Fancies and Fascinations - July

The concept of favorites has always been foreign to me. There’s a permanence to the notion I shy away from. If I love a color or food as a “favorite,” then I wouldn’t have room to consider new things and the delight newness brings. What a limit to one’s universal abundance. No, I decide what I like and when, and choice must be as interchangeable as life itself. I’ve decided to create an anti-favorites list to document my recent obsessions. Here are my fancies and fascinations for July:

Chrome / Silver - I’ve always been drawn more to sterling silver than gold, though as neutral toned, both have their time to shine. And yet, there’s something special about the glimmer in silver. It’s an elevated neutral, a dulled gray, enlivened with glitter, that piques interest. I think we forget metallics can rest in the realm of neutrals, yet add a simple, elegant touch without overwhelming the eye.
I’m predicting this will be a floating trend this autumn into winter. Not to mention, with our society pressing women into our Joan of Arc era, this is the perfect color to usher in the dawn. So let's lean in, shall we?

LBV Silver PARACHUTE CORSET

This corset, especially, drew me in.

It Will Start With A Feeling by Halleta Alemu - A bit of a chance encounter finding this book and meeting this author. I was on a mid-day walk in Los Angeles and was drawn to what looked like a flea market bridged over the sidewalk. After looking at some gemstone rings from a woman across, I spotted Halleta, a completely familiar stranger, selling her book in a booth, with just a simple “POETRY” sign dangling from the table. I was instantly drawn to the sincerity of the scene and started talking with Halleta on writing, life, New York, etc., a connecting link on a line of wondrous connections with strangers on my L.A. trip.
The book is half poetry and Diary entries over the span of about a year, and it centers on Halleta’s evocations and discoveries. It’s raw and unending as much as it is frightening and provocative. A Midnight treat.
I’m going to mention the best way to read this book, as prescribed by the author, is a page, a passage, at random each day. It’s the best way to take in the temperaments without getting lost. Take your time. Life’s more satisfying that way.

It Will Start With A Feeling — Buy Halleta's Book Here

Byredo (Slow Dance, EyeShadow Palette in Syren, and Kajal Pencil in Chaandee) -
Slow Dance Eau de Parfum - This smells like marshmallow dreams. It’s most likely the violet and vanilla dancing sweetly on the skin that remind me of first love. Que Slow Jam by Usher and Monica. This perfume has a sweetness of innocence and youth, less sugary sweetness, light and perfect for a slow summer day.
EyeShadow Palette in Syren - This palette is so simple yet striking in subtlety. Iridescent and bold, especially on brown skin. I swatched the shadows in Byredo’s L.A. store, and every color just about popped against my skin. The colors on their own don’t look as intense until worn, but my oh my. The packaging is also impeccable, reminiscent of a pearl.
Kajal Pencil in Chaandee - In alignment with my chrome obsession, I’d like to say this silver eyeliner sings on the lid. The formula is so creamy and glides on the eye with slick ease.

Marni Market Woven Bag - I found the store, Marni, completely at random while visiting T.A. NYC next door. Marni Market is a magical place and so uniquely curated. I was instantly drawn to the woven bags up front. These will be perfect for a mini picnic for one in the park, or a casual day bag to stand out (instead of an ordinary tote). I also bought a woven newspaper/magazine stand for my apartment linked here. I’m told the color ways of each object are never repeated once sold out, so there’s some incentive to choose your favorite color combo once seen. I wish more stores curated special items in such a thoughtful way.

Brasilian Skies Album by Masayoshi Takanaka - This album is a musical masterpiece. Something utterly unexpected to be in my rotation of albums, but beloved nonetheless. The first song, “Beleze Pula,” kicks things off with a punchy Brazilian base that gets your bones shaking. Then the beat mellows out, curving your rhythm with sounds from an 80's style electric keyboard. Cameo’s “Candy” vibes for sure, but it’s also jazzy. The album is a carnival from start to finish. I recommend playing this while cleaning your home, or if you simply want to move, put this on without hesitation. There’s just this perfect nostalgic cheesiness to every song that I adore, like a family trip to Maui in 1984.
& Other Stories’ Taschisme Pepper Scented Candle - There’s something about this candle that smells like home. I don’t mean my apartment home, but my West Indian motherland home in my dreams home. There’s this peppery warmth to the candle, mellow not overpowering. Maybe it’s the milky blend of jasmine with cardamom? Regardless, it’s my go to for the moment, especially to start my writing routine.

Scampi Brunch - The lighting, the architecture, and romantic ambiance reveal this soft, inviting energy about Scampi. It's always been an alluring place to visit in the Flatiron area, and brunch at Scampi is in a league of its own. While visiting in July, I tried the “Scampi soft scramble” and ordered a side of smashed potatoes. When I tell you, everything was cooked to perfection. Eggs - fluffy. Shrimp - buttery. Potatoes - salted and crisped. The drinks are phenomenal, as well. I’m sure the rest of the menu are gems awaiting discovery.

Rainbow Heirloom Tomatoes and Donut Peaches/Nectarines - If there’s anything I’d like to do in the summer, it’s sit in the shade/AC, eat fruits (preferably tropical), and gossip. These are my go to’s for just that. Heirloom tomatoes are so fresh and sensory. The peachy red and green like watermelon or the yellow and orange reminiscent of a sunset on your plate. I get them almost every trip to the farmer’s market each week. The donut peaches are just fun to nibble on due to the shape.

Shea Moisture Men’s Deep Conditioner - I found this bottle at random in a Walgreens and decided to give it a try. My goodness, the slip on this is amazing. I use it as a traditional conditioner, though it is advertised as a “deep conditioner.” It adds moisture and gives my actual deep conditioner less work on wash day. Shea Moisture really gives men’s products the business without the fuss and frills.

Fancies and Fascinations - July

This corset, especially, drew me in.

The book is half poetry and Diary entries over the span of about a year, and it centers on Halleta’s evocations and discoveries. It’s raw and unending as much as it is frightening and provocative. A Midnight treat.