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*On Sat, Mar 21, 2026, 10:24 AM, Marina Cooley <reply+362uda&lr6el&&baa9887a91de54a7f45bbe3ce6ddd0b96cd8eaac1f4f0c821d0419bebefc2fe1@mg1.substack.com> wrote:*

> View this post on the web at https://professoroffduty.substack.com/p/a-wishlist-of-beautiful-workhorses
> 
> One thing you should know about me is that I don’t respond well to rules. Or restrictions.
> Gretchen Rubin would call me a Questioner—someone who responds to an expectation only if they conclude that it makes sense (PS take the quiz [ https://substack.com/redirect/418161c0-8f55-4474-b580-84b119e66b50?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] if you’re curious about how you respond to expectations as this is the key to sticking with a habit). Or If you’re familiar with Enneagrams, I’m an 8; the Challenger:
> “Actively rebels against being controlled, restricted, or managed. They often respond to restrictions with increased intensity, confrontational behavior, or by attempting to take control themselves. which means that the moment something is presented as a restriction, my instinct is to push back.”
> Aren’t I just a bundle of joy??
> Tell me I can’t have/do/accomplish something and I’ll smile, walk away and go do exactly that thing. (You can see how this applies to work in this Wednesday’s post, The Bullshit-ification of Good Jobs [ https://substack.com/redirect/cf8b16da-b03e-478d-b9be-cbebb49f6b75?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]).
> Not surprisingly, this extends to how I shop. I don’t like capsules (too restrictive), no-buy years (also too restrictive), or really anything that feels like a rule for the sake of a rule.
> The reason I ended up in marketing in the first place is that I genuinely love aesthetics. I notice print, texture, color, typography. My longest-running hobby is design.
> In other words, I am not immune to beautiful things. (But no beautiful things until I check-off my 24 staples for spring [ https://substack.com/redirect/5947c54e-84b9-4128-b864-4b76c961e237?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]).
> But loving beautiful things doesn’t mean being irresponsible with a budget, or buying things for a life you don’t live and letting them hang in your closet. Nor does it mean that we self-medicate a bad day with the shoppies (or at least not too often).
> The answer, then, is somewhere in the middle: some beautiful new things, but not too many. Too many “specials,” and you end up with a museum of unworn “specials.”
> My approach as a Certified Type A crazy person is to keep lists. I have a Pinterest board where I save looks I like for style inspiration, and then a seasonal product list [ https://substack.com/redirect/e0aa0de1-adb6-4383-8fd0-3a0bfe7468ee?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] on ShopMy (I used to do this in a spreadsheet but I really love being able to see a picture of the item).
> Most of the time, I’ll see something pretty, add it to the list, and then completely forget about it (just adding it to a list is therapeutic). Other items, I can’t stop thinking about the item and eventually make the purchase. And then there’s a third category: pure impulse purchases, where I abandon all self-control and order on the spot. (Usually anything involving gingham or embroidery.)
> After analyzing my behaviors for a few years, I developed a filter for every purchase I make: 
> 1. Are there 3 different functions it gives me?
> 2. Will it make getting ready more efficient?
> 3. Does it make me feel confident?
> But! When I’m considering something outside the staples, so, something trendier or a little more “special,” I also ask myself:
> Does it fit within my colors?
> Is it a silhouette that looks good on me? (Because I’m 5’3! Not 5’11 like the model pictured!)
> Is this truly me, or do I just admire it on other people? (I recently returned a pair of Gazelles [ https://substack.com/redirect/d651d188-d2ff-4f88-b34b-41e2eee2d178?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] because I felt like I was trying too hard to be cool, yet they look so good on my TA).
> Does it work with my real life? You know my life with kids, a dog, and a job where I’m often on my feet.
> With all that in mind, here’s my wishlist of all the beautiful things that make my eyes so very happy:
> Sheer Blouse
> I saw Natalie Borton  wear a sheer blouse (photo above) over a year ago and never moved on. I’m 42 and just now comfortable enough in my own skin to wear something like this. It feels a little rebellious!
> Black (this is what I’m ordering) [ https://substack.com/redirect/4f7564e3-aaba-45df-aabb-6d2b04f6d456?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / Budget buy from Old Navy [ https://substack.com/redirect/900ad65f-329c-4cd7-b2d9-b7deda79ba6a?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / Brown like Natalie’s [ https://substack.com/redirect/725dd215-307c-481d-9ae1-b21918191073?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
> Fringe and fringe-adjacent 
> I’ve loved fringe since college, likely because it makes me feel free-spirited and aligns with my rebellious personality. It’s trending a bit this season so there’s more options available than usual!
> #1 Yellow Skirt [ https://substack.com/redirect/688eb937-d7e7-40c8-ae78-4393ba6ff809?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / #2 See Thru Skirt [ https://substack.com/redirect/71cb1786-e029-4b3c-a101-3b028920af0e?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] (I can’t stop looking at this)  #3 Green Top [ https://substack.com/redirect/5f05c1ea-694c-4e79-acdd-e26f45f51daf?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] /  #4 Cream Tank [ https://substack.com/redirect/b7d3d041-6dca-4f75-91b9-f356d851fad0?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]# 5 Cream Vest Top [ https://substack.com/redirect/8c05b4c4-1e78-40d1-a4ff-18a0344ff85d?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] (the sides design makes me swoon; I saw someone wearing this in NYC last Fall and chased them down to ask) / #6 Black Skirt [ https://substack.com/redirect/4a8d0d0a-8d16-425d-8691-258c9427b4a0?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] 
> Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
> Red sandal (INVEST [ https://substack.com/redirect/d945c55f-9a2d-4ce8-b38c-826fa8336cbc?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / SAVE [ https://substack.com/redirect/d83dd31e-2f8e-49d1-9230-325209bbd16c?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]): I ordered the save and got a huge blister. They’re made of plastic and made my feet sweat. Fail. But if you aren’t walking they’re 1/6 the price so…
> Brown block heel sandal (INVEST [ https://substack.com/redirect/19278cd7-1c26-4502-8bfa-e2bb003b4ecf?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / SAVE [ https://substack.com/redirect/72b38967-efdb-4cd0-b900-687d2cb5100e?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]): I did order and try on the Boden heels and my foot is too wide. If you have a narrow foot, these are a great value. I also tried a Dolce Vita save version and they were painful. So Margaux it is!
> Leopard Mary Janes (INVEST [ https://substack.com/redirect/b66c98cb-4967-421a-9d5a-01fe149948cb?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / SAVE [ https://substack.com/redirect/00d46318-77d6-472a-ac98-f318520e9f05?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]): I’ve seen Grace Atwood  recommend these and I continue to think about them. From a price perspective, the budget is not a budget, but I believe this is an item worth investing in.
> Strappy sandals (INVEST [ https://substack.com/redirect/e89fd8b1-5a3e-4d25-b4fa-baf0168e1ffc?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / SAVE [ https://substack.com/redirect/00b6aa0b-0f60-4e17-99f1-d96b8f60e872?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]): This style shoe is my most worn in Atlanta spring/summer. Trust me, I ordered every save version only to land on the Reformation ones. And even so, I hear from some of you that they don’t last. I’m tempted to go up one more price point and be satisfied for 3 years.
> Brown and white striped button-down shirt
> Given how much I wear my relaxed button-denim [ https://substack.com/redirect/6d8e6489-8db5-4fa7-a9c9-5631bdc0a332?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] shirt, I should have ordered a brown and white striped one by now. I’ve pinned this look over and over. 
> #1 Budget buy from Mango [ https://substack.com/redirect/552bdc2d-f7af-49d9-8fb9-b09ee949a108?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] /#2 Sezane [ https://substack.com/redirect/3bc7829a-040e-4343-abe4-601af84b4e0e?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] wider stripe /#3 Snugger fit from Veronica Beard (50% off) [ https://substack.com/redirect/2c0572ea-ccc8-4415-b4e6-16fb31e03dd6?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / #4 My obsession from Buck Mason  [ https://substack.com/redirect/79b12722-c3f9-414f-8edb-f5207a08b350?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
> Studded belt
> This [ https://substack.com/redirect/d43dd87b-56bf-494a-a2de-b974ba8b410a?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] or this [ https://substack.com/redirect/27d1fcbb-e2bf-40a2-ba1e-73d94023430f?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]. A girl can dream.
> Knit Tank 
> This is another look that brings out the relaxed hippie in me; I love nothing more than a knitted top. With jeans, white or cream linen pants or a skirt. If I could buy all 5 of these I would.
> #1 [ https://substack.com/redirect/74f34fb7-890d-4d46-b586-1a3d57763617?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] (I am gaga for this) / #3 from Sezane [ https://substack.com/redirect/4d292a1c-281c-4f01-b65d-3fdd283b8a66?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / #3 Is the budget buy [ https://substack.com/redirect/1a80f326-684a-4dd1-978c-481ff05596fc?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / #4 [ https://substack.com/redirect/3a42ce72-adb8-45e9-9f3a-ac96902b826b?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] (Also gaga for this, the open shoulders!) #5  [ https://substack.com/redirect/5405d682-e59c-452c-8f15-045d24f8f34a?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]Peek holes 
> Acquired Wishlist Items
> I’ve gotten a few things from my wish list! A 100% silk skirt  [ https://substack.com/redirect/582c3d50-05d4-4693-86b9-4085c2cabc00?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]which is so bohemian, so soft, and moves so beautifully. I’ve worn it 3 times since I’ve gotten it (it’s included in the Paige sale). Another white button-down [ https://substack.com/redirect/8e61c7dc-fba8-43c2-8ac4-24223006136e?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]. If there’s one thing I own a few too many of it’s this, but I try to remember that my real life is standing in a classroom and there’s no quicker way to look buttoned-up than with a white button-up. A red one-piece swimsuit [ https://substack.com/redirect/4ae7447f-92b4-43b1-83c4-780ccc14a14a?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]. 
> About 6 months ago, I got an Indian printed belted dress [ https://substack.com/redirect/273289f0-7ccf-4310-8b5a-52d2a7fdf806?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]. When I tried it on for my mom, she gasped. We both decided it was one of those specials that had to be saved for a perfect event.
> But why should it be “saved”?
> Instead, as soon as it warmed up, I started wearing it everywhere: dinner at a friend’s house, to a designer showroom, date night with my husband, on vacation in Mexico. Every time I wore it, I felt confident (the compliments didn’t hurt!). 
> Life’s too short to not enjoy color, texture, pattern and beautiful things. So here’s the reminder. Buy responsibly and wear those special things.
> Your turn: Tell us the one thing on your wish list. Would especially love to know if it’s been on your wish list for over 6 months!
> Confidently yours,
> P.S. You can do something to help me that will take you less than 1 second. Please give this post a ❤️ if you found it valuable. It really, truly helps with discovery. 🙏
> Paige: 25% off sitewide thru Mar 25: Anessa Blue  [ https://substack.com/redirect/09dbc84e-9e49-4523-981c-6e1f9de69e00?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]& White [ https://substack.com/redirect/f96ed785-e4b9-493f-8806-b8a7206f8a38?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ], Dani Short [ https://substack.com/redirect/af3dbdf2-dd69-4bd1-92e5-360e8b9dd154?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]. The Anessa Westminster in 27in hem runs true to size and are my most worn pair.
> Frame (25% off); Le Slim Palazzo [ https://substack.com/redirect/c857af6f-ac1e-475b-aa44-5070c2932bb8?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] is a go out jean. 
> Lands’ End  (50%-70% off): No Iron Button shirt [ https://substack.com/redirect/183bd756-b727-4dc6-83e5-6f8c765d0e10?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / Rugby [ https://substack.com/redirect/1d06f373-26d5-418c-ba21-2d725802991f?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
> Madewell (25% off sitewide) / My favorite pant! [ https://substack.com/redirect/7c05fd66-db11-44cc-8dd4-5b36f714193c?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
> Bauble Bar (25% off sitewide): Custom Pouch [ https://substack.com/redirect/82413b73-c210-458a-8ee3-ea5e70845899?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]; mine says OFF DUTY! / Colorful bracelet [ https://substack.com/redirect/04377666-87bb-4672-a76f-26f57682d68f?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
> Omika: That special belted dress [ https://substack.com/redirect/273289f0-7ccf-4310-8b5a-52d2a7fdf806?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] I mentioned gave us a generous code (20% off with COOLEY20)
> M. Gemi (15% off with COOLEY15): Lola Tote [ https://substack.com/redirect/03659821-ec05-487b-aba4-2ce95cdf4db6?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / Una flat [ https://substack.com/redirect/f8f852cf-d289-4769-802e-911baf6fd264?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
> Ruggable: (15% off with COOLEY15) Daisy Runner [ https://substack.com/redirect/a3c84949-5427-4d6c-9f5c-0baf0bdb3568?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / we got this Welcome Mat [ https://substack.com/redirect/bd3056e8-4821-4383-84af-3df99c470a85?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] last month; getting to wash this after pollen season is genius
> MM Lafleur (15% off with COOLEY15): Evangeline Lady Jacket [ https://substack.com/redirect/c4d53138-4904-47c2-899d-3248d9b59a4d?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / Black Blazer [ https://substack.com/redirect/38bd9f37-d776-469e-b2bf-ca030016e4d2?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
> Eby (15% off with COOLEY15): T shirt bra [ https://substack.com/redirect/cf2ee5bf-40dd-413a-a0de-3c5e0aae2c5c?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ] / Bralette [ https://substack.com/redirect/2dd1944f-2603-4844-814c-c16cab0a58fb?j=eyJ1IjoibHI2ZWwifQ.c5D8ZKYyDRfMY9QPFK3dWk-zel5v6FKdRTN7mU1D8QY ]
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