Weekend Notes: January 20th.

Dress | Shoes | Bag

How is everyone doing? We haven’t caught up in a while! It’s been a fun couple of weeks with Keith and me escaping to California for a few days. We flew out for The Creative Arts Emmys (he was nominated for Sound Mixing for 100 Foot Wave but sadly didn’t win) but decided to add two nights of Laguna Beach to our trip.

We stayed at the Montage, and it was beyond stunning. If you ever have an opportunity to stay there, I cannot recommend it enough. The food was phenomenal, and the views and beachfront ambiance were just what we needed. Having a bit of slowness before jumping into the LA craziness was the best move on our part, especially for Keith, who has been working 12-hour days in the last few months.

I wore the above dress, which isn’t for everyone, but I loved it. The Creative Arts Emmys is less fancy than the Prime Time Emmys, so I could wear whatever my heart desired.

Let’s get to some links from the week:

I’m currently reading a page of this book every single day. For someone who has difficulty focusing on something for too long, it’s easy to digest while still being thought-provoking. I forget where I learned about it (maybe TikTok), but I’m really enjoying it. 

I’ve seen a puffy heart earring from several jewelry designers but haven’t wanted to shell out big bucks. This $26 version from Madewell is a great one.

This is one of my favorite white tees and it is back in stock. I wear a medium.

A huge breakthrough behind the cause of morning sickness for some expecting mothers.

Alicias Five Things blog posts are always a favorite of mine. She has the best taste.

ICYMI, my best purchases from 2023.

On that list is this mug that keeps my coffee nice and hot. I’m currently using it and it’s the simple things.

I’m so ready for a tropical vacation. Here’s my vacation edit. 

On that note, 14 relaxing vacations if you need peace and relaxation.

35 cozy recipe ideas for cold & dreary winter days.

I’m very into these leather mules for under $100.

A great pair of chunky New Balance sneakers that are back in stock. They run true to size.

Instagram’s favorite New Yorker cartoons from this year.

How to spot a frenemy- and be a real a friend.

Adding some of these NYC hotel bars on my list to check out.

The 20 best pizza places in NYC and I happen to agree with most of this list.

A gorgeous Greenwich Village apartment. Love the bookshelves.

I ordered this dress (in a medium) and I plan to wear it with a pair of tall black boots. I

I’m going to leave it here! On Monday I leave for a trip with a Estée Lauder. The opportunity came up earlier this week and I couldn’t pass it up. We’re heading to one of the five Blue Zones of the world! I’m pretty excited.

Have a wonderful weekend and week!

xo,

Helena

Vacation Vibes: An Edit

For everything I’m loving right now, all of the above images are clickable or you can scroll below.

We’re smack in the middle of January, and while I’ve (kind of) come to appreciate this month for what it is, I’m pretty ready for a warm-weather vacation. I have a few trips planned and am planning to incorporate a lot of what I’ve purchased in the last year or two, with a few new things to freshen up the mix. 

At the moment, I’m eyeing one of the pictured beach bags (help. which one?!) and this bucket hat. I already have this one, and it’s proven to be an essential item for my vacation and summer wardrobe. I love the idea of a black straw hat, with some of the black and white (both patterned and solid) pieces that I’m eyeing. I also got these $42 Havaiana slides and these sunglasses from Le Specs.

I also want to take a moment to shout out Farm Rio. They’ve just been getting better and better, and while not necessarily on my radar in the past, they certainly are now. Compared to brands like Johanna Ortiz (so beautiful), Farm Rio pricing is way easier on the wallet. I love this black and white combo and for a bit more color, this is so cheerful. Vitamin A also has a great black-and-white shirt and short combo. I get so much use out of mine. 

For dreamy dresses, this one from Rhode is one of my favorites, and I had to get some ankle bracelets (I got this one and this one) as the under $100 ones tend to sell out quickly. 

Shoshanna Cinched One Piece Suit  Cult Gaia Idalia Leather-Trim Raffia Tote | Farm Rio Banana Foliage Bikini Top + Bottom (also this Matching Cover Up)| Hevron Domino Mini Dress | Le Specs Vamos Sunglasses | Reformation Ludo Sandal | Solid & Striped Kai Dress | Hat Attack Crochet Bucket Hat | Johanna Ortiz Printed Halterneck One Piece Suit | Farm Rio Coconut Kimono Shirt |  Andrea Gomez Bella Raffia Platform Sandal (also love the black)| Dragon Diffusion Woven Leather Tote |  ViX Swimwear Firenze Diane Bandeau Top & Matching Bottom Hunting Season Iraca Leather-Trimmed Woven Tote| Havaianas You Trancoso Sandal | Ben-Amun 24k Gold-Plated Starfish Earrings

 

Winter Neutrals x 4

everything is tagged below

Winter neutrals are certainly not a new concept, but they remain the classic majority of what I wear all season long. What I appreciate most about this color palette is the ability to interchange all of these pieces.

Some of these outfits were posted for my Instagram partnership with Sézane, but I wanted to take them to the blog. It’s not part of my contract, fyi! Just wanting to share here.

Sézane cardigan that is sold out, but this one is pretty similar. (runs small, wearing a large) | Sézane Brut Sexy Ecru Denim (I size up 2 sizes) | Sézane Mara Bag | Emme Parsons Boots| Heaven Mayhem earrings.

An all cream outfit contrasted by black accessories and a black coat (below) to add some visual interest and a little bit of edge.

Similar Coat | Sézane Will Jacket (runs small, wearing a large) | Sézane Brut Sexy Ecru Denim | Sézane Mara Bag | Emme Parsons Boots | Heaven Mayhem earrings| Coat: COS (sold out. Great options here and here & both on massive sale)

Sézane Emile Cardigan (runs small, wearing a large) | Sézane Matheo Trousers (wearing size 6/38) | Savette Slim Symmetry Bag | Heaven Mayhem earrings.

Here, I kept it streamlined with various tones and textures of the same color palette. There’s just something so pleasing about it, and while I find that the black pops (above) add some edge, this one feels more luxurious. I’m pretty over the term ‘quiet luxury,’ but if I were to use it one last time, it would feel appropriate here. I can picture Siobhan Roy from Succession wearing an outfit similar to this. Hers would probably be from The Row, so one could call this a look for less. If we were talking about NYC neighborhoods, the above feels a little more downtown, whereas this one is more uptown.

The same outfit as the above with a coat on top. The coat is from NAP Loungewear, and they have great coats that are reasonably priced, but their customer service is non-existent. I bought several coats last year, and when I attempted to return the two that didn’t work out, there was no way to contact anyone. Proceed with caution. I don’t think I’d purchase from them again.

Sézane Emile Cardigan (runs small, wearing a large) | Sézane Brut Sexy Ecru Denim (I size up 2 sizes) | Savette Slim Symmetry Bag | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik 

Same outfit as the above, but with a swap of the pants. Here I opted for denim for a slightly less formal version.

Coat  (I sized up. in a size 8)|Denim: Sézane | Boots: Khaite | Phone case

Lastly, one of my personal favorites. It’s also a little edgier, an element I always appreciate and prefer to add when pinpointing my style—only a touch, but minimally, at least one piece. 

Which is your favorite from the bunch?

My Best Purchases of 2023

These boots were a favorite buy from 2022. This COS coat (which is sadly sold out) and this pleated skirt (runs TTS) were definitely favorites from this year. This grey sweater, another favorite, got an entire dedicated post. 

This was a fun list to put together and reflect on. A few weeks ago, I published  The 12 Most Worn Items in My Closet on my substack, but this list is slightly different. It’s a mix of beauty, fashion, and random miscellaneous items that make me feel great, make my life easier in a way or give me a nice dose of joy. 

Emme Parsons Stretch Boots

When I look back on my outfits from the last several months, chances are that I am wearing these boots in most of the photos (example here and here). I initially got the black, and after a few weeks of wearing them, I had to get the brown. I love the combination of the slimmer square toe with the 3.25” heel height. They remind me a little of the Celine Madame boots I could never get my hands on, but more classic in style. The leather is soft and buttery, and considering the heel height, they are very comfortable. They’re also incredibly well-made. I’m very hard on my shoes, especially with the amount of walking that I do. Typically, I’d already be at my shoe-repair man, asking him to fix my heels and spruce my shoes and boots up, but not with these. They are still in impeccable shape, which truly is astounding. They run true to size.

Naghedi St Barths Large Tote

Whether I’m on a beach vacation or traveling into the city, my Naghedi tote gets so much wear. It’s durable, lightweight, fits the world and is aesthetically pleasing.

Jenni Kayne Saturday Suit

The Varley Double Soft set was one of my favorite discoveries of 2022. This year, it’s the Saturday sweatshirt paired with the sweatpants from Jenni Kayne. After having it on my “to try list” for quite some time, I ended up ordering the oatmeal color, and I have the grey on my current wishlist. When I’m home, it’s what I want to wear. It’s soft, feels so nice on the body, and washes very well. I wear a size M, and it’s nice and roomy but not in a crazy oversized way. PS: If you ever want to splurge on anything from Jenni Kayne, my code HELENA15 gets you 15% off any purchase.

Jenni Kayne Cotton Fisherman Sweater 

It’s kind of annoying to add this sweater because A) it’s pricey and B) it’s currently sold out in a lot of colors (I really want the sold out navy), but it wouldn’t be fair to not include. It’s the sweater, in black, I’ve been reaching the most for and admittedly, the quality is significantly better and more luxe looking than my sweaters from Everlane, H&M & J.Crew. Obviously, that’s what you’d hope for the price, but sadly, not always the case. I wear a size M.

Sézane Brut Denim

I know I’m not the only one that goes through phases of being so fixated on one particular item, and in my case, it’s these Sézane jeans. I was trying to pinpoint what I love about them so much, and I think it’s the fact that they remind me of an updated 90s style. Not too skinny, not too wide, and a great shade of medium blue. I can picture Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy or even Princess Diana wearing them. Sizing: they run very small. I sized up two sizes.

Pictured here are a few of my favorites. The Erborian CC Creme, the forever favorite P50, Heaven Maven earrings that I’ve been wearing more than any others, and my beloved brushes: the Yves Durif and the Mason Pearson. 

Erborian CC Creme

If I were to pick a 2023 MVP in the beauty department, it would be the Erborian CC Creme. It’s what I wear most days when I need SPF paired with a light dose of color that also tones down redness. I use the color Clair. 

U BEAUTY The Return Eye Concentrate

Last year, my MVP in beauty was the U Beauty Super Hydrator, one of my all-time favorite beauty products. This year, it’s the U Beauty Return Eye Concentrate. It’s my favorite eye cream for hydrating, whether under makeup or on its own. On the topic of U Beauty, I adore The Super Tinted Hydrator and love using it when I want an insane dewy finish without the SPF. PS: My code HELENA gets you 20% off if you’re a first-time buyer, but occasionally (usually around Black Friday and the holidays), it also works for returning costumers. 

Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liners.

Possibly the best pencil liner that I’ve ever tried. The formula is silky, the colors are rich and pigmented, and it applies and lasts like a dream. It works beautifully in the water line or on the lid. 

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer

This was a purchase completely influenced by all of the internet. Initially, I was underwhelmed with this product, not fully understanding its point. It’s not a blush or a bronzer, but the more I used it, the more I started to love it. Some days, I use it instead of bronzer; some days, I use it in addition to bronzer. Now, I’ve hit the bottom of the palette, and I will most definitely repurchase. As the name suggests, it brightens and wakes up the entire complexion and enhances the skin in a pretty way.

OUAI Detox Shampoo

I recently finished my first full bottle, and another one has already been purchased. I use it about once every week to ten days, especially after I oil my scalp, and it does the best job at getting all the grime out. One thing to note: I only use it on my scalp, not the rest of my hair. Otherwise, it can be drying, especially if your hair is color-treated. I follow it up with a second shampoo (not the OUAI Detox) and conditioner.

Agent Nateur Lash Serum

While this serum won’t give you the quickest or longest lash results, it is a lash serum I feel good about using. The ingredients are very clean, something I’m not typically super crazy about, but when it comes to the eye area, we should be. There is zero irritation, and my lashes are definitely longer and more lush after using an entire tube. I’ve recently repurchased a second tube.

Le Labo ANOTHER 13

Technically, this wasn’t a purchase but a Christmas gift, but one on my list. It’s become my go-to fragrance (I had a sample before receiving the whole bottle) for that clean pheromone rush. Clean, citrusy, a little piney. From their site: “It’s composed of ambroxyde, a synthetic animal musk, making ANOTHER 13 an addictive dirty potion blended with other carefully selected ingredients such as jasmine and moss – which give it spike and shine.” 

Earlybird Gummies

Dare I say these have been my MVP of 2023? I’ve tried many gummies before, but what’s great about these is that each gummy contains both THC (2.5mg) and CBD (12.5mg). It’s not a lot, but it’s enough. It depends on the time of day and what else I’m doing, but they’re mild enough that I don’t feel compelled to give you guys a “proceed with caution” warning. I don’t find them too strong, but if you decide to try them, start out with half first and see how you feel and go from there. They’ve been compared to a hug for the nervous system and I fully agree with that description.

They really chill me out, but never in a sleepy/groggy way. There’s no weird gummy hangover.

I don’t really have a favorite flavor. I like them all but I should warn (especially after my best friend texted me how she didn’t enjoy the flavor), that they don’t taste like candy, but like THC mixed with candy. It never bothered me, but just a heads up!

Magnesium Supplements:

Earlier this year, after chatting with my doctor and reading several articles about the benefits of magnesium, I started incorporating these into my nightly routine. Let me tell you guys, they have been a game changer. I’ve been sleeping better; I feel less hormonal and, overall, generally more patient. At one point, I ran out, stopped taking them for a month, and noticed a significant difference. Do a quick Google search and read the reviews if you’re skeptical.

Hulken Rolling Tote

Where has this tote been my entire life? Also, one of those “Why didn’t I think of this?” products. Their slogan is “schlepping made easy,” – they’re not kidding. I’m a big schlepper, between lugging boxes to the post office, frequent grocery shopping without a car, and bringing miscellaneous things to our studio when we have a project to shoot. These totes have been a godsend in every sense of the way. They’re easy to use and very durable. I own the medium and large, and they both come in handy, but if I were to pick one, I’d go with the larger of the two. Even if you don’t live in a walking city, these would be handy for airport travel, especially with little ones.

NextMug Self Heating Coffee Mug

I purchased this mug as a gift for Keith, but unfortunately for him, I claimed it as my own. Initially, I had my mind set on the more popular Ember mug, but after reading through dozens of reviews, I found that this one had slightly better reviews and was lower in price. Now, I wonder how I ever lived without it. To have the ability to drink my coffee hot (or piping, as per the settings) is such a beautiful little luxury that I love so much.

Flameless LED Tea Light Candles

One of my more random Amazon buys that’s become one of my favorites. I use these lights whenever I’m hosting or want to add a little (fireless) ambiance to the dining room table. They’re just so pretty! I add them to mercury glass votives or these glass ones.

Pique Electrolytes

I’m a huge fan of these electrolytes from Pique. We see a lot of the brand on social media, but from someone who has never partnered with them, I’m just genuinely a fan. I like a lot of their products, but it’s these electrolytes that have recently made me get a reoccurring monthly subscription.

The description says that the ingredients, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid and minerals help contribute to healthier, dewier skin from within. While I’m not entirely sure if that’s 100% accurate, I really love how adding a packet to my water makes me feel. I feel more hydrated, Less headache-y and yes, I do feel like my skin benefits as a result. It also makes the water taste so refreshing and delicious.

LMNT Electrolytes

In the same vein as the Pique Electrolytes, these have been a game changer in my water drinking routine. I first heard about LMNT on various podcasts that I listened to, and curiosity got the best of me. Now, I don’t want to be without them. Their entire science-backed-concept is that our body needs more salt, with none of the other garbage, for many reasons. I’ve noticed I feel less foggy and get way fewer headaches. Technically, you can add a pinch of (good) salt to your water, but I enjoy these.

Japanese Knife

Melissa, of Baked by Melissa cupcakes, is one of my favorite follows on TikTok. She cooks and prepares many recipes (unrelated to cupcakes), many of which have her chopping using a particular Japanese knife. The exact knife she uses is now sold out, but this one is very similar and my recent favorite kitchen tool. It feels great in the hand and is wonderfully sharp, making chopping significantly easier and more enjoyable.

 

Weekend Notes: December 9th.

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is two weeks away. How? What is time? I wish I had more parties and celebrations to attend, but that’s just me. I’m the type of person who loves to have a lot of festive plans, especially if it involves the holidays, the people I love, and potentially having an excuse to dress up.

How sweet are these earrings?

On the topic of earrings, I’ve also been wearing several pairs from Heaven Mayhem including these and these. 

Holiday hair inspo! Here’s a great bow to achieve the same look. I love the idea of pairing this style with something a bit edgier to balance out the sweetness, at least for me personally.

This article is from 2021, but still relevant: 9 Celebrities and their all-time favorite perfumes. 

Levi’s is having a massive 40% off site-wide sale. These are one of my all-time favorite pairs of jeans.I find they run true to size. I also own this jacket and personally, I find the site images do neither justice. You can see the entire look here. 

30 ways to romanticize your life this winter. 

Tales of the ‘Nutcracker’ kids.

If you’re in need of children gift ideas, I shared Nate and Sasha’s wish lists.

How to manage uncomfortable questions at family gatherings this holiday season.

My Weekend Five (from my substack) includes my favorite socks, eyeliner, a schlepping tote and the best jarred-sauce we’ve tried.

I’ve been wearing this brown leather jacket a lot (if weather allows). It reminds me so much of a leather jacket my father used to wear, giving off  the best vintage vibes. It’s meant to be sightly oversized and I got a medium. I’m wearing it here. 

These zodiac signs are the best at reading people.

How to clean your coffee maker for a better morning cup of caffeine.

What if Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be?

An eye-opening read on how childhood independence is a mental-health issue. 

An old read, but relevant for anyone undergoing home renovations currently.

A sweet reminder that it’s never too late to finish what you started.

Great winter getaways from NYC for families.