Hi, February. How much do I love this photo of Karen Elson and her daughter? Generational beauty at its best. I love both of these looks so much. You can’t go wrong with the classics, and this image proves that good basics are anything but. The moral of the story? Make sure you have a classic grey sweatshirt, baggy jeans, and a slip-dress. Boy meets girl has always rocked my world, and that combination holds endless appeal.
But alas, I have much on my mind this month so let’s get to it.
First, I binged all three seasons of Emily in Paris in about two seconds, and wow, is that a show one loves to hate or what? As a dear friend whispered over lunch the other day when speaking about Emily, “she’s not a good person.” C’est vrai. And neither is her fashion. On that topic, I think her attempts at French chic are perfectly vulgar, over the top, and utterly American in their interpretation, which is brilliant if Pat Field was in on the joke. Because when you look at the actual French people on the show, they all look fantastic. Everybody else? Not so much. Except for Alfie, the Brit. I’m all about Alfie and his suiting and that smile. Spot on.
Also, the French stereotyping? C’est bananes. Same old France. Creepy men. Pissy women. Sex-crazed everyone. So silly. For me, boss lady Sylvie steals the show. She’s fabulous, non? One last note on this silly show. Have you ever noticed that Darren Starr heroines, a la Carrie and Emily, never speak of or talk to their families? Do they have any? I think Emily mentioned her grandmother once, but maybe Monsieur Starr only likes the women he protagonizes to be completely free from the past and that friends are more like family? Just a thought.
Besides hate watching a cringy show about Paris, shortcuts may very well be the most significant trend of 2023, besides all these awful layoffs. Let’s call it hack-attack culture. From going on Ozempic to lose weight fast without any discipline required to Shakespearean robots who will write your masterpiece with a few bits of input from you, it’s all about that EZ Pass. I’m not judging; I’m observing. Seems very aligned with our ever-shrinking attention spans.
And here’s something.
With all of these awful layoffs being done in the manner of a modern guillotine assassination (locked out of email is a hell of a way to find out you no longer are employed), I can’t help but feel that we mature types are in better shape in the workplace than all of the young ones. We have been through it many times, and our armor (and Gen X apathy) helps in times like these. I have faith I will always land on my feet no matter what, and though my age group is struggling too, there’s an empowering moment in midlife where trust takes over, and fear dissipates when it comes to working. As someone who has been a consultant forever, I know how to ride these waves. I feel for the new kids on the block, and I say that sincerely. Navigating this murk is no picnic. Strap yourselves in, kiddos.
Enough of all that. Here are ten things to love during this romantic month.
Fall in love with a floral fragrance. As many of you know, the fragrance is one of my love languages. And since I tend to dress a bit more masculine in the winter, I like to balance that toughness with something pretty and feminine. Sana Jardin’s Jaipur Chant is that scent. This beautiful, heady tuberose, this scent forced my Uber driver to pull over and write the name down so he could buy it for his girl for Valentine’s. Day. It wasn’t the first time, ps. Uber drivers are forever asking me what I’m wearing scent-wise. I’m fun like that.
Worship the whole Row Fall 2023 show. If you’re a dedicated follower of fashion and over a certain age, you’re no doubt scratching your highlights over the recent couture shows, particularly Schiaparelli and Viktor & Rolf. More costume than couture (I can’t unsee those animal heads), I don’t get it. But the Row? Oh, I get it. I get it. And I want it all.
Pick up a peppy serum. Skincare hack alert. I was lucky enough to preview the new Paula’s Choice peptide serum launch, and it’s all that and more. I’m loving it, and if you don’t have a peptide product in your routine, you must add it. This booster goes on right after you cleanse and before your other serums and moisturizer (the rule is to go from light to heavy textures). Peptides help to firm the look of skin while making it more resilient and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. I love the instantly absorbing texture and the targeted ability to accelerate results when added to any skincare routine.
Crush on a creamy shadow. I can’t wear powdery shadows these days. I’m prone to styes and the particles irritate my eyes, mainly if there is any sparkle in them. So I’m sticking to creamy blends and though I’m open to suggestions on the best ones in the game, I like these stick shadows formulated for sensitive eyes from ophthalmologist-founded brand Twenty-Twenty.
Lust for a liquid liner. For the same reason as above, eye pencils are out, and liquid liners are in. I dig this waterproof one from Benefit whose precision tip allows for a close-to-the-lash line finish that doesn’t look too harsh. I’ll do brown for something more subtle and black for a bit of drama.
Flirt with a Valentine's vibe. I have a love/hate for red lipstick (too harsh on me sometimes), but this Ruby Boo from MAC has my heart. It’s the perfect blue-red and lasts a long time without drying out and it moisturizes your lips for hours. Gorgeous.
Perk up the bedroom with a printed sheet. Why not give your bedding a boost with a print? I love this classic look here, and Anthropologie has some fabulous printed sheets for every taste and budget. And this brand of mix-and-match sheeting is so so good for your boho boudoir vibes and also good for your wallet. A guaranteed Winter pick me up. I n anded one. You probably do, too.
Celebrate with a sexy new dinner spot. My friend took me to dinner at the bar (no reservations to be had) at the fabulous new Torrisi from one of the Carbone guys. You can snag a spot at the bar if you get there at five sharp. It’s everything good about a NY restaurant- stylish, excellent service, fab music, and fantastic food. Don’t miss the chopped liver. Trust me.
Sport a sweatpant to slip into after said dinner. Screw lingerie. Nothing says I love you with confidence like an elastic waistband. I found these in the men’s section at Foot Locker at the American Dream Mall, and I love them so much. Just the right amount of slouch. I’ve been rocking them with an oversized knit sweater and some boots, and they look chic as shit.
Find your groove with a new favorite workout. If you like to dance and haven’t checked out the virtual hub over at Forward Space, you must. Inspiring. Great music. And for me, dancing doesn’t feel like a workout, which is critical to making me want to exercise—pure joy. Plus, if you’re single at this time of year, make like Miley and dance around your house solo. And yes, buy the damn flowers.
And for something extra, I’m looking forward to reading Rick Rubin’s new book on creativity. One of the best in the game. Must read. Plus, I just picked up Bret Easton Ellis’s new book, and I can’t wait. to get lost in his preppy perverse world. Delicious.
And last but far from least, this month marks 20 years married to my fantastic husband. More on that mid-month, but I am one lucky girl.
Ain’t love grand? XO
February Feels
The mother daughter duo is so relatable / me in the baggy denim, my twin tween daughters more and more polished as time moves forward. Great list (note to self on the benefit liquid liner - my pencils seem to smudge everywhere these days).