So you're new to Substack

recommending a few great newsletters to get you started

I was out for drinks last night celebrating a friend’s birthday and a few of us started talking about one of my favorite topics these days: Substack. I explained why I decided to start publishing my own Substack (why not?! fun creative outlet), where I planned to go with it (who knows, no plans), and why I love the platform (a happy corner of the internet).

Not all of my friends are regularly on Substack yet, so of course I feel the need to evangelize them (if for nothing else than the shameless plug for subscribers!)

The main questions I get from new-to-Substack friends: Where do I start? Who do I subscribe to first to get into it?

So, friends, this one’s for you. Here are 5 of my favorite Substack newsletters to get you started (in addition to Emily Schoen’s that I already mentioned). From here, the algorithm will take care of you:

1. The Performance Plan by Nicole Garelick - This was my first ever Substack subscription and No. 1 gateway drug. Nicole is whip smart and so funny. I literally lol reading her posts. I love that they’re short and therefore easily digestible. Oh so relatable too. Here’s one from the archive I distinctly remember from my earlier Substack days. Happy Passover to anyone celebrating this weekend :)

2. Long Live by Erika Veurnik - Unless you’ve been living under a cultural rock as of late, you probably know who Erika is. I first met Erika through work when I was at Lalo and she was consulting for a partner brand. She’s SO nice and SO smart. Since then, she’s gone out on her own and made a real name for herself in the fashion/lifestyle biz. Her newsletter is more than just great fashion tips though: it’s business-oriented as well and I love how she doesn’t gate keep her success secrets. She’s a community builder and redefines what it means to be a “cool it girl.” Plus she’s a Midwesterner at heart! She is a must-follow for us all.

3. Trouping by Reva Luft - Just give me Reva’s entire wardrobe and make her be my friend too. She’s so cool and thoughtful about the pieces she recommends, yet unique. She’s not trying to sell me on the “it” DÔEN piece of the moment and I love her for that. She’s also a mom, which I appreciate because she’s chic AF but seems to pull off her looks in a realistic way at the same time. As a stylist by trade, I feel like she has a POV but really encourages you to have your own sense of style and gives you guides of how to do just that. Her Substack’s chat is a goldmine of peer recommendations.

4. Clotheshorse by Maura Brannigan - I first met Maura when we were both in undergrad at Northwestern. We were friendly and knew of each other, but were in different friend circles. Thanks to social media though, we’ve become Instagram friends and now, Maura, can I be so bold as to just say… friends?! We’ve moved from DMing to texting about our careers and kids and life and things! Maura is a trained fashion/culture journalist and her Substack illustrates that. I love the posts that showcase her pedigree, but I also love the vulnerable, more personal posts she shares like this one.

5. Mom Friend by Jennifer Cook - Jen is a self-described “new-ish mom, Brooklynite, elder millennial, and ‘fashion person’” whose Substack posts I always look forward to. She’s smart and thoughtful and relatable (I think “relatable” is really a common theme of the Substacks I like) and I appreciate how she’s brave enough to write about anything from motherhood to politics to consumerism. Mom Friend is a thoughtful newsletter that not only makes me think, but also nurtures my daydreams about being a Brooklyn mom.

What are some of your favorite Substacks? Let me know in the comments and Happy Weekend Reading, friends!

xx Ariane

Ps. I’m officially done working at Lalo. I bought myself these flowers today to celebrate new beginnings. They make me so happy!

Btw: Most times I’m posting while my daughter naps. There is very little time for editing. Please excuse misspellings & grammatical errors!