Shit I Bought and Liked No. 77: Fall Candles

Shitters!!! 

I am in disbelief and denial that it is October. That might have something to do with it still being hot as hell in Los Angeles, but I saw several September photo dumps on Instagram this past weekend and was genuinely confused until I realized it was already over.

Anyways, since I clearly cannot rely on any semblance of seasons to mark the passing of time here, I am ushering in fall in other sensory ways (read: trying on dozens of pairs of jeans and burning candles nonstop). This is not a jeans haul, but rather the latter. It’s been a MINUTE since I’ve talked about candles here and I have QUITE a few new favorites I haven’t shared yet (Baies is still in my year-round rotation, but we have to branch out a little sometimes!). Whether you buy candles for yourself (to burn or to admire), or like to have some around for gifting purposes (I love keeping a stash on hand for an easy housewarming or birthday present), these are my new go-tos: 

We have visuals now! How exciting!

• Salt & Stone Black Rose Vetiver: Stop whatever you are doing right now and order this candle. While I lack the scent vocabulary to describe exactly why it’s so incredible and unique, it really is. It’s such a sexy fall scent that’s neither too sweet nor too woodsy—I almost want to describe it as juicy (?)... I told you—ZERO scent vocabulary, but it really is great. It works for afternoon into evening and well into the night, and even when it’s not lit, you’ll catch whiffs and wonder what in the world makes it smell THAT good and if you too smell like that too (as of now, the brand doesn’t make personal fragrance, but I can guarantee they will make a killing via me if they ever do). At $39 it’s creeping into splurge territory but you’re worth splurging on!!!! This is one I light when I know someone is coming over and I want my place to smell fucking incredible.

• Tumbleweed & Dandelion Fraser Fir: I have to give the credit to my boyfriend for this find. It’s giving winter wonderland, it’s giving cozy Christmas, it’s giving zero headaches unlike the comparable Y****e Candles. A rare find! This hasn’t QUITE entered the rotation yet (I’m thinking November/December), but it’s waiting patiently on the bookshelf for its big league debut. I think the best thing about this one is that it doesn’t overdo it. The scent is distinct, but it’s not TOO strong, which can be the downfall of most others that are similar.

• Diptyque Narguile: Who knew tobacco and honey were such a good combo? This and Baies (and randomly La Droguerie, but more on that another time) are my all-time favorite candles by Diptyque. This is another cozy candle that smells divine even when it isn’t lit, and if you’re entertaining at all over the next few months, this should 1000% be burning in the background. It’s really well-balanced—not too spicy or musky, but definitely not too sweet—and is the perfect counter to a cold night (it pairs well with hot toddys and a movie marathon). For a slightly more affordable version (though with vanilla), I love Maison Louis Marie No. 3—I’ve been rebuying this one for years, and it never disappoints. 

Boy Smells Les: Ok, I don’t actually own this one (yet!), but they stock it at a coffeeshop in the West Village and every time I stop to sniff the selection, this is always my favorite. Peach! Cedar! Cardamom! All amazing on their own and sublime when combined. It’s different than the Salt & Stone one, but I’m realizing I definitely have a bit of a type here. The Boy Smells branding isn’t for everyone, but I’m into the pop of pink, and with the mid 30’s price point it is extremely giftable.

Alright, those are mine, but I want to hear your favorites (you guys aren’t the only ones who like recs around here!). What are your repeat buys? What do you hoard extras of in your closet? What looks chic on your coffee tables?! I gotta know. Comment, email, slide in those DMs (if I get good ones, I will definitely share). 

Other things I bought and/or liked recently but will never get around to writing a full newsletter about so I might as well share them now: This book about the Royal Family. These dress up/dress down black jeans on killer sale (I took my true size). A divine cornbread. Gwyneth Paltrow’s seed crackers (top em with lots of salt and Everything But the Bagel seasoning) with chicken salad. This basic tank. The ultimate sidekick for scrambled eggs. And of course 8 zillion pairs of sweats for the expensive sweatpants haul. That (and sticky boobs!) coming soon! 

Xoxo,

Priyanka

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