2024 INs and OUTs

Oh, the passage of time

Hello! I’m writing to you today from Amtrack train 87. I was supposed to be arriving to DC at this time, but my first train was cancelled and then this train I’m currently on was delayed by 30 minutes. But who cares, because I’m about to bring in the new year with my besties.

With the next five hours of free time I have on the last day of 2023 I’ve been thinking about what would be on my own in/out list — they circulate at this time of year — as well as watch an episode or two of The Crown of course.

Alright, let’s f*cking gab

THE INS

Small talk — It is just so fun and unloaded! Let’s talk about the weather and not how the job hunting process is going, okay?

Pink — Red has really had its moment which I’m here for, but I think we can make room for its baby sister pink. Specifically more pink in your home, it adds a warm comforting feeling to a space.

Dark wash denim — I ordered a pair of dark wash denim back in November and accidentally had them shipped to my old apartment. My sister picked them up for me and she’s been holding on to them ever since. I can’t wait to get my hands on them!

Games — More board games, more games of pool, more card games, more poker, more bananagrams.

Bold jewelry — More layering, more color, more chunky jewelry in 2024 please.

Going to the deli counter — “Hi! Can I please have a half pound of mortadella thinly sliced.” Yeah, we should be doing that more.

Journaling — Write that shit down!! Feel the high of taking a pen to paper.

A Jeanne Damas lip — Glossy lips have had their time. I want more bold lip looks! Minimal blush, mascara and a pigmented lip color.

Stripes — Checkered print needs a break from the trend cycle. Go for a stripe.

Print media — There is nothing like the rush of receiving your magazine subscription in the mail and sitting at the kitchen table flipping through it. You just feel better about yourself.

A big bag for schlepping — When I’m thrifting I’ll pick up shoulder bags and think I should probably own one of these, but I never end up purchasing them because they’re pretty useless. If I’m leaving the house it’s with a bag big enough to hold my hydroflask and 15 other things or my wallet in one pocket and my phone in the other, no in-between really. Give me a big bag!

Nude blush — Blush has had such a chokehold on us for the past 5 years and I’m shocked it’s lasted this long. Every single brand has a liquid blush it feels. I remember in 2016 completing every makeup look without a blush. A new happy medium is a nude blush. I got this apricot nude blush for Christmas, its a great color and formula.

Silver/chrome — Don’t be alarmed, gold will never be out, but silver is having its moment, especially in interiors. I just thrifted this bowl for my matches and I bought these candle holders over the summer.

Watching one movie and then another immediately after — very normal to watch 5 Gilmore Girls episodes in one sitting (right?) so why not more film double features. Here are some pairing ideas:

• To compare and contrast: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) followed by Saltburn (2023)

• Girls Night: Thelma and Lousie (1991) followed by Sleepover (2004)

• Love before major technological advancements: Singles (1992) followed by Mystic Pizza (1988)

• In need of fashion inspo that isn’t from Pinterest: Party Girl (1995) followed by Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)

THE OUTS

Slick back buns — This isn’t for everyone and yet everyone seems to be wearing them. I’ve had enough.

Hauls — One of my new years resolutions is to buy one thing a month. I find so often when I’m shopping I end up seeking more things even though I came for just the one.

No makeup makeup — This is less about the concept and more about the title. I would like everyone to stop saying “no makeup makeup” natural makeup will suffice.

Short form content — Less scrolling on TikTok for hours on end. Sub for longer and more thoughtful media.

Buying for a specific occasion — there is nothing I hate more then buying something for a minor holiday and then having it sit in my closet to never be worn again because what you wore this year for new years you wont wear again the next time.

Threads — Who is on there? What are they talking about? It’s all too much!

Synthetic fibers — In 2024 I’m going to be looking at all my clothing tags for the fabric breakdown. 100% wool ✅ 100% cotton ✅ 25% polyester 🤢

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I’ve never been a big fan of New Years Day, the hype around a single night after having 364 other ones just like it can be debilitating. However, I do love the traditions that come around the new year like setting goals and buying a new journal. If you take anything away from this post it would be to start some sort of physical documentation of your life. That can be through journaling, collaging, physical photography anything that you can hold in your hands and look back on without using technology. Something to stand against the test of time; that you can so easily look back on when you’re older and searching through a box of stuff from your 20s because I’m still really unsure how the “cloud” works or if all my photos/memories will make it to day 2050.

If you find the passage of time and the need to better yourself every year terrifying, I love this passage from Rachel Cusk’s Transit, “…we examine least what has formed us the most, and instead find ourselves driven blindly to re-enact it. Maybe it’s only in our injuries that the future can take root.” Don’t be afraid of straying from your desired path, rather see that as a mark toward a better future.

I hope you have the most lovely 2024.

Xx,

Gabbie