Welcome to Goblin Hour.
It’s my personal name for the most private time of day — after the kids are in bed, the emails have paused, and my husband is happily watching an obscure Viking show in our basement.
The name is borrowed from Goblin Market - a wild, dreamy, slightly unhinged 19th-century poem by Christina Rossetti that I’ve been obsessed with forever.
For me, Goblin Hour is in-between space, where I’m not a Founder or a Mom or a post on Instagram, I’m just a creepy little goblin wearing a red-light mask, humming to herself.
Last week (10 days ago exactly, thank you for asking), I got the flu at DisneyWorld — an absolutely torturous series of events that brought out the most unhinged parts of my personality (crying at airports, convincing myself that all my friends hate me, eating Uncrustables). I consumed so much social media during this period that I can barely look at a phone screen, so tonight’s Goblin Hour felt like the perfect time to start a Substack. I don’t know yet if this’ll stick, but for now, here we go! Let’s start with some things I’m very into right now.
Market Finds
I’m obsessed with belts worn low on the waist, particularly over maxi skirts:
I loved this look in High School and I am absolutely delighted to see it back. I used to wear the buckle of my belts on the side, directly over my hip bone, and I remember thinking that was incredibly innovative. I like a thick, utilitarian belt as on the Chloé runway, above.
This look from Ralph Lauren’s Hamptons show is also fabulous — I’m bringing my concho belt out of retirement and pairing it with a white Hill House skirt all summer.
A few other silly things
The TV show that makes me regret not going to Med School (I spend a significant amount of time wishing I had become a Doctor)
The eye mask that blocks both light and existential dread (most nights)
The lipstick I wear when I want to look like an Agatha Christie character
The shoes I wore at Disney that caused someone to loudly ask, “HOW is she comfortable in those?” (reader, they’re my most comfortable shoes)
A very cute belt for my new belt personality
My favorite tinted sunscreen
It feels good to write something that isn’t for work, or Instagram, or anyone in particular.
See you next Goblin Hour — unless I get the flu again.
xo
Nell
My new fave subscription
Nell, wearing flat shoes? Consider my flabbers gasted.