A little love note.

Dear Reader,

It’s cold, it’s gray, it’s drizzly and I am positively uninspired. That’s the truth of it. For the past week, every time I sit down to compose a newsletter, I just stare at the cursor. It taunts me with every blink.

I’ve been adjusting to Lexapro, which is a Godsend for the most part, but has an adjustment period that includes more sleep than usual and all but eliminating alcohol. My dyslexia has been flaring up for some mysterious reason (more on that later this year). And work has been particularly demanding lately, so I’ve been pouring every last bit of creative energy into my clients. Needless to say, I’m feeling unusually drained.

I’m encouraged by warmer days to come and all that accompanies: sandals, shorter hemlines, brighter colors. Which of course, has me thinking about spring/summer shopping. Spring is optimistic and cheerful here in Atlanta, most everyone stays put and enjoys the city at its most beautiful. There are lots of outdoor festivals, the parks are bursting with color, and the weather is mild enough to dine al fresco without melting into a puddle.

It’s a season of long evenings on back porches, outdoor brunch at the city’s great restaurants, the return of farmer’s markets and hot girl walks that don’t require three layers of clothing. There is pollen to contend with, but hey — that’s what Zyrtec is for. It’s a time I’m looking forward to.

As such, I have been combing through the new arrivals sections of every major retailer, looking for the things that make my heart leap for the season to come. As I’ve flagged, hearted and saved things, I realized that I catalogued a near-complete capsule wardrobe, which turned into a huge project composing a spring fashion issue for you, friends.

This is a big undertaking, it will be around forty outfit formulas built around 20 or so pieces. We’ll have the best-in class item accompanied by alternatives at lower price points. I’m super stoked about it but definitely intimidated by what I’ve taken on. So!

You guys know I like to send out at least two newsletters a week, but given this project, I’ll be pulling back to one until we launch our MAAAJOR spring fashion issue in early/mid-March. Is that okay? The Love List isn’t my full-time job, this is. (Which is why those of you who opt into paid subscriptions are so special to me, you make this newsletter possible for everyone else!)

So between clients and this behemoth of a spring fashion issue, I’m trying to be smart about paring out my energy and resources. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

‘Til then, feel free to reply to this email with any Spring fashion questions or pop them to me on Instagram @jessnellsgraves. I’m planning to include a few in the issue.