What's Moving Me Lately: Two
a.k.a "TT's Top Three", a.k.a "a favorites round-up"
When reflecting on today's newsletter, I was reminded of my Instagram series titled TT's Top Three and how fondly I remember the process of culling favorites. Recognizing we may be long overdue for a lighter read, today I present the second installment of What's Moving Me Lately (be sure to check out the first edition here). Let's dive in!
Fashion
Vintage Designer (mostly Prada): My love of the RealReal has only intensified since our last favorites round-up, as I've learned more about special pieces from the early aughts and plunged deep into the double-digit pages for items I dream of adding to my collection. So far, it's all about the shoes. You already know I've acquired two pairs of vintage Pradas, but since then, have added a pair of vintage Dior's as a treat to myself for my thirtieth birthday. I can't quite name what it is, but there is a twinge of additional satisfaction when you score a vintage piece you adore from a designer you admire (especially at a price that feels what I can only d describe as a mild case of highway robbery).
are you wearing that? by Subrina Heyink: I've been learning so much about vintage and personal style from Subrina Heyink's Substack, are you wearing that? I've followed Subrina on Instagram for years, and have loved the way she's evolved her career and transmuted her knowledge to this platform. I genuinely light up with excitement when I see an email from her in my inbox. The subscription is $14/month, and worth every penny.
Cashmere: In addition to scrolling TRR for special finds, it should come as no surprise I've also been frequenting the thrift store. What feels particularly decadent and fun is scoring great cashmere pieces. Sam always makes fun of how I geek out over fabrics, but similar to vintage designer, there's just something about finding something luxurious for less. So far, I've scored one green turtleneck, one electric blue long-sleeve sweater, and one perfect sweater vest. If I was conservatively guessing, I would say I've found them all for under $25 combined. It makes me particularly excited to start styling pieces for fall.
Loleia Swim: I know for most of us, summer is over, and not even two sentences ago, I was discussing sweaters and fall styling. However, I had to provide an update on my previous What's Moving Me Lately newsletter where I mentioned I was trying out a few different swim brands. And, did I try out a few different swim brands! Throughout the summer, I purchased suits from Heavy Manners, Sommer Swim, and Loleia to compare cuts, quality, prints, price, and more. My favorite, hands-down, no contest is Loleia. I wore the designs in excess in Mallorca and found myself reaching for them whenever I could. The prints are incredibly cute, the price is extremely reasonable for what you receive, and I love that it's owned by a woman of color. I'm sure as we enter into a new season, Loleia will be doing some great end-of-season sales (although she is located in Australia, so who knows). If so, this is your time to snag a few as inspiration for next summer!
Siegelman Stable: I have to give all credit to Sam for this one because admittedly he's far more stylish and ahead-of-the-trends than I am. Six-ish months ago, he ordered a trucker hat from Sieglman Stable. At first (like most brands Sam introduces me to), I didn't get the hype. Then he told me Kendall Jenner wears the brand, and I was sold, hehe. I've been wearing the hats to pieces. We now have two collectively, but he makes it a point to remind me we can't wear them at the same time, lest we match. Because heaven forbid you would match your wife!
Beauty
Etat Libre d'Orange: This is a niche fragrance line I've been wanting to try since I first heard The Perfume Guy speak about Fat Electrician. (Side bar: If you aren't watching The Perfume Guy and you love fragrance, you must! He is SO informative.) We were lucky enough to have the brand participate in WITHIN's summer gifting by offering bottles of "The Ghost in the Shell". It is the most harmonious, lovely balance of warm and fresh, floral and grounded, and truly unlike anything I've ever experienced. It is so. good.
Dial Soap: Okay, hear me out! I recently watched a TikTok where this woman (with flawless skin, might I add) mentioned a doctor recommended she wash her face with Dial soap. Not averse to trying anything once, I shuffled on out to Walgreens to pick up a $2 bottle. I've been using it for over a week now and have actually noticed a dramatic decrease in breakouts. It isn't drying, and at such a reasonable price point, it is by far the most economic "cleanser" I've ever purchased. I'll keep you posted on how it plays out as I give it more time, but so far, I might just call myself a believer.
Huppy Toothpaste Tabs: Recently, I started taking my oral health more seriously by incorporating steps like tongue-scraping and making the conscious decision to move toward a more natural toothpaste. While at the Good Fill, I was given some samples of the Huppy Toothpaste Tabs. You pop one in your mouth, chew it a bit, and then brush as normal with a damp toothbrush. The tabs create this really satisfying foam and honestly, leave my mouth feeling more clean (and my teeth more white) than traditional paste. My only reservation (which is personal to me) is that they have a really strong mint flavor derived from peppermint essential oils and because I have a sensitivity, I don't think I can use them all the time. But if you're not sensitive to essential oils, I 10/10 recommend.
Lifestyle
Alison Roman's Cookbooks: As I've been enjoying the act of immersing myself in of cooking, I've been most pulled toward Dining In and Nothing Fancy as my main resources for recipes and tips. If I'm honest, there hasn't been a recipe I haven't loved, but a couple I'm partial to include: Pot of Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Chorizo Bread Crumbs and the Salted Butter and Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies (which are hands-down my favorite chocolate chip cookies of all time). I love everything Alison does and have seriously considered subscribing to her Substack a newsletter, but decided I should make my way through more of the recipes in her cookbooks before committing.
Interval Running (1-2-30 Method): I went for a run in Geneva with Sam and my uncle who has previously competed in triathlons. Going into it, I felt confident, excited to show off my newly acquired skill even, as I had been jogging consistently for a few months. By mile two, it was very apparent that my pace was neither impressive, nor enough to keep up. So coming back to my routine in States, I felt a bit deflated. In the spirit of making running work for me and the way I like to move my body, I tried Gracie’s 1-2-30 method, and loved it. I run (about) the same pace as I did before, but it feels much more aligned with what works for my body.
Entertainment
If We Were Villains by M.L Rio: I'm only 50 pages in, and already devouring this novel. The story opens with a murder at the start of a new school year at a prestigious art university, so it feels perfect for this transition into colder weather. I'm not typically one to gravitate towards thrillers, but it has this really beautiful balance between art and mystery. Side note: I wanted to update you I finished A Gentleman in Moscow and would 10/10 recommend. It was absolutely dazzling and a novel I’ve continued to think about weeks after closing the final page!
I've always desired for this to be a space of conversation, not long-winded speeches. In the comments, do tell: what's been moving you lately?
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