“It takes a lot of time and money to look this cheap, honey” — Dolly Parton
During last weekend’s New York winter wonderland, snow burdened the branches throughout Central Park, muffling ambient chatter despite heavy foot traffic. We meandered, necks craned to the sky, taking in the serenity of a crisp December morning. As we left, four women, each with blonde hair down to their waist, walked past us out of the slush, wearing matching outfits of knee-length tan coats, black stockings, and high-heeled boots.
“That’s what’s so tough about New York,” one woman said, “you have to look beautiful, but like you didn’t try at the same time. Naturally beautiful. Very little makeup and this constant, effortless blowout1.”
As we waited for the walk signal, their conversation faded down the block.
I couldn’t relate, but their plight felt so genuine. There is nothing effortless about sitting in the salon chair every few days, nothing cheap about affording it, either. Plus, the “no makeup” look is either excellent makeup or the result of a controlled diet, skin care regimen, plenty of rest, exercise, hydration, hydration, hydration and all the other time-consuming activities that internet beauty standards require.
Thigh gap.
Clean girl.
Glass skin.
Pilates body.
Have you tried pilates? Try struggling to lift yourself into a perfect “v” shape, toes and arms stretched to the ceiling, held up by nothing but your abs. It will humble you, real quick.
If any woman in your life looks effortless, even if they don’t, respect the hustle. “Natural” beauty projects an ease and confidence in its performance. Imagine the all-encompassing pressure to maintain it.
Like the beauty of a snow-covered tree, without the effort of the branch, it all falls to dust.
✨ Shiny Things
📚 Novel: Severance by Ling Ma
A friend of mine didn’t finish this one, but I was curious to pick up their copy and I’m SO glad that I did. I finished it last week. It’s a cool twist on a zombie story that focuses on the languid, empty corporate experience in the early 2010s. It’s also a cool, meditative walking exploration of NYC. If you have COVID pandemic PTSD, I don’t recommend it. It was published beforehand, but it’s a little uncanny.
🎧 Song: LIFT ME UP by KOMPROMAT
I’ve got no idea what language this is, but it’s a catchy, energetic bop. I hope it lifts your spirits today!
🪞 Reflection
I initially wanted to take this one in a whole different direction around being humbled in pilates and humbled by walking next to a person who is dressed way better than you all the time. I got triggered by this post by the WSJ on swag gap, which “refers to a fundamental difference in the way two people carry and present themselves.”
Are you surrounded by people that inspire you to look better? If so, what is it about them that spurs that feeling?
Also, any tips on finding a good tailor in NYC? I will continue to ask everyone I meet until I do it 😀
🐦⬛ The Murder
A chance to highlight recent posts of others and help you discover more.
I’ve shared Deirdre’s stuff with you all before, but this one had me laughing, so I’m sharing some more:
I know a bunch of you out there are runners. Carl is a fellow runner and writer, so this one resonated:
🪶 Before flying away
♻ If this post resonated with you, restacking it is the best way to share and show support for the publication. Don’t have the Substack app? Feel free to forward it to a friend who may enjoy.
See you next Wednesday.
Love,
Wes
If this is your first time reading Wednesday Wesdom, welcome 😀
Dive into some recent posts and personal favorites:
A Blowout: It typically starts with a thorough hair wash and conditioning, followed by blow-drying the hair in sections using a round brush and high-powered dryer. The stylist simultaneously pulls and shapes each section with the brush while directing hot air down the hair shaft, resulting in strands that are frizz-free, straight or softly curled as desired, and voluminous. — Glamsquad
Super appreciative of you including my latest here, Wes! More good reading from you, too.