The First Day of Spring (and a welcome to The Sentimental Wardrobe)!
because I'm a sucker for that 'new term/new season' feeling- and what a way to begin- welcome to The Sentimental Wardrobe!
When I was thinking of names for this newsletter, one name I was very close to was ‘the first days of spring’- it felt a little bit poetic, sparked images of blousy blooms and also felt like it encompassed everything about a new start that I love. The new life it injects into you- the excitement of possibility and everything that is yet to come. And, even though I went in a slightly different direction, it still felt apt to launch it today. Because whether that’s the chilly first grey day in January, the warm fresh-leather-shoed days of back to school September or even as the days get lighter and spring begins- I love an excuse for a fresh start and a new change.
Which, I suppose is why I’m here- and very excited to welcome you to The Sentimental Wardrobe! My new Substack and newsletter- rooted in nostalgia but sharing what’s good and special now too (that I also believe will continue to feel special for years to come). If you know me (or even if you don’t)- you’ll perhaps know I have a real penchant for the past. Whether that’s rooting through vintage shops (and ‘smelly dresses’- THE JOY!), revelling in the fluro hues of indie discos of yesteryear (I’m sure there will be a whole post about my unwavering love of Cajun Dance Party one day) or scanning Pinterest for Pattie Boyd and a blue-eyeshadowed Sally Albright. I’m constantly looking back but forever excited about the future.
And, having been tapping away on the internet since 2010- I’ve been blogging, trying to get my head around HTML and picking profile songs online pretty much since I had access to a computer. And, having migrated from Piczo (I know), to Myspace, Facebook, Blogger, Instagram and now here- it feels like the next grown up place to call my internet home for a bit. The world ‘online’ has changed tenfold since I began- which can feel quite overwhelming at times. The way we share, consume and seek inspiration has changed so much since I first created my blog (originally titled the catchy, ‘Olivia Grace and the Bobby Pin Shortage’- no guesses for who liked indie music in 2008)- so it felt like the right thing to extend my writing; my first love- to this exciting new space. But anyway- I’ve just moved in- and what an exciting place this feels like! And aren’t the neighbours lovely! My cosy internet living room- and I’m ready for a cosy chatty, glorious housewarming. It always feels a bit scary trying something new (I’m the worst person for starting things when I feel worried/that my offering isn’t ‘perfect’) but sometimes diving head first is the best thing to do I’m told, so hello! I’m Liv- and it’s lovely to meet you! (I’ve gone on a bit of a waffle on my ‘About Page’ here, if you’d like to learn a bit more)!
As well as getting square eyes, I’m a writer, content creator and most joyfully a mother to the most special little boy. I've found myself having shared my life online for most of my adult life. From internships, university, dropping out of university, moving out, getting married, having a baby, separating and finding myself all over again- and believe it or not, I feel like I’ve still got lots more to share! Whether that’s about life, parenting, style evolution, shopping, new music (and old), my fail-safe late night Vinted search terms, favourite second hand spots, new brands and makers that I must share on a NEED TO KNOW basis, a heart to heart about dating for the first time, mood-boosting playlists and conversations with women who I would quite like to be when I grow up (ahem). It’s an internet picnic of sorts, with all of the best bits spread out and ready for you to sit back, relax and soak up.
Although I don't wear a beehive anymore (never say never- see ‘about page’ for image references!), so much of my style has remained the same. I have things in my wardrobe from 2010 I still pull out and things I've hunted for on Vinted because I wish I'd held onto them for just that bit longer (Topshop sailor coat, are you there?) My inspiration pool largely looks the same, and I have an aching soft spot for Lula magazine editorials (during the Leith years- never forget)!
(and if you’ve followed for this long- thank you! It’s really lovely to see you here too)!
One of my biggest reasons for coming over here is the community aspect; something I cherished when I started blogging back in the day (*nothing* got me as giddy as a new comment on Blogger and meeting likeminded people all tapping away around the world) and there’s an essence of that I so hope returns- especially here. If you fancied it, I’d love for you to introduce yourself below! I’m so excited to get going and metaphorically have lots of girlie chats from my little online living room- you’re so very welcome and I hope you enjoy it here!
Anyway- this is just a little introduction to this new corner- so thank you so much for coming along! Below I’ve popped below how subscriptions work, but of course if you have any questions- please feel free to pop them below!
Free Subscribers
For free subscribers you’ll receive my Sunday Duvet Reading newsletter (a round up of everything I’ve loved in the past month, some words and style picks) on the last Sunday of every month with previews of my other content. It’s one of my favourite things to send out, so thank you for choosing this!
Paid Subscribers
I know what you’re probably thinking- ‘may I ask why you’re asking me to pay?’ and admittedly this feels like quite a scary and daunting thing to do- especially as I’ve not done it before. But to share without sponsorships and continue to write and produce content; be it guides, stories and editorials I do- requires a lot of love, care and time. It’s a means of supporting my work, attaching value to a job I often pass off as me ‘being silly online’ (when really that ‘silliness’ takes hours and a lot of time) so it really really makes a huge difference (and I really am eternally grateful).
Subscribers will receive a weekly newsletter (sometimes more often)! It might be a Wish List or edit of what I’ve seen that week, perhaps a playlist, an interview or something I’ve written from the heart and never shared before (and I kind of hope might feel like sharing with friends).
You’ll be able to join the comments, and have conversations with other like minded readers.
There will also occasionally be daily bits as and when- whether that’s a song I love (and want everyone else to love to), a brand look-book that has sent me heart a flutter or a new maker that I want you to know about before everybody else.
For paying subscribers it’s £5 a month or £50 a year (which gives you two months free!). I don’t drink coffee so can’t use that comparison but it works out at about £1.25 a week. That's less than a cup of tea and almost the same as a bunch of daffs from the supermarket! (and also less than the strange random unknown amount Apple sometimes take from your account)!
I also get this definitely might not be an option for everyone so if you wanted a paid subscription and know it wouldn’t be feasible right now, I will gladly help you out- no questions asked. Just pop me an email and I’ll gladly help.
You can also gift a subscription to someone who you think might like being part of this community too right here!
Founding Members
I’m also offering a very exciting and limited number of founding memberships to those that really want to support this exciting journey.
A founding membership will cost £150 and for that you’ll receive:
A little box from me filled with a few favourite beauty bits
A personalised playlist (depending on what you fancy)!
And a handwritten letter (personalised with any recommendations you might like)!
As well as all of the above too. You’ll also receive the enormous sense of well-being from supporting somebody's work and writing. Which isn't stocked in many places!
Finally, regardless of whether you can pay or not, I am so grateful to have you here, reading along and supporting something I love doing so very much. I know how time poor we all are, and choosing to spend even a moment of your precious time here means a lot. Whether that's on your commute, in bed with a brew or on the top of the bus in between meetings. I so appreciate it, thank you.
Happy first day of Spring- I’m excited for this new season.
x
Love this, what a lovely little read 🥰☀️
Love this so much. I've been reading your blog since the OG Company Magazine days and watching you bloom through all these life changes has been a joy. Can't wait to see what you create in this new space!