Things That Feel So Right
Some are arguably trivial. Others, maybe not.
This is a Big Spoon post.
If you’re new here (or just need a refresher), Spoonful of Style comes in three servings: Big Spoon is the full-course meal—rich with fashion commentary, cultural context, and deep dives into what style says about us. Little Spoon is the treat—quick bites like outfit ideas, styling swaps, and things I’m shopping. And Spoonful Chat is the conversation—recurring interviews with the voices shaping style and culture.
I’ve been trying to be more mindful lately. As someone who’s always thinking about what’s next—or what I could be doing more of—that doesn’t come naturally. But the more I practice being present, the more I notice the little things that make an ordinary day feel a bit better.
So, instead of making another gratitude list (though I’ll always thank God for my health, the people I love, and my job), I started thinking about the things I simply find chic, comforting, inspiring, or joyful. Some are fashion-related. Some aren’t. Some are arguably trivial. Others, maybe not. Here are a few!
Capris
Obviously, this list has to kick off with style. Capris returned to the scene a couple of years ago, and I’d like to think they’re here to stay.
I wore a pair from The Frankie Shop to the office recently with an oversized Dissh button-up, Schutz thong sandals, and my hair pulled back into a low ponytail. I loaded my DeMellier tote with my laptop, book, and cosmetic pouch.
The ease of the look made me feel so confident and so chic—which is always the goal. I actually think it even helped me get through the many edits during my shift a bit more seamlessly because when you look good, you feel good … and maybe you even do good, lol.
More than anything, though, the outfit felt like a reflection of where I am with my personal style right now. I love balance—pairing something oversized with something more fitted. I want to be comfortable, but I still want to feel polished. The sandals were easy to walk in, the shirt had plenty of movement, and the capris gave the look just enough structure. After work, I headed straight to dinner with Dossier, and it ended up being the perfect office-to-evening outfit.
I’d only worn these capris twice before—once for my 30th birthday and again on Christmas Day two months later. Wearing them again reminded me of the power of a really great piece and great styling.
The Writing of Tayari Jones
A week or two ago, I finished Tayari Jones’ fifth novel, Kin, and it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. The way she writes, you feel it deep in your soul. It’s poetic, it’s raw, it’s heavy, it’s comforting, it’s inspiring.
The story of Vernice and Annie—two best friends who grew up together in Louisiana and ultimately took very different paths—stayed with me long after I finished the last page. It made me think differently about friendship and the kind of love that exists outside of romance. We don’t talk nearly enough about friendship as one of life’s great love stories, and Tayari captures it so beautifully.
Beyond that, the way she writes about sacrifice, Black life, and Southern life feels incredibly honest. I was first introduced to her through An American Marriage, which completely broke me. After Kin, I’m convinced she’s one of the greatest living writers.
Starting New Businesses and Creative Projects
Until last year, I wasn’t the type of person who thought I could juggle multiple projects. Let me preface that by saying I’ve always been someone with multiple ideas, but I always felt I needed certain things to happen—or fall into place—before I could go after them or bring them to life.
It wasn’t until Spoonful of Style and then getting laid off that I became more willing to take the risk and just try.
As many of y’all know, my cousin Jazmine and I launched an event series called The Assembly, where we curate beauty, fashion, and lifestyle events centered around community in New Orleans. With our third event already behind us, it’s become quite busy as I juggle that with my role at InStyle, Spoonful of Style, and a few other projects. Some days are chaotic, and I definitely work more than nine to five, but I love it.
It’s inspiring to be inspired by yourself. What I’ve realized, though, is that many of the limits I thought I had were simply ones I’d placed on myself.
Take a look at a recap from our Essence Festival weekend Tastemaker Brunch above!
Wearing Dresses Around the House
I may have said this before, but I love a house dress! I get that from my mom and from being home for most of last summer. She has the cutest collection of lounge dresses, and I may or may not have permanently borrowed a few. By house dress, I mean something lightweight—cotton or linen, sleeveless or strapless, flowy, and long. It adds so much whimsy to the day. I feel so girly in a house dress, especially on a hot day that calls for a few errands and some couch rotting. House dresses are breathable and so, so cozy. Plus, there’s something so dainty about wearing a sundress with nowhere to go at all.
Kitten Heels
As a girly with chronic foot pain, kitten heels are gonna do it every single time—especially at the office or when I’m hosting The Assembly events. At our latest soirée, an intimate brunch at Cafe Malou, I opted for a Cynthia Rowley dress with Balenciaga kitten heels. They are SO cutie. I wish the photo above showed the heel because they really are so elegant. The tiniest heel gives me just enough of a boost without the pain. I was able to mix, mingle, and bop around the entire time without needing to take them off once.
My closet is filled with kitten heels now, like the pair I wore with the capris from Schutz. I can even walk to the train in those—but I prefer not to so they don’t get too worn or dirty. It’s funny because there isn’t always much of a difference in height between a kitten heel and a flat sandal, but it’s the fact that I know I’m wearing a heel that makes it worth it for me.
Giving Compliments
Give people compliments!! It’s not hard, it takes nothing, and more often than not, you’ll make their day.
At The Assembly’s second event, Golden Hour Glow, I was walking around with a tiny mic asking guests what their favorite compliment to receive is. Guest Samjah Iman, writer and co-owner of the beloved St. Noir Cafe in New Orleans, said being told she’s pretty. I agreed it’s a great compliment, but it was what she said after that really stuck with me.
“I feel sometimes people don’t tell pretty girls that they’re pretty because they think they hear it too much. There’s nothing wrong with saying it again.”
I just really loved that because it’s so simple but so true. Whether it’s saying, “You look pretty,” “I love your outfit,” or anything else, just say it. As someone who loves giving compliments, I also love receiving them, and her words really resonated with me. I think we’d all be a little better off if we complimented each other a bit more.
Tracee Ellis Ross’ Latest Look
Who doesn’t love Tracee Ellis Ross?! She wore this Marc Jacobs ensemble to the opening night of her new Broadway show, Every Brilliant Thing, in New York City. It was so cool, fresh, and lively. It was unexpected and a little unusual.
Tracee just gets it. She really, really gets it. She puts the fun in fashion, always rejecting minimalism—unless she doesn’t want to. It’s her rules. And it’s always really cool to see.
Wearing White on the Subway
Having to commute three days a week makes picking outfits for the office a little challenging. I have to factor in the cleanliness of the subway, which usually means reaching for dark colors and flat shoes that cover my toes so I don’t end up with dirty feet or limping from the pain.
But on this particular day, I’d had enough of letting the train dictate my outfit, so I did the unspeakable … I wore white! A white maxi skirt, at that.
I’ve had this Dissh bubble skirt for a while now, and I’ve only worn it a few times out of fear of getting it dirty. But I wanted to feel cute and confident, and I knew this would do the trick. I added a soft tank from L’Agence, flip-flops from Tkees, and Khoi earrings for a little pizzazz, and I was on my way.
As I walked, I held up my skirt with both hands and refused to sit on the subway seats. I arrived at the office as cute as ever—in the outfit of my choosing.
‘Till the next Spoonful,
Robyn Nia
I just love your perspective regarding style. You truly get it. And to see me included in your post?! Wow! I’m honored! Keep writing these…the luxurious girls need them!
I love reading anything you write