Links we sent our friends #50
Summer-themed clothes & treats to bring to a BBQ, plus a guest edit from writer Caroline Cala Donofrio
Good morning, Aliza here! I’ve recently started running (slowly) again — and this was the third or fourth weekend in a row I’ve taken Jude out in the jogging stroller.
It’s such an honor to have one of our favorite writers, , as a guest contributor to Platonic Love today. Let’s jump in!
When Aja and I started writing this newsletter, we each had our own mental list of dream collaborators — but one person at the top of both was .
Some of my favorite essays by Caroline include It’s Not a Midlife Crisis, a reflection on the final days of her thirties, and I’ve Been Writing this Essay My Whole Life, on the devastating loss earlier this year of her mother. Caroline’s writing is raw, honest, and ambitious — which is why it’s no surprise it’s been featured in The Cut, Vogue, Elle, Refinery29, The Zoe Report and Cup of Jo (where she also worked as an editor for many years).
Fun Fact: Caroline has also authored, co-written, and ghostwritten over a dozen books!
Caroline’s Links:
Currently reading this book and loving it. (Finally picked it up after a friend said it made him a better husband.)
Heading to a barbecue this weekend, along with the always-a-crowd-pleaser Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats.
Just wore these to a wedding and was floored by how comfortable they are.
Always a fan of Zillow Gone Wild, and just discovered it's now a TV show.
Inspired by this meaningful gift idea.
Caroline’s newsletter, Between a Rock and a Card Place, features essays, interviews, and a weekly card reading. We can’t recommend it enough!
Aliza’s Links:
Had a work trip to NYC this past week — which also meant lots of people watching, window shopping, and several new items on my wishlist, including this dress from RIXO and these slouchy wide leg jeans.
We’re bringing the scrunchy back.
The bath toys that are currently a huge hit with my toddler. (I found similar ones in Target’s $1-5 discount section, so keep an eye out!)
Aja’s Links:
A poignant personal essay asking, where were the brown pointe shoes for Black ballerinas?
These shirts are my summer work-horses. I have three different colors (white, light blue, and striped) and wear them constantly: pulled on over my swimsuit, tied at the waist with cut-offs or a skirt, tucked into jeans with the sleeves rolled up on cooler nights…
Ordered another box before I’d finished the first. My favorite flavor is birthday cake, followed closely by cinnamon roll.
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Newsletter we sent our friends:
Better than the DOEN x Gap collab (which sold out of anything Aja and I would’ve purchased within minutes)? This vintage Gap curation by Kellyn of .
In every issue of this newsletter, Kellyn, your trusty “Best Friend,” sifts through endless virtual racks to handpick treasures. I love the creative yet practical themes, like My hunt for Elle Woods’ sunglasses and Anatomy of a stripe.
Question we asked our friends:
Speaking of clothes, I’m feeling the urge to do a summer closet refresh… but am intimidated by the prospect. Any tips?
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’s interview with Ilana Glazer got me even more excited…
I do my best closet cleaning when I ask myself "would i pack this on a vacation" !
Awe thanks for the mention!!