April 2023: Monthly Newsletter

0 - WELCOME

Wearing a Julie Josephine Trine Wool Jacket, Toteme Turtleneck, Toteme Barrel Jeans, Toteme Boots

Welcome to April!

Spring is here in NYC and I’m all for it. I just came back from two weeks of skiing in Utah — it snowed a ridiculous amount (at times 12 inches/day), which made for wonderful skiing, but I am happy to be back in warmer weather. This month, I’ll be heading to Toronto to spend some time with family and friends (and of course, to get in my beauty appointments). I’m long overdue for a haircut!

Separately, I want to share that I am starting to offer styling services if you are interested in shopping for a specific event or just want a wardrobe refresh! This is something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time, so I’m really excited for this new chapter. I’ll be releasing more information in the coming weeks, but want to give newsletter subscribers a heads up :)

1 - FASHION

Denim Jackets

Warmer weather calls for lighter outerwear, which in my case is a combination of leather jackets, trench coats and denim jackets. I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect denim jacket lately — I sold my black and blue ones a few years ago after thinking that I would never wear a denim on denim look again. How wrong I was! Here are some that I have my eye on:

Five Things I Bought

Below are five things I bought and loved last month:

1. Acne Studios Leather Jacket: I tried on this jacket in Paris back in February and fell in love. I didn’t love the price though, so I patiently waited for a sale once I came back to the US. This jacket is such a dreamy piece — I love it

2. Raey Drop Baggy Jeans: I’ve received a lot of questions about these jeans — they’re quite oversized and I love the way they puddle at the feet. Raey is the in-house brand of Matches, and the quality/price point is great. I sized down and bought a 24

3. Jil Sander Logo T-Shirt: I’m not one for logos, but I thought this was a fun addition to my wardrobe. The material is surprisingly thick and cozy. I sized down and bought an XS

4. Toteme Monogram Scarf: My scarves are either black or white, so a neutral one rounds out my collection. The cashmere and wool blend means that I can wear it well into spring

5. Interior Amalia T-Shirt: I always have my eye out for new brands and Interior makes very cool clothes. I like that this t-shirt can be worn on/off the shoulder depending on my mood

2 - BEAUTY

Makeup Routine

My makeup routine is pretty simple — I like to keep it under 5 minutes. I’ve really evolved from my high school days where I had raccoon eyes from all the eyeliner (don’t ask for pics).

On my face, I always start with primer — I use a few pumps of either Sisley’s Double Tenseur or RMS Beauty’s ReEvolve Radiance Locking Primer. Sisley’s primer dries a bit matte, while RMS’s feels more like a glittery cream. For foundation, I use Westman Atelier’s Foundation Stick in IV with Hourglass’s Foundation Brush, followed by Kosas’s Concealer in Tone 05 W with Hourglass’s Concealer Brush. I prefer lighter coverage on my face, so WA’s foundation stick is great for targeting specific areas. To set my makeup in place, I use Hourglass’s Translucent Setting Powder with their Veil Powder Brush. Then I apply blush (either Beauty Counter’s Cream Blush in Truffle or Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks in Petal) using Hourglass’s Blush Brush (PSA: Hourglass brushes are amazing). I’ve been a fan of a more flushed look, so I put blush all over my upper cheekbones and nose.

On my eyes, I’m loyal to Ilia’s Lash Lengthening Mascara and Dior’s Diorshow Waterproof Mascara. I also have Westman Atelier’s Eye Love You Mascara, which is great. Depending on where I’m headed, sometimes I draw a small cat eye with Tom Ford’s Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo. No more raccoon eyes for me :)

On my eyebrows, I use Hourglass’s Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Dark Brunette. I can’t recommend this enough. I’ve tried so many pencils, and in my opinion, this is the best thanks to its pencil shape and application. I also use Kosas’s Air Brow in Clear, and Kosas’s Air Brow in Brown Black — the clear eyebrow gel creates a brow lamination effect and really fluffs up my brows.

On my lips, I’ve been using lipstick more often (gasp) — Gucci’s Satin Lipstick in 200 Blaze of Noon and Byredo’s Lipstick in Amber in Furs are my go-to. Most of the time though, it’s a swipe of Glossier’s Balm Dotcom in Mint.

To finish it all off, I use a couple pumps of Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.

3 - OTHER

Ginori 1735

I’ve been obsessed with Ginori’s Oriente Italiano line in green, including their plates, teacup and saucer. Everything just looks so chic!

Sleep

I started sleeping with an eye mask and it has been a complete game changer. I sleep more soundly and it feels like someone is tucking in my eyes to sleep every night lol. I use Slip’s silk eye mask, but honestly any silk mask will probably do the job

Stationery

Great stationery makes me happy (and also makes work more enjoyable). I use a Smythson notebook (which is fine, but overpriced — I got mine on sale) and my favourite pens are Kaco Pure Black 0.5mm Retractable Gel Pens and U Brands 0.7mm Felt Tip Pens. My trick to finding good pens is to see what fancy restaurants use when they come around with the cheque!

4 - PARTING NOTE

Lately, I’ve been feeling very off and uninspired — it’s probably not a coincidence that work has been extremely stressful and a complete time suck. In times like these, I fall back on my tried and true methods to get out of a funk: doing breath work, practicing mindfulness, taking long walks (without music), and writing in my Notes to Mindfulness Journal. What are yours?

Until next month, friends.