march recap
what I wrote, wore and bought this month (and it's my birthday!)
I’m finishing up writing this on the verge of turning 36. So when this is scheduled to go out is my actual 36th birthday!
(And a quick reminder that it is the last chance to get 36% off an annual subscription!)
A couple of nights ago, at a group dinner, I got a sudden wave of lightheadedness thanks to insomnia and my new ADHD meds. After some fresh air, I managed to mitigate the symptoms, but I was grateful when the night ended to finally get home (the twenty-minute walk from the station was pure hell).
Bodies change. In size, in capacity, in our beauty capital.
Obviously, I have my own body insecurities. Recently, my skin flared up, so I stopped all actives and switched to the gentlest skincare routine.
And I thought, do I need to add back a retinol and vitamin C? Do I really need to waste money on a red light machine for my neck wrinkles? Do I need to go to an anti-ageing clinic for anti-hair loss treatments? If I go back into traditional employment, will the lack of beauty capital affect my prospects?
What happens if I were to just let go?
It seems the more I embrace my ageing fat body as it is, the more I become the outlier, the social outcast. I struggle to mask my supposedly radical opinions to fit in (why is body acceptance/respect/neutrality such a radical fucking idea????).
I’m reminded again and again that I am tired of the status quo.
I’m tired of everyone constantly talking about losing weight or their physical flaws. I’m tired of women being scared to voice their hunger.
(Okay, maybe I am actually just physically tired and grumpy due to the sleep deprivation)
But I can’t help but wonder…
What would our connections look like if our lives were no longer never-ending self-improvement projects?
How has March been for you?
A colour quiz via everyday objects. This was a spur-of-the-moment idea/post, and I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s different perspective on seasonal colours. Definitely more of this in the future!
A practical approach to style. This is how I’m building my wardrobe.
Plus-size spring finds. Fanciest line-up of pieces so far! And all the brands are added to the directory.
The colourful block-print jacket from Humphries and Begg, with my Nettle’s Tale skirt I got on sale. I met up with a friend afterwards, and we had a lunch set, and obviously, I got the half-size tiramisu for like an extra two dollars? Later that afternoon, I picked up some bagels on the way to a gallery. I was enchanted by the shade of these lockers!
The red Uniqlo jumper with Snag jeans for an errand. Until I get a custom belt, I’ve been wearing these jeans whenever I need to pop across the road, so they get some wear time.
What I wore to pottery. Tan pants have a low crotch, are 100% cotton, and are thrifted. The ‘clownshop is nice?’ jumper is from a market in Taipei.
Same Uniqlo red jumper, but this time with easy black and white dotty pants for an errand.
I wore the matching kurta with the tan pants and blue jumper for sewing. Afterwards, I met up with a friend, and we went to a different cafe. We had a salad set, with this rich coconut slice!
Another very quick errand fit. Purple turtleneck (thrifted) under the super pale pink Uniqlo jumper and tan pants for an errand. I’m thinking of giving away the jumper, I don’t like it as much as the red one, and it never feels impactful enough.
This was pottery, then a dinner date with my partner. I think underneath, I have my pink long-sleeved cat shirt on, which is currently covered in clay, oops.
Okay, this was a long and stressful day. Started with the psych clinic, then a dentist appointment, then drama trying to reserve train tickets for a trip next month (honestly, you need the full context, but long story short, the station reps were MEAN), then I missed a movie and dinner plans so I went to a vegan place I knew of and scarfed down this gyoza and soy meat bowl after 10 hours without food. Then I met with a friend for a catch-up. Luckily, the outfit was comfortable and reliable. The nylon blue pants with the Variety Hour turtleneck and thrifted grey jumper.
Post gym outfit. I bought some sushi and jasmine tea. Proceeded to spill soy sauce on my leggings (DK Active)
The thrifted jeans and a silk top from last year’s birthday haul. Wore this for a date night at an amazing pizza place my partner found (I wasn’t keen because there were barely any reviews and it ended up being sooo good!).
I have a hanami post coming up on Thursday with lots of colourful spring outfits!!
I bought SO MUCH this month.
I ended up ordering a dress from Osei-Duro. It has cut-outs similar to the Nor Black Nor White dresses, which I love. I thought this could be a more casual summer dress. However, it is a bit loose, and I’m wondering whether I can alter it to make it hug my body more closely or whether to put it into my pile of ‘beautiful things that don’t fit perfectly and need to be given away or resold.’
I bought another three items from the Nor Black Nor White archive sale. I already received a pair of pants and a silk dress. The print and material quality of the pants are amazing, but the rise needs to be altered. I’m thinking that under the guidance of my sewing teacher, I could do it! Then I bought a colourful mini-dress and two pairs of long shorts for the summer.
More thrifting. I’m struggling with dopamine in the mornings. Obviously, my intention is a slow morning with a cup of tea and a book. But I’ve ended up on my phone, which includes scrolling Mercari, and I stumbled across a handmade reversible mini-skirt for 6 dollars!
The dream shoes. These are Asics Gel-Filimy, and I waited a whole year for these to be restocked. I’ve been wanting them since last summer! I’ve already tried them out, and they are so comfy.
What did you buy in March?
One of the draft posts I have is on ‘secret Japanese brands that do plus-sizes’. I’ve already found a handful, including pants by Manana Suerte. Most of their clothes aren’t that plus-size friendly, but I stumbled across these pants that are 100% cotton and go up to a 112cm/44 inch waist, which is a big deal in Japan.
This purple skirt by Lisa Says Gah. I adore the colour and wanted a similar one by Curator SF, but my size had sold out, and I really want it! I just fit into their 3X (sizing runs small). But I’ve bought so much recently that I feel guilty… (EDIT: I BOUGHT IT…)
Anything you almost purchased in March? What was your reason for holding off?
Switching my start-of-month check-in post to next week because I want to send out the hanami outfits while there are still petals left on the trees! I hope you enjoy the colourful spring outfits on Thursday :)
As always, in gratitude,
Sushmita
I hope you had a great born day. 36 is huge. We are close in age! See it makes perfect sense why I love to read your posts. lol we millennials always sticking together ❤️
cheers to 36 🥂 🩷