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Everywhere I Get Inspo

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In a recent coffee meeting, my client-friend lamented that, as a busy CMO, it’s hard to stay on top of trends. She marvelled at how I was able to quickly reference a new campaign, colour trend or fashion moment in conversation.

No one wants to be a slave to trend, but staying current is essential to any marketer’s success. And that means a lot of guilt-free reading, people-watching, and question-asking. 

In every city I visit, I take brand leaders for coffee and ask what’s lighting them up and what’s challenging right now (you can eavesdrop on those convos by tuning into Monday’s biweekly podcast, My Best Campaign). Now, I may only see TikTok trends weeks after they hit—via Instagram—like a good elder millennial, but I have core resources that operate on my schedule. 

So, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my go-to media. This is a starting place if you’re looking to build up your inspiration bank, stay relevant and gain fuel for meaningful conversations.

Enjoy!

FOR FASHION TRENDS AND NEWS

  • Blackbird Spyplane (mostly paywalled)
    This level of self-reference verges on eye-roll-inducing, but they somehow do it with just enough awareness that you don’t hate them—and at the end of the day, these folks do know what “slaps.”
  • Hypebeast
    Streetwear has always set the course for fashion and Hypebeast has long been the bible of streetwear. 
  • Business of Fashion (paywalled)
    I’m less interested in luxury and capital F Fashion, but I do like seeing who is making what moves, who’s making and losing money, and what’s working in retail. And because performance apparel has crossed into nearly every brand, I often find something in here for me.

FOR POP CULTURE AND STAYING CONNECTED TO “THE KIDS”

  • New York Magazine
    Sometimes I like my news on the lighter side and NY Mag keeps me plugged in with a solid dose of popular culture.
  • Refinery 29
    I love reading about how 25-year-olds who make $250k spend their money. I also love a good beauty recommendation list.

FOR RESISTANCE/FEMINIST WIT AND WISDOM

  • Redefining Radical from Jen Gureki
    The founder of Coalition Snow (one of very few women-owned ski brands), Jen is amazing with words, and she doesn’t mince them. This Substack might not be for everyone, but it’s my weekly rallying cry to not settle for the status quo.

FOR WHAT MAKES PEOPLE CLICK

  • Milled.com
    I use this to get a digest of the best brand marketing emails every day. It’s simple to set up—just pick the brands you want to hear from and how often you want to receive emails. If you don’t know where to start, Reformation emails have been my benchmark for years. Honourable mention to Tushy, Starface and Brightland (who knew there was so much to say about olive oil?)
  • MarketingExamples.com + Harry Dry’s 3-2-1 Newsletter
    For anyone creating copy or visuals for conversion, this website and the newsletter are the best crash course. Each issue is short and actionable with, yes, great marketing examples.

FOR MARKETING AND TECH TRENDS

  • The Brief newsletter
    Our friends at Junction Consulting stay super plugged into digital and social media news. When I want to know what a policy or algorithm change might mean for our clients, this is my source.

FOR BRAND/DESIGN

  • It’s Nice That
    Here for the pretty pictures and to see evolving design trends.
  • BP+O
    This site/newsletter breaks down some of the most beautiful new brands and rebrands—often from the UK and Europe that I might not otherwise stumble upon. 
  • Site Inspire
    And because every good brand also needs to be digital, it’s useful to see how design translates to the web.

FOR THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY

FOR FINANCE 

FOR GOOD FEELS

  • Unstucking from Lance Odegard
    Lance has coached several members of Team Monday (they all love him), and his Substack gives everyone the benefit of his thoughtful prompts for self reflection. 
  • Gentle Company from Jess Janz
    Jess says all the things we’re thinking about life and relationships and the creative act, but in better words. She runs a regular dinner series called Dinner with Strangers, which you should absolutely check out.

Now you know everything I know. What did I miss? Hit me up and send your must-reads. And maybe add our newsletter (where this list was originally published) to your mix.