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When Inspiration Wears a Hoodie and Tastes Like a London Fog

I spent the last few days designing editorials and powering through articles with tunnel vision and a tight bun. It gave major editor-in-chief vibes. I practically put a whole magazine together and lined up the entire month’s features ahead of time.

As a writer, I’m always looking for new ways to get inspired, new life experiences to write my next editorial, and big lessons that demand being shared. But as any creative woman knows, sometimes the well runs dry. And on those days, when you’re softening into the next level (instead of grinding through it), these are my essentials.

For me, it’s a London fog.

Something about the floral and sugar-free vanilla combo is everything I need to relax and feel like an editor-in-chief again. So, a quick trip to the local café or late-night ride to the Starbucks drive-through becomes less about caffeine and more about reclaiming a moment of elegance.

It’s not like every time you need inspiration you can book a flight or five-star hotel (even though we might wish!). And from the bottom of my creative heart, sometimes—I can’t believe I’m saying this—sometimes, even fashion isn’t enough. There are only so many “What’s in my bag” lists, seasonal style guides, and skincare routines I can write before they all seem repetitive and uninspired.

This is when a $10 bill can go further than any business investment ever could. Sure, I could book a facial, a massage, a hair appointment, and—best in show—a pedicure. And yes, I highly recommend investing in your creative potential. But if it’s too last-minute, or your writing well has gone dry in the middle of the night, there is genuinely nothing more inspiring than a quick trip to Starbucks.

Sometimes your inner editor needs a classic power suit, a slicked-back bun, and a penthouse view to bang out the best you can get. Other days, it’s baggy jeans, an oversized Prose hoodie, and a Starbucks latte to write what could not otherwise be found in your creative depths. 

For those days, take it slow. Write from the sugar-free vanilla on your tastebuds and deepen into the warmth of your “What are you staring at?” hoodie. Put on some 1920s jazz on a record player, rest in the comfort of your bed or couch, and let life write an article through you.

These are the edits that remind women that it’s better to slow down than to speed up when your creative reservoir runs low. There’s nothing to prove, nothing to force, and trust me, not even the best ChatGPT prompts could write a decent piece if you’re running on fumes. So, slow down, woman. Breathe a little. Rest. Go out for your favorite latte. Sit in the coffee shop or bask in the rainy drive ahead of you. Let life refill your cup. Open the window, let the breeze touch your skin, and remind you of what God feels like again. Better yet, throw on a hoodie, notice the room around you, acknowledge how wonderful this moment is… and let life write a new story for you.

What about you, creative?

What are you working on this week—an article, a brand refresh, a half-finished Substack draft you’re pretending doesn’t exist? And when the well runs dry… What’s your creative pick-me-up? Is it a vanilla latte? A drive with jazz? Maybe even a hoodie and a walk through your favorite bookstore?

Drop it in the comments below.

xx

Sarah Elle, Editor-in-Chief