Show and (a little) Tell

July faves + screenshots, plus I want to feature YOU on the next books and looks

Jul 15, 2025

Dear Reader,

Over the past year, writing on Substack has become a significant part of my life. I can’t tell you how much joy and excitement this platform and community have brought me. I feel so lucky and grateful to share my pov on style with all of you, and then hear back with your thoughts and comments. Not to mention the brilliant, sharp, and kind writers I’ve come to read (and know). Their posts and style perspectives always inspire me.

I have a few longer pieces I’m working on that I’ll publish in the coming weeks/months. But in the meantime, I wanted to send a short + sweet post that leans casual. More show and less tell — so be prepared for lots of images below. These casual stacks tend to be one of my favorite types to read, so I hope you’ll enjoy this.

Before we jump in, I have an invitation for you. If you’ve been a longtime reader, you know I love sharing a monthlyish newsletter packed with everything I’m reading and wearing. I’ve gotten so much great inspo (both for reads and outfits) from all of you on here, so I’m extending an open invite to any subscriber of how to wear it to send in a book and a look. If you’re interested, shoot me an email (nqochoa@gmail.com), and I’ll send you the details. Can’t wait to see and feature all of your books and looks!! <3

All my best,
Natalia

My take on the internet’s favorite new bag (aka, a mercado tote!!!)

GAP tshirt (sized up to a medium, and I prefer it a bit oversized) // AGOLDE jeans // Jamie Haller ballet flats // mercado mesh tote

These mesh totes look a lot like the mercado totes and bags you’d find in Mexico City (and other parts of Mexico). Growing up, these would be everywhere. I found two that I like on Etsy — both have longer straps, like the one I have. Easier to carry. Mesh totes for you: here is a red one + here is a yellow one.

Spa-ing at home and on the go

Oak Essentials kindly sent over their Travel Body Routine. All of the products are beautiful, and the smell and aesthetic of them make me feel like I’m at the spa!!!

So far, my favorite is the Body Lotion. Ordering a full size of this ASAP. The blue color is also sooooo pretty.

Keeping the travel size in my bag to moisturize on the go. Is it bad that I use it as a hand cream more than a body cream? Haha

Old Celine is New Celine?!?!?!

Yes, I saw the photos from the Celine presentation, and yes, I am reaaaaallly into it. Mostly, I love the styling and the bags.

Michael Rider’s debut show for Celine // source

This prompted me to bring out my old Celine blue tote. Taking a cue from the semi-monochrome outfit above, but as an all-white look styled for summer.

DÔEN top // AGOLDE jeans // Chanel ballet flats // old Celine bag

Old Celine for you: exact one here, in pink/red here, + beige/black here. If you want this exact one, I suggest a TRR search (“celine Leather Horizontal Cabas” and filter blue and black).

Major vintage Levi’s score at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

Last weekend, I hit up the Rose Bowl Flea Market in search of great vintage tshirts. As the attendant scanned my ticket, I kept telling myself, “no more vintage Levi’s.” I think I unlocked some kind of opposite manifestation, because I finally found the perfect pair of black vintage Levi’s. Fade, length, and fit were all right. They’re 501s from 2002 labeled 32x30, but the real measurements are 30x30 — the perfect low-waisted vibe.