Worth Noting Courier 11
Culinary escapes, chic style inspiration, colorful interior tours, a vintage shop of note, fresh reads, and a note on my summer zine.
Well, well, well… hello again. It’s been a few weeks, I know. I’m so happy to be back in your inbox. Life has been happening. Big, weighty, take-a-deep-breath kind of life. I lost my grandfather in May, and grief, as I’ve learned, is a strange little creature. I spent Memorial Day weekend with my very large, very loving family. People in and out for days, warm and wonderful and overwhelming. When I finally returned home to my quiet apartment, I felt emotionally hungover and just needed space do to nothing.
But then something shifted. Slowly, quietly, I started feeling like myself again. I got out of the apartment. I started ticking things off to-do lists. And best of all, I returned to my creative work. My happy place. In the past week alone, I’ve wrapped design projects, signed on new clients, refreshed my brand, gave my website and Substack a little glow-up, and… I finalized my printed summer zine.
Yes, the zine is happening. And I cannot wait to share it with you. It’s coming very soon and I only ordered a small batch, so if you’re not already subscribed here, now would be a lovely time to do so because I’ll send a note when it’s available to purchase. I hope this little print piece feels like a breath of fresh air. Something light, beautiful, and a little frivolous. I spent hours obsessing over every detail: the content, the design, the paper, even the way it’s packaged. It’s very much a tactile love letter to summer.
It’s also a true extension of all the things I adore. Ephemera, storytelling, a slower kind of inspiration. I hope you’ll find a sunny moment to sit with it offline and let it bring a little joy.
Otherwise, I’m slowly getting back into my rhythm. I need a few summer plans on the books. I need my creative circle and friends. I need a beach day. I need a boat. I need saltwater, sunscreen, a tan, and probably a milkshake. I’m ready to shake off the fog and step into summer.
More Substack posts are on the way, and I’ll be popping up more consistently on Instagram too. It’s good to be back. And in the meantime… here are a few things worth noting.
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Lucia Zolea – I’ve followed Lucia for years and still find myself endlessly inspired by her eye. She has such a beautiful way of styling, sharing, and capturing vintage. Romantic and always intentional. I recently picked up a perfect ’90s sweater from her shop, and she’s also been sharing the dreamiest summer jewelry lately.
A Whimsical World - Lauren Sands’ Substack is such a gem. The founder of LES Collection offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes glimpse into her world, from vintage finds and creative musings to the inspiration behind her beautifully curated life. It’s refreshing and full of sparks worth savoring.
Christie Tyler’s Effortless Elegance - I recently came back to Christie Tyler’s Instagram and am so inspired by her refined, understated style. Her soft neutrals and clean lines create a look that feels both polished and inviting. The feed is full of quiet sophistication. A perfect source of inspiration for anyone who loves classic pieces with a modern twist.
Dior Cruise 2026 Show - Did anyone else’s jaw drop at the sight of Dior’s recent cruise fashion show? It was pure cinematic magic, all lace, tulle, and sculpted silhouettes. Set in a stunning Roman villa, it felt like stepping into a beautifully scripted drama where fashion and fantasy entwine effortlessly.
50 Definitive Performances in Wes Anderson’s Films - Loved this ode to the characters who make Wes Anderson’s worlds so unforgettable. This roundup is such a delight. A love letter to all the deadpan deliveries, heartbreak in slow motion, and perfectly tailored quirks that live rent-free in my head.
Mimi Thorisson - I’m overjoyed to see Mimi has reopened her beloved blog, previously Manger, after a very long hiatus offline. It’s a welcome return to browsing her classic recipes and thoughtful stories. Think seasonal comfort food, kitchen wisdom rooted in family rituals, and those quiet culinary moments from the countryside… the photography alone will pull you in.
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy - If you're craving a culinary escape, I’ve been enjoying Stanley Tucci's second season of Searching for Italy. His journey through Italy offers a feast for the senses and I love learning about the local traditions and Italy's rich tapestry of flavors and cultures. More Tucci please.
A Magical Dorset Cottage - Swooning over this whimsical country home! Every room a riot of color, charm, and unexpected heirloom delight. From checkerboard floors to painted ceilings and the happiest animals roaming the garden, it feels pulled straight from a fairytale (or the daydreams of my childhood self).
Mary Orton’s Bedroom Redesign - One of the most beautiful spaces I’ve seen in ages. Mary’s home already charms with its historic bones, but this bedroom, layered with pattern, color, and thoughtful detail in every corner, has my alter ego dreaming of a life awash in prints and rich palettes.
Everything Millenial is Cool Again - This NYT piece had me nodding along the whole way. It unpacks the recent wave of millennial nostalgia and how it's less about predicting a downturn and more about finding comfort in the familiar. Turns out, we’re not signaling a recession... we’re just romanticizing the past (again). And honestly? Let us have it.
If you enjoyed reading, the simplest way to support me is by liking this post. Commenting, shopping my finds, and sharing Worth Noting with others also makes a world of difference. Your support, in any form, means everything!
You can also find beautiful things worth noting on my Instagram and Pinterest.
xx,
Natalie
Truly enjoyed reading the House & Garden UK piece on the thatched cottage in Dorset. So refreshingly simple, but layered and relaxed. Mary’s room is fabulous!!
Thank you for including a whimsical world! Honored to be a part of your curation!