the friday five (!!)

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

It wouldn’t be the best best newsletter if I didn’t start by noting the passage of time. I was about to write that it had been ages since I shared my own personal fixations—well, at least in the friday five (!!) form, but upon review, it’s been about six weeks. So, really not that long? And I personally love when things feel like they were 100 years ago—when in reality it was just last month, because I am a big proponent of the slowing of time. I’ll let you know if/when I somehow crack that! lol

As I was checking the time stamp on my last friday five (!!)—where I discussed my new Oura ring, I realized I can officially give an educated opinion on the device. Do I love it? Yes! I even find myself wanting to discuss my ring with strangers I see wearing it—as if it’s a rare thing we can connect on :-) Has my life changed? Not really. Do I have more anxiety about my lack of sleep during the week? Everyone’s favorite question. Surprisingly, no! Am I actively trying to get more sleep and failing? Sadly, yes!

But it does try to guide my actions of the day, which admittedly I rarely follow, but at least I’m aware. For example, I had a work nightmare last night (tragic!), and then woke up to a notification that something kept my heart rate elevated overnight, so I should “take it easy” today.

Now, I feel informed knowing that it was either the stress dream or the martini at Bernie’s (one of the final stops on the farewell Williamsburg tour), and for research (& lifestyle) purposes, we’ll blame the dream. So anyway, I am keeping the ring.

I <3 it here & not pictured are the mozzarella sticks, chicken parm, sundae, etc.

Back to the passage of time…I do find it kind of wild that the time has finally come for us to move. After searching for two years, you’d think I’d be mentally prepared by now. And I am! But closing a chapter always brings a little emotion—especially when it feels like I’m closing one on a really, really good era of life. Your early 30s should honestly be studied and celebrated. Especially if you’re on the path of having children a bit later, because it might actually be the best time EVER? lol

I will be writing A LOT about our move and our new apartment—and I truly can’t wait to get in there, but I will miss this place and this neighborhood. To quote Samantha Jones, “A lot of shit went down in this place, and attention must be paid!”

It’s been home for seven years, and the first and only place that Rishi and I have both called home. We got engaged while living in this apartment. Experienced a global pandemic in this apartment. Got married…several times. And have really lived so much life, made so many core memories, it would be hard to recount a highlight reel here. It’s definitely the closing of an important chapter, and one that I feel almost nostalgic for in real time.

This place holds a lot of special memories, but I’m confident what lies ahead will be just as great—just in a different way. I’m looking forward to the fresh energy a new space can bring, and I’m eager to embark on the project of designing a much bigger apartment. One that really feels like a home!

I did make a rogue decision to have one of the bathrooms painted green, which now looks almost Kermit green in photos…but come along for the ride and judge for yourself!

So, as I gear up for a weekend of packing my entire apartment (we move on Monday, and we have not packed one box), let’s quickly take stock of the the best best pieces, places, and things I’m currently loving, coveting, and fixating on—which includes my current go-to scent, the necklace I haven’t taken off, the perfect lounge shorts, upgrades to my hair care routine, and a vitamin that I have officially been taking for a year. As well as a few other things :-)

Xx, my best best!

1. Ayond Metamorph Eau de Parfum

I recently learned how disruptive scents that use synthetic chemicals can be for your hormones, which is, shockingly, most popular fragrances. Like even some of the nice “fancy” brands I really love! :-( SO I started to research new brands that check all the clean beauty boxes, and I’ve added Ayond to my lineup—because their scents are 100% naturally-derived. Their scents are also crafted to shift mood and regulate stress, which I think we could all use a bit of in our lives!!

My go-to scent of the moment is Metamorph, which is actually their most popular scent, and I get why! It truly feels like an escape, and it is just SO calming. I tried all of their scents via their discovery set first, and all are pretty great. I obviously apply in the morning before heading to the office, and it really sets the tone for the day. And then I keep the oil roller in my bag and apply it in the afternoon for a little boost.

2. Don’t Let Disco Necklace

Calling it the necklace of summer!! Because I feel like it will go with everything, and it’s the perfect layering piece for all the other things I have going on. If you’re not familiar with Don’t Let Disco I highly recommend taking a peek.

Founded and designed by Ashley Moubayed, who is really the coolest and most lovely, every piece is made from globally crafted beads—often upcycled, natural, and found materials, and truly feels like a little piece of art. I’m currently dreaming about this piece she made for Moda Operandi.

3. Varley Ollie High Rise Short

I really don’t wear athleisure unless I’m truly on my way to a workout, but these shorts…something has changed within me! (Something is not the same!) Because how cute do I look?! lol I truly love these shorts so much, and they really are the perfect shorts for running around. I even went to a coffee meeting in this look—how fun!

The fabric is next level, and I love the length—as well as the little arch on the side. I’m now considering the forest, and I’m curious about this skort. Because I must get back into tennis!!

4. My new hair situation! aka Nutrafol Root Purifier & Conditioner and Bounce Curl Brush

My mom influenced me to get this shampoo and conditioner. I used it while visiting Kansas City and loved the scent, so I thought, why not try! I have been on a serious hair journey for two years. Lots of shedding, thinning, etc., and tbh at this point I don’t know if it’s now back to normal, and I’m just being sensitive? Or if this is just who I am now! lol Eitherway I am always trying different things to alleviate the shedding, and this duo is it!

First, the shampoo and conditioner combo has truly made my hair feel thicker. It also gets a nice lather, which is sometimes lacking from my clean haircare. And then this brush! I love it so much. It quickly detangles my hair, and I’m seeing WAY less hair in the brush, which, if you deal with shedding, you know, is the best feeling.

I had to share both of these items because I believe they are, in fact, working in tandem to make some progress. But I think I will be committing to this shampoo and conditioner for the foreseeable future.

5. Fatty15

I have officially been taking Fatty15 for a year! And I wanted to talk about it because I feel like people always ask (really with every supplement!), is it working? And I feel like that is always tricky to answer—at least for me, especially when it’s meant to be working at a cellar level. But I feel really good, and ultimately, I am taking this to continue to feel good! Fatty15 equips you with a crucial fatty acid that slows aging at the cellular level, which is a recent fixation.

So while I currently have lots of energy, get deep sleep (while still not enough), and generally feel and look youthful—I really want it to stay that way for as long as possible. SO I’m going to continue on my Fatty15 journey in pill form, although I did try the delightful gummies!

If there could be a 6th thing...AYR The Tate

I have been eyeing this button-down for SO long. As you know, I am obsessed with button-downs—frankly, I have a problem, so any button-down that comes into my home needs to be slightly different. And this collar?! Feels different enough! I think it is time to pull the trigger, and now I’m also eyeing a few other summer essentials from AYR.

• The Practice Tee — I love the classic colors, but also the So Fresh Stripe. I see you get 20% off at the moment if you buy two, so maybe one white and one stripe?

• The Sure Sure Short — Again, so many great washes, but I love Night Swimming, because a black short is perfect for evenings in the summer!

• The Culture Jeans — The most perfect slouchy jean.

& maybe a 7th...Larroudé x Ciao Lucia Sandals

And dare I say these are the sandals of the summer?! Two of my fav brands—Larroudé x Ciao Lucia came together and created the most festive shoe collab. Lots of kitten heels—which you know I love, and these amazing sandals that I’ll be grabbing for all season.

Note: I also had the privilege of joining these two amazing brands—along with their founders and teams for an overnight stay at The Pridwin on Shelter Island, and it was truly perfect. Complete with a sunset sail, a chic dinner, s’mores around the fire, tennis, and lots of great gals (& one very fun guy!!) More pics here!! :-)

Ciao Lucia Eugenia Top & Dania Silk Pants | Larroudé x Ciao Lucia Daiana Wedge Sandal | Xírena Elliot Tee & Ciao Lucia Papillon Silk Skirt

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empties of the week (!!)

1. Ilia Beauty Multi-Stick Cream Blush | Been a go-to for so long! I have other blushes in the mix, but I continue to buy this stick every time it’s out.

2. U Beauty The Return Eye Concentrate | Excellent eye cream, which makes me want to explore more of their products. And use ADP20 for 20% off your purchase!

3. Lazy Double-Duty | The serum and moisturizer duo you know I love!

4. Evolvetogether Deodorant | A natural deodorant that really works, and one that I will continue to use. Doubles as an extra layered fragrance. And use ALEXD20 for 20% off your purchase!

5. Verdoie Le Complément Alimentaire Daily Supplement | Hydrate your skin from within! Supports skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and protects skin cells against oxidative stress. Currently on my second jar!

6. Sonsie Skin Cleansing Mousse | Great face wash that will remove all of your makeup.

7. Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick | My favorite concealer, ever! I love the coverage and application. Natural makeup vibes!

8. Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Eau de Parfum | Continues to be one of my favorite scents that I always have in my lineup.

9. Saie Glowy Super Gel | Everyday glow that I apply after the sunscreen below.

10. Saie Sunvisor | My daily sunscreen on subscription!

11. Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum | Continues to be one of my favorite things I put on my face!

12. Ursa Major Mountain Glow Serum | If you don’t want a big skincare routine—or don’t know where to start, this is a great place! Lifts, tightens, smooths, i.e., all the best things.

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Maybe you missed it? I went to Spencer’s Williamsburg and had the best best time.

I have been seeing Spencer’s Soho across my feed consistently for ages—specifically the chic striped sofa in their lounge/waiting area. It had been on my list to visit for a massage or facial because, beyond the interiors, I kept hearing genuinely great things about the services too, and it truly did not disappoint!!

Every detail felt exquisite, from the branded socks you receive upon entry (that you actually want to wear both in the spa and beyond), to the calming, impossibly chic atmosphere that somehow makes you feel relaxed the second you walk in. And the massage itself was SO excellent, the kind where you leave feeling physically lighter and mentally reset.

It’s one of those places that feels deeply luxurious without being overly precious about it. Maybe it was the big bowls of Andes mints and grandma-esque gold-wrapped toffee. I left understanding exactly why everyone talks about it so much, and I’m already planning my return. And maybe a monthly membership?

every detail is perfection.

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Say hi! Find me on Instagram—@dicaprioooo, TikTok—@dicaprioooo_ & always on email—thebestbeststack@gmail.com 💌

Codes for things found in this newsletter! Evolvetogether—ALEXD20 for 20% off! U Beauty—ADP20 for 20% off your purchase!