the friday five (!!)
The best best things I’m currently loving, coveting, and fixating on this week.
The highlight of my week was, without a doubt, landing at LaGuardia late Wednesday night and realizing we had finally made it home!
Needless to say, this was not the original plan.
We were supposed to leave Playa del Carmen on Sunday at noon, after a lovely family holiday, and we’re quite confident (clearly lying to ourselves) in our belief that we were “beating the snowstorm.” A classic mistake on our part, because does one ever beat the weather?
Our flight was cancelled Saturday night, and the soonest option was a very non-direct reroute leaving Wednesday morning. Accidentally extending our stay by three days.
At first: stress (& lots of anxiety!!)
Then: acceptance.
Then: okay…maybe this is fun?!
That acceptance faded slightly when we started seeing news coverage about cartel activity. While everything was happening on the opposite side of the country, it’s the kind of headline that makes you pause. Thankfully, things settled quickly, and we felt comfortable staying put, which meant we got to enjoy what turned into bonus time in Mexico, including celebrating my mom’s birthday. The true silver lining of the whole saga!
And because we had laptops and strong wifi, we slipped right back into work by day. I even had my planner—a thrill!
However Wednesday, things took a slight turn. We woke up at 5 am, were on the road by 6, and on our first flight by 8:30. The plan was Cancun → Dallas → New York. The reality was a mid-flight notification that our connection had been cancelled. Nothing like learning your travel plans are unraveling while you’re 30,000 feet in the air.
Luckily, we had more strong wifi, and before even landing in Dallas, we frantically rebooked, which resulted in adding yet another stop. So the new journey became: Dallas → Boston → (eventually) New York, with a multi-hour layover that slowly stretched longer and longer thanks to rolling delays.
By the time we boarded our final flight at 10 pm, we had fully lost all sense of time, place, and patience. I almost applauded when we landed at LGA, but refrained to avoid triggering anyone else on the flight who was feeling like us.
All this to say, an 18-hour travel day is not for the faint of heart, but we did it, and the trip itself was so, so great. More on that next week, a full recap is in the works! And it feels GOOD to be back in the swing of things. I was excited to return to work yesterday, and even more excited to be back in your inbox today. Which is the sign of an excellent vacation—and I suppose the result of the travel anxiety comedown!
Here’s The Friday Five featuring the best best pieces, places, and things I’m currently loving, coveting, and fixating on—which includes a cleanse that is truly worth the spend, possibly the most comfortable pants you can wear to work, and my favorite white tank of the moment. TGIF x 100000!
Xx, my best best!
1. Sakara Level II: Detox
A few weeks ago, I completed a five-day cleanse from Sakara and really, really loved it. So much so that I am now exploring their Signature Nutrition Program because I loved the ease of not having to prepare my own meals—yes, I bring my own lunch to work most days!
Post-holiday, I wanted a little boost to get back into my regular routine, and this was the perfect plan! I had actually never done any program or plan that provided pre-packaged food for you, and I was a little apprehensive, because generally, it can feel quite sad. But these meals are not! And I don’t know why I am surprised, because people have been singing Sakara’s praises for years.
You get two deliveries, which include three meals, three tonics, a hydrator which I LOVED, and supplements to take in tandem per day. So the meals are fresh and really just so yummy—minus the morning tonic, I hated it! lol But I still drank it, because commitment. The plan is vegan, and you remove alcohol and caffeine. The alcohol was not a problem, but the caffeine was something!! Turns out that might be my vice, because Days 1-2 were rough. I was so tired, had a light headache, and was just meh. But Day 3 was a turning point, and I felt amazing. So much so that I was convinced I was going to give up caffeine altogether (sadly, that only lasted until the following week! lol)
By the end of the week, I had lost a few pounds (no bloating!) and felt amazing. I can see why people do this plan regularly, as the real focus of this cleanse is to release toxins, reduce inflammation, and boost cellular rejuvenation. All things we want! And in tandem with my vibrating plate?! Well, anything is possible, my friends! :-) Obviously, it carries a price tag, but if you dine out often, it can quickly be rationalized.
2. SPANX Ponte Slim Straight Pant
To be honest, and likely to know surprise, I am not really a “comfort before style” person, but sometimes the stars align, and you get to have it all! These pants are truly so comfortable, yet still look elevated for the office. I love the fit, and the fabric has that perfect weight to it—they feel truly luxe. I literally did a high kick at work while wearing these, just to show off their full movement to my co-workers! Obviosuly we love Spanx for their shapewear—I am a big fan of high waist thongs, but we should clearly not be sleeping on their clothing.
They also have a ponte kick flare that’s giving High Sport in the best best way, at a fraction of the price. You’ll be seeing me in the light blue pair very, very soon.
3. Xirena Arynn Rib Tank
Sometimes (and a lot of the time) I fall in love with a new piece immediately. Othertimes it’s a slow burn. I got this tank top last summer, but didn’t really fall in love until the late fall. It’s slightly sheer and a lighter-weight fabric (i.e., it doesn’t have any support), so it requires a bra, which I think is what originally threw me off. Because my favorite DONNI tank checks all of those boxes! But then I started to lean into the exposed bra look, and I have been obsessed with this tank ever since. I have been wearing it under sweaters and blazers weekly, and it finally made its warm-weather debut when I arrived in Mexico and could remove my travel sweater. It is the perfect tank, and now an essential in my wardobe! Naturally, now I want the black.
4. Pair Eyewear Blue Light Lenses
I’m slightly obsessed with these glasses, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t wear prescription lenses. The concept is somewhat genius. You start with a base frame, then snap on magnetic fronts to completely change the look—including sunglasses! One pair suddenly becomes many, and pairs perfectly with your outfit! Naturally, they are my new favorite accessory.
The brand originally reached out about creating a video for Instagram/TikTok to show how they work, and I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first because, again, I don’t wear glasses. But they also offer blue-light lenses, which I’ve been meaning to try, given the truly alarming (!!) amount of time I spend staring at screens.
I’ve been wearing them nonstop since they arrived, and I get compliments every time I have them on. Truly a conversation starter, and I love to chat with strangers. The collaboration technically lived only on social, but I wanted to share them here too because I genuinely love them. And if I actually needed prescription lenses, I can only imagine how attached I’d be, especially since pricing starts around $60 with prescription, which feels very reasonable?!
5. Larroudé Alexis Flat Boots
I am a BIG Larroudé girl. I think they are an incredible price point, especially given the quality, and they are always seemingly having an insane sale, which we also love. My most beloved accessories are black (so New York of me), because they ultimately end up getting the most wear, because they pair back with everything. But after acquiring what can only be described as an archive of black boots, I’ve been trying to branch out a bit. And these chocolate croc boots have been the perfect addition!
They are completely flat, which has been ideal for commuting in this weather we have been having, and they are the perfect width in the shaft (yes, I think that is what we call that part? lol). I feel like I have “athletic” calves, and it can be weirdly hard to find boots that don’t make them feel…extra present lol. These hit that sweet spot of structured but not tight. I have been wearing these nonstop since they arrived, with skirts and tights, tucked into jeans, paired with trousers—the options are endless! And the croc texture is suchhhh a vibe. It adds interest without feeling loud, which is exactly what I want from a “non-black” boot.
If there could be a 6th thing...my empties!
Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo Refill | I now have this on subscription, and there is no turning back!
evolvetogether deodorant discovery set | Ok, clearly I am obsessed with this brand, because I can’t stop talking about it. It’s clean and sustainable, so it tracks! But I have completed my discovery set and finally committed to a scent. While I thought I was going to go with monaco, havana ended up being the winner! And after a week in Mexico, I can firmly confirm that this natural deodorant works! And you know my hydrating lip balm made the trip as well, which is nearing the end, and I already have a fresh tube in the mail!
Saie Sunvisor | Daily sunscreen, also on subscription.
Youth to the People Facial Cleanser Refill | I have tried different cleansers, and this continues to be my favorite! Really removes all makeup without your skin feeling stripped. Although I did just take this Sonsie foaming cleanser on my trip, it’s excellent.
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum | I apply this morning and night, one of my favorite products of the moment, and I love the impact it’s having on my skin.
Facile Dew You Hyaluronic Acid Serum | This was a product I used, stopped using, and recently came back to! I love it, and this is a great reminder for me to reorder today.
Vintner’s Daughter Active Essence | I feel like I went through this so fast, and need to re-order asap. I love how it was working in tandem with the serum, and I need to keep it going. Eager to see the continued benefits!
RŌZ Milk Serum | I love this product so much, and in the corner of this image, you can see that I immediately bought a new bottle upon recycling. Great for air-dried hair, so you don’t get frizzy, and your hair looks smooth.
ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara | Again, I’ve tried so many different mascaras, and this continues to be the GOAT in my book. This, paired with Sweed eyelash serum, is truly a game-changer for your lashes. Another thing I need to order!!
evolvetogether deodorant discovery set | Same as #2, see above :-)
& I love this fully recyclable packaging!
Maybe you missed it? I chatted with Clare Moore about building community at Argent, and shared my favorite stores to shop IRL with Melissa Magsaysay <3
Want more Friday finds? Scroll down for more of my recent fixations!
the friday five (!!) ft. Chanel Katarina Jezek
A little giveaway alert! Today’s newsletter includes one, so don’t miss it! Paid subscribers will be automatically entered twice <3
the friday five (!!)
This newsletter was originally supposed to land in your inbox last Friday, January 9th, when discussing the New Year still felt timely and appropriate. Clearly, that did not happen! lol
Say hi! Find me on Instagram—@dicaprioooo, TikTok—@dicaprioooo_ & always on email—thebestbeststack@gmail.com 💌
Codes for things found in this newsletter! Sakara—THEBEST25 for 25% off! Pair Eyewear—THEBESTBEST15 for 15% off your first order!
Oh. my. gawd. The Larroude boots. Why do I absolutely need them?!
Oh how I would LOVE to do a Sakara cleanse right now!!! (She says the day after eating fudgy ice cream for the 4th night in a row.) Love the glasses. And Spanx makes pants?! I likey.