Bitesize #62
Julia's got money problems and is considering a low buy
Aaahhh… The first Sunday of the new year. The feeling is akin to that white dove emoji, which I have unfortunately started using unironically again. I’ve also started pretending I like tea again, which only happens when I feel aligned, grounded and like anything is possible. It’s like I need to portray the feeling in a physical manner and my weapon of choice is the cup of tea. Everybody knows that a woman in her 30’s who drinks tea in the afternoon is either a) British or b) really f*cking put-together.
How are you? Are you Team Pyjamas All Day or Team New Planner And/Or Workout Routine? Or both? I can’t help but love new beginnings, especially when there are actual new beginnings in the so-called pipeline and I don’t have to make them up to feel like there is any forward motion whatsoever in my life. I know some of you are stressed out by the whole “new year new me”-rhetoric, but please relax. These shenanigans will soon be over, so keep scrolling the sales and before you know it everybody will have returned to normal. Personally, I enjoy thinking about resolutions but I’ve given up starting sharply on the 1st of January as that is the no.1 key determining factor to failure. I eeeaaasssseeee into it. More on that further down.
I picked up Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe yesterday at the train station before boarding the X2000 back to Stockholm. I’ve only read a little so far (about five chapters, but they’re short) but it really sucks you in. I’m simultaneously reading Call of the Wild and a Swedish book called Lucia Is Dead (Lucia är död av Katarina Wennstam, rekommenderar om du bor i Stockholm). I didn’t bring the Swedish book on my trip because it’s too heavy and I’m not always in the mood for Call of the Wild as I care too deeply about the dogs and they all die all the time. So, I wanted to get something for the train. And I’m glad I’m now acquainted with Margo.
She reminds me a little of myself, having a desire at the age of ~19 to wreck my life just to know what it’s like. It must be a human experience, seeing as so many of us look back at ourselves at that age with equal measures of compassion and annoyance. Margo isn’t necessarily naive, she’s just a beginner at life - which you’re supposed to be at 19. The problem is that at 19, you feel like you’ve been living forever. You know you’re technically an adult, or very close to being accepted as one, so you can demand that others treat you like one. But what I really would have needed when I was 19 was for a real adult to tell me to slow way down. Save up money before moving out. Surround myself with people that made me feel good, not just cool. Commit to way less things, relationships, places, roles. Not that I would have listened.
I look forward to keep getting to know Margo.
Both Christmas and New Year’s Eve were lovely, thank you. I’ve realised that a slower tempo, more thoughtful conversations, a tight knit group of loved ones and a little air of glamour are what make me feel the best during the holidays. I don’t want to be hopping around from one place to the next, sleeping in an uncomfortable bed or making small talk. I want sleep ins, daily walks, good food, great company.
The only downer was that my food poisoning managed to kick in right at about 00:03 on NYE and I was shortly thereafter rushed home where a sleepless night ensued. The worst of it was fortunately over by around 8 in the morning and I managed to sleep a lovely consecutive 3 something hours. When I woke up, LA was still awake and celebrating, and getting to wake up to the new year with him was honestly perfect. Despite the 24h of nausea and exhaustion that followed after those wretched 8h of blergh.
My word for the year is Clarity. I’m pretty sure last year was Ease? 2025 did, in fact, not bring me ease - quite the opposite. But I reminded myself to come back to a feeling of ease when I needed it the most, which I’m proud of. And life also reminded me that the things I want should come to me with ease, or they’re not *the thing*. This doesn’t mean I shouldn’t ask/work/fight for what I want, but that in doing so I should also make sure I’m met halfway. No more taking more than my fair share of responsibility over things or situations.
So what is Clarity? I don’t exactly know, but I’m here to find out. I have a longing for clarity in purpose, clarity in communication, clarity in what I’m working towards. Clarity over comfort. Actively seeking clarity, asking questions, being curious, not allowing muddiness to cloud my waters. Providing clarity for others.
I’m also toying with the idea of doing some sort of low buy/no buy this year. This is also one of those things that seem to divide everybody on Substack into two distinct teams (think Montagues vs. Capulets). And I have already broken a no buy as I purchased a pair of perfect pinstripe pants at Gutemensch in Bornholm (a hidden pearl - should I do a Bornholm travel guide?)(I’ve promised Harriet Hadfield that I’ll make a Sthlm one so that’s on the calendar for 2026).
My reasons for doing it would be a mix of wanting to be more mindful of my spending + saving money, challenging myself to use the overwhelming amount of clothes I have, and to inspire others to shop less too. We all know we should be doing so, and we have to start with ourselves. But I’m not great with harsh restriction and I want it to be sustainable said every woman starting a new habit ever. Rule of 5? One item a month? Tbd.
I’m considering putting out Bitesize bi-weekly to make room for Truly Great Street Style to make a comeback. I also have both The Weekly and A Good Look posts coming out soon, which is exciting (to me, and I hope, to you). And on top of that, I always want to keep sharing the more personal stuff because that’s where my heart truly lies at the end of the day. Those are the posts that challenge me, expand me and make me a better writer, in my own opinion. That’s why I came here in the first place. The personal in combination with style, which is ultimately also highly personal.
It’s going to be a good year, I can feel it. What are you reading? Wearing? Shopping or not shopping? Indulge me in the comments, I always love hearing from you. x
I cannot wait for the Stockholm guide!!! And I’ve literally made an entire post pretty much dedicated to you re the no buy that drops this Wednesday 😘
So glad you got those happy pink pants in LA 🎀 happy new year Julia!!