Weekend reading list: 6.13.25
The serum that has leveled up my skincare routine + a chic, casual look I wore to dinner and drinks last week!
Thank you to Eighth Day for sponsoring a segment of today’s newsletter!
SKINCARE
As some of you may know, I’m turning 38 next month! It’s not exactly a milestone birthday, and I’m not particularly thrilled about getting closer to the big 4-0… it’s not the number that bothers me, more the prospect of aging itself. I know, I know - it’s natural and happens to every living thing. But that doesn’t mean I enjoy seeing the effect it has on my face (and if we’re being honest, my neck)! Over the last couple of years I’ve really started to notice changes in the elasticity and laxity of my skin, and I’ve seriously upped my game in trying to tackle these issues. The days of me only using a makeup wipe are long gone! I have a solid morning and nighttime skincare routine, albeit a simple and straightforward one. I was recently introduced to Eighth Day’s Regenerative Serum and can confidently say it is the new star of my skincare regimen!
Eighth Day was founded by Dr. Antony Nakhla, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, scientist and innovator, and was inspired by what he observed working first-hand with over 10,000 patients. The Regenerative Serum is a patented formula that addresses 10 visible signs of skin aging in one simple step - and THAT is a product I can get behind! Less is more is always my motto. It features Peptide-rich Plasma composed of 24 bioidentical peptides, amino acids and growth factors that mimic the skin’s own ability to renew, restore and regenerate. It’s been frequently cited as an industry favorite and sold out three times within the first two months of launching exclusively on Violet Grey!
Dr. Nakhla recently launched the Regenerative Serum in a luxurious new 100mL size for true skincare connoisseurs - the larger bottle gives you a 20+ week supply! I was lucky enough to get my hands on it and have been using it over the last couple of weeks - I swear my skin has never looked better. I’m not someone who tries new products out all that often, mostly because I rarely see major changes after swapping to something new… but this serum is different. The formula is gentle and is a pleasure to apply - it glides right onto your skin and absorbs fairly quickly, while leaving a dewy finish. No oily residue, and it doesn’t feel like it evaporates into thin air like many serums on the market! After only a few weeks I can already see improvements in the tone and texture of my skin. It feels tighter, brighter and more smooth + clear than it’s been in months! If you’re looking to seriously upgrade your skincare routine, get your hands on this serum.
NYC
Consider this list of the 100 best restaurants in NYC my summer project! There’s truly no shortage of dining options here — it’s one of the top reasons I love being in New York — but I’m always on the hunt for what’s new, buzzy, and delicious! I took a look through the list and quickly spotted a few favorites (like Raf’s and Via Carota) and new-to-me spots (like Shukette which I chatted about in last week’s catch-up) plus a ton of places that caught my attention. I’m adding Houseman, Raku and Thai Diner to my list!
PODCAST
Call Her Daddy has never really been in my podcast rotation, but I will say I’ve followed more closely over the past few years as Alex Cooper has made big business moves! I probably won’t watch her new two-part documentary series in full, but I was interested to read more about what’s revealed in Call Her Alex! I had no idea she was a Division 1 soccer player at Boston University, and sadly she shares some very disturbing sexual harassment allegations against her former coach. She also touches on her friendship with her former co-host, her childhood, and even shares some unseen footage from her wedding! Whether you’re a fan or not, you have to admit she’s built a very impressive (and lucrative) media empire.
SHOPPING: BUDGET BUYS
This matching floral print vest and pants remind me of a set I wore on repeat last summer!
I’ve really been impressed by Zara lately — this poplin dress, this chic mini, these colorful earrings, and this adorable striped bag all caught my eye.
I think these brown sandals look way more expensive than $70!
A simple tank (with the cutest bow detailing) to pair with denim.
This would be fun for a bridal moment!
A chic black sandal under $100!
Really loving the color of this linen maxi.
If you like the skinny sunglasses look, these look like a good place to start!
A simple kitten heel that comes in a ton of colors.
The little black dress I’ll be wearing on repeat this summer!
The shape of these sunglasses is so good!
If you’re looking for a minimalist woven crossbody, this is interesting.
INDUSTRY
I thought this was a really interesting piece on influencer brands and the double edged sword of having someone with a following as the face of your company! It points to Swedish influencer Matilda Djerf’s brand Djerf Avenue and her alleged mistreatment of employees as a cautionary tale — when people turn on an influencer, it can also compromise the brand! Contrast that with a brand like The Row. While it was founded by the Olsen twins, The Row doesn’t center them as part of the brand’s identity. Influencing has changed drastically in the past decade, and while there are huge benefits to a following it can actually be a real liability if you’re not careful! Such interesting insight.
FASHION
Talk about a powerhouse trio! Kaia Gerber is starring in Sarah Burton’s first campaign for Givenchy, directed by Babygirl director Halina Reijn! Sarah Burton presented her debut collection for Givenchy earlier this year, so this really is an exciting time as her vision for the famed fashion house takes shape! You can see more of the campaign here which celebrates the female gaze (love) and how creative women collaborate. Of course, Kaia is absolutely stunning and Sarah Burton’s designs are equally as gorgeous!
LATE BLOOMER
Summer is just starting to poke its head out here in New York City! It’s been a very wet and fairly chilly start to the season, and while most people here have been complaining about it, I’m just happy it’s not 100 degrees already like it is back in Texas. Before I left Austin for New York at the beginning of May, it was already getting too hot in the morning to walk my dog! So to say I’m thrilled it’s been in the 60s on our morning strolls here is an understatement. If I were going to the Hamptons to frolick on the beach or by a pool I might have a different opinion, but as a city dweller this summer I’m just glad I’m not sweating! I’m sure my opinion will change once I’m officially here full time and experiencing the entire winter season, but for now, I don’t mind New York being a late bloomer.
I love being able to wear jeans in the summer – that is not something I can do comfortably very often in the south! This is the latest pair to grace my closet and I’m digging the ultra bleached wash and cool, curved leg. The fit is slouchy but not actually baggy – I know oversized, loose jeans are having a moment, but it’s just not for me! I prefer a more polished approach, and I feel like these jeans strike the perfect balance of being on trend and relaxed, while maintaining a chic, streamlined look. I ended up wearing this look to happy hour + an early dinner with a friend at Dante in the West Village just last week! It is a little nuts how many barrel leg looks I have now, but I truly can’t get enough of them. Who knew?!
Back to the blog post title, I also feel a bit like a late bloomer. I sort of can’t believe I’ll be turning 38 next month and am finally making the full time move to New York this year! Part of me wishes I’d figured it all out sooner – I feel like I spent too long sitting in my boredom and unhappiness instead of making a change. But it happened the way it was meant to, I suppose! I’m just glad I made it here at all. My world has opened up so much since I started splitting my time, and I can’t wait to fully immerse myself in city life! We’ve all heard the phrase “bloom where you’re planted”, and while I think it’s certainly important to try, it doesn’t always work and may not be the best advice for everyone. If you have the opportunity and means to make a bigger change (like moving to a new city or changing up your career), take it! Life is short – don’t waste a minute of it if you think you’d be happier doing something or living somewhere else! I’m so glad I took the leap.
SHOP THE POST
BLAZER // SIMILAR TANK // JEANS (ALSO AVAILABLE HERE & HERE) // BAG // FLATS // SUNGLASSES // EARRINGS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE MCREYNOLDS
What size did you take in the light wash Agolde?
Is the Zara poplin dress the correct link? Looks like pants from mango. But maybe that’s an error on my end?