Wardrobe Editor’s Favorite Things
One of the most important skills for a stylist to have is the ability to precisely curate. Being able to find that one perfect thing in a sea of hundreds (thousands?) (millions?) of options.
I do this for my clients every day, but I also apply this discipline to most areas of my own life. And then I evangelize the things I love to anyone who will listen. All of my friends know that when we hang out I will send at least one link of a thing I know they MUST have. I made a TV recommendations list during the pandemic out of this same urge to get the right things in front of the right people, you’re welcome.
So here is a little peek behind the curtain at some of my personal favorites in a variety of categories. Besides, personal styling is a deeply personal process and I want my content to help you to get to know me. How I think, what I like, how I make decisions. Because if it jives with you, you’re going to love working with me. And if it doesn’t, it’s better to know now.
ALSO –
As I’ve been sharing on Instagram lately, I’m a high / low bitch. Always have been, always will be. Not just in style, but in every area of my life – interiors, food, travel, etc. Through a lot of trial and error, I've figured out when to save and when to splurge. It’s important to figure this out for yourself, as spend vs splurge calculations are different for everybody based on your lifestyle, preferences and budget.
BEAUTY // SKINCARE
I have combination-oily, sensitive skin and fine, oily hair, so keep that in mind with these recommendations.
HIGH
7. MERIT Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm, $32
I have used highlighter in the past but not regularly until I found this product and now I cannot live without it. I apply it in a C shape from the tip of my eyebrow to my cheekbone and blend with my fingers. I then apply blush on top. It gives the perfect glow that makes me look like I’m an expert makeup artist, when I very much am not.
8. Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, $170
This is far and away the most expensive thing in my bathroom and it’s 100% worth it. While it took about 4 months to start working, seemingly overnight, BAM! My lashes got 50% longer and have stayed that way. I’ve been using this for 7ish years now. Sadly if you stop using it, the length will go away. I have tried other similar products and they’re just not as good. Plus, each tube lasts about a year so the price isn’t as crazy as it seems.
9. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $52
This is the best smelling product I’ve ever used and to be very honest, that’s a big part of the appeal for me. After styling, I spray a little of this at the roots to add volume. It’s also works as a preemptive dry shampoo. On days I don’t use it, my hair gets oily faster. I don’t use much, 3-4 quick sprays will do it.
10. NARS The Multiple in Orgasm, $39
For me, this is the perfect blush. It’s an orangey pink with gold glow. NARS is known for this color because it works so well on so many skin tones. I’ve tried the powder (not pigmented enough, doesn’t last) and I’ve tried the liquid (way too pigmented, I don’t have the skill to properly apply it). This is the perfect in between, it’s easy to apply and holds pigment all day.
LOW
1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 30ml, $8.90
Feels like water, has no scent and soaks in immediately. This is the first step of my nighttime skincare routine and since I started using it, I no longer get random dry patches. I go through a bottle of this every 2-3 months, so I love this price point.
2. Maelove Sun Protector SPF 30, $24.95
I’ve turned so many friends onto this product. As a pale person with a family history of melanoma, SPF is non-negotiable and this is the best one I’ve ever tried. It doesn’t have that sunscreen-y smell and even though it is creamy and white, it doesn’t leave a white cast if you blend it in well. It’s also a makeup primer so it leaves your skin smooth and very matte.
3. Versed Smooth Landing Advanced Retinoid Eye Balm, $17.99
I’ve spent a lot of money on a lot of eye creams to great disappointment. This product was a really pleasant surprise. It’s a balm, which was weird at first but I got used to it pretty quickly. Within a few months of using it, I noticed my crows feet start to soften. I’ve been using it for about a year and now my crows feet are almost gone. I’m about to finish the first container, so while the price is great, the price per use is insane at about 5¢ / day.
4. Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer, $8.99
I’ve talked about this on Instagram before and I will again. This is THE BEST MOISTURIZER THAT EXISTS. (For my skin at least.) It’s a gel formula that is somehow very thick. It's rich but not gloopy. Absorbs almost instantly. Not to greasy when it’s hot and humid. PLUS, the size is perfect. It feels like a lot but it’s TSA friendly. When I travel, I use it on my body too.
5. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $18.99
I’ve used this product for over a decade. I discovered it when my brother lived in France and I would make him bring it to me whenever he came to the states. Fortunately, they figured out their US distribution right when he moved back so I got lucky.
This is known as a makeup remover and I use it for that daily. I also use it in the morning to take off my skincare from the night before and give my face a fresh start, similar to toner. Some nights if I'm too lazy to wash my face, after taking off my makeup, I’ll do another round with a fresh cotton pad to take off sunscreen and anything else that may have seeped into my pores from the New York City streets. It’s not as good as actually washing my face but it's pretty close.
6. Covergirl Lashblast Mascara Blackest Black, $11.59
I’ve tried every expensive mascara that exists and I always come back to this. The silicone applicator (vs a more standard brush-like applicator) doesn’t get clumpy, the formula is the perfect balance of volumizing and separating. I will say that it’s not a lengthening mascara but I don’t need that because I use a lengthening product.
RELAX
HIGH
1. MALIN+GOETZ Dark Rum Candle, $64
I absolutely love this scent. It’s warm, cozy, sexy and just really is a VIBE. When I started buying this candle, it was $48 but now I'm addicted to it and I'm not going to stop. They do randomly go on sale so I always keep an eye out.
5. Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Throw, $158
If ASMR were a fabric, it would be Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic. It’s SO f*cking soft and there’s nothing else like it. There are plenty of dupes but they just aren’t IT. I’ll warn you that these do get less soft over time, especially when you wash them, so eat on/near them with caution.
This is the most ridiculous thing I own and I absolutely love it. It was a gift and probably not something I would buy for myself but it is really special. It’s heavy, warm and soft. Very soothing. Not recommended for wear while you’re trying to do anything productive. I once wore it while working and fell asleep at my desk.
LOW
2. Threshold designed with Studio McGee Santal & Ginger Candle, $15
Candles are typically an area where I splurge but this was recommended to me so I gave it a shot. WOW is this scent incredible, it smells like a fancy hotel lobby. The three wicks feel luxurious and it lasts forever. I bought my second one before I’d even finished my first one. The label is a little cheap looking, I'm going to try to take it off with some Goo Gone next time.
3. PARLOVABLE Women's Cross Band Slippers Fuzzy Soft House Slippers, $17.59
I get hot easily so open toed slippers are my jam. I can always throw on socks if I’m cold. These are really soft and the padding is thick enough to feel like you’re not walking barefoot. If I am at home, I am wearing them. I’m wearing them as I type this.
4. Slip Silk Contour Sleep Mask, $55
While this isn’t a cheap item to purchase, the cost per wear nets out to be very low because you’ll wear it every night. Sleep masks that squish my eyes make me claustrophobic, not to mention they’re bad for your gentle eye skin.This one has a pillow around your eyes but not on them. The silk is very soft. Comes in a lot of fun colors.
6. Justay 5 Pairs Womens Wool Socks, $14.99
Good, cheap, cozy socks in nice colors.
7. Quince Organic Turkish Waffle Robe, $49.90
I like to air dry a bit after I shower and this is the robe I do that in. It’s not the best quality but at this price point I still think it’s a great buy. Other similar robes are twice the price. It’s very very soft. Runs HUGE - I’m 5’2”, typically a medium in Quince but mine is an XS.
ORGANIZE // CARE
HIGH
1. LG Styler Steam Closet, $899
This is the only thing on here that I don’t actually own but DAMN am I dying for it. If I had the space, I would buy this immediately. If you have a big suburban laundry room, please buy it and let me live vicariously through you.
I would use it similarly to how I use Febreze as described above but it works way better and it only uses water so you don’t need chemicals. Can replace dry cleaning on certain items as well.
LOW
2. Stackers Classic Size Jewelry Box Collection, Price Varies
The best way to store jewelry. I recommend these to all of my clients and have a set myself. They feel lux with the velvet lining but are also extremely utilitarian. You can mix and match different types of storage to build a set that works for your collection.
My only complaint with these is that while they stack nicely, they don’t stick so if you knock it over, they all fall. I’ve thought about adding magnetic strips…if I do, I’ll report back.
3. Amazon Basics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Hangers - Pack of 50, $26.51
Replace all your hangers with these. PERIOD. They’re non-slip, they’re thin, they’re uniform. They aren’t super strong so they’ll break from time to time but they’re so cheap it’s still worth it. For heavier coats, I use 2 hangers together. There are more expensive versions of these but the quality is roughly the same, so stick with the Amazon Basics version.
This dumb little piece of plastic is a boot saver. You put it in your boots so they stand up instead of flopping over. Years of flopping will weaken the leather at the ankle and cause it to deteriorate both functionally and aesthetically.
5. Febreze Fabric Extra Strength Fabric Refresher, $6.79
I use Febreze almost every day. I am very sensitive to smells and I don't like to put things in my closet that have any sort of smell, including but not limited to coffee shop, outside, other people, fire pit, etc. If they’re not actually dirty but just smell a little, I Febreze, leave it out overnight and by the next morning it’s ready for the closet. If it still smells, that means it actually is dirty and goes in the laundry.
BTW – for those of you who have “the chair” for clothes that aren’t quite dirty and aren’t quite clean, you can eliminate it with my Febreze process.
6. Downy Wrinkle Releaser, $12.59
This is a fine product to have at home but it’s a GREAT product to have when you travel. While it’s not as good as ironing or a steamer, it makes a big difference when things are super wrinkled and you just need them to not be. All you do is smooth out the item and spray it on. Has a subtle fresh smell as well. A nice refresh for clothes that were smashed in a suitcase.
7. Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Eco-Sheets, $12
These are better for the environment for reasons I forget but why I REALLY like these is because they take up so little space. An envelope of these does the same amount of laundry as a milk jug of regular detergent pods. They also do auto-replenish and donate a few bucks to charity with every purchase.
8. HOMEASY Fabric Shaver Fuzz Remover, $32.99
If you own any garments that are pilling or otherwise have fuzz on them (likely you do), buy this immediately. It’s so easy to use, it almost feels like magic. The battery lasts a LONG time and it comes with replacement blades. It’s pretty easy to clean and even comes with a little brush and lint roller hidden in the handle. Delightful product all around.
GAME CHANGERS
A few extras that didn’t fit into any category but changed my life and must be shared.
Aluan Handheld Mini Fan, $9.48
I’m a sweaty girl. When it’s hot out, this fan lives in my bag and saves my life. At first I was nervous about looking stupid but honestly, most of the attention I get is people saying “you’re a genius,” giving me a thumbs up or asking for the link. It is a little flimsy so I keep it in a jewelry pouch to protect it.
I’ve been running my business and my life using TeuxDeux since 2013. If this app disappeared, I would not be able to get anything done. It’s a simple, calendar-based to-do list. It has recurring events and when you cross something off, a flying dog or cat comes across your screen as a treat. I know I have single-handedly referred at least a dozen people to this product this year alone and sadly they don’t pay me to do that. I just love the product SO MUCH.
James Clear Atomic Habits, $13.79
I LOVE this book because it has both inspirational themes/stories AND practical, tactical advice you can implement right away. He’s a great combination of insightful, motivational and PRACTICAL AF. If James Clear started a cult, I would 100% join it.
I also get his weekly newsletter which somehow magically shows me quotes and ideas exactly when I need to hear them.
Easiest and prettiest email & audience product out there. It’s SO easy to build beautiful emails (suck it, Mailchimp). BUT ALSO it makes it easy to collect emails with various banners you can use on your website or anywhere else. I was legit flabbergasted when I realized how easy this was. I thought I’d have to pay someone to do that for me and I figured it out in about 20 minutes.
Bonus: Get 50% off your first year with my link.
Where are all the clothes and accessories, you ask??
I left them off of this post for a few reasons:
Most of my personal favorite items are from seasons past and not currently on sale.
I don’t believe that there are staples or must-haves that apply to everyone. Each person’s basics are totally different based on their taste and lifestyle. I know that even if I say these are just my personal staples, some folks out there will think they need them too. (And they probably don’t!)
Can’t a girl have some mystery?
If you have questions about anything on this list, DM me, I would happily wax poetic about any of these items.