💌 bag trends for spring, open roles in marketing, travel guide to Amsterdam

TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

WHAT TO EXPECT

• stories: Fractional vs. freelance vs consultant, Spring bag trends, rise of tech inspiring some to journal
• listen to this: say my name
• job seekers: copywriter, head of marketing, communications manager
• extra stories
• quote: on dreaming
• bon voyage: Amsterdam

CAREER: FRACTIONAL VS. FREELANCER VS. CONSULTANT
You may have seen some using “fractional” in their role titles, but what does that actually mean and how is it difference from freelancers? Freelancers are skilled professionals who execute specific tasks, while consultants provide strategic advice based on deep expertise, leaving implementation to the client's team. Fractional professionals bridge this gap by offering both expertise and hands-on implementation in a part-time capacity, typically integrating more deeply into a company's leadership structure than freelancers while being more involved in day-to-day operations than consultants. These roles differ significantly in their team integration, contract duration, work nature, and client relationships: fractional professionals often maintain long-term, strategic partnerships while actively participating in project execution; freelancers typically handle shorter, well-defined projects with more transactional relationships; and consultants focus on high-level advisory services through ongoing partnerships but remain removed from direct implementation.

FASHION: SPRING 2025 BAG TRENDS SCREAM LARGE + PRACTICAL
This spring’s bag-fashion is taking a practical turn with bags! There is going to be a huge emphasis on functionality + wearability over excessive decoration. This includes spacious XXXL totes and slouchy shoppers that can accommodate daily essentials, alongside bowling bags and doctor's bags updated in spring-ready colors and materials. Soft grays are the new neutral and offer a '90s-inspired alternative to traditional black and tan. The recent runway shows suggest a move away from impractical mini bags (as cute as they look), with designers like Victoria Beckham, Valentino, and Stella McCartney designing & presenting larger, more functional shapes that cater to on-the-go lifestyles.

LIFESTYLE: RISE OF TECH INSPIRED TO JOURNAL AGAIN
Amidst growing concerns about social media's impact on mental health, many users began questioning their digital habits and relationship with technology. Following a series of controversial decisions by major tech companies - including Meta's elimination of fact-checking systems, and TikTok's temporary shutdown and return - there's been shift towards digital detox and forms of self-expression like journaling. Science journalist Catherine Price suggests this movement isn't just about staying informed, but about preserving mental wellbeing in an increasingly hostile online environment. The trend reflects a deeper questioning of how social media platforms capitalize on our natural desire for connection while potentially damaging our attention spans and authentic self-expression. As Jenny Odell noted in "How to Do Nothing," these platforms essentially dam up our innate needs for community and connection, turning them into profit centers. This growing awareness has led many to explore analog alternatives, with some users completely abandoning platforms like Meta and X in favor of either newer alternatives like Bluesky or traditional practices like journaling, which offers a more personal, unmediated way to process experiences and preserve different versions of oneself over time.

Say My Name is the song that makes you feel energized and ready for a roadtrip. Whether you’re a techy editor or not, this song makes you want to put together a video montage with this song playing over it.

Sr. Copywriter, 23ANDME (Sunnyvale, CA): In this role, you’ll create custom campaigns for a range of 23andMe products, translating your passion for innovation to inspire others towards action. As an expert in your craft, you will be comfortable ideating and writing in multiple formats: from creative ideation to brand storytelling, across a variety of media: from email to video. Apply if you have 7-10 years work experience as a copywriter at a reputable ad agency or in-house at a consumer brand.

Head of Marketing, UBIE (Hybrid, NY): Ubie is a leading digital health company transforming how people access healthcare. This role will focus on driving B2C user acquisition (70%) and generating B2B leads (30%) within the pharma marketing and agency sectors. Apply if you have 4+ years of relevant digital marketing experience, with a proven track record of success in driving user acquisition and lead generation in both B2C and B2B environments.

Communications Manager, AIRBNB (remote): The communications team is responsible for telling the Airbnb story around the world. Whether we are briefing press on inspiring travel trends, highlighting unique experiences led by local hosts, or explaining how travel on our platform benefits local families and communities, we are the voice of Airbnb on a broad range of topics. We're a fast growing and high energy team with a passion for people, places and great stories. Apply to the role if you have 5+ or more years of experience in communications or a related field.

👖All these sweaters, denims, and footwear are currently on sale on Amazon

🎀Glow Recipe dropped a new serum blush & wow

🧴Biologique Recherche’s hero product, the P50 toner is being discontinued

ON DREAMING: “For the ones who dream of greater things - step and the path will appear.” -Brianna Weist

We can be our biggest enemy by setting boundaries for ourselves. You don’t need all of the answers, but simply the courage to dream.

AMSTERDAM

EAT: De Kas is set in a converted greenhouse & actually grows its own herbs and vegetables! They serve refined Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a daily changing menu based on seasonal ingredients. Another one to try is Restaurant Vermeer, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant in the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace. It offers a modern Dutch cuisine with innovative flavor combinations and exceptional wine pairings.

STAY: Pulitzer Amsterdam is a unique luxury hotel which has 25 restored (17th and 18th century) canal houses. It’s a beautiful blend of historic charm + modern comfort, and in a prime location in the Nine Streets district. Hotel TwentySeven is another luxurious option, but is a boutique hotel! It’s in Dam Square and only has 16 suites. The hotels also known for exceptional personalized service and opulent interiors with stunning city views.

DO: You can take a private canal tour during sunset, which ends up being much more intimate than the large tourist boats. You can actually explore the smaller canals while learning about the city's history. Golden hour photos are a hit here btw! If you’re an art history lover, check out the Van Gogh Museum early in the morning. It houses the world's largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, and going early helps avoid the crowds + gives you time to truly appreciate the artwork.