Manifesting Brighter Days
Spotted in polka dots, whimsical femininity and jewelry worth talking about
Welcome to Big Spender, an interactive shopping column delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. In these issues, you will find links to items on my shopping wishlist along with recent good buys and product that sold out before I got the chance to buy. Enjoy & happy shopping!
PS: This week’s issue may be a bit too long for email readers, in which case you can read along on the Substack app!
Per my last post, I’ve significantly reduced my Instagram and TikTok usage, resulting in an ever higher usage of Substack, Pinterest and Youtube. While Substack continues to be my favorite digital avenue for reading, Pinterest has my heart when it comes to visuals. I use my Pinterest profile as a means to manifest my future and also give myself the occasional motivational pat on the back to move onwards and upwards, which is something I’ve been needing a lot lately.
A very relatable Substack thread based on my current feelings:
The majority of people on my recent timelines live on the east coast and have been complaining about their lack of sunlight. I can’t tell if this synergistic energy is my own manifestation coming to a possible fruition or if it’s just a sign that I should express more gratitude for the sunshine I’ve been experiencing lately. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying sunny walks in the morning, brighter nights and weather hovering around 70 degrees. My only complaint is the allergies that this season disrespectfully brings along.
While in this transitional season — not quite done with Winter but also not in Spring yet — I’ve started preparing my laundry list of seasonal favorites. I haven’t started my Spring shopping yet, but if I was, here’s what I would buy into:
Spotted In Playful Femininity
Mood-boosting, playful, simple yet chic and completely underrated like a good ol’ stripe — here comes the resurgence of polka dots.
Patterns, like most things in fashion, are cyclical. So, when I saw tiny dots pop up in Zimmerman’s Resort RTW 2025 show, it felt as familiar as running into an old friend right when you need them.
From the model's’ head scarf to her pink ruffled skirt and sheer black tights, I love the play on variety in shape and size of dots — classic ovals atop of whimsical hearts below.
I’m a sucker for floral appliqués on any garment, and the addition of soft polka dots amongst the black ground is chef’s kiss!
Other examples include:
Romantic Textures
I’ve never been a huge fan of lace. The idea of a lace garment, even in lingerie, has always felt sexy but uncomfortable to me — perhaps this is because of my extremely sensitive skin. However, I must admit how deeply I love the romanticized play on feminine texture in the market right now. From printed organza to lace slips, crochet mini’s and pointelle in luxe cashmere, it feels fresh, flirty and perfect to carry us into Spring and beyond.
What we’re seeing in the market now is a clear reflection of mainstream and indie brands catching up to Chloe’s FW 2024 runway we saw late last year, and I’m not mad at it.
Conversation Starting Jewelry
My jewelry collection is small but mighty residing in a pastel blue bowl I made in a pottery class over a year ago. I rotate between two pairs of small gold hoops and never take off a colorful but dainty necklace I got in Spain last summer. I’ve tried over and over again to be the type of girl who wears rings on a daily basis but haven’t managed to find my staple pieces. No matter how hard I try, the rings last on my fingers for maybe a day and then find their way back to the bottom of my collection. I can’t be the only one who finds them slightly uncomfortable? It could be because I’m not used to the feeling of jewelry on my hands all day. Nonetheless, I’m still trying.
Earrings are my true love, and while I long for more earlobe piercings, I don’t know if I want to sign up for the care portion. It’s a small blip of time for the long-lasting aftermath of added ear candy, but I just haven’t been able to commit.
That’s all for now! See you next week.
xx, Niya
If you enjoyed today’s issue and want to show your support, feel free to do any of the following:
✅ Subscribe! Click the button below to become a part of the community:
💌 Share in your group chats here: