Happy Friday!
First, from the very bottom of my heart: thank you. The outpouring of love, messages, and gentle check-ins since we shared our pregnancy loss has been nothing short of overwhelming in the most beautiful way. This community continues to astonish me, and I am so grateful for each and every one of you.
Tomorrow is my birthday, and I’ll be honest — it’s arriving with a few more feelings than usual. Birthdays have a way of doing that, don’t they? Making you sit still long enough to take stock of where you are versus where you thought you’d be. Last year I wrote a piece about 30 lessons I learned before my 30th birthday, and a whole trip around the sun later, I cannot believe how completely apropos these lessons remain — namely this one:
No. 18 — Your heart will break in a way that feels irreparable. There will be times when it feels like joy has been completely extinguished—like the light has gone out for good, and you’re too far down to ever rise again. You’ll be certain happiness isn’t meant for you anymore. But you must believe, even in the quietest part of yourself, that it still exists. That it will return. One day, without warning, warmth will slip back in. Laughter will surprise you. And life will begin to feel quietly possible once more.
I’m holding onto that one tightly as I head into 31.
A quick housekeeping note: I am taking next Friday off from The Lauren Letter so Carter and I can enjoy the holiday weekend together. (But stay tuned on Instagram — you know I’ll be keeping a very close eye on any potential Travis and Taylor wedding coverage!!!).
Wishing you all a happy and safe 250th Fourth of July!
Until our next correspondence,
xx Lauren
P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.
Wearing | Lula Kate Genevieve Dress
The compliments did not stop on this gown at a black-tie wedding I attended last weekend! There is something about a polka dot in the summer that just feels so cheerful yet chic. What I love most, though, is how genuinely friendly it is for a changing body: the waist is elasticated, the drop waist silhouette is universally flattering, and that matching scarf? Fizzy doesn’t even begin to cover it. If you’re between sizes, size down.
P.S. This dress was gifted, but all my thoughts are my own!
Eating | The Farmer’s Dog
Well, we aren’t eating it — but Charlie absolutely is, and he is thriving. He had been having some tummy troubles earlier this month, but since transitioning to his personalized plan he has been the happiest, snuggliest version of himself. I am a total convert. If you’ve been curious, you can get 60% off your first box — it’s automatically applied to your cart at checkout when you use my link. Charlie sends his regards (and his request for seconds).
P.S. Charlie’s food was gifted, but all my thoughts are my own!
Reading | June Baby by Shannon Garvey
After an absolutely glorious month spent in Elin Hilderbrand’s capable hands, I am finally turning to The Lauren Letter Book Club’s June selection, and it is such a lovely, meandering beach read. Exactly what summer ordered. My full discussion questions are coming soon, along with the final Book Club story, so if you’ve been reading along, please do chime in! I want to hear every thought.
Watching | Olivia Rodrigo’s "Stupid Song" Music Video
Olivia Rodrigo’s Drop Dead is still — still — possibly my favorite music video I’ve seen in a very long time. But this new one is giving it a serious run for its money. The juxtaposition of ballerinas with bodega cats and city parks is so unexpectedly beautiful, and so quintessentially Olivia — all femininity and grunge tangled together.
Listening | Breakfast in a Nancy Meyers Kitchen
This playlist has become my happy place. I’ve been putting it on while I tidy up, run errands around town, do basically anything that requires me to feel like the protagonist of my own life. It is the auditory equivalent of morning light through curtains.
Trying | Maison Louis Marie No. 4 Candle
My dear friend Ellie gifted this to Carter and me and I am completely, hopelessly obsessed. It smells luxurious and rich!!! My only disappointment — and I mean my only one — is that they don’t make it in a three-wick!
Champagne | FRAME Le Sleek Straight Jeans
FRAME has been on my wish list for what feels like forever, and this cult-favorite cut sits at the very top. I will be transparent with you: I cannot stand a barrel jean. I’m sorry! But this straight leg? It is the modern option that manages to feel both of-the-moment and completely classic.
Frites | Quince Bella Stretch Straight Jeans
Fifty dollars. Fifty dollars. These jeans look like designer, fit like a dream, and at that price point you can invest in a pair that actually fits — which matters especially if you’re in a season of a fluctuating size (no judgment; same). I recently picked them up in Frosted Blue and already have Twilight Blue Fray in my cart. P.S. I’m 5’3” and take the short sizing.
1. Homecourt CeCe Surface Cleaner
2. Neutral Lorna Murray Capri Hat
3. Jimmy Choo Pearl-Detailed Ballerina Shoes
4. Hill House The Charlotte Nap Dress
5. Ruggable Chrysler Border Chambray
6. Blue Stripe Florals Kindle Case
7. J.Crew Boatneck T-Shirt in Striped Heavyweight Cotton
9. Tuckernuck Amalfi Tile Lace Sconset Dress
10. Jennifer Behr Primavera Maureen Earrings
Hershey & Jill
This week I want to introduce you to Hershey & Jill — the absolute dream team behind @minihersheybark. This darling human and her six-pound Maltipoo are living their most luxurious, well-traveled little life together. There is nothing — nothing — more delightful than watching a tiny dog experience the world’s finest things. During some particularly hard days recently, I have been known to disappear into a Hershey scroll session and emerge significantly more okay.
