the friday five (!!)

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

I drafted a few different opening lines for this newsletter, and frankly, none of them fully captured the week I’ve had.

However, this week I also became aware (shout out to Traci Landy!) that I start most of my newsletters talking about “what a week” I’ve had. Well, that, or the weather! lol And while I love the solidarity in that you have likely also had a week of some sort—and/or you are also passionate about the weather like me and my grandma, we text about it often. I have to assume there are more exciting ways to pull you in for another installment of The Friday Five.

That said, I did have a big week, both personally and at work, yet I still somehow found time to spend an hour (maybe more?) going down the Taylor Swift conspiracy rabbit hole on TikTok. So naturally, that’s where we must begin!

First, you should know that I love T. Swift, but second, you must know that I love a pop culture conspiracy theory maybe even more? So when my friend Nicole told me that this album was a ‘bit,’ aka a joke, and another album could be on the way, I had to investigate. Naturally, my investigation included watching several videos, reviewing the comments, and then sending them all back to my friend, along with screenshots of the comments, who transparently does not like Taylor Swift at all. Why she regrettfully was my source for this information, we’ll never know lol, but I am now convinced that this may in fact be some sort of performative joke/commentary on society, and that another album that feels more like “Taylor” is on the way. In the meantime, I am still listening to this album on repeat, so joke or not, I love The Fate of Opehlia, Father Figure, and really just the entire album!

And while Taylor took up space in my brain this week, naturally, several other things have too! 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 a new work bag with very intentional pockets, a revamped ear stack that I don’t feel the need to change every day, and a new side table that elevated my entire space.

Xx, my best best!

1. MZ Wallace Waverly Shoulder Bag

Wearing my fav Rue Sophie trench here too!

Ok, this is my new work bag, from the NY brand MZ Wallace, and it’s truly been life-changing. I was previously using a Dragon Diffusion tote, so maybe the bar was low in terms of functionality, but this was truly the upgrade I needed. There are so (!!) many (!!) POCKETS!! Pockets designed with intention. For example, a side pocket with a leather strap attached that makes it easy to open and grab my keys when arriving home at night. A small pocket pouch that nestles my AirPods so nicely, and many, many more within! I also love the nylon, it’s giving Prada, but at a much more attainable price point. I got the black, but it also comes in this chic navy and burgundy.

2. DL1961 Taylor Relaxed Barrel

I have been wearing these jeans nonstop, so they deserve their own moment of recognition here in The Friday Five. If your wardrobe is lacking a pair of effortless, baggy jeans, these are them. As a 5’4 gal, the baggy look can be a lot, so finding the right cut is key. I love the drape on this pair, and how they puddle perfectly at my ankle. I didn’t have to get them tailored, at least not yet. I’m slightly reconsidering after a few wears with flip flops, but going to see how these first few weeks of fall footwear work out!

3. My Current Ear Stack

If you have multiple piercings, you know how long it can take to craft the perfect ear party. And if you don’t, you’ll just have to take my word for it! I’ve been building this ear for months, adding new earrings one by one, because these are big decisions. Big, because (a) the price point, and (b) ideally, you’re choosing pieces that go in and stay in.

That’s exactly what’s happened here. While most of these are new additions, a few are older pieces that suddenly feel fresh again thanks to their new ear-mates :-)

1. Kinn Graduated Huggie Earrings — These are really the star of the show right now! I have admired Kinn for many years, and as you can imagine, I have been keen to add a piece to my assortment for all those years. After admiring a pair of earrings on Amrit Tietz over a year ago (she was wearing this pair from Kimai), I had my eyes peeled for something similar, which I finally found at Kinn. I have barely taken these out since getting them a few weeks ago, and I know I’ll continue to go to Kinn first anytime I feel like it’s time to add a new piece. Great everyday, personal jewelry, that is well made—so you can actually live in it, and just a little bit different to catch the attention of people checking out your stacks :-)

2. Roberto Coin Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings — An oldie but goodie! Classic gold huggies that are perfect as an everyday earring on their own, but the perfect earring to sit amongst all these diamonds. I love the chunky vibe to balance everything else I have going on here!

3. Maria Tash Diamond Baguette Stud Earring — Another piece I have been thinking about for years! I was desperate for an earring with a flat back for this piercing, so I knew I had to go to Maria Tash. Definitely an investment, but truly something that I put in and have no plans to take out.

4. Oremme Mini Lineal Huggies — I thought about these huggies for literally years (3 years to be exact!) and finally pulled the trigger during a sale. Fun fact: Emilie Nolan, the designer behind Oremme, designed my engagement ring and wedding bands. So it was only a matter of time until I bought these! Such great quality, and meant to be passed down.

4. Hetta Side Table

& burning the best Oak Essentials candle

Living in NYC means small spaces—at least for most! So anytime I make space for a new piece, it has to be really great. Enter the Hetta Side Table! This little table created a whole new corner for us in our small space, and I love it so much. A great reminder that a small update can transform the entire room!

The big story here is that my friend Barbora Samieian launched this new line, Hetta, alongside three other wonderful co-founders. You may know them from their other amazing brand, Sundays. Hetta is giving upstate vibes in the best way, and a little bit of Nancy Meyers, which we love. You know I’m all about a lived in space, and Hetta is that brand. So many of their pieces feel like they have already been passed down, and are made to do just that. My next piece may have to be this dining chair, I just need to find the space! :-)

5. All of my Empties

I dropped off all my “empties” at Credo this past weekend, a chore that I actually look forward to! If you’re not familiar, they have the best recycling program for beauty items, where they actually properly recycle the items you’ve emptied—you also earn points to put towards other purchases. Which is a big perk! As I dropped off all my items, I realized that my little tray of empties featured some of my most beloved beauty items. At this point, most are on subscription, to ensure I never run out, because that’s how much I love them! So I snapped a photo, and naturally, I’m sharing the good word here. Also fun fact, that tray is actually made from the recycled empties!

1. Soft Services Speed Soak — I have a thing with lotion. For some reason, I just don’t love the way it feels on my skin—especially when I have to put clothes on right after. Even though I know my skin is dry, I always end up feeling sticky. But Speed Soak has been the solution! It’s a gel base, and instantly dries on your skin. It also feels cool upon application, which has been lovely in these hot, humid summer months. If you’ve been reading for a while, you know Soft Services is one of my fav brands, and I have to shout out my T. Swift–loathing friend Nicole once more for introducing me to this one

2. Saie Sunvisor — My fav sunscreen that I apply daily in tandem with Glowy Super Gel for glowy skin.

3. Crown Affair Texturizing Air Dry Mousse — I rarely ever blow out my hair anymore, even in the depths of winter, and this is my number one product for effortless, air-dry hair. A few pumps through brushed hair, paired with RŌZ Milk Serum for frizz, and I’m ready! It also smells delightful.

4. D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What — My friend Heather turned me on to this scent, and by turned me on, I mean she was wearing it, I loved it, and immediately bought it. 3+ years later, it’s still my favorite, and a new bottle is already on the way. If you’re not familiar with D.S. & Durga, it’s a brand definitely worth checking out! They have diverse fragrances, all with creative names, and usually a noteworthy partnership in the mix.

5. Crown Affair The Dry Shampoo — Truly the best dry shampoo I’ve used to date. I love that it’s a powder, doesn’t turn my hair white, and actually removes the oil from my hair. For the first time in my life, I am going 3 days without washing my hair. I also enjoy the application process via the little brush, and it smells delightful.

6. Ursa Major Forest Water Hyaluronic Serum — As mentioned, I am not a huge fan of lotion, so a hyaluronic serum is my ideal product. I apply it with slightly damp skin, and I just feel HYDRATED! I love that this product is clean, and the scent is heavenly.

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