To my detriment, she got rid of most of these pieces. So I have now sworn to myself that I will never get rid of anything, on the off chance that my future child is one day scrolling through my Instagram and thinks I’m as cool as I think my mom is. My clothes-hoarding tendencies have been validated!

With her permission, I stole a few of the photos to recreate. What I love most is how simple the outfits are. My mom has always had (and still has) such an eye for good basics. Old Navy was a constant in her wardrobe (she loved—and still frequents—the Old Navy at the Del Amo Mall), especially their tees and bikinis. In fact, she still has a few pieces from this era that she’s since passed down to me, which feels like the ultimate test of a good basic. Case in point: this insanely good geometric bikini below.

Her formula was usually some combination of a tee, probably vintage Levi’s, and a pair of classic American sneakers like Keds or Converse. Nothing overly complicated, just really good pieces. She is also unbelievably stunning to me, so I am sure that helps.

This first look was from what I believe to be my first trip to Disneyland. She remembered her jeans were her dad’s old Levis and the T-shirt was old navy and most of the other pieces thrifted or second-hand. Where as my look was well…more bohemian…sans shoes.

I wanted to update this outfit with a few more accessories and a pair of dark mahogany-brown shoes, so it felt a little more aligned with what’s already in my closet. I was really inspired by my mom’s lace-up boots and found this great pair from Aeyde. If you’re afraid of suede boots, these Staud block-heeled boots would also look so good peeking out from under a pair of jeans.

Speaking of jeans, these Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans have the perfect vintage wash and texture to mimic my mom’s pair. As an ode to my mother, I also found the perfect white tee for under $10 at Old navy, though I went with a boatneck instead of her classic crewneck.

For accessories, I wanted to bring a little color into the look. A chunky beaded necklace from Notte feels fun without taking away from the simplicity of the outfit, along with this ring, and a chunky belt. Lastly, I found some great vintage white-ish baseball hats online that give the whole thing that same cool, casual feel my mom had mastered. Perfect for running around Disneyland with a one-year-old, I guess???

This second look is from a trip my mom and I took to Guadalajara, Mexico, to visit family. She’s wearing the perfect white strappy tank, oversized shorts, Keds or Converse, and chunky white socks. I really love this look, and I’m fairly certain my mom still wears some version of it today. For my recreation, I kept the same simple formula and added a few accessories of my own.

The white tank from RLT (they make such great tanks) and khaki shorts are about as simple as it gets, but the little details, the scrunched white socks, Keds (also these), long pendant necklace, and structured tote, make it feel intentional. I especially love the idea of swapping between the longer, slightly oversized shorts and the shorter denim pair depending on how you want to wear it. It’s the kind of outfit that reminds me why good basics are so worth holding onto: nothing here is particularly trendy, and yet I would happily wear the entire thing today.

Thanks for reading!

Lately, I’ve found myself back in a Poshmark phase. For one, the desktop UX has dramatically improved. My eyes simply can’t handle hours of scrolling on my phone anymore. They’ve also dramatically improved the “Similar Listings” feature. Now, every item opens the door to dozens of comparable pieces.

So, in the spirit of those early-2000s shopping shows, I pulled together seven outfits built entirely from Poshmark finds. Some recreate trends I've been eyeing lately, like my current obsession with knee-length skirts and funky kitten heels.

Monday

Tuesday

Read more

Although our first impulse might be to reach for a sandal in the summer, not every workplace, or occasion, calls for that kind of ventilation.

Lately, I’ve found myself gravitating toward ballet flats in almost every variation: pointed toes, jelly styles, and the classic rounded pair with a bow. Working in a law office every day, I need shoes that strike the right balance between professional and personal. My office is more relaxed than most (probably because it’s made up of about 95% women), and personal style is definitely encouraged. But at any moment I might be headed to court, standing before a judge, asking them to hear my argument. Even from behind the bench, they can see my shoes. I want them to say, take me seriously.

That said, I did spot someone wearing flip-flops to the office the other day, and my inner millennial immediately came out. I was genuinely horrified. Who told Gen Z they could wear flip-flops to work? Am I too old-fashioned? Have my years in big law ruined my ability to adapt to work-place shoe evolution?

I digress.

Outside the office, summer is filled with dinners, drinks, long walks, and seeing friends as often as possible while the days stretch on. I want shoes that feel polished without feeling stuffy, something that can take me from work straight into the evening without a second thought.

For me, that’s where a great flat comes in. Comfortable enough to wear all day, polished enough for the office, and fun enough to pair with just about everything else on my summer calendar.

On an especially hot day, I wore one of my favorite dresses from No. 6 Store to work. I was a little nervous about wearing such a bold print to the office, but I think my Margaux Parra pointed flats added just the right amount of sophistication to balance it out.

The overall look still felt office-appropriate: a high neckline, a midi-length silhouette, and sleek black pointed-toe flats. I chose this dress because I had a brand dinner that evening and wanted something that could transition from work to after-hours. Before heading out, I swapped in my sparkly Merlette bag and added a bold bangle, both tucked into my work bag, to make the look feel a little more evening-ready.

This outfit reminded me that “office-appropriate” doesn’t have to mean black, navy, or beige. I loved playing with color here. Butter yellow Doen pants (similar) and bright blue Olga Joan top. For the office, I layered on an Almina button-down (my favorite button down btw). It instantly made the outfit feel polished enough for the work day.

After work, I headed straight to book club. So I swapped the button-down for the tank top and tucked it into my tote. The white Margaux Sofia Sling micro heels tied both looks together.

It’s become one of my favorite summer formulas: a sophisticated shoe, a great pair of trousers, and a simple layer you can add or remove depending on where the day takes you.

This past Friday, I wore a Susie Kondi skirt with an Almina Concept cardigan and my Margaux Demi flats. After work, I met friends for drinks at Lonnie’s in Boerum Hill and, of course, took the long way there so I could stop along Atlantic Avenue to browse two of my favorite shops—Outline and the newly opened Seven Wonders Collective. It was one of those perfect Brooklyn summer evenings where you end up walking far more than you planned, and I was grateful to be in flats.

The Margaux Demi is one of those tried-and-true classics that I never have to think twice about. This is actually my second pair. I got my first in bright red nearly four years ago, and they were one of the very first pieces I was ever gifted by a brand. So getting to partner with Margaux on this post feels incredibly full circle.

Their shoes have remained a constant in my wardrobe because they’re timeless, beautifully made, and designed to be worn. They’re the kind of investment pieces that quietly earn their place in your closet, season after season, and I’m always happy to recommend them.

Thanks Margaux for sponsoring this post!

For my first day in Barcelona I kept it simple with these incredible white pants from Claudent and a striped tee from Apres Studio (a brand who is doing inclusive sizing really well!). I changed halfway through the day into this aqua tank from Olga Joan which I am so so happy I packed. I wore multiple times on the trip, forcing me to do some hotel sink washing. My mesh flats are old Massimo Dutti (I heard they are opening up a store in NYC - huge news), but these madewell ones and Anonymous Copenhagen ones are similar. Finally, my bag is from Baobab!

For our big shopping day in Barcelona (more on this later) I wore my La Veste pants, a great Spanish brand. As well as this old Reformation top, this one is similar and a found the same tank on poshmark. I also like this cotton version from Mango. As well as my canvas bucket bag from KULE and this very cutie necklace I picked up at YUMI.

The theme is stripes.

Read more

• Parachute Home: 25% off everything including sale items and 30% off bundles. I love mixing the Percale duvet cover in Java with Percale pillowcases in bone stripe.

  

• Sundays Furniture: Up to 30% off, I have my eyes on these dining chairs & this outdoor chair

• Lulu & Georgia: Up to 30% off

• Ruggable: 25% off, this is a good runner

• 1st Dibs: Design Lover’s Sale for up to 60% off. This desk lamp would be so cute on top of this vintage white desk, & i adore this bench

• Louis Poulsen: 15% off select styles, the Panthella Lamp is iconic & never on sale

• Design Within Reach: up to 30% off site wide

• Material Kitchen: 25% off site wide, the best cutting board!

Fashion

• Nikki Chasin: Is having an online warehouse sale! I love this rollneck & this cashmere Henley (its so soft)

• Deiji Studios: 20% off site wide and up to 60% off past styles

• APC: 30% - 50% off, I love this cardigan

• BABAA: 20% off with code babaalove valid until midnight next Monday night

• J.Crew: 40% off your purchase from 5/15 - 5/26, I love this tote & these perfect shorts are 50% off today

• Neiman Marcus: 50% OFF STARTS TODAY 5/18

• Saks Fifth Avenue: Designer Sale up to 50%

• ShopBop: Up to 50% off, I need this Lisa Says Gah Trench

• Anthropologie: extra 40% off sale, these heeled mules are my pick

• Steve Madden: 5/20–5/26 featuring 30% OFF select styles with code: SUNNY, how cute are these Jelly Sandals I saw in the store the other day.

  

• Madewell: 25% off, need this little dress I saw at the madewell event last week

• MANGO: 30% OFF EVERYTHING, Use code: MNG30

• COS: 30% off now for VIP’s - sale starting soon, I adore this leather bag and this bikini !

• Rothys: 25% Off site wide starting soon, I need these little espadrilles

• Naturalizer: up to 50% off, these pumps are amazing

• Tory Burch: 40% off

• Freda Salvador: 15% off sandals, these sandals are a summer staple

• Proenza Schouler: 40% off, I tried this coat on during the winter and its on super sale

  

• & Daughter: 40% off

• Kate Spade: Site wide sale

• Aurate: 25% off, my pick!

• Nomasei: Up to 40% off, these are my only tall tall heels b/c they are so walkable

• GAP: 20% off, time to snag this little crochet bag

• Net-a-porter: 50% off sale, I snagged this Suzie Kondi skirt

• Posse: End of Season Sale, my select!

Beauty

• SkinFix: Starting 5/20, 20% off site wide + up to 30% off select favorites, big fan of the Water Cream

• Oak Essentials: 20% off site wide, I buy everyone this body lotion, it smells like heaven

• Paula’s Choice: 30% off site wide + FREE shipping

• Ilia: 20% off site wide, the best mascara ever (i swear!)

Everything Else

• Camp Snap: $10 off most cameras

• Perelel: 20% off everything, I love their triple support protein powder

• Suri: 15% off site wide

• Fishwife: 20% off site wide

Speaking of weddings, who else is reading Strangers by Belle Burden. As a former Davis Polk employee, I loved the descriptions of the interiors. Old wood, mid century, marble hallways, it really felt like a Manhattan law firm in all its trimmings. I remember everyone talking about how dated it felt, hoping for a remodel soon. I thought it was perfect.

I recently asked on Instagram how people would describe my interior style, and someone said Scandinavian meets Mexico City — which, wow, I could only dream of emulating those vibes. Hetta, from Sundays, is really capturing the essence of what I want to bring into my home. I absolutely adore their pieces right now, especially the spindle dining table.

I’ve just finished the final touches on the living room, thanks to this perfect oak table from Hetta (gifted) and a few art books scattered across it — my favorites being Casa Mexico and Apartamento’s NYC Living. One piece that has stayed with me through three apartments is my Moroccan bench from Etsy, which I believe I paid about $150 for, plus shipping. Here is a similar one.

Alongside it are my favorite Bertoia chair dupes — honestly too inexpensive from Facebook Marketplace to possibly be real. I found some here. I also adore this HAY vase, which I’ve filled with dried asparagus leaves (also from Etsy). They have held up so well. And we can’t forget this perfect Zero Japan mug, which I picked up at R&D Goods in Prospect Heights, one of my favorite little shoppy shops. also makes perfect chunky mugs.

I think all that’s missing now is a yellow ceiling?

The last room in the apartment that still feels a bit stuck is the “blue room,” the dining nook just off the kitchen. It has good bones, but it’s missing the warmth that makes you want to linger over dinner. First order of business: a rug under the table and a new light fixture. The current one came with the apartment and makes you feel like you’re being interrogated when sitting beneath it, which, unsurprisingly, does not exactly encourage long meals. Lighting matters!

I’ve been eyeing this pendant from Muuto, or alternatively a 1970s square pine ceiling lamp that feels a little softer, a little warmer, a little more forgiving at 7 pm in February.

I’m also currently kicking myself for buying dupes of the Bruno Rey chairs that ended up being wildly expensive once shipping was added. A few people have asked for the link, and I honestly can’t in good conscience share it. I should have just been patient and scoured secondhand sites. Especially after recently finding authentic Bruno Rey chairs for about $385 each on . I’d happily reupholster the seats on those.

Here is the current vision board:

1. Ricky Hunt The Window 373 - Contemporary Shiny Resin Minimalist Red Dual Tone Artwork

2. Jean Cocteau, Untitled, from Recipes for a Friend, 1964 also love this Cocteau lithograph for $100.

3. Funky Red Framed Stacking Chairs with Fritz Hansen Style Plywood

4. Stoneware plates

5. Mid-Century Mod Architectural Pendant Lamp

6. MCM Pendant Light

7. Ferm Living Metal Shelf

8. Decorative Vase

9. Apartamento Berlin Living Rooms - Collection of photographs by Dominique Nabokov presenting Berlin interiors, 2014-2017

I am also 10 seconds away from buying this incredible set of 1980’s Danish blue chairs.

Thx for reading!!!

Are you willing to take a risk?

Take a leap of faith?

Hire a seamstress?

Without ever having seen it in person, I just ordered my (potential) wedding dress from the internet. Some may call me crazy. I say I have a vision and measuring tape.

I wasn’t sure I’d step into the bridal space, but after a year of searching, I had to share what I couldn’t find: a curated list of my favorite online vintage and secondhand bridal sources.

I visited countless bridal stores, new and old, with no luck. I came close once, but couldn’t justify the $13,000 price tag (though I nearly swiped my Amex out of desperation).

Shopping online has its downsides: you can’t try things on, and sellers aren’t always fully transparent about wear. But the pros are worth it: lower prices, access to pieces from anywhere, and the ability to shop from your bed. With a little creativity and vision, you can still find the dress.

Step 1: Get a measuring tape and gather your measurements

Step 2: Try on some dresses in person so you can get an understanding of what fit and style you like. I really thought I would like something slinky and silky, until I tried a few on. Turns out I want structure and drama!

Step 3: Pinterest your heart out, save, follow all your dream bridal designers, create your vision.

Step 4: Shop!

Ramonas Archives

Ramona’s archives is a London based archival vintage dealer, who I found through Instagram. Her prices by far the steepest out of the group but her selection is one of a kind. Archival designer, one of a kind dresses, and incredibly rare pieces. Ramona’s bridal selection spread is vast across the decades, landing with most pieces from the 1980s. I love this 1980s puffy wedding dress.

Art Garments

For the non-traditional, the minimalist, I present to you Art Garments. A little Etsy shop with incredible suit sets, accessories, and court house looks. I have so much saved from this shop. I wish I could do 12 court house weddings. I love this little 1980’s two piece set.

Studio Dorothy

No one knows vintage and secondhand bridal better than Studio Dorothy. I visited her studio a few weeks ago and still can’t stop thinking about so many of her bridal pieces. With 13 years in fashion, she sources, perfects, and styles some of the most exciting bridal I’ve tried. It’s worth visiting just to hear her talk about archival bridal designers, music to my ears. But if you’re not in NYC, she also sells plenty of bridal online. I adore this Marni poplin twisted bubble skirt midi.

Gossamer

Gossamer is the first place I started my hunt and I actually did buy a dress from here. Unfortunately the fit wasn’t what I was looking for but I am still thinking about reworking the dress since the bottom half is perfect. Prices here are mostly around $500 - $1,500. Gossamer is based in Atlanta Georgia and they are reliable and fast shippers! They also sell amazing occasion-wear (prices are significantly better than cough cough Happy Isles). They will also be popping up A Current Affair Market in NYC April 11-12. I adore this vintage Lagerfeld silk dress.

Atlas and Amber

Atlas and Amber is based in VA and I would obviously love to make an in person visit one day if I am ever in the region.

Delphine Vintage

Based in Milan, Delphine has some stunning garments for the romantic and low-key bride.

Mondo Archive

Mondo Archive is based in Australia and they have so many cute and affordable pieces. Like this 1980s striped taffeta gown. They also have some Juliette caps and hats!

Amy Shane

Amy Shane is known as the fairy godmother of vintage wedding gowns. She carefully sources and restores vintage wedding gowns to their former glory. Her prices are extremely reasonable, with nothing over $650. She also sells stain guides and care manuals. I love this satin collared gown.

Vivian Elise Vintage

Vivian Elise feels under the radar, which is reflected in her incredible prices. I really love her range of styles and fabrics. There is a little something for everyone. I love this 1940s tulle and ruffle gown.

Transplant Vintage

Transplant vintage or Saturn bridal is really good. The LA showroom is a favorite of all the cool non-traditional brides. If your like me and weren’t able to snag one of the very hard to get appointments, they also have an online boutique. Prices here range from $1,000 up to $6,000 and higher. Yet they meticulously source pieces spanning the entire 20th century, including some reworked and re-imagined pieces. I love this Vera Wang column gown.

Adored Closet

Adored Closet has an incredibly special selection. Based in the UK, her pieces are romantic and simple. She also sells some select bridal accessories. I love this 1930s Net Wedding Dress With Flowers (I mean wow).

Merari Vintage

Omar, based in Texas, is the owner of Merari vintage on Esty and Depop. His prices rarely go above $500 and all have been carefully restored and repaired. I love this organza beaded dress.

Blossom vintage shop

Blossom Vintage is based in LA. Their online bridal collection is small but mighty. Worth a peruse.

Call Me The Breeze

Call Me The Breeze has a very fun presence on socials. They also have a really wide range of styles and prices. There is some y2k, some 1940s, and everything in between.

Farmers Daughter

I would like to live in the 1930s burleqsue dressing room that is the pied-à-terre of Farmers Daughter. I a visited the shop recently and would recommend shopping online, the $100 appointment fee and lack of size diversity was tough to swallow. Her pieces lean more romantic, unstructured and victorian. I especially love this lace halter gown.

Thanks for reading !!!

Welcome to a new series where I will be sharing some of my favorite small and independent brands from around the world. For part 1, I spoke to Maia Gradante, founder of SHOP REGO. Maia creates whimsical, magical, and intentional accessories. Im excited to share a little bit about Maia and the brand.

“The brand was born out of having fun. The name comes from a nickname that my dad gave me when I was nine. No one really knows what it means, not even him. But it stuck. And that was that.”

Tell us a little about your brand — and where you’re based:

REGO focuses on versatile, handmade, one of a kind accessories. You can wear REGO with a hoodie or a wedding dress. The brand took shape in 2024, it started with me crafting accessories I wanted to wear. The brand was born out of having fun. The name comes from a nickname that my dad gave me when I was nine. No one really knows what it means, not even him. But it stuck. And that was that.

The brand carries a spirit that I call a “third grade feeling” –– a nostalgic, care-free, childlike playfulness we all have at that age. REGO is curious, bold, messy, independent, regret-less, and experimental. It’s personality driven. Girly but boyish at the same time. It’s a little scrappy. It has scraped knees. All that, to me, is chic. Whenever I feel unmoored I try to reengage with that swirl of emotion. And those feelings infuse my products. My mom likes to keep things, like everything––my art I made when I was eleven, heirloom furniture, Grandma’s doilies and jewelry. She passed down that sentimality to me, and I use a lot of vintage materials, especially beads, in my products. Each piece is one of a kind, handmade in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

“It’s personality driven. Girly but boyish at the same time. It’s a little scrappy. It has scraped knees. All that, to me, is chic. Whenever I feel unmoored I try to reengage with that swirl of emotion. And those feelings infuse my products.”

How did it all start?

I’ve been making things my entire life––whether it was forts, turtle tanks, halloween displays, embroidery, or illustrations. A few years ago I started playing around with beading after my day job (at Nu Swim shoutout). I would speed walk home, excited to start a new creation. One night I decided to make it more than a hobby. The idea of a business or a brand initially felt so remote. The pieces I was making for myself started to share DNA. Then my friends noticed. And they helped me see that there was a uniform personality and through line.

I started with simple beaded earrings. It happened slowly then all of a sudden. My dear friends Amanda Lurie (founder and owner of COA NYC) and Gina Esposito (founder and owner of Nu Swim) own a cute boutique in Williamsburg called Tangerine. They had been encouraging me to make something to sell at their store. I did what I usually do, craft while listening to music. A happy accident happened, and the product that I launched at Tangerine became my best selling product––The Jellyfish Barrette.

It started to resonate with customers at Tangerine. Buyers noticed, and now Rego is sold in Japan, London, and all across America.

What’s inspiring you right now?

Spring and summer on the horizon. The open skies of Kansas. The thawing coastlines of Connecticut. My clever friends. Lana’s new single.

A fun one: what are you currently watching, reading, or eating on repeat?

Enjoying Jennette McCurdy’s novel Half His Age. Re-watching Dave, the best show on TV. Allegra Samsen’s substack is full of life and interesting, in the crevice recommendations. Bobbi’s Italian Beef on Smith St. is my third space club house feel good comfort food eatery. Have a Chicago Dog and Caesar Salad. Tell them REGO sent you!!

What’s one thing you’re wishing into existence for the brand?

My newest product is called The Alitta Party Scarf. It’s made to be worn all times of the year and for any occasion. It’s a go-to solution for when your outfit needs... “something”.

It comes in reversible polka dot silk, and metallic silver. I’m “wishing into existence” that REGO products make people feel unique, confident and as carefree as they did in third grade :-) As long as that’s happening I’m happy. My friends in Japan have really taken to the brand and have opened my eyes to the inventive styling options, like wearing it on bags, shoes, or hooked to belt loops. REGO products are punctuating pieces. They zhuzh up any outfit. And that’s the point! Less is more. More is less! Do it your way!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a small brand today?

Do it! Believe in your product and create something you would want to own and wear. Don’t overthink it. It’s never been a more exciting time for small and emerging brands. There are so many channels that allow for community creation. Have fun. :-)

Thanks for reading a little bit about Maia and Shop Rego. You can follow Shop Rego on IG and shop her pieces here.

Support small and independent brands !!!

There’s a reason winter outfits can feel so bleh. Cold weather compresses your wardrobe options, and reduced daylight can make your wardrobe feel flat.

Research in fashion psychology shows that what we wear feeds back into our mood, self-perception, and behavior. Clothes associated with confidence or personal goals can evoke stronger self-esteem and emotional states aligned with those traits, while outfits that feel incongruent with how you want to feel can subtly undermine your sense of self.

These Sunday outfits show how small sartorial decisions, texture, silhouette, and a bold layer can do more than keep you warm. They help your internal state align with the outer world on the hardest days of the year, countering winter’s psychological drift with intention instead of indifference.

Look 1: The Uniform

Grey sweats, hood up, coat thrown on, loafers instead of sneakers. This is the baseline Sunday look, comfortable first, but anchored by a real shoe!

• Sweatpants ($55)

• Hoodie ($63)

• Coat similar ($695), similar ($598), Theory on sale ($500)

• Sunglasses ($100)

• Loafers ($195)

Look 2: The Pop Layer

Jeans, boots, a baseball cap, and one loud, practical jacket. When the outfit underneath is dead simple, the outer layer gets to be the personality.

• Red Puffer ($50), Red vintage puffer with hood ($90), 80s red down puffer ($95)

• Jeans (similar) ($170), my fave jeans ($190)

• Frye Boots ($375), similar ($225)

• Bag ($178)

• fun sunglasses ($160)

• Hat (various)

Look 3: Soft Structure

A chunky turtleneck with fluid trousers and a pointed shoe. Still relaxed, still walkable.

• Chunky Knit ($100), alpaca knit ($60), rollneck sweater ($150), Cotton Crew ($41)

• Sweatpants ($70), other cozy pants I love ($245), leset pants, also good sweats ($146),

• Boots ($180), soeur boots ($400), good boots too ($375)

• Bag ($160)

For my big 3-0, I finally took the trip I’ve been meaning to take for years: New Orleans. A city bursting with life, culture, and a little debauchery.

I traveled with my fiancé and one of my best friends from high school, who I happen to share a birthday with. It felt so serendipitous to celebrate together, especially since the last time we did was at eighteen (jumpscare). Birthdays, for me (like for many people), are oddly anxiety-inducing and a little lonely. There’s so much pressure to be reflective! To make it meaningful! Have the most fun!

I feel awkward receiving gifts, uncomfortable with intimate attention, almost guilty? Sharing a birthday softened a lot of that guilt. It made the celebration feel lighter, communal, and less performative.

As for New Orleans, I crowdsourced recommendations, and most of this list comes straight from friends who know the city well. Three days felt like the perfect amount of time. Enough to see and do a lot without rushing. We ate, drank, and shopped extremely well,

Enjoy.

Stays

• Hotel Peter & Paul: A boutique hotel inside a 19th-century church, schoolhouse, rectory and convent. Rooms are filled with antique furniture, gingham coordination and baroque reverie. Five stars for the Hotel Peter and Paul map of the neighborhood, marked with the staff’s favorite local bars, restaurants, and shops. I loved being walking distance to the heart of the French Quarter and the Bywater. Oh, and there is a pool coming in 2026!

• Hotel Saint Vincent: Located in the lower Garden District. A boutique hotel that apparently has a Friday Night DJ in the Chapel Club. We didn’t stay here but walked by, and it was absolutely breathtaking!

Shops

• Low Timers: filled to the brim with 70s vintage, I found my fiancé a pair of perfect Levi’s 505s for $75.

  

• Century Girl Vintage: Fur, sequins, boas. I needed an occasion to buy everything here.

  

• Anthology: a small shop located in a house in the lower garden district, reasonably priced. Formed by a collective of a few different vendors.

• Merchant House: giant vintage furniture store.

  

• Lekha: natural fibers, boxy silhouettes, and they have a dragon diffusion dupe!

• Seasoned: kitchen thrift store.

  

• Slow Down: Found the red 70s puffer I have been hunting for. Shop filled with various vendors and slow fashion brands. They have a clothing swap every Thursday.

• Vice & Graft: curated selection of vintage, heritage, and handmade items.

• Patron Saint: wine shop and bar, has a mystery wine and tarot every Wednesday!

Culture

• Pharmacy Museum: do not sleep on this one!

• Tipitina’s: live music in a warehouse-y space.

• The Spotted Cat: No photos from here because I was too busy dancing the night away!

  

• Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour: Not the tour where Lana Del Rey met her husband. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any gators (hibernation season), but the swamp was stunning and majestic. Our tour guide, Gary, was incredibly knowledgeable.

  

• Garden District: Montgomery-Hero House, Carroll-Crawford House and so much more!

  

• Nous: small gallery space in the heart of the French Quarter.

Food

• Molly’s Rise and Shine: One of the best breakfasts of my life, do not skip the gran slam mcmuffin.

  

• Bar Pomona: mostly bar seats, natural wine bar with small plates.

• Fives: refined oyster bar.

• Mosquito Supper Club: couldn’t get a reservation here, but heard only amazing things. A reason to come back :)

  

• Brennans: the only place to have a boozy, over-the-top, cotton candy-filled birthday brunch.

• Saint-Germain: A ten-course prix fixe tasting menu in the Bywater—refined and seasonal.

• N7: I think I was recommended this place by 15 different people, and it did not disappoint!

• St. Roch Market: all-day dining - curated ensemble of local chefs.

  

• Le Moyne Bistro: delicious classic French cuisine (perfect for a special occasion). Good martini.

• Coop’s Place: ventured here after our swamp tour - amazing seafood gumbo.

  

• Cafe Du Monde: did not disappoint.

• A list of resturants I didn’t get to try but come highly recommended:

  • Saint Claire

  • Parasol’s

  • Acamaya

  • Atchafalaya

  • The Commissary - Market + Kitchen by Dickie Brennan & Co.

  • San Lorenzo Restaurant

  • Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe

Drink

• Fourth Wall Coffee: good coffee, big space, good interiors.

  

• Bacchanal Wine Bar: Absolutely do not miss. You enter through a wine bottle shop, choose your bottle, build your own cheese plate from a refrigerator if you wish, grab some glasses, and find a table. I only wish the weather had been warmer so we could have sat outside.

• Peychaud’s at The Celestine: chic!

  

• Bud Rips Old 9th Ward Bar: a perfect dive bar in my books.

• THE TELL ME BAR: wine bar with small plates, tucked away - so don’t be discouraged by the long gravel pathway.

• Salon Salon: incredible interior, make a reservation, we were turned away (sad)!

• Patula: wine bar!

• Anna’s: ended my birthday here! Pool table downstairs, dance party upstairs.

NEW ORLEANS GOOGLE MAP

• For the Cinephile: Metrograph Membership, AMC stubs

• For the Music Lover: personal CD mix-tape

  • Supplies I used: blank CDs, I bought a used CD at Goodwill and repurposed it with a custom cover I made on Canva, CD burner

• Spa gift card: Spencer’s Spa, Glow Bar, Sofie Pavitt

Objects For All

1. Not a boring laptop case

2. Looks good on every table water pitcher

3. Satisfying bauble highlighters

4. Kitten dolls for young and old

5. Sabre butter spreader

6. Pomodoro Ornament

7. Atlantic wool sponge

8. Water colors

9. Handmade felt ornaments

10. Hulken bag

11. Personalized charm maker

BEAUTIFUL THINGS FROM SMALL BRANDS

1. Best-smelling perfume oil under $100

2. Star earrings

3. Sweater vests for everyone

4. Stacking rings

5. Plasticana Clogs

6. Gloves

7. Sheer sequin scarf

8. The everywhere for everyone bag

9. Bracelet

10. Dragon Diffusion Dupe

11. Button surprise vest

12. Cotton Sweater

13. Little lamb charm

14. Beautiful hand cream

15. Better than uggs

For Your Dad, Brother, Boyfriend, Lover

1. Chili Print

2. We should all be wearing more Hawaiian shirts

3. Italian Playing Cards

4. My fiancé calls these his fancy socks (and will actually let me throw away his hole-y socks in exchange)

5. Speckled hat

6. Art under $50

7. Hangover patches for the life of the party

8. Colorful leather wallets

9. Sunglasses that look good on everyone

10. Indoor house slippers

11. Clogs that aren't Birks

12. Satisfying and beautiful charger (I own two)

13. Pizza cutter and board

Fashion

Madewell

• 40% Off Site Wide (Madewell definitely does one of the best black friday sales & they are making some of my favorite pieces as of late)

• Selects: The Perfect Chore Coat, My Favorite Black Boots Right Now, Great Jeans

A.L.C

• 25% off site-wide

• 11/26 - 12/1

• Selects: Suit Jacket

Alohas

• Up to 50% off site-wide

• Selects: Burgundy Loafers

Almina Concept

• 25% Off Site Wide

• Select: Wool V-Neck, Wool Cashmere Crewneck

AMO Denim

• 30% Off Site Wide

APC

• 30% - 50%

• Selects: Vera Bag, SUBU Slides

Aritzia

• Likely to do 20% off most things

• Selects: Cashmere Triangle Scarf, Thermal Hoodie, Cashmere V Neck Sweater

AYR

• 11/18 - 11/20: 50% off select styles

• 20% off sitewide 11/27 - 12/1

Baobab

• Up to 70% off site-wide

• Selects: Miko Bag, Black Maxi Dress

Beyond Nine

• 40% off faves (one of my fave UK brands)

Christy Dawn

• Up to 50% Off

• Selects: Quilted Duffle Bag

Classic Six

• 30% Off

• 11/28 - 12/1

COS

• (based on last year’s BF sale) Likely 20% - 30% off site-wide

• Selects: Navy Wool Coat, Triangle Scarf, Perfect Work Trousers

Cuyana’s

• (based on last year’s) 30% Off

• Selects: Dia Bag

Donni

• 20% off site-wide

• Selects: Pointelle Crop Pant, Fave Linen Pants

Deiji Studios

• Up to 70% off past styles

Either/ Or

• Site Wide Sales

• Selects: Red Mary Jane, Winter Boot

Etica Denim

• 11/20-11/25

• 30% off sitewide - Code: BFCM2025

• Select: Mid Rise Relaxed

Faithfull The Brand

• Up to 50% off select styles

Faherty

• Up to 50% Off Sale + Select Legends $149

• 11/21-12/30

Freda Salvador

• 25% OFF FRĒDA favorites

• Select: Elba Loafers

Hara The Label

• 30-50% off everything

• Select: Bra

Hikerkind

• Up to 50% Site Wide

• Selects: Packable Down Puffer

House of Sunny

• Up to 60% off

James Street Co

• 25% Off Sitewide + archive

• Selects: Blake Pull Over

Leset

• Up to 30% off sitewide - VIP30

• Selects: Satin Pants, Carpenter Pants

Loeffler Randall

• Up to 40% off site-wide (starting next week)

• Selects: Indy Boot, Cleo Boots

Loup NYC

• 20% Off Site Wide

LOQ

• 25% Off Site Wide

• Selects: Ema Heels

Marc Fisher

• 25% Off Site Wide

• Selects: Kitten Heel Pump

Mansur Gavriel

• Sitewide Sales

• Selects: Everyday work bag

M.M.LaFleur

• 30% off site-wide

• Selects: Crepe Pleated Pants

NAADAM

• 40% Off Site Wide

• 11/18 – 11/27

• Selects: Alpaca Cardigan

Nikki Chasin

• 20% off $300 +, 25% off $600 +

• Select: My Favorite Cardigan!

Outdoor Voices

• Up to 30% off sitewide

• Select: Sports Bra

Reformation

• (based on last year’s BF sale) 25% Off Everything

• Selects: Skye Mini Bag, Knee High Boots, Satin Lace Pants

SeaVees

• Up to 40% off

• Selects: Sneaker, Mule

Shaina Mote

• FORYOU20 for 20% Off

Sold Out NYC

• 25% Off Select Pieces

The Sleep Code

• 30% Off Select Styles (a great selection of gifts on their Black Friday Selects)

• 11/16 - 12/2

TBCo

• 30% off site wide

• Selects: Large Triangle Scarf, Medium Triangle Scarf

Jewelry

Heaven Mayhem

• 30% off sitewide | 70% off select styles

Monica Vinader

• Up to 50% off sitewide

Aurate

• 30% off sitewide - Code: BF30

• Selects: Mini Gold Hoops

PDPAOLA

• 20% off

• Nov 27 - Dec. 1

Cat Bird NYC

• Site Wide Sales Now

Chan Luu

• 25% off sitewide - Code: JASPER

Beauty & Home

111Skin

• 20% Sitewide

• Select: Day Cream

Away

• 25% site-wide (starting now)

• Selects: Checked Luggage, Everywhere Bag

Bose

• Sitewide sales

• Selects: Open Ear Buds (love these for running/ great gift), Portable Speaker

Brooklinen

• 25% Off Site Wide (now)

• Select: Luxe Sateen Bundle (my fave sheets!)

Briogeo

• 30% - 50% off site-wide

• Selects: exfoliating shampoo

Dam Dam Tokyo

• Up 25% off!

• Selects: Mochi Mochi Face Cream (tried and true face cream)

DedCool

• 30% Off site-wide

• 11/21-12/2

Evolve Together

• 20% off sitewide

Graf Lanz

• 30% Off Site Wide

• Select: Merino Wool Coasters

ISLA

• 35% Off Site Wide

• Selects: Snow Scrub Exfoliator

Kulfi

• 20% Off Site Wide

Lulu & Georgia

• 30% off site wide

• Selects: waste bin, pillow, vase

Material Kitchen

• Up to 35% off sitewide

• Selects: My Favorite Cutting Board

Merit Beauty

• 20% off everything (starting soon)

• Selects: Blush, Brow

Oak Essentials

• 25% Off Sitewide

• Selects: Travel Set, Body Lotion

Piglet In Bed

• 25 % off everything

Ritual

• Up to 40% Off

• Selects: The Only Probiotic I Use

RŌZ’s

• 20% off Site Wide (no code needed)

• Nov 24 to Dec 2nd

School House

• 30% Off Site Wide

• 11/17 - 12/1

• Selects: Yellow Table Lamp, Swiss Scallop Stocking

SURI

• 30% off

Skin Fix

• 25% Off

• Select: face cream

Salt & Stone

• 20% Off Site Wide

• 11/24- 12/1

• Select: Body Wash Discovery Kit

Soft Services

• 20% Off Side Wide

• Select: Buffing Bar

Super Goop

• 20% off sitewide + 40% off on select favorites

WellBel

• Up to 40% off sitewide

Over the past few months, I have been making a few updates to my beloved bedroom and designated sanctuary. I like to keep the palette light and soft, blues and yellows, with plenty of white. We got especially lucky inheriting the painted white brick wall, something I have been manifesting since a teenager.

Recently, we added sconces on either side of the bed since the room is a little tight, and I didn’t want to sacrifice valuable side table space to lamps. Our newest addition is a bed from Hetta Home, which is the heirloom branch of Sunday’s Furniture. The bed actually lifts to reveal hidden storage underneath, which I feel like is a New York storage hack. The bed is so cozy and adds a great texture to the room, but more importantly, I have a home for all my sweaters.

The one challenge still haunting me is trying to find bedside tables that are narrow enough (15 inches or less) and still have drawers. A near-impossible task, but the search continues. Lastly, our rug is from old Target. I was able to find one second-hand (here), a vintage equivalent, and a similar one (here).

On the other side of the room is my beloved Ikea Hovet mirror—the receiver and holder of millions of mirror selfies. The dresser is an old West Elm piece that’s no longer made, but this one is similar. The framed photo is by my dear friend Jasmine Clarke, and the jewelry box is a vintage Etsy find (with a few similar options here and here). The rest of the bits and bobs are a mix of Etsy treasures, vintage stores, and the Zara Home section I secretly love. Which is where I found my ceramic closet knobs and the little stool next to the bed.

The finishing touch has been the striped Brooklinen sheets and quilt I’d been eyeing for a while. They add the extra layer of texture the room was missing and make the space feel pulled together without much effort. I love that they’re easy to mix and match with what I already own (especially my other favorite Brooklinen yellow sheets that seem to make their way into every picture I post). I can wholeheartedly say I have thrown out all of my other bed linens and only rotate amongst my Brooklinen sheets. They are so soft and also keep my partner cool, who tends to run hot.

If you’ve been thinking about refreshing your own bed, Brooklinen is offering 15% off your first order, no code needed at checkout.

Our wall sconces are from Magnolia. They are no longer made, but below are some other great sconces. I choose mostly plug-in sconces, so no electrician required!

1. Etsy ($100)

2. Vakker Lighting ($175)

3. West Elm ($99)

4. Crate & Barrel ($199)

5. West Elm ($99)

6. Zara Home ($80)

7. Magnolia ($54)

I have so much home decor on my wish list these days, but here are some top contenders. I’d love to incorporate a few more pops of color, and I desperately need a chic, practical, and small trash can for the bedroom.

1. Candlestick Holder ($34)

2. Basket ($35)

3. Candlestick Holder ($30)

4. Pink Lemon Ceramics ($85), their next drop is 11/7!

5. Porta Jug ($48)

6. Side Table ($500)

7. Pillow ($40), no one has to know this is a Christmas pillow

8. Analog Print on Dyed Paper ($40, Handprinted, a great Málaga Spanish visual artist who sells their prints on Etsy!

9. Jewelry Box ($120)

10. Laundry Basket ($285)

11. Trash Can ($139)

Thanks for Reading!

A film that raised me and shaped my style for much of high school. Let's not forget about the incredible soundtrack (put it on right now). You probably have some variation (at least the flip flops) of this outfit already, if not, here ya go:

Board Shorts: Roxy vintage, long shorts, vintage blue shorts, Billabong board shorts, pink shorts, baby blue shorts, long cotton shorts

Bathing Suit: bikini top, bikini set

Surfer T, definitely easy to thrift from the men’s section or use brands like Quicksilver, RipCurl, Billabong for your eBay/Poshmark searches: Long sleeve T, short sleeve T, Long sleeve ringer T (40% off),

Flip Flops: Havianas or my favorite archies

Surfer Jewelry: multicolored puka shell, anklet

Read more

When I started my first job out of law school, I made a promise to myself that I would not lose my personal style in getting dressed for work every day. Style is an important part of how I present myself to the world, but it was something I had suppressed and squandered during my five years in corporate law. Getting dressed in those years was a chore, a uniform, a sea of navy and black. My work clothes felt stuffy itchy, and uninspired. I felt no desire to invest in that wardrobe, and I rotated through the same pair of Zara pants, identical in navy, black, and tan. Paired with a button-down shirt or a sweater.

Now, in this new chapter, I am consciously redefining what workwear looks like for me. This edit is a close look at what I have been wearing these past few weeks. Luckily, I am in a public defender’s office where the dress code leans business casual. Dark jeans are acceptable, which feels incredibly freeing. I have never been able to wear jeans to work before, and I cannot overstate how much that simple shift changes how I feel about getting dressed. In court, I plan to hold myself to a stricter standard: suits or at the very least a blazer and trousers. My dream is to eventually find a few vintage men’s Armani suits from the 1980s and have them tailored to fit me perfectly.

I have already discovered three pieces that feel crucial to my current workwear rotation: a midi skirt, a fun blazer, and a well-cut suit. Each serves a different purpose, but together they give me structure and variety. A skirt lets me feel polished without feeling restricted. A blazer instantly adds structure to anything I wear, whether over denim or paired with trousers. And a suit, there is something about walking down the street in a full suit, sunglasses on, kitten heels, that is such a rush.

With offices across the country returning to five days a week in person, it may finally be time to fold up the sweatpants-and-button-up combination that carried so many of us through the past few years. For me, though, this shift feels less like a loss of comfort and more like a reclamation of self. Workwear no longer feels like a costume I put on to survive the day. It feels like an opportunity to express who I am becoming in this new role and this new phase of life.

Look 1: Skirt [Atelier Edition] Top [Sayaka Davis] Shoes [Banana Republic]

Look 2: Sweater [Modern Citizen] Skirt [Modern Citizen]

Look 3: Sweater top [ALC] Skirt [ALC]

Look 4: Blazer [Argent] Skirt [Argent] top [Argent]

Look 1: Jacket [Mijeong Park] Trouser [Mijeong Park] Sweater [Cordera]

Look 2: Jacket [old Toast/ similar here] Trouser [toast] heels [alohas]

Look 3: Blazer Vest [Argent] (similar concept on sale) Pants [Argent] Shirt (old APC) similar [M.M. Lafleur]

Look 4: Top [A Piece Apart] Bottoms [A Piece Apart] Top [old Theory/ similar here]

Look 1: Jacket [& Other Stories] Pants [& Other Stories]

Look 2: Jacket [ALC] Jeans [Emma Rothkop] Shoes [Loeffler Randall]

Look 3: Jacket [APC] Top [APC] Pants [APC]

Look 1: Top [& Other Stories Similar] Pants [& Other Stories] & [Similar]

Look 2: Sweater [Modern Citizen] Pants [Modern Citizen not released yet]

Look 3: Top [& Other Stories] similar [modern citizen] & similar [ALC]

Look 4: Top [Merlette]

Thanks for reading!

We have finally entered the month when I can wear my most beloved outfit combination: a sweater and jeans. Pulling down that first wool-cashmere blend cardigan from my sweater shelf last week was a moment I had been desperately waiting for. It felt wonderful. We’ve entered what is truly the most perfect month in New York, weather-wise. Obviously, October is better (change of leaves and all that), but September's 68-degree days are what I really wait all year for.

Not much has changed from last season. I’m still wearing primary colors. But I’ve incorporated more grays and browns and edged away from black. It feels too harsh for me these days. I might even try a green or khaki! Who knows.

This fall, I’m also trying to branch out a little. I want to play with skirts over jeans, maybe buttoning a blazer with nothing underneath, pinning on a brooch for a touch of cool. And I think I may have found the perfect fall shoe as the cherry on top.

I’ll keep this intro short since it’s also been my first official week of work (as a real-life lawyer, can you believe it?). It still feels surreal, but exciting. Don’t worry, I’m already working on a workwear piece, because I have so many thoughts about how to dress for court, the office, and everything in between.

I wore this to the laundromat to pick up my dry cleaning, which I like to save up and do once every six months. Just to give myself a little heart attack when I see the bill. This Nikki Chasin cardigan is my current hyper-fixation, the many tiny buttons are adorable (& as always MYA15 for a discount). These track pants are no longer made, but I found a similar pair here & here (I recommend sizing up in Relax Lacrosse if you ever buy their shorts). The sneakers are my new favorite and have officially replaced the Asics I’d been wearing nonstop for years. And of course, you’re going to have to rip this Flore Flore tank off me.

I wore this out for a quick coffee run to meet up with a fellow creator friend to shoot content. This is the kind of outfit that feels both pulled together and easy. A red Free People cardigan layered over a lacy skirt gives just enough texture and contrast against a pair of slouchy jeans. I threw a gray sweater around my shoulders (half accessory, half practicality) and finished it off with classic Bass Weejuns (size down a half size!). It’s an outfit that feels a little playful and a little vintage.

I wore this look out to Gertrude’s for martinis and oysters with my friends (they do an amazing $10 martini happy hour). I had on another Flore Flore tank and these Stella Egelja pants I thought I ruined but my dry cleaner somehow saved them! On my feet were my favorite yellow Maguire shoes, though I recently spotted a Martiano version on Vestiaire for almost the same price. And this Madewell bag has been such a solid stand-in for a Dragon Diffusion, though honestly, the DD bags are still in a league of their own. I found two great Dragon Diffusion bags second-hand, if you're in the market: here & here.

I think this outfit sums up my fall style in one picture. These VIBea mules are incredible. I’ve been stopped multiple times in the Park Slope Food Co-op, which says it all. They work with everything, are incredibly comfortable, and the deep brown makes it a perfect color to pair with jeans. I layered a pared-down white tee under a this super soft cashmere gray sweater, which has quickly become my favorite pairing: easy, unfussy, but I still feel put together. And these low-rise Free People jeans are a new fave. They hit at just the right spot and balance out the more classic pieces with a little edge. Simple, but exactly what I want to wear right now.

Thank you Free People for supporting this post!

Crete

Chania

We started our trip by traveling from Rome to Chania, Crete, by plane. Crete is the largest Greek island and a wonderful place to begin if it is your first visit to Greece. Chania, located on the northwest coast of Crete, is known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, winding narrow streets, and lively waterfront restaurants. The island is filled with dreamy, secluded beaches, coves, and striking landscapes. We chose not to rent a car since nearly everything was within walking distance from our hotel in Chania’s historic center.

Accommodation: Hotel Off
I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough. It sits on a beautiful, quiet street just minutes from the harbor and steps away from countless shops and restaurants, yet it still feels tucked away and peaceful. The maître d’ at the front desk was incredibly helpful, offering us directions, maps, arranging cabs, and going above and beyond with that matter-of-fact Greek warmth. Breakfast was complimentary and featured a beautiful spread of fresh cheeses, honeys, breads, and yogurts.

Beach clubs:

If you want to stay within walking distance, there are quite a few great beach clubs a 10-minute walk from downtown: We loved Kladissos beach. All the clubs are more or less the same and usually 10-15 euros per chair for the whole day.

Beaches:

• Seitan Limania: 30-minute taxi ride from the center. Wear walking shoes, no sandals or clogs! Steepish hike down. A must-do.

• Paralia Macherida: dreamy blue waters, also a 30-40 minute drive from downtown.

• Balos Beach: Didn’t get to visit (about an hour from Chania), but looks insane.

Restaurants:

• Nafisthea: in the town of Tampakaria, 25 minute walk from the historic center. One of our favorite dinners, very romantic.

• Sinagogi Cocktail Bar: Good for Cocktails and Vibrations. Vibey local spot, great for a big group or just sitting at the bar alone, good mingling. A mix of locals and tourists.

• Amphora: classic Greek food on the harbor, great people watching.

• Kaiki: yummy seafood on the water.

• Kross Coffee Roasters: great coffee/ good place to get some work done.

• Oinopiio: Modern take on classic Greek cuisine.

• Salis: Upscale, didn’t get a chance to try, but on my list for next time.

• Christostomos: meat meat-focused restaurant, recommended by several locals.

• PALLAS: trendy - a little expensive.

Shops:

• Mediterraneo: Bookstore

• Favela Jewelry: lots of cute charms

Heraklion

Since the ferry to Milos only departed from Heraklion (about two hours away), we decided to head there the day before and spend the night. Heraklion is a more industrial city in Crete; there is a beautiful old harbor, but I would not recommend staying for more than 24 hours. For us, it was a logistical stopover.

Restaurants/ Cafes:

• Tiny Rebels Cafe: great coffee, best freddo espresso I had.

• Barbathimios: affordable and yummy gyros.

• Swing Thing for Cocktail hour: great for a glass of wine and people watching.

• Lola: Nice cozy homey Greek food place

• Ippokmapos: Right along the waterfront. I had the most amazing plate of mussels. I’ll be dreaming of them.

Milos

On the fourth day, we traveled to Milos by ferry. I booked our tickets a few weeks in advance through Ferryscanner. They recommend arriving an hour early, but I would suggest getting there even earlier if you want a good seat in the lounge. The ride to Milos was smooth and easy (about four hours), and we were lucky with the weather. You can purchase Wi-Fi at the canteen for about three euros per five-hour block. Honestly, I could have stayed on that ship forever. Be sure to head up to the top deck (the helicopter pad) to take in the scale of the ship and the incredible views.

Once we docked in Milos, we took a cab to pick up our rental car. I highly recommend renting a car if you plan to do a lot of exploring, as the minimum price for a cab in Milos is around $30 USD, even for a ride of less than ten minutes. Many visitors we saw opted for souped-up ATVs, but I preferred the risk of scratching a rental car on a narrow Greek street over risking my life on an ATV. In fact, during just a few days there, we passed not one but two motorcycle/ATV accidents.

Milos is a hilly, crescent-shaped island with a handful of main towns and smaller villages scattered throughout. We stayed in Mandrakia, on the northern coast, near the popular restaurant Medusa and one of my favorite beaches. I chose this area because I wanted something more remote. The goal was to lie on the beach for hours, read, and forget about the trauma of law school and the bar exam.

For accommodation, I would recommend staying near a beach or in Plaka. If you stay in Adamantas, there are definitely more cab options, but I think if you are in Milos it’s better to take the opportunity to stay outside a major town.

Restaurants:

• Okto: modern Greek food with incredible sunset views.

• Nama Milos

• Garden Juice Bar: delicious juices, went here most days for a little health pick-me-up.

  

• Verina: sunset views, great cocktails. Get a cocktail to go and watch the sunset from the lookout point.

• Kyra (in Plaka)

• Mosaic: cute cocktail bar

• Archontoula (in Plaka/ highly recommended)

• Medusa: We ate here three times, long waits, but plenty to see and do around. Go early for the octopus! It runs out.

  

• Utopia: Amazing rooftop for sunset and cocktails. A little touristry.

• Bakalikon Galanis: Absolutely one of our favorite restaurants. Small plates, cozy, relaxed.

• Kostantakis Winery: Vineyard on the island, didn’t get to go, but on my list for next time.

  

• Astakas Cafe: a famous restaurant in Kilma, we found it empty for lunch, and I ordered a delicious seafood orzo. Big portions.

Beaches:

• Sarakiniko: Moon landing meets influencers. Beautiful. Amazing. I would have regretted not going. Aside from being beautiful, watching beautiful women make their boyfriends spend hours (sweating under the Greek sun) to get the perfect shot was entertaining and incredible to watch.

  

• Tourkothalassa: The local beach near our rental house. Clear waters, not too crowded. Spend a few hours here while you wait for your table at Medusa.

• Plathiena: sandy beaches, crystal clear waters.

  

• Tsigrado Beach: Not for the faint of heart. Beautiful cove only accessed by two very steep ladders.

  

• Mandrakia beach: We spent a whole afternoon in this fishing village on one of the docks, drinking wine and playing cards. It’s so special.

• Klima Beach: A little fishing village, great spot for lunch and near the catacombs.

Pro Tip: Go early to the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa in Plaka to catch the sunset. We brought a deck of cards and a bottle of wine. There is a great little wine shop called Bottiglia in Adamatos. The spot along the wall fills up quickly. When the sun finally slipped below the horizon, the entire crowd broke into applause in unison. It felt so special. People from all over the world gathered together to celebrate something as simple and extraordinary as the sun setting.

Thanks for reading!

Link to Google Map List: Greece Recs.

There’s a lot to celebrate lately. First, I’ve finally pulled this Substack out of the depths of bar exam hell. I finished the bar (!!), officially closing a major chapter of my law school journey—and starting off my summer in the process. I'm spending the first stretch of August in LA, then heading to Greece with my best friend, and wrapping things up with a finale in Cartagena (guide in progress!).

Let’s ease back into Primary School by talking about packing and dressing for L.A. I always feel like a more pared-down version of myself here. L.A. feels so much more casual than New York, even though I already lean pretty casual. Packing for home is like a palate cleanser: no heels, no frills, just natural fibers and a stripped-down makeup routine. Post–bar exam, that’s exactly what I need. Honestly, my capacity to put together an outfit with more than two steps is minimal.

My current recipe: a good pair of shorts, a quality tank, and one of two shoe options: my Archies flip-flops (flip-flops with arch support!) or my Asics.

You are allowed to call me a hypocrite after I made a post saying that the only pair of shorts you need for the summer are the ones you already own. But then I found these perfect, vintage-Levi ’s-feel shorts from Pistola, and they’ve completely taken over my wardrobe. I sized up for an extra baggy fit, and I haven’t looked back.

I’ve been loyal to Merit for years now, and for good reason. Their Flush Balm in Persimmon was my gateway drug, and I haven’t touched another blush since. Merit fits seamlessly into my laid-back L.A. routine: simple, foolproof makeup for someone who loves a little cheek-and-lip moment without the hassle. The products are low-effort but high-impact, ideal for post–bar exam energy levels.

Bonus: with your first order everything comes in the cutest little corduroy bag, which also doubles as a going-out clutch if you squint (and leave your lip liner at home). Travel hack. Also in my makeup bag: The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick, a compact, no-brainer concealer-foundation hybrid that somehow makes me look alive in 30 seconds. And I never leave the house without a Shade Slick in my bag—my go-to shades are Marrakesh and Pink Beet, depending on the vibe (and the SPF situation). I’ve curated exclusive discounted sets for you to get up to a 15% off through my link here! Free shipping on orders $40+. Shop my favorites: HERE !

My Redondo Beach routine goes something like this: Pilates, bothering my sister at her poke bowl restaurant for free poke, the beach, and a crisp glass of wine on my parents’ porch. I’m fully leaning into being a stay-at-home daughter and being grateful for this month of no real responsibilities before I start work as a public defender. I’ve even branched out from my usual basic black oval sunnies and have been wearing these creamsicle-colored Jimmy Fairly sunglasses—they add just the right amount of flair to every otherwise-basic outfit I throw on.

While the rest of the world turns polka dot, I’m digging my heels into stripes—possibly a side effect of my newfound obsession with sailing culture. Here I’m wearing one of my favorite Los Feliz Flea Market finds: a perfect orange-and-white striped cotton tee. I’ve also been wearing these yellow striped shorts from the GAP outlet on repeat.

I recently made a TikTok talking about all the things I planned to treat myself to once the bar exam was behind me. The winner? The Nantucket bag from Dragon Diffusion. Sure, there are dupes out there, but I wanted the real thing, and I’m so glad I went for it. It’s been my travel companion and now my everyday errand bag. Bonus: She fits a laptop!

Thank you, Mejuri, for sponsoring this post!

Often, the same types of requests come up again and again, so this time I decided to switch things up and spend a little extra time and thought on the most common ones. A few popular themes: wedding guest dresses, walkable (but actually cute) sandals, full-coverage bikinis, and not-boring work tops. Enjoy!

1. Aje ($625) *Black tie Appropriate

2. Rixo ($670) *Black tie Appropriate

3. Self Portrait ($240) *Black tie Appropriate

4. ME + EM ($695)

5. Norma Kamali ($425) *Black tie Appropriate

6. Rixo ($525)

7. Saloni ($225) *Black tie Appropriate

8. Aje ($695) *Black tie Appropriate

9. Rixo ($400)

10. Zara ($129)

11. SEA ($158)

12. Ulla Johnson ($200)

1. Jonathan Simkhai ($248)

2. Toteme ($425) *Black tie Appropriate

3. Mac Duggal ($265) *Black tie Appropriate

4. Staud ($238) *Black tie Appropriate

5. Sachin + Babi ($355) *Black tie Appropriate

6. Jovani ($148)

1. Fitflop ($55)

2. Bared ($279)

3. Cole Haan ($107)

4. Either/OR ($245)

5. Aerosoles ($55)

6. Comfortiva ($60) / similar for ($39) / similar for ($30) / similar for $35

7. FitFlop ($85)

8. Naturalizer ($35)

1. Aerie Top / Bottom ($40)

2. SeaMolly ($30)

3. Calzedonia ($109)

4. Andie ($134)

5. Araks ($160)

6. J. Crew ($100)

7. Seamolly ($30)

8. Gap ($34)

9. Calzedonia Bottoms / Top ($80)

10. Gap ($34)

11. Anemos ($150)

12. J.Crew ($80)

1. Soeur Paris ($150) *EXTRA 10% off with MYA10

2. COS ($120)

3. Theory ($118)

4. J. Crew ($118)

5. COS $59

6. Modern Citizen $118

7. Modern Citizen $98

8. Soeur Paris ($164) *EXTRA 10% off with MYA10

9. Madewell ($88)

In the summer of 2022, I found my beloved cashmere Banana Republic coat for under $100, crumpled in the sale section of my local BR. Since then, one of the most frequent requests I get during my monthly Instagram hunts is for an “affordable wool coat.”

The truth is, you're not going to find a 100% wool or cashmere coat that wasn’t made in a sweatshop for under $400–$500—at least not if you’re shopping in the fall or winter. The time to strike is now. (Also: now is when you should be sweater hunting, too.)

The &Daughter sale is currently happening, and June is generally peak sale season. It also marks the end of the spring retail calendar, so many shops are clearing out inventory to make room for fall and winter collections.

If you're nervous about shopping secondhand, start by measuring your current favorite coat, especially one that fits how you like. I almost never pay attention to the listed size and instead go by measurements.

Here are some all-time favorites:

1. Everlane ($159)

2. Chan Luu

3. Banana Republic ($99)

4. Rag & Bone ($450)

5. Madewell ($99) + 30% off

6. Calvin Klein ($250)

7. Chloe ($172)

8. Dunst ($273)

9. APC ($424)

10. Youth ($379)

1. Rag & Bone ($360.00)

2. Patagonia ($94)

3. Carhartt ($220)

4. Patagonia ($92)

5. Toteme ($388)

6. Madewell ($119)

7. Patagonia ($250)

8. Open YY ($334)

9. Rag & Bone ($81)

1. Madewell ($99)

2. Gianni Versace $445.00

3. Maje ($395)

4. Dries Van Noten $242.50

5. Akris ($225)

6. Tory Burch ($108)

7. Rag & Bone ($250)

8. Agnes B ($105)

1. Maje ($395)

2. Max Mara ($104)

3. Michael Kors ($145)

4. London Fog ($35)

5. Armani ($56)

6. Burberry ($282)

7. Max Mara ($305)