The Honor Roll
A Sunday shoutout to everything I’m obsessing over now.
A Sunday shoutout to everything I’m obsessing over now.
If every week I said what an exhausting week it’s been, I’d be writing the same intro until we get Tiny Hands out of office. So let’s just focus on the good stuff, shall we?
It’s June, so, hey, summer’s here — or some proximation thereof … thanks to global warming … for those inclined to believe in science and common sense … You know, nations other than Nicaragua, Syria, and now us, as dictated by Tiny Hands … But I digress. Back to the aforementioned good stuff.
Josh Rosebrook’s tinted SPF 30 Nutrient Day Cream: Yes, it’s expensive. It’s also everything. Serious SPF, natural glowy tint, no toxins, and skin actually gets better using it. This is for dudes, too. Good for Father’s Day when you want to protect pop’s punam.
Coconut Simple Squares: I discovered these as an alternative to Lara Bars, and it’s a whole new world. Organic cashews, organic almonds, organic honey, organic unsweetened coconut, organic vanilla extract, and sea salt. They’re in every handbag I own, and many pockets. (I’ve only sat on a few.)
Off-Duty Michelle: Have you checked out the pix of Michelle Obama post-White House? I seriously cannot get enough. She looks so relaxed, so cool, so secure in her skin. Her White House style was quintessentially hers, of course. But what she’s wearing now is a sartorial scream of “sweeeeet freeedom!” And she’s earned it.
Fairchild Baldwin Bella necklaces. I was gifted one of these, and I may never take it off. It’s an instant statement and outfit finisher. But best of all, the “clasp” is super soft, magnetized leather. Easy on and off, and no hair getting caught. Pick one up at Mel and Me in Cranston, RI, of all places. There’s also an online shop for out-of-towners.
5. Foodie Asylum: Okay, I enjoy going into a store with “asylum” in the name. But more than that, I enjoy the inspiring minimalist design of this new Brookline shop, which is like a museum gallery of unique, local, stunningly packed artisan foods. And even more than that, I enjoy eating them. The idea is that you give them as gifts. Uh huh. We’ll see.
6. Pom Poms: Nothing brings cheer like a pom pom.
If you have a grand lying around, you can pop into Saks for Fendi’s pom-adorned strappies. But for those saving their dinero for say, health care, J.Crew partnered with Gaia, whose cult basket bags have been making the rounds with bloggers, to make these ponytail holders I’m veryyyy rah-rah for.
7. Strap-ons: Did I get your attention? But I’m talking about interchangeable bag straps. Again, you can go the Fendi route, where the craze began (Karl, you cruel genius). But the good news is that now less expensive versions are starting to pop up. Not only do they give a bag new life with a switched-up look, but they can also save a bag that’s in good shape except for the handle, or transform an awkward length strap into a messenger. (Hint: If you’re considering the Fendi ones, the men’s version is longer and works especially well as a crossbody. Also they’re called “Strap You” if you’re searching on eBay.)
8. Airing it out. Good in communication, yes, but that’s not what I mean. I’m ditching the dry cleaner as much as I can. It’s bad for the environment, expensive, and hell on clothes. And when you wear something less than a day or not directly on your skin, it generally just needs a night of airing out — hang it outdoors or somewhere apart from the rest of your clothes. If it’s wrinkled, try a few minutes in the dryer on delicate.
9. Tea Forte’s Icon Au Gold Infuser: This looks like a million bucks, but it’s $30. The gold is non reactive, so you don’t affect the flavor. I feel like this will make watching the news an easier swallow.
