musings 006
where I've been, where I'm going
Remember last musings when I said it’s been a second? If that was a second it’s been a full day in comparison. So the question is, where have I been? I’ll give you another, where am I going? Welcome back to musings, my latest inspiration and topics of conversation, let’s get into it.
ps. check out YSS on desktop or on the Substack app for a better reading experience!
the moodboard
florals for spring (ground breaking), designer cakes, sculptural fashion.
what i’m wearing
Currently hating my wardrobe (Substack on that in the works), but when I do have to get dressed I’ve been reaching for vintage Polo jeans I got at a charity shop in London, as well as a classic button down shirt. Alternatively, I’ve been obsessed with my skirt from Peachy Den paired with a baggy tee and a fun shoe.
what i’m watching:
I seem to be watching everything BUT movies lately. Here is a quick rundown on my favorites (and some recommendations) over the past month:
If you are also going through Severance withdrawals: Parks and Rec! These shows are legitimately not comparable in any way, shape, or form, but Adam Scott is in both so I consider that to be close enough.
If you want to better understand the Met Gala: This interview from Complex with Dapper Dan, June Ambrose, and Ali Richmond, hosted by Aria Hughes. A really insightful conversation about the history of Black Dandyism, unpacking the Met theme, and understanding nuances and cultural references.
If you want fashion therapy: the Fashion Neurosis podcast by Bella Freud. So far I have watched the episodes with JW Anderson and Rick Owens, and I’m absolutely hooked. I have this under “what I’m watching” because the production on this podcast is wonderful.
If you want to fill the White Lotus void: The Four Seasons on Netflix. See, when I first heard about this my immediate reaction was “another show about The Four Seasons resorts and hotels? I didn’t realize this was becoming a whole sub genre of TV. Guess what this show is not about. This comedy by Tina Fey staring Colman Domingo and Steve Carell follows a group of long time friends throughout a year, set to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concerto.
what i’m reading:
The artist’s way! No, really! Finally, after literal months of saying I was going to do it, I got the book and hunkered down. I’m thinking of doing an Artist’s Way reflection series here on YSS, because it feels wrong to share my fashion/ styling and creative journey on here, and then not talk about my experience with the AW.
Otherwise, I’ve been reading the new Hunger Games! It was a bit of an impulse purchase when I got the AW, but I don’t regret it. So far it’s fantastic, but I am not done so no spoilers, please and thank you.
what i’m listening to:
I’ve been absolutely obsessed with the Sad Boyz podcast on YouTube and Patreon by Jarvis Johnson and Jordan Adika. They have such great banter and it’s been my go to for background noise, especially while working on some freelance projects lately.
As always, here is my monthly playlist for your listening enjoyment:
Fun fact: I was apparently in the top 3% of listeners of Jungle Kitty by SNBRN last week. All I have to say in response is that is it’s not my fault the “My Fault: London” soundtrack is top tier.
what i’ve been musing on:
Ah yes, time for the question of the hour. Let’s start with where I’ve been and the complexities of creative time management.
I’ve been, quite frankly, all over the place. I started freelancing last month and as exciting as it has been (not to mention a brief reprieve from the job app rejection feedback loop) it has also been very taxing on me in terms of day to day life and time management. That is no fault but my own, but I did spend most of April trying to balance all of my creative endeavors on top of my everyday life. As I had mentioned on Notes, I redownloaded Notion and dedicated an afternoon to learning the ins and outs of the app as a last ditch effort to get my shit together, and I am happy to say that it worked. Sort of. Still working it out. But, it did give me the much needed structure of having everything all in one place.
I have also been trying to get on my content game with TikTok and Instagram with the “launch” of Becca Bakes (coming soon to a Substack post near you), and I did let YSS go to the back of my mind. I’m not happy about my lapse in writing. It’s not that I haven’t had ideas, I just haven’t found the mental stamina to put pen to paper and get something out. I’m trying to not be hard on myself and let writing come and go as it pleases. That was the goal when I started YSS, and I can feel myself drifting away from that. Ultimately though, I am committed to YSS as a project, but even more so, the community that has been built here on this platform. So with that, thank you for being patient with me while I try to find some order.
So now to answer the second half of this question: Where am I going?
On the one hand, nowhere. Like I said, I want to be sure to commit more time to YSS every week, especially considering how I have told everyone under the sun that YSS is launching as a print publication in time for its one year anniversary in September. I’m extremely excited to begin that project, but in the meantime I’ve been dwelling on the branding of this Substack.
I like to think that I’m a multi-dimensional creative and trying to figure out a visual brand direction for YSS, both online and in print, has sent me into a full creative tailspin. I’ve definitely been overthinking it, but I’ve also been falling into the comparison wormhole. I follow quite a few writers and publications here (
’s Digital Fruits, The Cakewalk, and ’s Style Toast to name a few) that seemingly have the branding aspect down pat. I won’t lie, I would love for the YSS branding to tighten up like that sooner rather than later, I just don’t know what that direction looks like yet.I find myself going back and forth about whether or not I want to structure the homepage like an actual magazine or how I want to display certain types of content. For example, I would love to create a style archive of looks that I reference in my work, including historical contexts for my researched pieces, and notes on modern styling, but where would that live? Or how about the not-yet-launched Becca Bakes? Does that live in its own corner of YSS or does it have it’s own home? Then thinking about the publication, I fall into the trap of whether or not I want the premise of YSS to include all of these aspects, or do I want it to be an ever evolving, living publication where low-brow and high-brow intersect? Do I rename YSS, or do I keep Your Style Sucks as the main naming convention, playing into the tongue and cheek of it all? I’m trying to find the answers, I would love to hear your thoughts, as well. This is a community after all.
Moving forward, I am also looking to start the YSS podcast (I already have some guests lined up!) and continue building out my portfolio as an art director and visual designer.
Physically, I am still curled up on the couch of my hometown, writing this and watching it pour over the blooming buds in my backyard. Though I’m still a bit sad that I am not in New York, I also have come to accept that timing is everything. Now that it’s getting warmer, I don’t mind being home as much, with the rich foliage and the beach down the street. It’s quiet. Until my brother gets back from college that is, but otherwise it’s been what I needed.
what i’m being inspired by:
I’ll keep this one snappy since I just rambled on for far too long.
this specific website by Public Records (and web design in general I suppose)
It feels so similar to my portfolio site, but in a way that is far more refined, elevated, and modern. As I go about redesigning my portfolio, this is absolutely at the top of my inspiration list.
food artist and designer Gabriel (@ gabrielgabriel on instagram)
As I’ve been exploring the intersection of food and fashion in both art direction and physical execution, I have stumbled across the work of Gabriel Cabrera. I’m captivated by the way he is able to create worlds within his tablescapes and compositions, as well as the mixed media approach he uses. It’s unexpected, whimsical, and articulate.
physical media in publications
This one is a lot more broad, but it has been my main source of design inspiration over the last couple of weeks for a project I’ve been working on. I’ve always been drawn towards tactility in design, and with this method the design creates an interesting juxtaposition between sleek, conventional imagery and layouts, and physical markings, materials, and textures.
a little housekeeping!
Your Style Sucks (but so does mine) is an independent fashion + creative publication by Becca Benoit. If you loved this article and want to help YSS continue to thrive, you can contribute a one-time or monthly pledge through Buy Me a Coffee— starting at just $1! Want more trend dissections, style failure celebrations, and creative chaos documentation? Subscribe to YSS—your soon-to-be favorite fashion mag that embraces the subjectivity of good style. We're all figuring it out, so why not figure it out together?
obsessed w you! <3 half the battle with branding DF has been just starting, messing up, and rebranding as many times as needed! you already have such an incredible eye, you'll know when it feels right!
Love YSS!!! Can’t wait to see the print edition.