Style Notes: Spring Outfit Inspiration & Cozy Basics

Searching for the perfect spring bag, a new favorite basics brand, outfits I've screenshotted, and two honest reviews.

Welcome to the Style Notes column where I share what’s inspiring me in style this week—curated finds, styling ideas, and my evolving approach to shopping and dressing with intention (missteps included).

First, to my new subscribers—hello! A quick intro and why this column exists…

I’m a city-girl-turned-suburban toddler mom, currently figuring out how to get dressed again after Covid, IVF, pregnancy, and motherhood completely overhauled my body, my taste, and frankly, my patience for uncomfortable clothes. I’ve always loved fashion, but after years of trend-chasing and fast-fashion hauls in my twenties (I could do quite a lot of damage in an H&M…), I’m working on shopping with more intention.

I want to collect pieces I love that will last, not just buy on impulse. I want to dress for my real life, not a fantasy one. I want to embrace my role as a mom (and all the red pasta sauce stains that come with it), but still feel put together. I want to support small, independent brands and uncover more secondhand gems. I’m not perfect at all this, but I’m trying. (If you’d like, you can check out my past style posts here.)

My hope with this column is to share pieces that catch my eye, yes—but also to bring you along as I rewear what I own, experiment with styling ideas, and thoughtfully approach new trends before diving in. I want to share realistic ideas. I know myself; this is not a no-buy newsletter. I like shopping! But I want to do it in a way that feels more intentional.

Thanks for being here. Now let’s get to the fun stuff…

x Alisha

P.S. Friendly reminder: If this Style column isn’t your thing, you can always opt out in your Email Notification Settings by toggling it off. With nearly 140k of you here, it’s tricky to know who wants what—this just gives you a way to tailor your inbox!

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Today’s issue is just a bit long. You can view this post on the web if it cuts off.

In today’s post:

• 10 things I’ve bookmarked this week, including a dream sweater

• a cozy basics brand I’m now a big fan of

• two outfits I’ve screenshotted as spring inspo

• honest reviews of two baby/kid brands

• what I’ve bought recently and what’s on my wishlist

The full version of today’s post is for paid subscribers to Downtime, while free subscribers will see a preview of content. To gain full access to all the newsletters, our subscriber chat, and monthly giveaways, you can upgrade to a paid subscription (thank you!!). You’ll also unlock over 160+ posts packed with past recommendations, interviews, inspiration, advice, and more…

What I've Bookmarked This Week

Whew! Spring is on the horizon and the floodgates of style inspiration have truly OPENED. Below are 10 things that have caught my eye…

• 1 // Madewell Small Woven Bag: Madewell continues to surprise me with the quality of their accessories and shoes. This reminds me of my Dragon Diffusion bag for much less, except it’s a smaller size and it fits over the shoulder. Planning a trip to see it IRL later this week to see if it’s a buy.

• 2 // Jenni Kayne Crewneck Sweater: This has been on my wishlist for a while and it’s finally back in stock so I’m picking it up. A keep-forever sweater that’s a blend of merino wool and cotton that looks perfectly slinky and cool for spring—I love the long, slightly wider sleeves. I’d style this with casual shorts and strappy sandals for an easy look. (Sizing goes to XXL.)

• 3 // J.Crew Straw Tote Bag: Such an easy grab and go bag for spring and summer that goes with everything. It’s not enclosed, but you could grab a purse organizer insert.

• 4 // Sézane Straw Tote Bag: I guess raffia’s on my brain right now! I have the mini version of this and am thinking of upgrading this year to this bigger one. This one has a canvas pouch insert that closes shut with leather ties.
  [A last minute note to add that I just found this beautiful and similar secondhand Bembien option for $120, if anyone’s in the market!]

• 5 // Varley Casual Twill Jacket: Such an easy jacket to pop on to run to the grocery store, go for a walk, or hang out on the weekends. The gold hardware and knit collar details are gorgeous. I’ve realized a “closet gap” of mine is a transitional jacket that’s less structured and allows for more movement. This might be the one…

• 6 // Clare V. Rattan Mini Messenger Bag: Been eyeing this for years! Big enough for snacks, wallet, sunglasses, and Kindle. Mini or regular size? Weigh in if you have this one…

• 7 // Tuckernuck Dress: How dreamy is this butter-yellow floral? A perfect pick for a wedding or an extra-fancy brunch. This is just a bookmark for me as I don’t have any occasions to wear it to, but I feel happier just looking at it. (Sizing goes up to XXL)

• 8 // Hill House Floral Nap Dress. What I love about Hill House dresses are their versatility, particularly their smocked styles. You can dress them down with low sneakers or dress them up with some heels. Easy and comfortable. This floral print is so pretty and joy-bringing.

• 9 // Madewell Green Card Wallet: It was time to retire my nearly-decade-old Madewell leather card holder, so I’m buying this one to replace it. I’m loving this exact shade of green right now. (Psst — Madewell is having a big 25% off Insiders sale starting Tuesday 3/11, in case you want to hold off on purchases from them ‘til then.)

• 10 // Chan Luu Silver Cala Lilly Necklace: Making a hard left from the practical to the impractical: I had to share this stunning necklace. It’s speaking to me on a soul level. I can’t justify it (it would sit unworn 99% of the time), but it’s so lovely to look at. I’ve never bought anything from Chan Luu before, but I’ll be following along closely for their unique, organic designs. (How pretty are these?)

*None of these mentions are sponsored, though affiliate links are used. I’m using this section as a way to give you a peek into what’s sparking my interest and inspiration as I edit and add to my wardrobe.

A little hint: You can browse all my publicly saved bookmarks here on this page which is usually updated daily.

Two Outfit Ideas I Screenshotted This Week

I’ve found an Instagram feed that’s a *treasure trove* of easy outfit ideas and inspiration…

Continued under the paywall: how to recreate the outfits I screenshotted, a cozy basics brand to know about (with *great* pricing), how I’ll style the pieces I bought from them, what I’ve bought this month, and how my wardrobe is shaping up and what’s getting added to my wishlist.