Letters by Burk #153: Organize

Also, Substack love, fashion, fun facts, and more

Nov 19, 2024

Hi friends,

as you know, my newsletter usually contains three sections. A main story, typically with something about creating or writing, an off topic story that covers one of my various interests like history, nutrition, health, etc., and a facts section (now called Factually) with a list of facts about something I find fascinating.

I love this approach. I have to many interests to just focus on one thing. And as far as I can tell, you enjoy much of it as well. Thanks for being here, is what I want to say!

My favorite quote of the week:

#1 Main Story

4 Ways to Organize Your Substack Content

So, you’ve got a Substack publications, loads of ideas, an existing story catalog in place, and all the best intentions to create a unique, appealing, and successful Substack newsletters.

But how are you going to organize your writing? What about different topics or niches, different pages, sections, and more?

Let’s see what Substack offers in terms of organizational structure for your posts and issues.

Read the full story

#2 Off Topic:

Why Fashion Matters (Even if You Don’t Think it Does)

Fashion can seem like a shallow interest—something reserved for runways, glossy magazines, or influencers’ Instagram feeds.

But, whether or not we actively care about clothes or trends, fashion is something we’re all connected to. In fact, even deciding not to care about fashion is a statement in itself. That hoodie-and-jeans combo, the choice to stick to all black, or even the decision to wear the same thing every day still says something about us.

Here’s why fashion resonates with so many people and why it’s part of everyone’s life, whether we like it or not.

Read the rest

#3 Factually

Here are 10 fun and fascinating facts about fashion:

1. High Heels Were for Men

Originally worn by 16th-century Persian soldiers for stability in stirrups, high heels became a fashion statement for European aristocratic men before being embraced by women.

2. The First Fashion Magazine

Published in 1586 in Germany, Mercure Galant was the first-ever fashion magazine, paving the way for modern fashion publications.

3. Zippers Beat Buttons

Once considered less stylish than buttons, zippers gained popularity in the 1930s for their practicality and are now an essential clothing feature.

4. Sneakers Were for Sneaking

Named for their quiet rubber soles, sneakers got their name in the 1800s because wearers could “sneak” around silently.

5. The Little Black Dress (LBD)

Coco Chanel’s 1926 introduction of the LBD turned black from a mourning color into a timeless symbol of elegance.

6. Tartan Ban in Scotland

Tartan was outlawed in 1746 after the Jacobite uprising. This symbol of rebellion was banned for nearly 40 years.

7. The First Fashion Show

In 1903, New York City hosted the first modern fashion show, moving from private showcases to public spectacles.

8. Lipstick as Morale Booster

During World War II, Winston Churchill encouraged women to wear red lipstick to lift spirits, calling it an “essential war weapon.”

9. Denim’s French Roots

“Denim” comes from “serge de Nîmes,” a durable fabric from France that Levi Strauss popularized as jeans in the 1870s.

10. Women’s Pockets Were Rare

Until the late 19th century, women had no pockets and carried external pouches. Suffragettes popularized clothing with pockets as a symbol of independence.

Read everything

#4 Moviebuff 50% Off

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