the friday five (!!)

The best best things I’m currently loving, coveting, and fixating on this week.

I’m excited to introduce The Friday Five! A semi-regular round-up of the best best pieces, places, and things I’m currently loving, coveting, and fixating on.

It felt like the perfect time to kick off a new little franchise—something quick, digestible, and rooted in the mission (LOL) of the best best. And naturally, it had to be an alliteration, because we love an alliteration. This series is loosely (sure!) inspired by one of my longtime favorite reads from The Strategist, “Things That Delighted Us Last Week.” So, consider this my take. It’s going to be opinionated, personal, and full of things worth knowing about!

I think we all have those moments of obsession—whether it’s a new neighborhood restaurant, a skincare product that actually delivers, the comfiest heels you’ve ever worn, or a recipe you’ve been making on repeat. There’s something undeniably satisfying about being “the first” to discover something. Like a modern-day explorer—the kind with Wi-Fi and good taste, it just feels good to stumble upon something great. And if you’re a good friend, you share it. Because why gatekeep something amazing?

When I’m obsessed with something, I typically can’t stop talking about it, for better or worse. I say that because my obsessions sometimes take over my entire personality, and I’ll talk to anyone who will listen. This doesn’t usually happen with something like a lip gloss (though never say never), but if I fall in love with a book? You’ll hear about it endlessly. If we’re friends IRL, think The Artist’s Way—a book and practice I’ve been deep in for months and have somewhat become an evangelist for. So, it feels only right that I finally have a space to share my latest hyperfixations beyond my close circle—and now, with the masses! (I say with a Dr.Evil laugh! lol)

So without further ado, here’s this week’s Friday Five, featuring the best best things I’m currently loving, coveting, and fixating on this week. And yes, there are only five of them!

Xx, my best best!

1. Dad-Inspired Outfits

This week, I unlocked a new style persona, and I’m calling it ‘dad chic.’ I often joke that every day I dress like a new character, because my style can really range from day-to-day, and this week was no different! So, what is dad chic? It’s wearing an oversized button-down, preferably a men’s borrowed from your dad/husband/brother/friend, baggy shorts (bermudas, anyone?), woven belts, and boat shoes. Add a dad hat? Sure! It’s relaxed, casual, yet still pulled together effortlessly. Slightly preppy (think Ralph Lauren), but still laid back and fun (think Tommy Bahama lol!)

Outfit Details—vintage Ralph Lauren Button Down from Flints Finds, a vintage store filled with Ralph Lauren gems that I pop into every time we’re in the UK, but here’s one from Etsy! My favorite Citizens of Humanity Ayla Shorts, and Aeyde Sandals (out of stock, but a great option from Aeyde here, and a more affordable option here!)

2. DedCool Room + Linen Spray Xtra Milk

To be honest, I’ve never understood room spray. I’ve always had the perception that it would only mask smells and then dissipate quickly, and boy was I wrong! I can’t explain how obsessed I am with this DedCool spray. I would say I spray daily, but it’s not needed because the scent actually lingers. The Xtra Milk scent is so delightful and refreshing, and I’m now using the DedCool detergent, so I really get a double whammy of this delicious fragrance. It may be time to grab the perfume as well!

3. Toast Racks

If you follow me on Instagram, then you already know about my toast rack obsession from my posts last week. Sometimes I just fixate on something for no rhyme or reason, and the past few months it’s been toast racks. Why? Truthfully, I’m not sure. I don’t even eat a ton of toast, and when I do, my consumption doesn’t typically surpass a slice. So why the sudden need? Maybe I have officially consumed one too many period pieces. But there’s just something undeniably chic about presenting toast this way. And aren’t we all in our “romanticizing your life” era?

Needless to say, I have been on the hunt, peeking into every vintage shop I pass, and last week I found two! Two, because I simply could not decide. But my mother-in-law offered the idea that one day I could just give one away as a gift. Which I loved! So consider this your formal invite for toast sometime soon. Next on the list: a cake stand.

Racks—here, here, and here!

4. VIOLETTE_FR Lip Nectar

As I’ve shared before, I’m a big fan of all things VIOLETTE_FR, but this week I’ve entered full-blown obsession territory with the Lip Nectar. I really can’t stop talking about it, so much so that I made my mom watch me apply it on FaceTime so she could see the full effect! lol. It’s honestly a joy to apply—lightweight, silky, and the color is excellent. As someone who’s never been great at committing to a daily lip (especially anything with red tones), this has been my gateway. It stays put, doesn’t migrate all over my face, and makes me want to reapply. Highly, highly recommend.

5. Bink Big Bottle

Last week, my water bottle bit the dust and started leaking all over me, my bag, and my notebooks (the drama!!) It had a good run, but truthfully, not long enough, which inspired me to look into other brands. In looking for a new water bottle, I needed a few things: 30+ oz capacity, a straw for easy sipping, and preferably dishwasher-safe, because I was convinced my last water bottle had mold—fun!

After some serious internet scouring and review reading, I remembered my friend Alyssa Wasko had included Bink in a recent newsletter. I checked them out, and it was perfect timing because they had just launched a flip-cap bottle. It’s glass, dishwasher-friendly, and most importantly, leak-proof. It arrived this week, and I’m already in love.

Honorable Mention: Tory Burch Jellyfish Dress

Aka the heart says yes, but the budget says absolutely not! lol. While everyone’s been talking about the Tory Burch Mirror Dress, I’m shocked no one is talking about this Jellyfish dress, a true oversight by the fashion community, if you ask me! I’m currently searching for looks for an upcoming wedding, and when I stumbled upon this dress I knew it needed to be mine—until I saw the price tag. Even with the discount, I could never justify the splurge for an ‘occasion dress.’ But maybe you can?

The color, the ruffles, the style name? It's all perfection. And while it can’t be mine, know that it’s heavily on my mind. I’m officially on the dupe hunt, but if you snag this one, please report back. I’ll be living vicariously through you!