Dear Shitters,
There are things you can skimp on in life. And I won’t lie to you—though I love every single thing in today’s newsletter, you don’t actually NEED them to be happy. A good haircut, however…
Last week I did something idiotic and trusted a girl on TikTok with a recommendation for a haircut. She wasn’t my favorite influencer, she wasn’t someone I liked—it was a RANDOM GIRL WHO MADE A VIDEO. Why did I do that???!!!! My longer-than-ever hair (the product of several months of growth and supplements and great cuts every time I’m back in Chicago) is now at least 2.5 inches shorter after I asked for a TRIM. Yes it’s hair and yes it will grow, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t come home and cry about it (three times, to be exact).
Liking the way you look is important, people! That’s something I always knew, but apparently I needed a reminder. (Ed note: I just tried to give myself a blowout and am suddenly in the market for a personal injury lawyer??) I hope you all learn from my mistakes and don’t try to cut corners on the things that make you look and feel your best. And if you’re like me circa last week and don’t really have trust issues, maybe it’s time to get some!!!
Anyways, back on topic—today’s newsletter is all about athleisure. Think about it as part two to last week’s loungewear roundup. These pieces pull double duty—they’re comfy enough to lounge in, but can handle some sweat for those times you choose to get off the couch and get some movement in.
Beyond Yoga Jumpsuit: I was DEEPLY skeptical about workout onesies for the longest time—to be honest, I figured they just would not be flattering. It’s a full-on jumpsuit, so I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have a close fit, but it looks and feels so much better on than I was ever anticipating (I think the key is that it offers light smoothing rather than a full-on compression garment fit). The material is super stretchy and comfortable, and if you’ve never tried Beyond Yoga before, know that their Spacedye fabric is truly the softest of any activewear brand out there. I’ll happily spend the whole day in this, whether or not I have a workout planned. My only note is on the sizing—I took the larger of my two sizes in an effort to avoid any stuffed sausage-like feelings, but I’m on the shorter side (5’5) with a short torso, and I wish I had sized down. I might feel differently if I was taller, but I make do by tightening the straps. I’ve also heard great things about the maternity version for all my moms-to-be!
Aerie Sweatpants: I love a good sweatpant workout—sometimes there just isn’t enough motivation into the world to get yourself into leggings—and these are my default (for some reason I like to have a separate pair for any activities that could be remotely sweaty?). They’re a lighter weight modal/cotton blend which makes them super soft and drapey, and they’re perfect for a pilates/yoga/sculpt-style workout. Of course, you can also wear them just to lounge—no athletic activity necessary! Sizing runs pretty true, IMO. Aerie’s always running some kind of promo, so you can score these for under $40.
Splits59 Flares: Speaking of athleisure, I have to include these pants. I put them on almost every single time I leave the house for errands or a walk (aka almost every single time I leave the house). They’re not full on loungewear, but they’re super soft and I’ve gotten tons of mileage out of them over the past year. The airweight fabric is super thin and light, so if this style gives you nightmares of the old school thick Lulu flares, rest assured that they’re much more flattering. I took the 30 inch inseam, but they have lots of options depending on your height/preferences.
Vuori Sports Bra: Most sports bras are absolute misery, but not this one! It’s the perfect mix of support and comfort (fellow racerback haters, this is for you). They won’t take the place of a true bralette like these (I don’t care if they look like a training bra, I will never stop wearing them), but they’re one I could spend the full day in. I wear them for pretty much any kind of movement (I’m wearing as we speak in hopes of motivating myself to do a quick workout later), though they may not be so cardio-friendly if you have a larger chest. They’re also under $50!
Varley Leggings: And of course, everyone’s favorite leggings! If you need more convincing, I wrote a whole newsletter about them a year ago and I still stand by every single word—they’re the best pair I’ve ever owned and I will love them forever. I take the smaller of my two sizes.
Other things I’m loving: The only thing better than these cowboy boots by Chalo is the story behind the brand! PRIYANKA15 gets you 15% off if you want to channel your inner Bella Hadid at the rodeo. Unsurprisingly, this is my favorite song on eternal sunshine. I’ve been back on my Sculpt Society game lately and I forgot how fun it is! I switched to 100% California EVOO after finding it on sale and WOW I am never going back!!!! NOT MY HAIRCUT. If you have any preferred claw clips or hair ties, please send my way because my hair will be up for the next two and a half months.
If any part of this newsletter sounds deranged, please known that I have been deeply under the influence of Troye + Ariana, several hours of sunshine, and half a fully caffeinated draft latte from La Colombe (my version of a controlled substance). Praying I never come down!!!
xoxo,
Priyanka
This read was so worth my self-imposed wait!
I’m sorry about your haircut- a bad haircut is truly destabilizing! Try the Kitsch Recycled Nylon hair ties. They’re comfortable but they’re also really secure for an actual workout. And my best wishes for fast growth!!