Five Things (9.24.21)

1. After a year of long-distance, my parents are finally here in L.A.—and what makes the visit especially sweet is that they’re not here to do anything but see where I live, how I live, and if I’m happy (and safe). Three homecooked meals are served daily, which means that in just a few days’ time, I’ve managed to gain five (maybe more), pounds.

For once, it doesn’t matter.

2. The influx of events (weddings, especially) has forced me into wearing makeup again. It’s not necessarily a bad thing; I’m just impatient when re-learning the shades, shadows, and contours of my face. Some discoveries qualify as breakthroughs (blush placement, new brands, texture play), and others, a little disheartening. (Like Marc Jacobs’ beauty line going through a clear-out of sorts, which means my holy grail eyeliner—the only to never smudge on my eye shape—is gone for good. I’m devastated. What’s a girl to do now?)

3. Beautiful World, Where Are You (Sally Rooney’s new book) has remained untouched the last two weeks, the makeshift bookmark still holding it down at the one-third mark. To finish a good book comes with devastation: yes, it’s satisfying to close the chapter (literally) but to shelve the book means it’s officially over. So instead, I choose to practice utmost restraint (is it masochistic? Tantric in inspiration? Who knows.), hoping the wait will help me savor and milk every word until the last.

4. This is just a note to self to unearth my Balenciaga City (yes, that early-aughts motorcycle bag is back) and Loewe Amazona (from the Junya Watanabe collaboration) collection the next time I’m back in Jersey. A word of (unsolicited) advice: Keep everything. Sell nothing (or if you can, wait at least five to 10 years because fashion always cycles back).

5. Adding oats to fruit smoothies is a game-changer. And if you’re so inclined, how about leveling it up with a hair wellness boost, too? I’m not going to try and sell you on these because I did work on this launch, but these adaptogen and probiotic powder supplements are packed with all the good stuff (adaptogens, TCM herbs, probiotics) and taste yummy, too.

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xx