the perfect tote bag search, a mini mini skirt, a devon lee carlson blush rec + I hate my phone
the usual
Happy second week of January (staying inside and being warmathon)! Let’s get into a few things.
Wear: I am in the market for a good ol’ tote bag but I have some specifications. I want a hold all bag so fits a laptop, a book, a notebook, a mini makeup case, headphones, snacks and more. A “work bag” if you will. This photo is the vibe I am looking for:
This photo is from Pinterest but I recognize the bag as the mega sprout bag by Liffner. I really like this one, I love the space between handle and armpit especially in the Winter when we are wearing more layers, no one likes a strap that keeps falling.
Here are my favorites- Massimo Dutti has a lot of great options and Zara and H&M had some decent ones as well. The question is do you spend $200 on a Zara bag or put that money towards a bag that may last triple the time?
Also a cool belt bag from Massimo Dutti- they do bags well, I have handled them in person and they are great quality.
This one too!
This Are Studio bag in black is also great- I don’t want it to be too deep inside where you can’t find your stuff so I am looking for a more rectangle shape.
Another example is this amazing tote via Prada x Harris Dickinson. It’s only $6,100.
Sezane has this great chocolate tote as well.
Two brand discoveries from Parc boutique in Minneapolis.
I already owned the little boy tee from Le Bon Shoppe but picked up this white long sleeve, they are the perfection. Also picked up this Geel mini skirt that has built in shorts and I am obsessssed with how comfortable it is, in the Winter it looks great with tights. Geel is a great brand, can’t believe I hadn’t heard of them before.
Stylist Elissa Santisi’s favorite loungewear are these Nike high-waisted wide leg and she has TASTE, remember The September Issue?? Picked up the brown pair because I have been wearing sweatpants since November.
This Toteme scarf- RUKM.
This Toteme bag has been a dream bag of mine for a while too.
Also, Massimo Dutti is having an amazing sale right now. Pieces that stuck out to me are these sleek trousers and these pointy satin wedges.
Skin: The best red light mask to rot in. Monastery is a great brand overall.
I saw my girl crush, Devon Lee Carlson, use this face mask. I also bought a blush she recommended and it is maybe my favorite powder blush ever?? It’s Gucci in true pink 07. Like you just got done ice skating and are sipping hot cocoa under a blanket cheeks.
Hair: I talked a bit about Roz in my newsletter but I have been loving their shampoo and conditioner. I go back and forth between this and the Crown Affair shampoo.
Let’s talk about eyebrow hair, my eyebrows are growing!! Been using this stuff for months and on my second bottle. I love Typology (mentioned this stuff a few times on here).
Art: Woman with crossed legs by Barbara Kroll.
Reading: This British Vogue article about Jilly Cooper’s book and now show, Rivals, (very funny and a great watch) had me in my feels. It takes place in the Cotswold countryside in the wild 80’s and made me very nostalgic for a time without my iPhone. A good quote:
“It’s not surprising to me that gen Z recently voted the ’80s as the best time to live through. Today there seems to be far less bonking. Everyone seems to expend their energy in the gym or jogging round and round the country. So many couples meet online now, which is far less spontaneous and exciting than the wild office parties and dances of the old days when everyone was getting off with everyone. Or when on “some enchanted evening you would see a stranger across a crowded room” and you’d end up snogging his face off rather than exchanging numbers to text one another later.”
I was DM’ing with a friend on Instagram and saw that while you type they have added AI suggestions below like “rephrase”, “make funnier” and “make sarcastic.” What are we doing. There is now a generation that will be born only knowing a world where AI is engraved into every day life.
I feel like we all collectively hate our phones but can’t stop.
Leads me to this Vox article (posted this on my Instagram stories a while back) about the student reading crisis. I think we are already seeing this play out, hence the 2024 election and young men.
Another take on it via Ochuko Akpovbovbo’s Substack (highly recommend subscribing):
This is scary.
Watching: Doechii on Tiny Desk. The musicians, everything. She is incredible.
Also, finished Bad Sisters, YOU MUST WATCH!!! It was so good, especially the 1st season. I could not stop watching.
I recently watched A Complete Unknown, the film about Bob Dylan’s life and it also had me in my feels about how much the world has changed. Bringing me back to my earlier point, it’s devastating to realize that kids born today will only know a life dominated by cell phones, AI and endless technology. Back then, even the music scene felt more authentic, spontaneous and organic. Could a teenager with just a suitcase and a guitar show up in New York City today and become the next Bob Dylan without a TikTok following? I’m not so sure.
Next on my to see list: The Brutalist.
Listening: I have had this song by jazz artist, Alice Coltrane, on repeat.
My hyper fixation song has been Wicked Game by Chris Isaak.
And Corrina, Corrina by Bob Dylan. Hate or love Bob Dylan, the man could write a friggin song.
Ingesting: No exaggeration, this Rooibos tea with your milk of choice, honey and a dollop of whipped coconut cream- holy SHIZ. This is the most flavorful and wonderful tea brand I have ever had.
That’s all for today! Have a lovely day and thanks for reading and sharing x