Ask me anything!!!
Plus some maternity leave housekeeping
It’s officially the month of my due date, and the reality that I’m about to double the number of dependents I have is looming almost as large as my current abdominal circumference. I’m starting my maternity leave next week to maximize one-on-one time with my toddler before I completely upend his only-child kingdom, and to indulge in my urge to reorganize our entire apartment (the one pregnancy symptom I wish I could retain forever).
Since this will be my last newsletter for awhile, I thought we could make the most of it by doing a little AMA in the comments—I’ll be responding to queries as they come in over the next few days. I’m guessing most will be style-related, in which case I welcome everything from from the specific (i.e. “what would you wear with this EXACT PAIR OF SHORTS”) to the broad (i.e. “what do you think makes an outfit good?”), but I’m also happy to answer non-style Qs as well. I have a lot to say about where to get a sandwich if you find yourself north of 85th street, and what you should really pack in your having-a-baby hospital bag, among many other things.
Some quick housekeeping first:
All paid subscriptions will be PAUSED after this week, and will remain frozen until I’m back from leave. This will go into effect automatically so there is nothing you need to do on your end!
I like having the Gumshoe chat feature accessible to all subscribers, but since I won’t be able to monitor the bot issue as closely while I’m on mat leave, I am temporarily making it exclusive to paid subs after this week. I will reopen access to everyone when I’m back, unless the bot issue looks like it is resolved sooner.
I’ve unlocked my entire archive of previously published free newsletters (usually only accessible to paid subs) for anyone to read during my leave. This includes all of my Realistic Lookbooks; evergreen guides like how to Shop Like a Collector, Not a Buyer; personal essays like I Think My Personal Style Is Shifting; and miscellaneous fun stuff like the 62 Extremely Passionate Recommendations Gumshoe readers shared at the end of last year.
I launched Gumshoe just over two years ago when I was pregnant with my son, and it is without a doubt the best job I’ve ever had. That’s entirely due to the thoughtful group of people who take the time to read it, so thank you—truly. There is no limit to my gratitude for your support. If I’m being honest, I have some anxiety around taking any extended amount of time off when success on this platform is so linked to keeping my foot on the pedal of consistent publishing, but I’m trying to trust that the people who are meant to be here will either stick around—or find their way to it—when I return. I have a lot of fun stuff planned for our eventual reunion 🙂.
While I’m taking a break from Substack, I’ll still be posting on Instagram occasionally, and will share an update there once baby #2 is born. If you’re curious about where I am and what I’m up to, that’s the best place to find me for now.
Okay now who’s got a question???????? I’ll see you in the comments.
xo Harling
Feature image by Camille Delaune.
Harling, as someone who works in the world of social media marketing, I have to articulate to you that you are the least unfollowable. I’m sure I am not the only one who has already mentally planned for the style drought in their inbox during your maternity leave! You’ve got this, and thank you for all the wonderful content you provide. ❤️
Congrats Harling! So excited for you. I miss my little girls first few weeks home and I hope you get the space to cherish it in good spirits!
Question: I can NEVER style skirts. I have a very hourglass figure — even more now that I’m postpartum. How should I think about proportions? How do I make an outfit look good? Thanks!