Hi!!!
I love shopping. My mom and I just shopped The Beehive’s Black Friday deal and are both on a little retail buzz. I’m currently in NYC on the prowl to find a pair of knee-high heeled black boots, my mom needs a new dress, and I need to buy gifts for my family! Let me show you what I’m thinking about:
Crown Affair Clips: I didn’t want to buy these because of the price, but then I tried my mom’s, and they changed my life. When the Carrara colorway came out, I couldn’t resist! I’m biased because I worked there, but all the products they make are so good. (I’d buy the Towel, the Dry Shampoo, The Oil, The Leave-In, the Scalp Scrub, and the Brush No.001 as a gift for someone). The clip has a mini claw inside the bigger claw, so it holds in my thick hair, which no clip has ever been able to do. My friends couldn’t believe it either! They’re pricey so not something you may want to buy for yourself, but I’d give this to my friends for Christmas. I think they might go on sale tomorrow, so hold off for now…
Rosette Set: Susan Alexandra’s new venture, Rosette, is one of my new favorite brands. I bought my sister the cardigan & tank last Christmas (Runs small! Size up!) and just bought the matching skirt which I find easily dressed up/down. I’ve worn it with flip flops in Palm Springs and tights and booties last in NY. On my wishlist is the Nutella Mesh top & cardigan, though I’m considering the skirt too..
Pat McGrath Eyeshadow Palette: $100+ for eyeshadow?! Here me out…This is the Rolls-Royce (I think) of makeup. For someone who loves eyeshadow, this is a magnificent gift. Creamy formula that packs a punch and the most beautiful glitters. (There’s almost always a sale…). I love this gift set, personally.
A. Kjaerbede Sunglasses: I bought the Winnie Brown style in Copenhagen and love them. The price doesn’t hurt either!
Fredericks & Mae Cutting Board: I got my mom one last year and think they are the cutest. I love the new colorways, especially the green and the yellow.
BOOTS: For me, I think I want black leather knee-high with maybe a skinny heel? I really liked these Staud ones but the price was not going to work for me. But here are a bunch of great options: Schutz knee-highs, same but skinny heel, I really like the way these look under pants, but here is a more affordable price in brown. These are super cool (I just like this Portuguese brand), but I’m not obsessed with a square heel for me. IMO, you can never go wrong with Mango who has a bunch of options, so here is one Classic knee-highs option. Here’s a WILDCARD from Zara which I’m kind of obsessed with. I feel like these might be my favorite from Zara? But the brown crocodile are amazing. Everlane boots…the opportunities are endless! If you can snag a pair of Freda Salvador shoes, their sale right now is amazing and the quality is top-notch. I’ve had these on my list for a while.
Suzie Kondi Jumpsuit: When I get out of the shower after a morning workout, I’m at a loss at what to put on. I want to feel put together, but no need for jeans! That’s why I just purchased a Suzie Kondi jumpsuit on sale. It’s cozy, loose, but you feel and look more put together.
Shun Chef’s Knives: Such a good gift for someone who loves, or even just likes, to cook. I didn’t realize how much a knife makes a difference until I experienced the dull knives from our Paris apartment. One classic knife makes all the difference. We have the classic knife, but this Santoku is my favorite. I can’t promise on quality, but Hedley & Bennet has a great 3 knife set on sale.
Sohla El-Waylly’s Cookbook: I’m not interested in buying any cookbooks right now, but a lot have come out recently that I’m curious about (Chili Crisp, More is More). I just re-read Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nostrat, which I bought and used religiously in early 2021, and was reminded of how foundational and educational it is. That’s why I’m recommending Sohla’s debut cookbook this year, though it is more like an encyclopedia. For those of you who may not know who Sohla is, she was the smartest, most innovative member of the Bon Appetit “squad” back in the day. No shade to the others (I love Andy Baraghani, and he was so nice when he signed my book at Found Oyster), but you could just tell there was a difference in terms of Sohla’s knowledge. She spent around 3 years on this book and would never do anything halfway, so when I saw Samin Nostrat’s foreword, I knew it would be an instant classic.
Mary Jane’s & Flats: I wore a pair of my friend Alden’s silver Shutz flats, then I bought a pair of yellow Staud flats, and I feel seen! I think I’m finally old enough to be able to wear things like these without feeling judged (imagine wearing flats to school). In terms of Mary Jane’s I’ve always been interested in the Vibi Venezia velvet shoes, but sometimes I worry about them looking a little…eldery? Sorry! For me, I would go for something leather like these Souliers Martinez ones, which, again, could probably be found on Zara or Mango or COS.
I’ll send more when they come to me. THIS IS SO FUN!