thirteen things I find chic
from kindness to hardcover library books — and everything in between
Dear Reader,
There’s a trend going around the internet of people sharing lists of things they find chic. Admittedly, I stop and see/read every single one I come across — they’re fascinating. Many of us share a common understanding of what “chic” means (almost every single list I come across includes some type of monogrammed item), while other times, we have slightly different interpretations.
Inspired by the many lists I’ve seen, and after weeks of scribbling additions to my own on the margins of my Sudoku notebook, below is my list of things I find chic.
Reader, I’m curious to know about things you find chic, so please — share with me!
All my best,
Natalia
Kindness
Starting with the number one thing I find chic — kindness. Kindness to yourself, to your neighbors, to the people you interact with every day, even to strangers on the internet. The list goes on. You could have the chicest wardrobe in the world, but to be chic, you must be kind.
Single-Flower Arrangements
I think flower arrangements comprised of a single type of flower are so so so chic. Think, twelve hydrangea stems arranged in a tall vase, two bunches of tulips from Trader Joe’s, a neat ball of roses… you get the idea. Elegant, chic, and much easier to care for than an arrangement with 10+ types of flowers. These types of flowers stop me in my tracks every time.
Hard-Cover Library Books
There’s a woman in my neighborhood who often walks to and from the local library. Sometimes our walking schedules line up, and I catch her leaving with a fresh hardcover tucked under her arm. That crinkly library plastic? CHIC.
Bedside Tables
I always notice bedside tables in shows and movies — there’s something so revealing about them. To me, the chic is always personal. My ideal setup includes a beautiful lamp, a small water carafe, fresh flowers, a journal, a bedtime book, and most importantly, the Hatch Restore 3, which helps keep the area blissfully phone-free.
A Braid or Low Ponytail
Effortless, practical, chic.
Jazz
There’s nothing chicer to me than listening to a jazz album. Bonus points if it’s on vinyl. Extra bonus points if Louis Armstrong is singing. There’s something about his voice that makes my senses absolutely tingle — it transports me straight into a Nora Ephron movie (the chicest setting of all).
Coffee in a White Mug
It's visually stunning and looks great at any stage of coffee drinking (full cup, halfway through, and even when you’re finished).
Eyeglasses
My family is big on eyeglasses. My mom has four sisters, and they all wear really cool frames — mostly thick and bold. Their mother (my grandmother) had a cousin who wore large, round, red glasses every single day. It became her signature. I always thought that was incredibly chic.
Generosity and Gratitude
Generous with your time. Generous with your resources. Generous with your assumptions about others. Generous with yourself. And always, always grateful. People who are both generous and grateful aren’t just chic — they’re magnetic. You want to be near them. You want to learn from them. You just want to be around them.
Double Bags
There’s a story here!! Why the two bags? What’s on the agenda today? I can’t get enough of this look.
Bandanas
All-White Outfits
The pictures speak for themselves here.
Straw Bags
The ultimate bag, and an accessory that says I’m cool, chill, and chic.
Love your list! Fun fact: The guy in the same coat as the older lady worked at the COS store where I used to live in Germany - the image went viral a few years ago
Heavy on kindness, single-flower arrangements & all white outfits