Monday Memo No. 158
Hostess gifts, holiday recipes, a hair tutorial and the handbag at the top of my holiday wishlist. H who?
Wyeth Collection
My friend Jacey just launched the most beautiful brand, Wyeth and it’s chock-full of classic essentials from their own in-house brand (like this beautiful sweater) as well as select pieces from Jacey’s favorite brands like Merlette, Kule and others. Currently in my cart: this vintage-inspired cardigan from St. Roche and this boat neck beauty.
Sunday Riley Clean Rinse
After a weekend full of holiday parties, it can feel like my hair is more dry shampoo than hair. Thankfully, I discovered this clarifying rinse from Sunday Riley. The AHA/BHA-infused serum cleanses the scalp of product buildup and oil, leaving your hair clean and refreshed. Highly recommend.
French Twist Tutorial
In recent months, I’ve been wearing my hair in a French twist style constantly (that is, when I’m not adorning French braids with colonial bows), and loved this hair tutorial that Mary Hafner recently shared on her Instagram. It’s a virtually perfect depiction of how I do it and if you’ve got medium to long hair, this is a polished updo that can be achieved in under a minute with just a few of these French pins.
Brightland Olive Oil
Sometimes targeted Instagram ads live up to the hype and I’m pleased to report that those chic olive oils from Brightland are one such product. They’re sourced from a family-run farm in California, then cold-pressed into custom blends. They sell two of their bestselling olive oils AWAKE and ALIVE as a duo, which would make a great gift for the foodie in your life. I’m telling you, these olive oils are TOP NOTCH. I may or may not be using a baguette to soak up what’s left of my Awake bottle as we speak.
Petite Chou Collars
I’m thoroughly obsessed with these detachable collars from Petite Chou. Adding a finishing touch to a sweater or dress makes virtually every outfit cuter and the best part is that they also make collars for the girls. The classic Peter Pan collars are adorable and all of their styles fit comfortably without adding bulk to an outfit.
Goldbelly
If you’re already overwhelmed by the thought of all the food you need to prep in the next couple weeks, I’m here to remind you that Goldbelly exists. Goldbelly is like Postmates on steroids—they deliver from all of your favorite restaurants, all over the country. I plan to order another of these caramel cakes for Christmas Day and my mouth is watering at the thought. I had it for the first time last summer when I ordered it for my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary and it’s maybe (definitely) the best cake I’ve ever had in my life. If you’re a caramel lover, it’s a MUST try. But really, if any meal prep is stressing you out, it’s time to call in reinforcements and check out Goldbelly’s collection.
Hoka Sneakers
After hearing my friend Katie rave about Hoka sneakers for years, I finally tried a pair and WOW. Now I know why they have thousands of five-star reviews. I got them in the cantaloupe color, which are as beautiful to look at as they are comfortable. It’s truly like walking on (wonderfully supportive) clouds. HIGHLY recommend.
Maybelline Vinyl Ink
I’ve gotten a little sick of my matte lip colors—they can look dry, especially when the weather gets cold. While on a quest to find better options, I came across Kristina Rodulfo’s drugstore recommendation: Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink. She describes it in a recent Instagram post as the perfect transfer-proof lipstick for holiday parties, and I love that this lipstick is a longwear option with a little shine. I ordered shade Wicked immediately and can confirm, this drugstore find is AMAZING.
Something From Tiffany’s
If you’ve already done your annual re-watch of The Holiday and Love Actually and are craving a new holiday rom com, I loved Something From Tiffany’s. It a new film produced by Reese Witherspoon, starring Zoey Deutch and Shay Mitchell and is out now on Amazon Prime. This is exactly the easy, heart-warming kind of movie to throw on while you’re wrapping gifts, tackling the laundry or burning I mean baking holiday cookies.
There Was One
I’m absolutely swooning over everything this new brand There Was One has to offer—they make the most beautiful, classic pieces, which are currently 20% on Farfetch right now! A few of my personal favorites are this padded wrap jacket, this magenta velvet suit, and this sleeveless dress.
Wedgwood Ornaments
In recent years, I’ve begun collecting Wedgwood’s Jasperware ornaments. This trio gift set would make a beautiful gift if you need something for a special hostess or someone in that elusive “I don’t know what to get for you” category.
Marinated Christmas Cheese
I made this marinated Christmas cheese appetizer from How Sweet Eats for a holiday party and it was a HIT. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and looks so gorgeous and festive. Leftovers would make a great snack or salad topper, but you will never find out because people will eat every last drop of this.
Gucci Jackie Bag
At the very top of my Christmas list this year is this longtime classic for Gucci, the Jackie bag. The style first debuted in the ‘60s but its smooth black calf leather and curved silhouette make it a timeless piece. I hope Santa agrees that it’s time I add it to my collection. (Someone please send this to Rich, thanks.)
Wordle Board Game
If you wake up every morning and complete the Wordle before finishing your morning coffee, I have the perfect gift for you. Or, if you’re having any Wordle-obsessed friends or family over this holiday season, this world board game is a must-have. For 2-5 players ages 14+ you can spend the evening discovering every five-letter word for fun.
Carolina Herrera Scarf
Well, my favorite pastime continues to be stalking The Outnet for designer discounts. A couple months ago, I shared this rainbow scarf from Acne and it’s one of the most popular items I’ve ever shared, selling out everywhere in a few hours. If it eluded you, worry not—you can still have a rainbow of color around your collar if you check out this cashmere blend beauty from Carolina Herrera (at 60% off).
ChappyWrap Blankets
When I was sick a couple weeks ago, I think I spent five consecutive days wrapped in this blanket. If you haven’t tried ChappyWrap blankets, you are in for a treat. They’re machine washable and unlike anything you’ve felt before. Somehow they combine the smooth softness of fleece (without pilling) and the heft and longevity of a classic wool blanket. I recently ordered this striped beauty so we have a second on hand and this one as a gift for a new mom.
Makeup By Mario Skin Enhancer
TikTok finally made me buy this SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer from Makeup By Mario and I absolutely love it. It’s a three-in-one tinted balm that offers warmth and sheer coverage to even out skin tone. I use it on “no makeup makeup” days largely on the outsides of my face in place of contour, then just spot the rest of my face with concealer.
Dual-Ended Makeup Brush
This is the makeup brush I use with the Makeup By Mario Skin Enhancer. It’s perfect for liquid, cream, or powder foundations and blending concealer. I use the large end of the brush for all of my contour areas and the small end to brush it in the crease of my eyes to add some definition there.
Barbour Jacket
I’ve been a longtime fan of Barbour’s signature wax jackets, so it should come as no surprise that I’ve fallen in love once again. I’m utterly obsessed with this Barbour beauty that has the signature Tartan lining and a detachable teddy collar that can be affixed over the classic corduroy one.
Clear Cutting Board
This acrylic cutting board is genius because it (a) blends in and (b) has a lip that can be affixed to your counter. The lip and rubber feet keep the cutting board from sliding, making it strong enough for all your slicing and dicing needs.
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