Velour Tracksuits and Instagram Notes
In conversation with a 13-year-old about style, music, and more.
Happy (almost) New Year!
Firstly, I just want to say thank you to everyone who reads this newsletter. It means so much to me and I’m so excited for more writing in 2024. <3
When I was 15, my mom told me that she was pregnant. My brother (who was 12 at the time) and I were so confused. The idea of having a baby sister felt so weird to us. But now, almost 14 years have passed since then, and I find it fascinating to have a sister who’s so much younger than me.
My sister was 3 years old when I moved out of my home to go to college, so our relationship has always consisted of us texting and seeing each other a few times a year.
One of my small pleasures is getting to see how she views the world. I love asking her questions—and she loves being “interviewed.” We’re so different, but also so similar in many ways. I always wonder, too, what it will be like when she’s an adult in her 20s! How will our dynamic be?! Where will she live? What will she be up to? Who knows??
Here’s a bit of the conversation we had the other week where we talked about fashion, music, social media, and more.
You’re 13 now, almost 14. What do you love about being 13?
The middle school drama.
What are some of your style predictions for 2024?
Velvet and velour tracksuits in bright colors. My friend has a hot pink set.
Those were very in style in the early 2000s. That’s wild. Are you into them?
I would wear the jacket, but not the pants.
How do you make a heart with your hands? Gen Z does it with their fingers, but millennials do it like the 🫶 emoji.
We do it like the 🫶 emoji. The finger heart is cringe.
How do people like to decorate their rooms?
Animal prints are a no. If you walk into a friend’s room, you might see a vanity and LED lights possibly. We like simple colors, like a modern interior. Cow prints and patterns used to be in a couple of years ago, but now it’s ugly.
What musicians are you and your friends listening to?
I’m seeing a lot of Daniel Caesar. Some people listen to Faye Webster. And people still love Tyler, the Creator. We also listen to TV Girl, Mitski, and J.Cole. And The Weeknd and Drake are still going strong. Side note: there are a lot of people my age who love Taylor Swift, but others hate her. It’s like a 50/50 divide. I hate her.
What type of shoes do people like?
The shoes that everyone wears are Crocs. And Air Forces—they will never go out of style.
Are there any specific beauty brands people like?
Rare Beauty and Elf. And for mascara, Maybelline Sky High.
Do you know that you’re generation Alpha?
No. I don’t even know what generations there are.
Have you heard of millennials?
No, what’s that?
What about Gen Z?
I think I’ve heard that word before.
What do you think about these things I’ve saved on my Pinterest?
This looks too professional like you’re going to a meeting. The jeans are fine, but it’s the long coat and the loafers that seem too formal. If I wore this to school, people would think I was overdressed.
How do people like to decorate their rooms?
Animal prints are a no. If you walk into a friend’s room, you might see a vanity and LED lights possibly. We like simple colors, like a modern interior. Cow prints and patterns used to be in a couple of years ago, but now it’s ugly.
I sent you this New York Times article a few weeks ago about Gen Alpha slang. Is this accurate?
Yes, they were very accurate. We use “rizz” a lot, in a joking way. Like, “That boy was trying to rizz you up” or “he’s got rizz.”
What social media do you spend the most time on?
Well, when we’re on our phones 24/7. When there’s drama at school, we post it on Instagram notes. Snapchat is so two years ago. And we spend equal amounts of time on TikTok and Instagram. Aside from social media, we also love to play Roblox and Fortnite.
What are you most excited about for high school next fall?
The high school drama! And preparing for college.
Latest Loves 💐
Mini ceramic houses
I love mini things and I’ve been seeing a lot of these mini ceramic houses on Pinterest. I’d love to make some with Sculpey or air-dried clay and then paint them. Or maybe take up ceramics again! They are so precious.
Seinfeld
I’m watching Seinfeld for the first time ever and I’m obsessed. And also very inspired by some of George’s outfits?! I’m on Season 4 now. Will report back.
A fresh planner
I love the new year. I love the feeling of starting a new planner. I got a red Moleskine planner for 2024 and also started a new journal the other week.
A song called Coconut Mango
I’ve been playing this beautiful instrumental song in the morning while making breakfast. It sounds like magic.
P.S. Here are (almost) all of the books I read this year
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