On The Sunny Side #23

Sleepscapes, belts, and the bags I can't stop thinking about

Apr 27, 2025

On The Sunny Side is a weekly round-up where I share a few sunny things that have brightened my days, what I’m reading, watching, and obsessing over too.

Happy Sunday Friends,

We’re back to regular scheduled programming this week, and boy do I have some great recs for you! I spent the week in New York for a work trip where the weather decided to show up in beautiful fashion—nothing but 70 degree days filled with sunshine. The. Dream. I had the pleasure of running around the city being an in person corporate girlie for the week. It gave me an excuse to dress up for work for someone other than my hubby and the fur babies—although I do love a good wfh fit.

The week away was invigorating in the way only visiting New York can be. And thanks to everyone in the city having the best streetwear game (like seriously fabulous), all I want to do is shop. But my wallet is telling me not too, *sigh*. So let’s window shop together, shall we?! 🤎

Sleepcasts

Before we get into the shopping bits of the newsletter, I wanted to give a quick shout out to sleepcasts. More specifically the sleepcasts on the Headspace App. I kid you not when I say, I buy the yearly Headspace membership solely for the sleepcasts. Slightly impractical? Yes. However, it has become a nonnegotiable part of my bedtime routine. Each night before bed, I toggle to the Sleep section of the app, and select how I’d like to be lulled to sleep—will it be to the sound of a cozy Scottish Loch or a tranquil Hammam? They especially came in clutch last week while traveling and getting used to a strange bed.

Belts

I only bought one thing during the Shopbop sale last week and it wasn’t even a part of the sale. It was the Favorite Daughter Jordan belt in dark brown and gold. I’ve been looking for ways to bring more ‘interest’ to my outfits and this belt is like the secret sauce tying it altogether—the gold detailing, the texture, the deep brown color. LOVE. Madewell has a similar belt that’s a tad cheaper and offers more options (also I’ve seen a ton of these Madewell ones on Poshmark)!

The bags I can’t stop thinking about…

I’m not a big bag gal—I own maybe four (?) and I don’t believe luxury bags are worth the $$—but there is just something about a woven leather bag that sings to me. After much online sleuthing, these are the bags I think are the best of the woven bag bunch (plus a non-woven option I adore):

The handwoven leather tote from Madewell ($198) is a total dupe for the Dragon Diffusion bags. Also I’ve seen a TON of these on Poshmark and Depop brand new for a good mark down.
A fun green option that isn’t too out there from Anthropologie and it’s on sale ($103)!
The one I’m most tempted to purchase ($425 on the pricey side, I know) and it comes in three different sizes. I also really like the green version of the mini.
An unexpected cutie from Tory Burch (who am I?) Again on the pricier side ($398) but I’ve seen a ton of these on Poshmark, too.
Finally the bag I currently own ($315) and get the most compliments on. I did get this on Poshmark last year brand new, for about ~100 cheaper than the retail price!

Moral of the story: if you’re on the hunt for a new bag, there are *so* many options available secondhand.

What I’m Reading

I read maybe a chapter of Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave each night before conking out. I hate to say it but I think Finn is losing the plot... I’ll give the book the benefit of the doubt and see how it ends before forming my final opinion. Once I wrap up Finlay, I’ll be marching my butt to my nearest indie bookstore to pick up Great Big Beautiful Life. As someone who loved Henry’s magical realism number (aka A Million Junes) I’m thrilled to see her expand outside the romcom sphere.

On the audio front, my hold on Libby for the new Vera Wong came in, and I finished it yesterday. If you need an easy listen and enjoy a cozy mystery, I really enjoy this series.

What I’m Watching

After binging Daredevil Born Again on Disney+ I decided to start watching the old Netflix series because I found the characters so compelling—granted it is WAY too violent for me and I’m often closing my eyes during scenes, I still enjoy the story line. Also fun fact they were filming S2 of the Disney+ Daredevil while I was in New York.

Then my hubs and I have been watching Your Friends & Neighbors. It’s filling the wealthy people behaving badly White Lotus hole in our TV life. This is also another indicator that AppleTV is crushing it on the show front.

That’s it for me friends. Did you read, watch, or make something amazing this weekend? Have YOU found the perfect wove bag for summer?! If so, feel free to let us know in the comments below 🤎