Tomayto, Tomahto
Hi everyone, happy Wednesday!
Today’s newsletter is my 150th, which means typically I’d switch things up and write about some items I don’t like or want. But since this will also be my last dispatch for a while — I’m taking August off to go on vacation and eat lavish meals and stay out late dancing and generally enjoy myself — I didn’t want to leave you all on a sour note. So I’ll save the grousing for next time, and use today to write about something I love: tomatoes.
As far as TikTok trends go, tomato girl summer is one of the better ones (it’s certainly more my speed than coastal grandmother.) I like that it seems to have more to do with eating good food than wearing the right clothes: think thick slices of beefsteak on milk bread, Aperol spritzes at 3pm, charcuterie and tinned fish on red gingham blankets. Which is exactly what the doctor calls for when late summer malaise threatens to creep in! Hopefully these fun tomato-y picks carry you through to September; I’ll see you all then!
In the Can
AL FRESCO EARRINGS - HELLO ADRIANNE ($80)
Artist Adrianne Paerels’ work, which carefully depicts everything from Italian pantry staples to gas-station snacks in minute detail, has a lo-fi, hand-sketched quality to it — which, of course, only adds to its charm. I love her dangly earrings depicting pasta boxes, pizza slices, and Pellegrino bottles, but it was this power couple of Cento San Marzano tomatoes and Botticelli olive oil that really stole my heart.
Tee Up
THREE TOMATOES TEE - AT THE MOMENT ($25)
Made-to-order apparel brand At the Moment is known for its viral limes shirt, but I’m more partial to this collegiate “Tomato” design. Though the crewneck I own is sold out (I’d like to state for the record that I bought it last December, far before the trend was even a twinkle in TikTok’s eye!), it’s also available in the form of this good-looking green tee; if just “tomato” is too broad for you and you want to declare your allegiance to a specific variety, like heirloom or Campari, you’re in luck as well.
Gone to Pieces
VINTAGE 1980 TOMATO HARVEST PUZZLE - EBAY ($26)
I can already tell that this vintage 1980s puzzle depicting a ruby-red bounty would absolutely send me into conniptions. It seems deceptively simple — only 500 pieces or so — but you’ll be singing a different tune once you find yourself facing a sea of red with zero distinguishing characteristics. I’m not going to get it for my peace of mind, but if someone out there is up for the challenge, let me know if you emerge with your sanity intact.
Tried one of my recs and loved it (or hated it)? Wanna get something cool on my radar? Drop me a line at kittylguo@gmail.com or swing by my Twitter @kitguo!
happy 150!!!!!