May Favorites

what i read, listened to, loved, wore, and more this month

I wish we marked the start of a new year in the springtime. Everything feels fresh and new in May, like the warmth of the sun has healed the iciness of the winter in our lives. It’s re-enchanting. Looking back at the month, here are a few things that helped me feel it.

Read

For my spring personal curriculum, I aimed to read a selection of classic gothic fiction. Even though the gothic genre seems more autumnal in mood, I think some of the themes of transformation are a perfect fit for springtime. I replaced a few of the titles I’d initially chosen with shorter books, and The Haunting of Hill House especially surprised me.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson:
Filled with atmospheric dread, this ghost story about isolation and loneliness follows a deteriorating psyche inside of a deteriorating house—an uncanny 1960s classic. I’d put this on a shelf right next to Frankenstein and The Picture of Dorian Gray (my favorites so far).

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia:
I haven’t quite finished this one yet, but I’m glad I ended up adding it to my list…it feels moody, macabre, and glamorously gothic.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang:
Although Yellowface—a satirical literary novel—isn’t gothic, it certainly incorporates elements of psychological horror and dark comedy. This biting critique of cultural appropriation in the publishing industry has a diabolical main character—a train wreck I couldn’t take my eyes away from.

Listened To

So Tonight That I Might See by Mazzy Star:
Mazzy Star is one of my favorite bands, and I’ve loved this album (especially favorite tracks “Fade Into You” (duh), “Five String Serenade,” and “Blue Light”) for a long time. I’ve owned So Tonight That I Might See on vinyl for a while, but my boyfriend recently gave me a CD. Now it’s been on constant rotation in my car.

Source: @Nellyzxj on Pinterest

My CD collection is growing—I own many of my favorite albums now, and I hope to soon cancel Spotify for good.

Watched

Ever After: A Cinderella Story:
Perhaps my favorite fairytale retelling, this version of Cinderella strips back all of the fantastical elements and somehow feels even more magical. Drew Barrymore looks like a living Leonardo Da Vinci painting. I just adore it.

The Devil Wears Prada 2:
Of course, the sequel is nowhere near as good as the original (I missed the razor-sharp wit and 2006 fashion), but there’s still a lot to love! As a writer, I connected with Andi’s passion for journalism and appreciated the film’s commentary on AI, media, and billionaire influence.

Loved

Cherry blossom matcha:
1. In a drinking glass, mix 1 tablespoon of sakura powder, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of hot water until dissolved.
2. Add 2/3 cup of milk and stir. Add ice, leaving a couple of inches of room at the top of your glass.
3. Prepare a shot of your favorite matcha, then slowly pour on top. Stir before drinking.
I think this is the prettiest pink, floral, springtime drink!

Museums:
I visited both The Met and The Met Cloisters (my very favorite museum) in NYC with some friends last weekend. Even though I’d been there before, seeing “The Unicorn Rests in a Garden” tapestry in reality was enchanting as ever.

Wore

Mermaids and fairies will always inspire my self-expression, but my trend prediction is that mermaids specifically are going to play a big part in this summer’s fashion. 2016 had a big “mermaidcore” thing happening, and a decade later, I think there’ll be a broader resurgence infused with current Y2K-inspired styles—double nostalgia for more than one generation.

Here are a few mermaidcore outfits I’d wear (see Jennie’s Met Gala dress for an instance in high fashion!)—and beneath the collage are a few elements I kept returning to in May.

• Neutrals paired with vibrant colors:
  My current go-to combos are bubblegum pink + taupe and turquoise + cream!

• Sandals:
  Platform or block heels are my favorite, but I’m looking for some strappy kitten heels to wear to weddings this summer.

• Ruffles:
  Especially ruffled tops or dresses paired with an asymmetrical or waterfall hem—mwah, it feels so magical.

• Sequins and rhinestones:
  I love incorporating a little bling into my otherwise fairly earthy aesthetic.

• Denim bags:
  My everyday purse and laptop bag are both denim with a lot of personality—I’ve had them in my closet for years, so I smile when they remind someone of 2000s Disney Channel.

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What’s something that made your May magical? Let me know what you’ve been loving lately in a comment below!