Vol.13 - The One Where I Attempt To Podcast 🎤

as well as oscar noms, the return of the intern, and TRS merch 👀

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Happy Sunday! I can’t believe it’s the end of January already. This week, I found a tupperware filled with olives in my fridge from our New Year’s Eve party, so that was the wake-up call I needed to realise how quickly this month has flown by. When this newsletter goes out, we will be getting ready for Dim Sum with my family after a somewhat disappointing LNY lunch where they nearly poisoned my sister (further explanation here). This week has been chaotic and busy and pretty transformative from a personal perspective, but more on that later. As this newsletter is for paid subscribers, I want you all to know that A) Henry and I have been working behind the scenes on getting Rhubarb Society merch made (I see all your comments and DMs about it, and it’s finally happening!!!), and B) that you guys will be the first to know and you will have early access to the first drop (whenever that may be). I didn’t realise how much work needed to go into it, so please be patient with us! It would be really easy to choose a random dropshipper in China and have Rhubarb’s images printed onto some shitty polyester items, but of course, that would never be an option. We’re working with our fabulous illustrator Felicity Hamilton to have colour versions of her sketches made, as well as different rendered versions that can be used for the embroidered patches that will go onto the items (samples pending, we want them to look perfect!). We’ve also been chatting with different suppliers to find the best-quality pieces, made and sourced ethically, that will allow the product to be affordable and at a fair price point for the quality of clothing we’re providing.
On top of that, there’s packaging, branding for the packaging, labels, tags, shipping logistics, and a website…but I know we’ll get there eventually! Anyway, excuse me for putting you through yet another long intro…so, on that note let’s begin!

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FASHION

back to basics

A recurring comment that I tend to ignore on TikTok usually involves asking me about my wardrobe, a whole wardrobe haul (there is not enough time on the planet for that), or my wardrobe basics/staples. The reason I ignore it is because I know I’ll have to steam multiple items of clothing to wear on camera and film just for them to get crumpled (and for me to steam again at a later date). Admittedly this is pure laziness on my behalf, and I will eventually film a video about it, but I have zero qualms with writing about it. The fewer irons, steamers and dry-cleaning trips involved, the better. Before I developed my own style and understood what I was comfortable in, I was a bit of a trend fiend who would buy new items of clothing from various fast fashion brands because I couldn’t think for myself and just wanted to fit in. I find myself returning to the same items in different fonts, and I know that I can mix and match or layer these to make different outfits with minimal stress. Of course, my style isn’t going to work for everybody reading this. I lean towards menswear (blazers, trousers, shirts etc.) and a more preppy look. I also love an outfit to look effortless and thrown together because anything too matchy-matchy really upsets me. Even if my style isn’t for you, it can still be helpful to list the core items in your wardrobe that you love and feel comfortable in and think about which ones could do with being replaced by better quality pieces. I think the most sensible way to do this is to list my wardrobe staples and then offer pieces at different price points (with all recommended items or brands being ones I have either worn or owned, of course).

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• Plain White T-shirts (short & long sleeved) - This sounds so simple and basic, but I have churned through many in my quest to find the perfect white T-shirt. If I’m layering it under something oversized, I want it soft and loose. If I’m tucking it into trousers or jeans, I want it form-fitting and thick. My all-time favourites are from Petit Bateau. They hug the body, stay bright white, look and feel expensive and are made from organic cotton. The fitted short sleeve ones are £24, and the long sleeves are £27. Another favourite is a thinner, lighter option from Brandi Melville for £15. The more I wear it and wash it, the softer it gets.

• A Crisp White Button Down - I wear white shirts all year round, and personally, I think they just look effortlessly cool. It’s my go-to whenever I’m stuck on what to wear. I can chuck it on with jeans and trainers, trousers and heels, shorts and flip-flops, skirts and strappy shoes, literally annnythiingggg. Unsurprisingly my favourite ones are from Djerf Avenue (£99), followed closely by With Nothing Underneath (£95). I also like the H&M Oxford Shirts (£17.99) as they have texture and wash nicely, whereas the cotton ones feel a little school/work-esque. I also like their plain linen ones, but they don’t seem to have the exact ones I’ve bought previously on their website.