Hi Valentines!!! I’m back from South Africa with WAYYYY too many good recs in the backlog for you, so today we’re starting strong with a list of the things that I’m no longer leaving town without, plus a few sales that I’m perusing now that our January shopping embargoes are over! Consider this my version of flowers and chocolates just for you!
ZOFRAN. TG for miracle drugs and doctor friends who pack mini pharmacies in their suitcases because I sure as hell was not doing that before. Consider my lesson LEARNED.
The Trtl Neck Pillow. If you buy one thing from today’s newsletter, let it be this neck pillow—it is a revelation! It’s basically a super supportive headrest covered in the softest fleecy material that lets you lean your head without overextending your neck. This is probably the first time I’ve gotten decent sleep on the plane without any of the usual aches that follow. Order it now so it’s ready to go before your next flight!
I wanted something retinol-free with all the sun, so I switched to this $30ish moisturizer. Best skin days of my life??? I stopped wearing makeup halfway through the trip and didn’t think twice! I originally bought it as a travel moisturizer, but it’s getting bumped up into the regular rotation!
Camp Snap. This is basically an upgraded disposable camera that you can connect to your phone or computer to download the pictures and reuse. It’s easy to set up, fun to break out, and I’m contemplating bringing it out with me everywhere like it’s 2009 again?? Shoutout to my friend Dana’s bachelorette crew for showing it to me!
UBeauty Super Body Hydrator. This stuff is INSANE in the best way. I put it on my arms, legs, and collarbone area before events when I want to glow without any shimmer, and it truly makes me feel like a supermodel. Unlike most body lotions, it keeps your skin visibly hydrated and glowy for hours, but without any of the greasiness that you’d get from body oils/heavier creams that do the same. If it were less pricey, I’d use it all the time, but for now I save it for special occasions and times I really want to look my best. I’d go for this set if you want a more travel/budget-friendly size. (PRIYANKA20 always gets you a discount on UBeauty!)
I’ve mentioned these swimsuits before, but they are my ride or dies and always get me compliments (my most used ones are the classic black and a fun metallic-y green version). They’re easy, comfortable, and so much more flattering than most other versions out there.
These Ruti travel pants were an MVP for flights and safari! They’re super lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and feel like loungewear, but have a flattering horseshoe fit that reminds me of Nili Lotan. They’re obviously great for travel, but I’d wear them at home too (and they’re 15% off at the moment).
Does the Trask Travel Brush clean as well as my beloved Oral B? Not quite, but it’s very aesthetically pleasing, takes up much less space than the electric ones, and the cover doubles as a stand to prop it up off the bathroom countertop (it’s also 15% off at the moment!).
This passport cover from Forté Atelier continues to be one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever owned—highly recommend if you’re looking for something nice to gift/ask for/treat yourself to in the near future!
If you find yourself traveling to an Airbnb, do yourself a favor and bring this Fatty Stick along. They almost never have good toiletries, and this will save you when you’re in need of a body moisturizer (it also lasts so much longer than the travel-sized versions that are gone after a single shower or two).
And now for the sales!
J.Crew: After months of eyeing them, I finally bit the bullet and ordered myself both the oversized cashmere wrap (in heather dove) and the cashmere poncho (in black). I’m telling myself that I’ll only keep one, but I have a feeling that will be a tough call... If you haven’t already, take the opportunity to peruse their A+ PJ selection (the poplin ones are my favorite), and for the boys, I simply cannot get over the boxers—between the astronauts and Valentine’s-themed Peanuts, there are way too many cute options (all of which I’d steal to sleep in in a heartbeat).
Jenni Kayne: JK is on fire lately and I have way too many things on my wishlist to pass up their 20% off sale. I got this simple cotton cardigan from them over the holidays and wore it all of January and throughout my trip—it’s perfect for travel and less oversized than their typical cocoon silhouette. This oversized v-neck and this cashmere polo are both on my eye (in black of course), and I wish this cable knit hadn’t sold out so quickly, but I’m keeping an eye out for future restocks. Also worth checking out: This linen shorts set (I prefer this fit to the very popular Deiji Studios version), the thickest, Khaite-esque cardigan (perfect with dark denim for winter date nights—it’s WARM), and this sheer polo that I saw Lilly Sisto pair with a lacy bra and haven’t stopped thinking about since.
BlueMercury: 20% off of $200+ is easy to hit when Diptyque, 111Skin, and Tata Harper are on the list (speaking of, this gentle resurfacing mask is so underrated—the more intense stuff tends to irritate my skin, but this has become a weekly staple). The discount doesn’t apply to my beloved Victoria Beckham Beauty (I’ve been wearing the lip tint over every liner in my collection since December), but it still counts towards your order total, so you can save on everything else!
Other things I’m loving lately: Does this Valentine’s Day have a distinctly flirty vibe to anyone else??? I’m into it! Still Here killed it with these simple sweatshirts—I have the navy in XS and love it with jeans or loungey pants. The Nood Nipple Covers stayed SO sticky and secure in the hottest of South African temps (PRIYANKA10 gets you a discount). I feel like I’ve cracked the code on at-home blowouts lately (full newsletter coming soon!), and this spray is a key ingredient. I feel 93% confident saying Hani’s makes the best chocolate chip cookie in NYC.
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Didn't think I needed a passport cover, but that one is so fancy x