Episode 05: Women Be Shopping
A scavenger hunt. An escape from real life. Me time. A means of exploration. Pure convenience and simplicity. Online shopping is a wormhole unto itself for so many reasons. In this episode we examine what shopping, in general, has meant to us historically as a way to bond socially and to experience pleasurable things - to how life’s changes, growing up, and the pandemic has altered our relationship to this everyday activity. For such a seemingly simple topic, we cover a surprising range of emotions about things we miss from actually going someplace to find clothes with our friends, poignant family memories, reflections on how our consumption has given us insight about stages of our life long gone, and the tension between the practical and indulgent. And of course, we reveal some of our favorite (and maybe absurd) pandemic purchases.
Links for things we discussed in this episode:
Look like Jason Sudeikis winning a Golden Globe in this forward_space hoodie
Dara is passionate about decorating with books for a good reason
You know you’re Gen X when the most important movies from your childhood involved malls. For a blast from the past check out Valley Girl, Pretty in Pink, Weird Science, and Clueless
For a great London shopping montage a la Dara’s Portobello Road Market story from our last episode, see What a Girl Wants (Colin Firth, included)
Dara’s pandemic recommendations include New England Country Mart for delicious specialty treats, this Cast Iron Taiyaki Pan that makes fish-shaped waffles, her family’s dream sectional sofa (at last!) and the super-welcome trampoline. She cannot overstate how life-changing automatic soap dispensers are, to say nothing of the Always Pan. And her secret to feeling more human? Supergoop Glowscreen
KJ is all about Goldbelly to have faves shipped from around the country - and from her recent apartment furnishing finds recommends her fireplace mantle mirror, anything from Food 52 (seconding Dara’s enthusiasm) but especially this little saucepan slash butter warmer. And if you must know more about the dancing Irish carpenter check out his Instagram on Mondays for some 80s dance relief and his handmade cheese boards can be found here
In the AfterTimes™ Dara can’t wait to visit H-Mart, Mill No. 5 in Lowell and the iconic Chelsea Flea Market
Not mentioned by name but if you happen to visit the Rivertowns up on the Hudson River, do not miss IN2GREEN and Hudson Line in Hastings-on-Hudson, and At Land in Dobbs Ferry
PS, our shero Jenna Lyons posted this incredible interview this week. Dara offered a comment. KJ liked Dara’s comment. THEN JENNA LIKED DARA’S COMMENT! We’re all connected now. Fate.
