March Mood '24
Paris updates, the jeans I can't stop wearing, and my new favorite concealer for dark under-eyes
Happy Sunday! A rather delayed monthly note, but better late than never right?
This month started in Mexico wrapping up a much needed winter escape. We spent almost a week at The Cape in Cabo doing absolutely nothing outside of sleeping, lounging in the sun, and eating as many servings of gauc and chips as we could handle. It was perfect.
Since then I’ve been doing a lot of adulting unfortunately! Chris and I leave at the end of April for Paris so we’ve been doing lots of spring cleaning, among other things like filling out visa paperwork and booking hotels for the trip. It’s been invigorating and exhausting all at the same time.
I’ve also been noodling on what I mentioned in stories several weeks ago with respect to feeling like I was in a bit of a creative, life rut. It’s funny how when you’re feeling lost, or disconnected, little messages always seem to pop up.
Let me explain.
A couple of weeks ago, as I was scrolling the gram, I came across a post from Projectors Invited (in human design I am a projector). I can’t find the post now, but it was essentially a meme that drove home the point that in order to be fully recognized by others, you first have to recognize yourself. A concept I feel is valuable regardless of your human design, but nonetheless hit home for me.
Then as I was watching the Oscars, I kid you not, I think it was the first category - Da’Vine Joy Randolph said in her acceptance speech,
“I always wanted to be different, but now I realized I just needed to see myself.”
I remember texting a friend being like, “are you crying because I’m ugly crying and Chris is looking concerned” lol.
It’s as if, in so many ways, the Universe was telling me to stop questioning myself and focusing on what everyone else was doing, and instead, spend more time seeing myself and the value that I bring to the table. In theory this seems simple, in practice, I’ve found it more challenging. Especially in our digital world.
Nonetheless, it’s something I remind myself daily and wanted to pass along in case you needed to hear it too.
Hope you are having a lovely start to spring! More to come on spring style, wardrobe essentials and trench coat styling. Chat soon!
The Monthly Edit
Eating - these gluten-free, vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies on repeat
Reading - this EcoCult article on Girlfriend Collective. I love EcoCult for an aggressively sustainable perspectives on fashion. This Quince deep dive is good as well. This interview with Phoebe Philo (her first in 10 years). I resonate with so much of what she said, although I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around the prices. I can only assume there is an aggressive margin built into to much of the collection. Then again, I’ve never had a first hand experience behind a luxury brand so it may be justified?
Listening To - this TBM episode on looking at the parts of yourself that you’ve been neglecting or avoiding, and connecting, more deeply, to your authentic self. I have this 4 hour *gulp* podcast on Hermès t-ed up next.
Watching - The New Look on Apple TV+. A lot of it I already knew from the Dior Museum, but it’s still a lovely, albeit at times, difficult, series.
Wearing - Levi’s off-white 501 90’s *chef’s kiss*. Sadly there’s been very little getting dressed. I’ve pretty much been living in these jeans, this tee with this knit layered over it and loafers.
Things Of Note
I feel like I have so much to download - let’s dive in.
Style
Many retailers and brands are rolling out spring and summer collections and I’m so here for it. I’ve also seen a bunch of brands running Friends & Family sales averaging around 25% off. I started saving my favorites, by retailer, here.
Currently scoping out white poplin boxer options - front runners are Comme Si, WNU and The Frankie Shop. Speaking of WNU this red linen button down is on my wishlist.
Considering a pair of white ballet flats for spring. Currently eyeing this pair (also spotted this pair on their site) and this pair.
Currently have this oversized crewneck (I do an xxs in this style) en route. It’s giving The Row Ophelia vibes.
After cleaning out my denim, I honed in a few styles that I’d like to add to my closet. I’ve had my eye on the Danielle and Abigail for a year or two? Started with the Danielle in (I think) Archer and am already obsessed. They’re super flattering. Ordered tts and one size up, but I’m leaning towards one size up. I’m keeping an eye on these Abigail’s to see if they go deeper than 20% off.
Not to brag, but I think I found the best tanks and basics in general. I worked with Sold Out NYC on their Everything Shirt campaign and since then have developed quite an obsession. I’d been wanting to try their tanks since last summer, but never managed to connect when they were in-stock. Dear lord was it worth the wait. They are nice and thick. Not too thick though, just enough so that they actually hold their shape and aren’t see through. I have this one in black and white and have this one on my list. I’d say they run a little large so consider sizing down. Other favorites, this button down (I ended up buying myself the white version after falling in love with the navy), and this turtleneck (great for layering as we move into spring). I’m also keeping an eye on a restock of this tee in white.
Matches. Oh boy. As I mentioned in stories, proceed with caution. Despite their updated return policy, I’m more or less assuming final sale whenever I buy something. I’ve been saving my favorites/pieces that I own here.
Indulged in Banana Republic’s Friends & Family sale and these pants are a winner (I went with the regular length in an xs).
Got my hands on two new washes of these jeans (ecru and this blue) in 100% cotton. IYKYK. And if don’t and are 5’4” or under, then you need to.
Also, ICYMI - a, very robust, trench coat edit and round up of silky pants for spring and summer.
Beauty
I impulsively bought this concealer while in New York in an attempt to better conceal my darker, blue-ish, under-eyes and I’m so glad I did. I like to use it on it’s own on days when I don’t want to wear a full face of makeup, (but also don’t want to look like death walking), as well as blended with the Merit complexion stick and/or Westman Atelier complexion drops. A little goes a long way. I put a dot on the back of my hand, use a concealer brush to apply it and then press it in with my finger to blend it.
I’m a pretty die hard Furtuna Skin cleanser girl, but Goop sent over their cleansing balm so naturally I had to try it. Color me impressed. The key difference between the two is that the Goop cleanser is removed with warm water and a wash cloth whereas the Furtuna Skin cleanser is removed with water (it turns into a milk cleanser when water is added). The Goop cleanser is also has a thinner consistency which makes a it a bit easier to work into the skin without water. It smells divine, and does an excellent job removing make-up and sunscreen without stripping the skin. I’ve been using it first to remove makeup and then follow with the Furtuna Skin cleansing balm. I’d recommend it for anyone that is new to, or curious about, oil cleansing, prefers a solid formula over a liquid (much easier to travel with too), or simply wants to upgrade their oil cleansing routine.
Life
I don’t know what I waited so long, but I finally pulled the trigger on these pillows and this throw from Jenni Kayne. Hands down my favorite items around the house at the moment. I didn’t realize how uncomfortable our old throw pillows were haha. Also learned that my SRP15 code works on home items too! Just not furniture.
One thing that I always have on hand - Bee Keeper’s Propolis (sold at most grocery stores and Amazon). I started taking it last winter while traveling for some extra immune support and defense against all the bugs that were going around and never stopped. I also tried their cough syrup and cough drops when I had a gnarly sore through and definitely prefer them to many of the other brands out there. I appreciate that they aren’t loaded with corn syrup, artificial flavors and dyes.
So random, but this lemon juicer actually works and so easy to store. It’s the fourth one I’ve tried lol.
xx, Sarah
LOVE the idea of recognizing yourself before others can recognize you. Wisdom!