7-20-2025 MY INSPO: close ties, what's in my pool bag, and another app discovery

 this week, boyfriend is on a hunt for a designer tie. one of many reasons why we are my favorite couple in the world, is that we both share a love for eccentric fashion, vintage relics (be it antiques or clothing), and rarities. we always joke that our future home will probably look like a museum (an excuse for hoarding whatever collectibles and bizarre items we thrift along the years). 

i figured i'd share his finds with the world, and i will be searching some too. girlfriend of the year over here!

y'all better not bid against my boo!

on this week's realm of inspiration, i wanted to continue on the tangent of my summertime survival kits, and i figured i'd give you a tour of what's in my pool bag. 

as of late, my benkovac tote bag with an unfortunate ai design, has been my poolside go-to. usually, the totes vary, but this one has stayed consistent for about two weeks. 

1. a book of one's choice is crucial, i do much of my reading by the pool, so currently, midnight sun is my companion.
2. my headphones, usually the wired ones, accompany me. between book playlists and the app poolsuite, i tune out the noises of every day, and only hear a muffle of kids jumping in.
3. tanning spray (spf is 4?!) - primarily because it smells so good, but i am too pale for it to have any effect on me.
4. all body deodorant. quite frankly i don't use it a lot because i don't sweat as much since ii just jump in the pool to cool down, but at the same time i will ensure not to be stinky. this brand lumé was recommended by a work friend, and while it is pricey, it is one of the better deodorants i've used.
5. pool pass bracelets - unnecessary if you ask me, but we live in a stingy hoa.
6. sunscreen spray and stick for face. the spray is great for easy application and avoiding white spots. the stick is for my vitiligo and because i burn super fast. i reapply each time i get out. 
7. lip balm - if possible, with spf.
8. goggles - something new this year, but sib encouraged us. 
9. not pictured - water bottle -insulated one to keep cool even with the sun beaming on it, and my house keys. 

finally, i discovered a new app called merazine. while scrolling through tiktok as if it's my morning newspaper, my algorithm caught my attention with an app that is promoted as an in-between of stardoll and cher horowitz's closet (from clueless). 

i am a devoted indyx fan for logging in my personal outfits, and this one is definitely more shopping and consumerism oriented, as it has brands to shop from. it has cute challenges (one from this week was dress like a labubu), and you can dress up your avatar how you like. i like to find items similar to my current ootd's and then post looks inspired by what i am actually wearing. 

if you're curious, don't forget to follow me...