the friday five (!!)

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

Earlier this week, after I mixed up the date for plans not once but twice, my friend very kindly informed me that Mercury was in retrograde—so all was forgiven! And, in true gal group-chat fashion, we all immediately chimed in about how relieved we were to have some astrological phenomenon to blame for whatever moment/day/week we were having. Solidarity, ya know!

Naturally, I felt compelled to spread the good word here and share why you, too, might be having a chaotic week. But, being the responsible journalist that I am, I did a quick Google search, and unfortunately, Mercury doesn’t go into retrograde until this Sunday, November 9th. So instead of offering comfort, I suppose this is more of a heads-up, a warning if you will. You’re welcome!

We’ll get to enjoy this little cosmic disruption for the rest of the month, which will be “a crash course in emotional intelligence,” per this Vogue article. And if you don’t pay attention or believe in any of this, don’t worry. It’s time to move on to the next topic anyway, because it’s been a big week! Big for many reasons.

There was an election this week, which, ever since 2016, always comes with a wave of anxiety. My husband, who had been traveling for three weeks on his own Eat, Pray, Love journey (we called it his #EatPrayRish), finally returned home! <3 Sunday was the NYC Marathon, which is arguably one of the best days of the year in this city. Hilary Duff released new music!? Obsessed. And I wore my favorite scarf for the first time this season—see big things! A shift is in the air, and you can take that as literally or as metaphorically as you’d like, but I, for one, am ready for it.

I continue to have big chats with everyone in my life—chats about living in this city, children, politics, babies, friends having babies, layoffs, new jobs, etc. I can’t decide if this is simply a coming-of-age moment or a shift in the plot moment? Are we about to enter an era of togetherness? Only time will tell! And as we wait to see how things shake out, we have to continue to ride the wave. Which can actually be a lot of fun (I’m learning) if you can relinquish the need for control.

And while the news took up more space than I’d like it to this week, naturally, a few other things have been on my mind. Which brings me to The Friday Five, featuring the best best pieces, places, and things I’m currently loving, coveting, and fixating on. This week includes pussy bows, a new nail care line that made me give up gels, and the jeans I’ve now worn four of the last six days.

And if you take nothing else from this newsletter this week, I highly recommend watching an hour of NYC marathon content. I spent Monday night watching (& crying at) endless Reels/TikToks, and I can’t recommend it more—start here!

Xx, my best best!

1. Soft Services x Dedcool Theraplush Xtra Milk

To know me is to know my love for a) all things Soft Services and b) anything available in Dedcool’s Xtra Milk scent. So naturally, when I saw there was an Xtra Milk Theraplush available, I obviously had to have it—because dream collab! If you’re new here, the Theraplush is Soft Services’ retinol hand cream that is truly a welcome addition to any nightstand/counter top, given its chic appearance. It’s one of my favorite things to gift, because it’s really the gift that keeps giving. It elevates my nighttime routine, and it’s something I actually look forward to. I have also always struggled with handcare, because I don’t love lotion, and this has been a game-changer. And very welcomed, because as my mom loves to remind me, your hands tell your age first!

And if you’re not familiar with DedCool, I highly recommend exploring their complete Xtra Milk offering, because Xtra Milk scented linens and towels are a real treat.

2. Pussy Bows!

Top is Sézane Tazia Shirt

Pussy bows are back! And while I’m fairly certain no one actually calls them that anymore, I refuse to let the name go. “Bow blouse” just doesn’t have the same cachet. Sure, a pussy bow can read a little stuffy or overly preppy, but as with most things in fashion, it’s really all about the styling—duh. My colleague kindly pointed out that the above look felt very Chloe, and maybe that’s where the need for more femininity this fall started. Styling this classic piece with unexpected pairings, like the chunky belt and barrel jeans here, makes this feel exciting and original. At least in my humble opinion!

So yes, pussy bows are back, or maybe they never left. Either way, I’m declaring this a pussy bow fall, and this baby blue blouse from Argent is next on my wish list.

3. The Full Set from Celisse.

I’ve been getting gel manicures religiously since college. So, about 15 years now, which is actually insane to think about. I’ve only taken one break in all that time, and that was during COVID, so by force, not by choice. The moment salons reopened, I was back in the chair with bells on. But getting my nails done is one of my least favorite errands. I love having my nails done, but I hate the process of getting them done. I don’t like being without the use of my hands, and somehow it always feels like the timing is terrible. Like I “have” to go at the most inconvenient moment. If you’re on a gel journey, I know you feel me. Because once your gels suddenly grow out and start looking off, you have to get them redone immediately, no matter what’s happening in your life.

So when my friend Jess Blumenthal told me about her new nail-care line designed for busy women on the go, women who don’t have time to sit through appointments or deal with the gel cycle, you know my interest was piqued. The idea that I could maintain great nails on my own (!!) was something that I needed to try asap. So here I am with my new nails via The Full Set, which has everything you need for an at-home manicure. I did have to get my gels removed by a professional to start this process, see image above, but now I am in a groove doing my own nails, and it’s thrilling! Will it last? I hope so. And if you’re not ready to commit just yet, you should at least do yourself a favor and grab The Trick cuticle oil. I now carry it in my purse, and I feel like it’s about to be my best friend for these winter months. It also smells delightful!

4. The Sally Jean.

Top is ECHE Rugby Polo Shirt via St.Bernard (& currently 50% off!)

I’m a denim-obsessed gal. It’s actually kind of a problem, as I currently have more pairs than I care to count. Another reminder to finish my closet cleanout so I can rehome a few from my robust collection, because we’re currently busting at the seams. That said, because I am denim-obsessed, I have a lot of favorites that are in heavy rotation. Like most of us, I go through phases where I reach for the same pair over and over again without deviating for another style/silhouette, and boy, have I imprinted on a new pair!

I am deeply in love with this pair from The Only Jane, which I actually discovered through Substack. Yes, all roads truly lead back to Substack! It’s the perfect “everyday fit,” in that it’s become my go-to for a casual weekend errand, but also for work, and then a dinner with friends. They’re timeless in the best way. I’ve literally worn them four of the last six days, which is why they earned a spot in this week’s Friday Five.

The quality is incredible, but it’s the thoughtful details that really stand out, like the tiny charm above the right pocket. I love a piece that feels intentionally designed for the person wearing it, and these jeans absolutely do. I know they’ll be in my closet for years, and honestly, that feels really good.

5. This bra from else.

Top is FLANNEL Brodie Lace Tank

I’ve actually been sitting on my love for this bra for weeks, because I’ve been trying to capture a photo that really shows off its full styling power. And TBH, after a failed photo shoot before going out the other night, I think it’s time to just rely on my words! lol But here are the photos anyway, you can barely see the bra, but trust me, it’s doing the most :-)

I recently wrote about how I’m suddenly very into intentionally showing my bra straps. Not in a chaotic college way, but in a grown-woman, “this is part of the outfit” way. This bra is exactly that. It peeks out in the chicest, most deliberate way, adding a little structure and a little fun without ever feeling risqué or accidental. It’s the kind of piece that makes an outfit feel considered, even when you’re wearing something as simple as a white tee or an oversized button-down.

In addition to the look, the fit is great, and now I just want more “fun” bras.

---

Want more Friday finds? Scroll down for more of my recent fixations!