SUNDAY BITES 0013

+ THE ULTIMATE ‘90s PRADA & MIU MIU EDIT.

Writing this earlier than usual because this weekend, I’m seeing THE Joe Dispenza at his LA retreat (!!). If you’re not familiar with his work, I cannot recommend him enough—he’s actually one of the reasons I met my now-husband.

I won’t go into the full story (today), but let’s just say his book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, found me at an all-time low (shoutout to COVID-era existential crises)—and it completely changed my life.

Anyway, I’ll report back next week. But for now—I AM GIDDYYYYYYYYYY.

Here's what we're diving into today:

• Fashion Fatigue: Why does everything feel lazy and recycled right now? Thoughts on Demna at Gucci and the industry's creativity drought.

• Vintage Obsessions: A curated edit of the ultimate ‘90s Prada & Miu Miu finds, dreamy 1930s dresses, and affordable options you’ll actually love.

• Chaotic Parenting Choices: Why I'm voluntarily bringing a rainbow-bling mini boombox into my home (pray for me).

• Body Talk: Exploring Polly Vernon's refreshing take on weight-loss drugs, body judgment, and the surprising power dynamics behind "Nouveau Thin."

• Parenting Anxiety & Allies: Challenging the narrative that dads don't share parenting anxiety and the importance of partnership over division.

• Rethinking Screen Time: Kathryn Barbash brilliantly debunks why "screen time" as a concept might be more harmful than helpful.

• Santa Ynez recs

• New kid’s brands obsession + drop

• Shopping Secrets: Revealing my go-to source for incredible designer deals—because we're all friends here.

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• With all the new fashion appointments and creative director shuffle—Demna at Gucci?? Really? There’s no one else??—combined with the déjà vu-heavy runways this season (aka, your favorite resale app, but make it new production), I’m starting to wonder:

  Why does fashion feel so lazy right now?

  Are there really no new ideas? No fresh concepts? Or is the pressure to perform so high that no one is even given the time to develop something new? It just feels like the industry is in a cycle of rehashing, repackaging, and rushing to meet quarterly targets instead of actually creating.

  Lazy. So, so lazy.

• I’ve been on a deep dive into ‘90s Prada and Miu Miu (like, borderline unhealthy levels of scrolling), so naturally, I had to share. I put together an edit of some of the best pieces I found online—because sharing is caring.

  THE ULTIMATE ‘90s PRADA & MIU MIU EDIT.
  Currently obsessed with this, this, and this

  

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• If you LOVED the Saint Laurent show ending. THIS skirt is for you ( this one is under $100)

• I’ve been obsessed with 1930s dresses for a while now—so naturally, I was thrilled to find such a great selection. But if, like me, you think the price points are a bit insane (because, wow), I’ve got you.

  Here are some equally dreamy options I’ve saved that won’t require selling a kidney.

  PS: also check out Eveliina Vintage online, they always have a great selection.

  

  yes, I make these graphics on PPT, and yes thats’ embarrassing… promise to learn better…

• This is 100% a decision I will regret, but I’m doing it anyway—because what’s parenting if not knowingly making chaotic choices? Behold: the Bluetooth Mini Boombox in Rainbow Bling. Soon, my home will be a concert venue, my patience will be tested, and my kids will think I’m the best parent ever (until I inevitably hide it 'for safekeeping').

• Lately, most of what I’ve read about weight loss drugs feels SO judgmental—and almost always written by one of two groups: people who have always been thin (and therefore privileged in that way), or people who can’t afford the drugs and want to hate on them (I said that).

  Look, I’m not saying they’re for everyone. But it’s bizarre how everyone seems to have such strong opinions on other people’s bodies—as if they have the right to weigh in (pun intended) at all. Online, I’ve had strangers tell me how much I “should” lose, to “be careful”… all this unrequired commentary as if I’m not a fully functioning adult capable of making decisions for myself. It’s exhausting.

  That’s why discovering Polly Vernon’s writing has been such a relief. She’s the only person I’ve read who talks about this topic in a way that actually makes sense to me. In one piece, she breaks down the idea of "Nouveau Thin" vs. "Old Skinny", writing:

  “You’re either Nouveau Thin - IE, thin thanks to Ozempic, Mounjaro, and all the other ghastly, common little jabs - or you’re Old Skinny. You know, like Old Money.”

  And honestly? It explains so much. The way some women react to these drugs isn’t just about health concerns—it’s about power dynamics, status, and who “gets” to be thin. It’s wild.

  Anyway, if you’re tired of the noise around this topic, go read Polly Vernon.

• We went to Santa Ynez for my husband’s bday and had the best time with the kids…. In spite of taking 2 kids + and puppy with no nanny here are some tips to make the most of your time there:

  • Our absolute favorite winery there is Crown Point Vineyards—it’s truly amazing, even meeting the high standards of my wine-loving husband. (I could pretend to know about wine, but honestly, I’ll drink almost anything that isn't too sweet.) Bonus: Their team is incredibly child-friendly and even offers a little van tour of the property, which the kids absolutely loved.

  • My youngest son ( Phoenix) comes alive around animals, so we had to stop by the ostrich farm—and it did not disappoint. Both kids were so happy, and as my husband always says, it’s definitely a cheap thrill.

  • Solvang is basically the closest thing we have to Europe on this side of the world, so it’s totally worth visiting. This bookstore is amazing, and so is this kids store.

  • Oh, and SY Kitchen is an absolute must—hands down the most delicious meal we had. I'm a huge fan of their GNOCCHI DI RICOTTA ALL'ANATRA

  • On the way back, we stopped in Santa Barbara to check out the botanical garden. Although it wasn’t exactly thrilling in terms of flowers and plants, it was surprisingly entertaining for the kids—they have a treehouse and a reading nook, and my kids played happily for almost an hour. We'll definitely be back.

  • Also, a must-visit is Godmothers Bookstore—the children's area is incredible. Atlas spent a full hour exploring books and coloring and even found a princess book he'd never seen before. Major parenting win!

• I read this article about the first five years of a child’s life, and although I identify with a lot of the sentiment on the article, there was one line that stuck with me:

  “I have yet to meet a single dad who bears this anxiety, a fact that gets me sweaty with outrage if I let it.”

  And honestly? I had a lot of conflicting feelings about it. Because I’m lucky enough to know men (including my husband) who not only share this anxiety with me, but also dissect all the parenting research, psychological baggage, and past trauma—daily—in hopes of being better parents.

  But what really got me thinking is this: while I deeply understand and relate to the struggle of women who feel alone in parenting, I also think there’s a pattern of turning pain into an echo chamber—a space where women process their frustration, which can be freeing, but also, at times, limiting.

  It worries me when that frustration solidifies into an “us vs. them” mindset, where men are positioned as adversaries rather than partners. I get it—systems have been unequal for so long. But if we want real change, doesn’t it have to come from tackling these issues together instead of retreating into separate camps?

  Maybe I’m extra sensitive because I have sons, and I’m raising them to be better. And maybe that’s why hearing broad generalizations like this makes me uneasy—because it erases the men who are showing up, trying, and doing the work.

  I know I’m rambling here, but does this make sense?

• IDK about you, but I needed to read this article —ugh.

  Kathryn Barbash absolutely nails it on the ridiculousness of the term screen time and how oversimplified (and frankly exhausting) the whole conversation around it has become. Not all screen use is equal, and yet we treat it like some monolithic evil instead of, you know, a part of modern life. Highly recommend giving it a read.

• Currently obsessing over everything Nelliesoo makes - there is a new drop of jackets Tuesday- and they will sell out so mark your calendars. Ps: not sure how THESE pants are still available 💕

• I’m about to let you in on one of the industry’s best-kept secrets: UAL. The treasures you can find there? Unreal. I check their emails daily—religiously—because the prices are that good. Case in point: I just scored a brand-new pair of The Row shoes for $200. You literally cannot beat that.

  I’ll probably regret telling you this… but we’re friends now. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll share a closet.

BRB—off to become my quantum self and rewrite my reality. Stay tuned for next week’s update.

Wish me luck.

Besos,

Victoria

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For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.