (shamelessly, plugging) encourage you to consider this as the new hero for your closet.
If animal prints aren’t your thing, no worries, I don’t judge often :-) You can shop my edit of trench coats from BAACAL here.
I personally love the Delia Trench in a beautiful almond beige-brown. It’s very much THE ROW coded, slightly oversized, gorgeous lapels, wool fabrication. Chef’s kiss.
I know most of my folks on here are not in fact plus size, so please know on the Aria LTK shop, I always plug both plus sizes and straight sizes.
These days, I’m in between a size 10/12- though sometimes opt for a size 14 for something more oversized.
So I feel like I have a reference of what’s happening in fashion for both the smaller folks and the curvy folks.
I opted for a size 2 (14/16) for the Aria trench so that I can layer in the colder season with sweaters.
More To Explore
Spring Handbag Edit:
While I may be offloading the near entirety of my babies, you might be browsing around for something new. (no worries, I’m not judging and I still eyeball the marketplace from time to time).
Spring and Summer, for me personally, allow me to come alive. Though I am a winter girlie and I love the fashions- even I with my love of color, kind of fall into a routine. Spring ushers in a new awakening, a refresh for me, and I think I see it most in my wardrobe.
A Pop Of Color
I love bold color, this we know. I’ve been eyeballing this beautiful yellow bucket tote.
At $150, I think it’s exquisite. Portland Leather is new to me, and after doing a deep dive, there are some really vocal enthusiasts who rave about the quality of their leather goods.
Pebbled leather finish (my personal favorite), and a soft suede interior. Each of their bags come in a variety of colors and leather finishes (suede, smooth, pebbled), and feature very minimal branding. Their bags also come in Small, Large and Oversized. And yes (to my male subscribers), I think these pieces would also be great for you all too.
Depending on the size you select, I think they could be a new hero for travel, day to day errands, a new work tote.
Let me know if I should order and give you all a review! I’ll happily gamble for the cause!
You can browse my selection of high quality and intensely affordable handbags here.
Vacation Bae
I know, I know- with the looming recession and tariffs and mass layoffs- consumer research is showing that if people are spending money on anything at the moment, it’s experiences.
And I hear you. I love indulgent experiences. Whisk my away to St. Baarths, please.
But what am I wearing?!
Like, I just might need a beautiful pineapple shaped raffia bag to set me in the mood for a 4 day stay in Cabo. Perfect for poolside, but also perfect for when you’re back home and are going to summer brunches and pool parties. Or if you’re like me, a trip to the museum or a day at the coffee shop and a good book (simply wear her crossbody).
If you’re in the mood for a raffia bag to sling around from carry-on to beach cabana, this one caught my eye and is reasonably priced.
And if you’re looking for a dupe of Bottega Veneta’s 2025 raffia hobo, I LOVE this one.
I considered, but I don’t need another large size bag since I have the denim version of the Bottega Veneta HOP. Speaking of- I found a really lovely dupe (not a replica, but certainly inspired), and the price is really good.
And of course, Madewell has released their woven leather totes in more colors, and I think they are incredibly brilliant. I’ve tried them on in person- and to answer your question- is it the finest leather from the tanneries of France, Italy, Nigeria or Argentina? No. It’s stiff, and structured and I would classify it as “genuine leather”- but for the price and assembly I think it’s really well made and it will likely soften with age and wear.
If you love raffia: (I’ve abandoned my fantasy of channeling Jane Birkin with her signature wicker basket bags).
After many a purchase of raffia bags- I hardly wear them. But I know some of you wear yours year round, so perhaps a clutch for the resort would be a fantastic addition to your closet?).
Browse my curated edits of pre-owned, quirky, designer bags I spotted + affordable bags that look expensive. Ohhh and these are some of my favorite niche finds for every price point.
