3 Keepers and a Regret is a recurring series on Retail Therapy on Substack where I ask people I admire to name 3 things they’d fight to keep — bought, inherited, stolen — and 1 thing they regret.
Radio and I like to listen to podcasts when we walk. My picks are like a can of mixed nuts: business news, AI updates, writing tips, fashion and humor. It’s not always clear how it all goes together, but it’s the right mashup for my brain, with the occasional raisin. Duds get deleted. And not just that episode, the entire show. Let's Talk Memoir with Ronit Plank has been in my rotation the longest.
After writing fiction, Ronit tried hard to resist, but ultimately pivoted to memoir. Guess she couldn’t ignore the allure of the truth. She sticks because she gives good interview. In my book it means actually allowing her guests to talk. Too many of the biggest podcasters get that wrong and refuse to shut up. Luckily that’s something I’ve never been accused of.
When I learned Ronit was teaching a workshop in Texas, I signed up without even really knowing where I was going or why. This was easy: I didn’t have to pay to fly anywhere and I could just jump in the car and drive. Which meant I didn’t have to think about packing – my space was unlimited. It didn’t matter that I had never heard of Archer City, which was put on the map as the home of writer Larry McMurtry.
Three Keepers
3 things you’d fight to keep — bought, inherited, stolen
No. 1 — Rebecca Minkoff wool biker jacket
My first keeper is this Rebecca Minkoff wool biker jacket I got at Rue La La maybe 10 years ago for about $130. It was a gamble because it was final sale. I wasn't sure what size to get or if it would be flattering on me but I love it and am so happy I took the chance. I appreciate its sharp lines and how the structure in this piece makes me feel more finished when I go out even if I'm wearing something pretty basic underneath. I'm also pleased that I found a flattering biker jacket made of fabric and not leather. I don't own leather pants, tops, or jackets, and while I'm a pescatarian not a vegan, I try to keep the animal products to a minimum.
No. 2 — confidence-boosting denim jacket
My second keeper is a denim jacket that is about 16 years old now. I bought it with the guidance of a well-dressed and very sweet college-aged salesperson at Nordstrom when my kids were very young. I'd never had a denim jacket before and wasn't sure I could pull one off. I love them on other people but I felt like because I'd never owned one and I'd waited so long — I was already a mother of two for goodness sakes — it was probably too late for me. I know it might sound funny but I worried I would feel self-conscious. This young woman who helped me that day at Nordstrom pulled a bunch of things for me to try that I wouldn't have otherwise thought could be a good match for me. I ended up with a few new items and she helped give me the confidence to break out of the past-my-prime view of myself I had.
No. 3 — $90 necklace I couldn’t afford
When I was 22 and auditioning in the City I got cast in my first indie film that was scheduled to shoot in Maryland that summer. I was playing the best friend of the lead who was also the sister of her love interest in the movie. We got along really well and are still friends all these years later. One day when we were off from shooting the three of us went into a thrift store and I found this necklace which I loved as soon as I saw. I believe it’s garnet and it was $90 at the time. Though I wasn’t being paid for my role in the movie and as a kind-of-out-of-work actor couldn’t justify the purchase, I bought it. I ended up wearing it in a party scene we filmed for the movie and wore it to many parties back in NY. All these years later, I still have the necklace and it reminds me of that younger version of myself. I’m still impressed that during that financially insecure time I was willing to fork over the money to snap up this pretty bauble.
One Regret
now the regret
My regret is that I didn't also buy the bracelet that came with this garnet necklace. At the time it felt irresponsible and maybe it would have been, but I've wished for years that I had bought the bracelet too. I know I had no business buying jewelry while living as a telemarketing actor and not being paid for my role in the movie we were filming but another $40 wasn't so much more and then I'd have a sweet set.
Thank you so much for inviting me to do this, Rani. It was a fun trip down memory lane and a reminder to get this vintage necklace fixed.
Why I’m Still Shopping
Before Archer City, I only knew Ronit as one of the voices in my head when Radio and I walked. She’s taller than I expected and she kept popping up in purple, which is a color I’m currently obsessed with. And she works on her sofa, surrounded by her five dogs. But she did let us know, “I do have a desk.”
We’ve all dealt with that doubt that we can pull off a look or embrace a trend. So cheers to the woman who helped Ronit realize – we all need a denim jacket. I definitely don’t prioritize the things that will make me feel better: like getting clothes altered and shoes fixed. Ronit said doing 3 Keepers was her reminder to get the necklace fixed. So I look forward to tuning into a future podcast of Ronit’s and seeing her wearing her garnet necklace. Her empty wrist will be a good reminder of my own regrets.
We’ve broken bread together IRL, and I can confirm Ronit is a pescatarian. And she was the one who ordered appetizers for the table during our visit to Dairy Queen. That’s right. We hit up the DQ in Archer City because that’s where Larry McMurtry drank lime Dr Pepper, read Walter Benjamin and named a book after it: Walter Benjamin at the Dairy Queen. In case you’re wondering, yes. Blizzards are still delicious.
Thanks to Ronit Plank of Let's Talk Memoir
Join us live! Ronit and I are going live on The Return Window 10/22 at 7:15 PM Central.
When life stops making sense, we shop write. More soon.
A few of several writers who have shared their 3 Keepers
A great read! So I’m not the only one who loves a great jacket? I love that you bought the necklace, Ronit! It brought back memories of myself at that age. Also, wonderful job bringing it all together, Rani. I think we’ll all miss that bracelet now.
Thank you for having me, Rani! I love your series and reading your takeaways and impressions. You are a keen observer. ❤️