Hi shoppers!
You might have noticed there were no September newsletters; that’s because at the end of the month I had major surgery — my 5th for endometriosis — and for once in my life I’m trying to actually go off the grid. To be honest, it’s the most exhausting and emotional surgery recovery I’ve ever experienced and even putting this newsletter together really took it out of me, so I likely won’t be fully back online for a minute, but I did want to check in, say hi, and of course share some shopping finds* that have been getting me through.
I also created a little Amazon wishlist, just with some books to read while I’m recovering, so if you’re inclined you can find that here. So many of you have sent wonderful DM’s and emails and texts as well and it is so, so appreciated.
Rhode Tinted Lip Treatment: I really did not expect to like the Rhode Lip Treatment this much; like yes all the coolest girls have it, and yes it has a cult following, but could it really be that good? And it is. And so is the tinted formula. It has the perfect amount of color; it’s buildable, comfortable, and long lasting. It’s also unscented which I think is a great touch and makes it that much more universally appealing.
Catbird Tourmaline Ring: After each surgery, I usually gift myself something special. This time, I was lucky enough that my sister gave me this magnificent ring from Catbird to mark the occasion. Pink tourmaline is my favorite stone and I’ve been searching for years for a special ring that features it and I couldn’t have dreamt of something more perfect. She also got herself the matching green version, which makes it even more special.
Duo Boots: I saw an ad for these and was immediately intrigued — I’m a curvy girl who took 12 hours of ballet a week right through college so my calves and boots have never agreed with each other. I actually reached out directly to Duo and asked if they’d be interested in sending me a pair to try and they graciously agreed. I was shocked at how size inclusive they are; I’ve had so many extended calf boots over the years and still felt like I had to squeeze my legs into them. But these? I actually have some room like skinny girls do! I can tuck them into jeans! And they’re beautifully crafted and comfortable. Well worth the investment.
Upstate Vase: One of the last pick me up purchases I made before surgery, this magnificent handblown vase (carafe technically) is the most special addition to my dresser. It’s so heavy and substantial and a truly unique piece. I think it would make a lovely gift as well — Upstate carries matching coupes and a variety of other earthy but refined home goods including silk pillowcases and loungewear.
Djerf Avenue Go Slow Pajamas: If you’ve spent more than 5 minutes talking to me about my favorite clothing, chances are you know I’m a Djerf Avenue stan and I love the whole Go Slow line — the slips and short and tee set are so, so comfy. My mom treated me to the pajama set right before surgery and I’ve been resting in them almost everyday since I got home. They’re incredibly soft, lightweight without feeling flimsy and wash really well (I’ve been washing them everyday, too.)
KJH Highlighter: I’ve followed Katie Jane Hughes forever and glossy, glowy skin is her trademark. She’s been teasing her own line for months now and I’ve been waiting with baited breath for this product to drop. It’s a slightly unusual application; you can use the highlighter on its own, or add extra slip and radiance with a sort of fragrance free gloss. I was a little unsure about my skill level being able to use it, but it’s actually pretty intuitive and mistake proof. And unlike other gloss or cream highlighters it doesn’t stay tacky or oily and it has a strong lasting power. I did receive this as part of a press sample, but it’s a product I would have bought regardless!
GAP CashSoft: I’ve written before about my never ending quest to find cozy, soft synthetic knitwear. My greatest plight in life is being allergic to wool, cashmere etc. and the Gap CashSoft line is one of my favorite alternatives. I stocked up on a ton of it before surgery; I love the cardigans to stay cozy in the house and the pants and skirts feel like pajamas but look really refined and sleek. I love the mockneck turtleneck with the pencil skirt and sneakers for winter.
Plate Pillows Mug: I came across these on Instagram and instantly was like, oh I need. I saw a TikTok recently where a girl was like, what do I bring to the table? And proceeded to empty all her favorite glassware out of her purse. That’s me — vases, stemmed glassware, coupes, mugs — you name it, I love it. And when it comes to mugs I like something substantial and cozy and these are perfect. I reached out the brand to see if they’d be able to send me one and they kindly did and I’m already planning on purchasing the other colors. There is so much pottery on the market and sometimes you can tell the quality is not up to par, but this mug is heavy, well finished, and obviously thoughtfully crafted. The design looks like the kind of thing you’d find in a small seaside boutique and the lip is smooth and comfortable to drink from.
Material Girl Reads: Ever since coming home, I have been devouring books like my life depends on it, (yes, more than usual.) I read, and loved The Corpse Flower, by Anne Mette Hancock. It’s a very classic Scandi Noir, sort of like a less dense Stieg Larsson. True to the genre’s form, the female lead is strong but nuanced, the crime and the so-called villain is also not as she appears. A wonderful cat and mouse from a relatively new Scandi author. (I’ve included the second in the series on my wishlist as well!) After that I read The Last One Left by Riley Sager and I was obsessed. It was so fucking good, just a fun juicy murder mystery set in a spooky crumbling mansion in Maine. The twists were smart and fun and I’m so excited to read the other Sagers on my bookshelf. Lastly, I’m about halfway through the 800 page third installment of Millennium Series ( The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,) The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest and to be honest I knew ten pages in I could confidently recommend it. It’s the last of Stieg Larsson’s books in the series, before his tragic death, and I honestly have been putting off reading it because I just love his prose so, so much. He’s such a radical political thinker as well, and I genuinely learn whenever I read his work. I know so many people have read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, but if you haven’t I really urge you to continue going in the series; each book is somehow even more deeply woven than the last and I will be so sad when this one is over.
*I want to add a quick note about gifted product. When I started this newsletter, it was just little old me talking about my shopping addiction and everything was something I bought with my own money. Since we’ve grown, I’m lucky enough that I’m in a position where if I see a product that piques my interest, I can reach out to a brand about trying it and sometimes those products make their way into the newsletter. It will always be mentioned when a product was gifted, and absolutely none of them are products that would not be in the newsletter if I wouldn’t have bought them with my own money. Nothing is a sponsored or paid ad, they’re simply things I wanted and that brands were generous enough to gift — and if I didn’t end up liking them? You wouldn’t see them here. Now down to what you came here for, the shoppies!