March Favorites '25

spring has sprung

Happy Spring y’all! I hope you’re enjoying sunny skies and the cold weather is slowly becoming a distant memory. We had the most beautiful sunny weekend in Paris last week, Spring is in full swing here. It was still a bit chilly in the shade, but I was able to leave my winter coat at home for three days, so I was one happy gal.

This past month, we did lots of errands and shopping for our apartment as we settled into our new Parisian routine and rhythm of life. Now that we have the essentials, we are slowly looking into decor and a few fun things for our apartment. I’d love to get some artwork to make the space a bit more our own.

trench | flatlay button down (button down I own) | jeans | earrings I’ve been obsessing over | flats | socks (image via Gillian Stevens)

I’d be lying if I just stopped my recap there, to be honest this has been one of the toughest months I’ve had since our move. It’s mostly been due to spiraling anxiety that decided to just hit me full force one day. I am incredibly thankful for friends and family who have helped me get back to myself. I am trying to remember that I feel the season changes deeply. While I look forward to them, I am also someone who mourns everything that didn't come to fruition or that I didn’t get to be part of. I don’t mean that in a deflating way, but as someone who’s trying to honor getting older while also seeing their loved ones get older — it’s very hard to live away from family while you’re forging your own path. I mourn who I was, while also being excited for who I will be. Does that make sense?

Listen, I know astrology can be woo woo for some but once mercury went into retrograde, all hell broke loose for me. I share this because I never want to paint “everything is fab!” in my updates when it just simply wasn’t. I survived another season change and I’ll try to remember to give myself grace next Spring.

As always, you can skip the recap and scroll to the bottom for my monthly favorites.

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Reading

A piece that makes me look forward to getting older — How should a 39 year old behave? A 54 year old answers.

How should a 39 year old behave? A 54 year old answers.

This reflection on wanting to do everything, but ultimately being overwhelmed and doing nothing. I have very much felt this way before. If you or someone you know is struggling with decision paralysis, you’re not alone. Ultimately, it’s okay to try things and move on if you decide it’s not for you. How will we know we truly want or like something if we don’t try?

I want to do everything, so I do nothing

Rereading my own newsletter from a year ago on capsule wardrobes — my case for forgoing the traditional capsule wardrobe that’s often sold to us.

Why Are We Trying To Capsule Our Wardrobe?

Eating and Taste Testing

A few weeks ago, my husband and I were on an errand run when we began walking into what seemed like a sea of people with pistachio covered ice cream cones. We were entranced and most of all, curious. Finally, we stopped to ask a couple where we could find this treat.

We walked around the corner to find Bachir, a spot specializing in Lebaneses style ice cream. We lined up and I tried to get on my tippy toes to look over the counter at everyone else’s selections. We ended up getting a cone to share with achta and apricot and of course we had to get it covered in pistachios. Let me just say, it was an explosion of never ending flavor with every bite. The ice cream was light and airy. Definitely recommend adding to your list if you’re in Paris.

Perusing, Paris & Proud Of

Snoopy Exhibit

Since moving to Paris, I’ve very much become a “yes” girl. So when my friend invited me to a Snoopy exhibit, I said “I’ll see ya there!” I didn’t grow up watching Charlie Brown, but we all know that Charlie Brown’s Christmas is a classic. It was such a fun experience, I learned so much about Charles M. Schulz and a few fun facts. Like did you know that Charlie Brown’s iconic yellow with black stripe was initially just a white shirt? I also learned that Snoopy had a sister named Belle!? I had no idea.

Another cool thing was the vast collection of Snoopys and Belles in couture. I think Valentino stole the show with this one.

Valentino on the left and Ferragamo on the right

Obsessing Over

A few weeks ago, I picked up some peachy pink ranunculus and anemones at the farmers market and made a bouquet at home. Admittedly, not the most interesting bouquet with just two flowers, but I loved how they complimented each other. As the days went on, the petals relaxed and they opened up on their own.

PS — a few years ago I took a floral arrangement class and one thing I learned is that you can reflex petals (on some flowers) to open them up. Sharing in case you’re inclined to try next time you buy some flowers!

from the farmers market to my dining table (image on the right is from two days later)!

Recommending To You

A depiller (also known as a fabric shaver)! I know we’re all hoping to leave our knits behind as Spring kicks in, but if you want to leave a love letter for this Fall, I highly recommend you give them a shave before putting them away. I’m still wearing mine, since it’s still chilly without layers so I’ve been bringing mine back to life after the winter season. It makes such a difference. My sweaters are looking brand new! You can also find non-electric options!

If you’re looking for a comedy who-dun-it mystery, I highly recommend The Residence on Netflix. It was clever, witty and downright funny. It has perfectly timed interjections and a spectacularly well chosen cast. I hope there is a season two because Uzo Aduba was fabulous as Detective Cupp.

Treating Myself To

I’ve been gravitating toward carrot cake at coffee shops lately and it hits the spot every single time. Last week, I had the slice pictured below and let me tell ya — I can’t wait to go back. It had the perfect frosting to cake ratio.

now i’m craving carrot cake..

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Monthly Favorites

Wearing Off White Denim Again

I’m a firm believer that you should wear white whenever you want. Mine were packed away in my second suitcase while we searched for an apartment, but now that I’ve been able to unpack, I pulled out my white denim and have been wearing them almost exclusively. It probably also has to do with the cold weather slowly subsiding, but I’m also a serial outfit repeater and sometimes get into an unshakable trance of rewearing the same items for a few weeks until a new obsession takes over.

both of these are sold out, but closest option to the left image is this pair and for the pair on the right you can find them in this white with black line, light blue or dark blue

Gillian Steven Socks

I’ve owned these for about 6 weeks now and have worn and washed them at least 10 times so I can confidently say they’re one of the best socks I’ve owned. They work well with loafers, flats and tennis shoes. They’re comfortable and don’t fall down with all my walking. They’ve become the sock I reach for most often. These are also the first pair of socks that are longer than my ankles and it’s actually a nice change! You can scrunch them up or pull them up fully. For comparison, they’re thinner than my beloved bombas!

Gillian Stevens socks on the left vs Bombas on the right! I love both but excited to have these from GS in the mix.

501 90s Jeans

While making a TikTok video recently, I realized I owned several different colors of 501 90s. They’re the closest silhouette you’ll find to vintage 501s. They’re also one of the more inexpensive options I’ve seen (in comparison to other beloved brands). I’ve been rotating through all the colors this month. I own them in inseam 32 and if I were to purchase a few colors again, I’d opt for a few in the ankle version. I find myself cuffing a few washes like this one and this one.

My tip for buying 501 90s is 1) ask yourself how you want them to fit 2) if it’s baggier, size up! Otherwise, I’d go with your true size. Another note — lighter washes will stretch out more.

both are 32” inseam | color on the left | color on the right | sweater | button down

If you’re curious how much they stretch, I made this video. I’m currently in the process of filming one for my white and light blue denim jeans, so stay tuned for those!

PS — 501 90s fit more mid-rise. If you love a high rise look, this might not be for you.

Socks With Flats

While I have been able to wear my flats, I have needed socks for warmth and comfort. I specifically really love wearing black socks with my black flats to create the illusion of a boot. It’s also a great way to test out a potential boot look if you’re contemplating a new purchase! I’ve also been pairing this perfect shade of beige with my brown flats. I find the tones go well together.

can you tell I’m wearing socks in the left image?! wearing the beige color on the right and black on the left

Sold Out NYC Button Down

Y’all know I love a button down and that they are a staple in my closet. I’ve been wearing them a bit more often now that the weather is more favorable. I picked this one up over the holidays and it’s absolutely divine. It’s perfectly oversized while remaining tailored. The sleeves are long and so is the back. It’s also very easily tuckable into denim or trousers. The best of both worlds. It’s what I would describe to be your “boyfriends” button down — the one you want to steal. I saw they now have a cropped version, which I’m intrigued about. It’s supposedly the same fit but just cropped!

my sleeve is cuffed on my left arm on the left image vs uncuffed on the right image | button down | tank top | belt | jeans are vintage, these are a similar wash | flats are old coach, but these are similar

Trench Weather

Before moving from Austin, one of my last purchases was this trench. Funny enough, one on our initial trip to Paris I tried on easily 15+ other options and ended up finding one that hit all my wants and needs at Buck Mason (yes, my beloved). I’ve been wearing this one whenever the weather permits and it works so well with everything.

I personally love that the belt loops are “hidden” when you tie the belt loop behind your back. It gives the illusion of a car “coat” at a trench length. For some additional context, I am 5”6’ and I love how long this trench is.

do I need it in black? i think so | black sweater | belt | flats | purse (on sale here!)

All featured items mentioned here.

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What have you been loving this month? I’d love to know! Do y’all like to know what’s coming next week? Sometimes it changes last minute, but I can start mentioning next week’s topic if y’all would like a sneak peek!

xx Ofelia

Disclaimer: some links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a very small percentage from a sale. As always, anything that is linked are things I either own, recommend or would purchase myself.

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