Five Things (11.6.26)

Dries Van Noten Puffy Knotted Mini Velvet Bag (same style; similar color) + 1984 by George Orwell (Signet Classic)

Fara Homidi Nude 2 Essential Lip Compact

1. I hate to admit that I’m still in disbelief—but we did it, Joe. Every step forward counts, but I suppose a disease of the left is that we either demand perfection or become so wary of any good news that we remain critical, and therefore stuck in a state of paralysis. Neither is healthy, especially in the context of American politics and mentality; we can’t have high expectations, not in this system at least. Every man for himself is the root of all evil—and American culture, for worse.

So why can’t I be happy? Or excited, at the very least?

What I do look forward to, however, is this new generation of public servants. (Of which I’m certain AOC, and now Mamdani, has paved the way for.) Dare I even admit that I have hope? I’m agnostic, so faith doesn’t come easily unless you ask me to swear on my parents’ word; I don’t believe in blind conviction otherwise. (Though to be clear, my parents are deserving because they continue to prove deserving of unconditional trust.) But hope, I actually have in spades. What a privilege it is to live in a lifetime where I can witness people like Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Annie Nixon, James Talarico, and Jon Ossoff win American hearts across the nation.

2. My third story for Coveteur is up, this time on the best winter perfumes. Even curated, it’s an extensive list—so if you want the TL;DR edit, my must-smells are:

• Maison d’Etto Pinehurst: I’m the antithesis of the horse girl in every regard, but I ride for Maison d’Etto. I’m in an avant-gourmand phase in my life (rather surprisingly) because historically, this profile is closer to what I once loved. Woodsy and sweet, with pineapple and rambutan for body and projection.
• Discothèque Lola at Coat Check: A signature, if I had a steady rotation. (I never travel without a sample vial, which speaks volumes to my devotion.) To my nose and on my skin, this is a powdered musk and white chocolate patchouli. A little violet and tiniest puff of cardamom-infused smoke make it well suited day to night, any time of year.
• Balenciaga Pink Oud: I’m surprised this hasn’t made the rounds of PerfumeTok and its analogous Substack accounts, because this has the makings of a viral hit. I suppose it makes sense, though. Kering has neither gifted nor advertised its latest collection, Les Extraits, as extensively as we’re used to when other brands launch newness. Which is a good sign, to a degree: The house was smart to expand with heavier, richer perfume concentrations for increased market share, but self-aware enough to realize that no matter how well-done the concentrations, a trio of extraits would be met with great expectations (and even greater criticism). But I digress! Rose perfumes are a staple in my personal collection, and this is by far the sexiest.
• Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu: I was kindly gifted this by the wonderful Chanel team, and am fully cognizant that they were thorough in their press rounds—but I hope that after all these years of writing online (and spending my entire career in beauty), it’s clear I’ve only ever recommended the exceptional and worthwhile. Up until this launch, the Les Exclusifs line has always resonated with me most. This, however—after the hallmark lychee and fruit-chouli opening fade—is exquisite. I live for the drydown.
• Krigler Lovely Patchouli 55: And another patchouli, this time as heart and hero. Expensive, though divine—so it may be worth saving for if you’re a patchouli devotee (like yours truly). It’s one of my favorites yet.

3. If not yet ready to plan for winter (or live in a warmer city like me and crave that cozy autumnal feeling without feeling suffocated by richer ambers better suited for New England falls)—these are the perfumes I’m wearing right now.

(A note about affiliate linking: Although I’m eternally grateful to everyone who’s used my direct links as a show of support, ShopMy is simply easier for my Type A brain! Sample in person where possible, and stalk second-hand platforms for great deals.)

4. ICYMI: Coperni is closing. If you are a gazelle, long-legged (or more specifically, have a lengthy shinbone), or stubborn (yours truly)—please consider adding the Coperni Bridge rubber boot to your shoe wardrobe while you can. It is the coolest, and perhaps one of the most flattering rainboots I’ve yet worn, but be forewarned. It runs large, is heavy to the point of being cumbersome, and unless you’re one of the first two things I mentioned earlier, this boot is nearly impossible to walk in. (Even for me, as someone who has logged many miles in heels of every shape and silhouette. The issue is the height of the shaft, which affects how I need to bend my leg to step.)

… but! It looks so damn good, and despite preaching the importance of investing only in the wearable, these are worthwhile. L.A. had its rare rainy week earlier this season, and both women and men stopped me every few feet, enamored.

5. Peas are the Internet’s latest darling du jour, and as a pea apologist, I couldn’t feel more affirmed. A bag of microwavable stuff, tossed with heaping amounts of nutritional yeast and black pepper, has been my late-night snack of choice for years. Not in a chic or deliberately healthy, Nara Smith way (if only!), but because I’m lazy with food. But it really is that addictive. Texture and taste are gratifying every time; protein, plus the added B vitamins, are merely a plus.

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xx