RECENT ACQUISITIONS
My friends at Bucatini launched a collection of hand-painted plates by Ceramiche Nicola Fasano a couple of weeks ago, and I immediately purchased a one-of-a-kind face plate before anyone else could grab the one I wanted. I’m in the middle of a dinnerware hunt right now as I work on props for my book shoots next month, so I’m considering it a business expense.
One of my favorite artists, Andie Dinkin, launched a collection of prints and apparel with Oceana to support the organization’s marine wildlife advocacy work, so I bought a mermaid tee. It’s for the otters!!!
Nickey Kehoe graciously and generously sent me a lemon pitcher from their new collection (along with a very elegant tissue box cover and my favorite incense) to celebrate high summer and I am completely in love with it—it brings me so much joy.
Sometimes the best things are purchased out of season, and such was the case for my new leather jacket from Dôen, which has been on my wish list since it launched last fall but was, by a sheer stroke of luck, included in the brand’s warehouse sale last week. (It’s back to full price now, sorry!) It’s the perfect ‘60s-inspired silhouette—I heard through a friend that she heard that the design was inspired by a vintage Prada jacket owned by one of the founders. Nothing feels better than getting something I really really want at almost half the price, even if I have to tuck it away for a while.
I re-upped some beauty mainstays this month: Merit’s The Minimalist (in shade “Bone”, aka “Doesn’t Go In The Sun”), The Ouai’s Detox Shampoo (my go-to when my hair gets too used to my regular shampoo), and Mother Science’s Molecular Genesis Moisturizer (my third jar). I also got two new-to-me products I’m loving: True Botanicals’ Pure Radiance Overnight Lip Treatment and Medicube’s PDRN Balm. Yes, TikTok influenced that last purchase, but it has turned out to be worth it.
WHAT’S ON MY WISH LIST
I’m asking the audience: do you have a carry-on bag you really love? Not the rolly kind, but the kind you slip onto the handle of your checked suitcase? I typically use my trusty LL Bean tote for most flights, but I think it might be time to retire prioritizing vibes over function in my old age. Bonus points if it’s lightweight, fits a lot, and is fairly minimal—I don’t like cutesy luggage.
Every few weeks I find myself on a search for the ideal drapey pant—thin elastic waistband, sort of trouser-adjacent shape—and I’m always disappointed to find a million options in various polyester blends. But I just saw that La Ligne launched their famous Colby pant in 100% cotton poplin! The verdict is still out on whether they’re worth $295—Why is the pants market out of control right now?—but I will say that my cost per wear on these (much less expensive) cotton pants from Cou Cou is down to mere cents, and I wouldn’t mind a version that looks slightly less like pajamas. (Ironic for me, but true nonetheless.)
WHAT I SAW
I’ve been a longtime fan of Victoria, BC-based artist Claire Milbrath, so I was excited to hop over to Night Gallery last weekend to catch the group show she has a couple of pieces in, Rare Earth. My favorite piece of the show was Van Dusen Gardens (2026), a painting of Claire’s that I could have sat in front of for hours. If you’re in LA, it’s on view through August 15th.
I know enough ultra-basic embroidery to add a wonky letter or a border onto something, but I stumbled on a TikTok that explains how to chain stitch beautiful monograms that look like they came straight from a French antique market. The minute I get an embroidery hoop, I’m going to put “A”s on everything I own.
As a consumer of pop culture (well, of the reality TV variety), I’ve been a big fan of British culture writer Raven Smith and his commentary on pretty much anything and everything. But now, I’m also a fan of his London home, which was featured in World of Interiors this week. His use of color is so playful but cool, like it isn’t trying too hard, but it’s also unapologetic: shiny red floors, a green wall paint I just love, a pink baby tub in the bath… It feels like a real house where real people live, but a fun one. (I also think it’s refreshing when you see the utilitarian bits of a house, like a baby tub or a TV.) Watch his video tour here.
I caught a screening of Tony, the Anthony Bourdain biopic that tells the story of Bourdain’s first summer in a kitchen, earlier this week and I kind of loved it. Dominic Sessa is great and the soundtrack is even better.
WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON OVER HERE
I made a little Instagram guide—15 places to Eurosummer from home—for those of us in Los Angeles itching for a week by the Mediterranean. Save it for your next trip to LA (or as inspiration for a Euroguide to your own city) and keep an eye out for part two soon. Working on it!
And to that point, I’m planning quite the end-of-summer soiree on August 28th here in LA that you’re all invited to. I’ll give you a hint: Campari cocktails, poolside pasta, and a souvenir shop where you won’t have to pay a dime. Early bird tickets go on sale next week, so keep an eye out on Instagram and in the chat for first dibs—I want you guys to have first access!
Lastly, I started up my jobs board again! I used to post jobs I’d find on Instagram every Wednesday to my stories, but it started getting really time consuming, so now I’m just adding whatever I see at random to my channel (called “JOBS”). I only share jobs I see on Instagram and I don’t share restaurant jobs (otherwise it’d be like, a free for all), but it’s typically a lot of roles at brands, shops, and creative studios. You can opt into or out of it at your leisure here, or head to my Instagram and click the “JOBS” button.
WHAT I SAVED
A bed cover by textile artist and designer Safre. We posted this to Pasta Girlfriend because we thought it looked like ravioli.
Gelato from Comsi_Comsa_, an anonymous photo diary account that captures texture in food, flowers, fabrics, and more so beautifully.
A matching hat, jacket, and bag made by Roman atelier Botteghe Oscure out of archival 1970s linen jacquard. I love when accessories match outerwear.
A bienvenido sign in Mexico City captured by Kelsey Schiavon earlier this year.
Salvador Dalí in a leopard shorts suit and espadrilles by the sea.
Graphic window shade by TROVE by Studio Duggan, a textile brand out of London that makes everything you can imagine for your home in the most fabulous patterns.
Dior’s invite to their Resort 2027 show at Trinity College in Dublin this December. Can’t wait for mine to come in the mail!!!
A Ralph Lauren tag posted by Herringbone Twill.
Enjoy your weekend!
x
Ali
Throw a like or comment on this post
Share this post with someone who might be into it
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.