February 2024: Monthly Newsletter

0 - WELCOME

Wearing a Nili Lotan coat (sold out, similar here), Reformation sweater, Toteme pants (sold out, similar here), Toteme flats

Greetings!

Hello and welcome to two years of this newsletter! I can’t believe another year has passed since I started writing here. I remember in 2022 when this newsletter was just a tiny idea in my head. While Instagram gave me a platform to be visually creative, I missed writing and knew I needed something more. After I hit 3000 followers (a very arbitrary number), I decided to write, and here we are! All of this is to say: if you have an idea, just go after it, because what’s the worst that could happen?

January was a fun, busy month for me. I went to Aspen for my annual ski trip and skied my first real double black (yay!). The snow was plentiful and I had a great time with friends. This month, I am headed back to Toronto to hang with the family, followed by my birthday and the beginning of an exciting Asia trip.

Last but not least, I will be doing giveaways with my favourite brands over the next few weeks in celebration of this two year anniversary. Keep your eyes peeled on Instagram! You heard it here first :)

1 - FASHION

Fun Things

As you all know, I love neutrals, but in the dreariness of winter (it’s been raining 95% of the time in NYC), I’ve been craving something different to spice things up. Dare I say that neutral outfits are beginning to bore me? Here are a few fun things in my shopping cart:

Faux Fur

A chic faux fur coat is all the rage this season — I bought one last year from Toteme on The RealReal and haven’t looked back. I love dressing mine down with loose jeans or cargo pants; it’s all about the dichotomy. Below are others that I have my eye on:

New Brands

Brand discovery is one of my favourite parts about fashion, especially learning about designers’ creative processes and seeing fresh takes on clothing/accessories. Here are a few brands that I’ve discovered and loved lately:

&Daughter: &Daughter makes classic, elevated knitwear. I’ve been patiently waiting for the Ada Cardigan to go on sale
Darkpark: I came across Darkpark a few seasons ago — their cargo pants are so cool, and Kelly Rutherford has been rocking their faux fur coat on Instagram (also, how amazing is her style?)
Destree: I am a fan of their matching statement sets with a French flair. I just bought the Amoako jacket and Yoshitomo pants
Talia Byre: Her deconstructed knitwear is the definition of “classic with a twist”

Five Things I Bought

Sale season is going strong. Below are five things that I bought and loved last month:

1. Toteme City Boots: I’ve been into chunky, lower heeled boots for a more grounded look. I like wearing these with something more streamlined to create a sleek outfit

2. Acne Studios Boucle Coat: As you know, I have an unhealthy obsession with coats. I wasn’t in the market for ANOTHER one, but I loved the masculine fit and boucle material. I bought it at one of my favourite stores in Toronto, 119 Corbo

3. Sophie Buhai Egg Pendant: For Christmas, I gifted myself this sculptural egg necklace. I love that it’s understated and sort of an IYKYK piece

4. Blazé Milano Blazer: I’ve always been curious about Blazé Milano, but it’s $$$. Luckily, I found this on sale at Matches and am happy to report that it is extremely well made. I really like the houndstooth/corduroy combination

5. Khaite Abigail Jeans: Every few months, I add another pair of Abigail jeans to my collection. This time, I bought a light blue wash. I now have 5 pairs — they are perfect for me (straight, high waisted and hits below my ankle)

2 - BEAUTY

Beauty Obsessions

I’ve been trying a lot of new beauty products and have much to report on! Here are my new favourites:

RMS Beauty Radiance Serum Sunscreen: Consider this the baby of sunscreen, highlighter, foundation and serum. I love that this gives me a post-tan glow (without the harmful rays of course) and also protects my skin
Victoria Beckham Beauty: I had my doubts as first, but her products are really good. I have been using the Satin Kajal Eyeliner, Vast Lash Mascara and Contour Stylus almost every day
True Botanicals Extreme Cream: My skin was a sad, dried grape from being in Jackson and Aspen over the last month, and this face cream singlehandedly brought it back to life
Ross J Barr Patch Packs: I bought this on a total whim on Violet Grey because my body has been acting weird recently (lots of soreness and general anxiety). I’ve used their healing and calm patches respectively, and they work wonders

3 - DESIGN

Good Lighting

I am a sucker for great design and am always looking for new things to add to the apartment. A few weeks ago, I did a Q&A where someone asked me what was on my wishlist, and I responded with an Akari 24N (which I actually bought today because it is finally back in stock). While I wait for my beautiful table lamp, here are others that I would not mind adding:

4 - OTHER

Art

If you’re in NYC, be sure to check out Cindy Sherman at Hauser & Wirth, as well as Jen Guidi at Gagosian. I’m also excited to see Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ art collection at the Brooklyn Museum later this month

Couture Week

Did you tune into Couture week? Margiela’s show was incredible and certainly the talk of the town. I also enjoyed Fendi’s pared back show — I could be convinced into getting a baguette..

Books

My goal for the year is to read 20 books — I’ve read 3 so far in January. If you have any recommendations, do share!

5 - PARTING NOTE

I found myself randomly humming the Harry Potter theme song last week, which brought me down a rabbit hole to rewatch the movies for the first time in probably 15 years. Have you seen any good movies lately? Please also send them my way!

Until next month, friends.