Five Things (9.25.26)

Chanel 25 Mini Hobo, Espresso (similar, size small) + Bottega Veneta Intreccio Perfume Travel Case

1. I’m back in L.A., finally, and rather impressed that I lasted three weeks in Florida… with a man at that. To be fair, said gentleman is my partner and incredibly considerate. I’m just notoriously independent (and demand large intervals of solitude), and incompatible with Southern wildlife and humidity. I loved our time together, of course. But being back in my space, surrounded by all my pretty, girly things—and no longer constrained by the contents of a carry-on—has been rejuvenating.

2. In Sam Visser We Trust. I’m salivating over all the smoke, sex, and shadows from Gucci SS27—the makeup, specifically. (Accessories were also titillating! More on that later.)  Having now spent half my life worshipping at the altar of Carine Roitfeld, this catalog of what Visser dubs “SUPER SEXY POP” has reinvigorated my love for makeup. I haven’t worn a proper smoky eye in years, but already know that the sootier looks can be recreated using this incredible slate liquid shadow as a base, then Makeup by Mario Master Mattes: The Neutrals palette to darken and shape the eye.

3. Speaking of Fashion Month: I haven’t been this inspired by runway shows in a while. When the world is falling apart, art prevails: Designers either dive deep to satiate nostalgia, or create fantasies that allow us to dream. There’s more of the former than the latter (which relates to AI and capitalism, a topic worthy of its own dissertation), but I’d rather be moved than bored. Even it’s some version of what I’ve seen before.

4. A small spike in temperatures is anticipated this weekend, but the promise of fall has begun to lift me out from my summer haze. Perhaps the heatwave has gone to my head, because I finally start to feel like myself again.

5. Everything negative said about the Chanel 25 is warranted. But I can’t help but love mine, particularly in this glossy (and therefore, even more resilient) dark chocolate leather. It’s Y2K without being overtly early-aughts in aesthetic (again, the nostalgic element! Impossible to resist), and practical for everyday.

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xx