On Repeat In January

Nine staples carrying me through this frigid hell

Shitters. I had originally planned to be in your inboxes yesterday, but I wanted to honor the anti-ICE general strike and delay my send.

It’s been a week since Alex Pretti’s murder, but I’m still at a loss for words about what’s happening in Minnesota and across the country. Between the masked ICE agents snatching people up willy-nilly in broad daylight (for months now), murdering dissenters in the streets with no discernible consequences, and apprehending journalists on the ground who are trying to show us what’s happening… to say I’m feeling afraid is a gross understatement.

Thank you to everyone who called their lawmakers this week (this tool makes it easy). It may not feel like much, but it did/does count for something. And if you’re looking to help in MN specifically, there are plenty of resources here. Wherever you are, I’m thinking of you. I hope you’re safe, taking care of yourselves, and looking out for the people in your communities.

---

There’s always a bit of whiplash when we jump from the bleak events of the world to our shopping, but I wanted to share this letter while it’s still January because there are a few things that have really put the team (me) on their backs this month. This list runs the gamut—from essentials like socks and underwear, to snacks, sunglasses, sweaters, and more. Some are new discoveries, some are old faithfuls that have proven their value over and over again. If it’s here, know that it’s something I haven’t been able to get enough of recently!

1. Trail Socks. You know I love a cashmere sock, but sometimes (during freak NYC snowstorms and sub-zero Chicago temps) you need the next step up. These are IT. They have all the comfort of a soft, snuggly wool sock, but with the performance and durability of something made specifically for hiking. I’m not much of a hiker myself (though the seven minute walk from my apartment to the grocery store could’ve been mistaken for one with the mountains of snow on the ground this week…), but these keep my feet warm and cozy in my completely insufficient “snow” boots (a pair of black leather Gianvito Rossi’s I found on TRR that have decent traction on the soles… it’s well past time to get a real pair, I know). Plus they keep them DRY—not just from the slush, but from sweat/ moisture/ that icky damp feeling that tends to build over the course of a long day. I tried to wear cotton socks again recently—there is simply no comparison.

2. This underwear, oh my god?! We are living through a LOT of things, but one of them is an underwear renaissance. I have more to say on this topic (when I reuse this as a subject line for an upcoming newsletter I will need you all to act surprised/ intrigued/ like you’ve never seen it before), but as usual, I had to scoop myself because they are THAT good. I got a pair of these to try recently and they’ve quickly become the first thing I reach for out of the wash (a mark of a true favorite). They feel like butter to the touch, and like nothing on the body (without the discomfort of wearing nothing). The matching bralette is heaven too (though I would pass on it if you’re past a mid B/small C in size)—quite literally the best underwear I have owned in my entire life.

   

   HELLO from the Uber to LGA (bundled in this, ofc—PRIYANKA20)

3. Jimmy Fairly Sunglasses. So many of my most fashion-forward friends have been raving about this Parisian eyewear brand recently! The price point is refreshingly normal—not cheap, but I’d say they’re on par with Ray-Bans rather than the $300+ pairs that seem to be the baseline elsewhere—and they’re very well made! I had a couple pairs on my eye and used their virtual try on tool to narrow it down between my favorites (I’m not sure whether to praise or curse whoever came up with that idea—they opened up a whole world of shopping for sunglasses online). The shape is cool but still wearable, and they feel very unisex/easily sharable with a partner (2-for-1?!).

4. Soft Goat Cashmere Set. Pricey, but their cashmere is the best quality and I get compliments on it constantly. A set just makes you look put together, even when you’re grabbing it because you couldn’t be bothered to put on jeans (me every single time). This has long been my uniform for freezing errands/ weekend brunches, but it deserved a special shoutout for all the heavy lifting it did this month. My navy set sold out, but chalk is high on my wishlist too (I wear a small). Speaking of cashmere, I’ve been wearing the wrap pictured above constantly too (PRIYANKA20). Indoors, outside with coats, and on flights, where it’s especially good. I always try to stuff my puffer into my checked bag so I don’t have to deal with it in the airport, and this gives me an extra layer against the plane AC/frigid jet bridges.

5. Kroma Bone Broth (PRIYANKA20). I mentioned this in an earlier letter, but it’s worth repeating (especially now that we have a code—shoutout to their team for being game when I asked!). I like Kroma’s in particular because it takes up way less space than the cartons of liquid broth (each jar has 10 servings and is the same size as one carton—very helpful for apartment living!), and it’s more cost effective than most of the grocery store brands too. Plus it comes seasoned, unlike most of the sad little cartons at the store, and is also available in travel-sized packets. I just add it to hot water and mix with a handheld frother (or a spoon when I travel!) for a warm beverage in the afternoon or early evening. Whether you’re a bone broth fan already or just here for the extra protein, highly, highly recommend!

6. Reformation Cashmere Sweater. Ref has always been hit or miss for me, but this style is a good one, and this bright, icy blue was an immediate yes for me! It’s a decent weight (not too heavy, but not a thin cashmere crew either), and a nice pop of color that still plays well with denim/neutrals. Plus, if you’re like me and at that point in winter where you’re bored by the array of neutrals in your closet, this will liven things up! (P.S. While you’re there, these OG boots are working overtime lately under sweater dresses and jeans. They hold up against snowy/slushy sidewalks, are easy to clean, give you some extra coverage in the cold, and have a simple, timeless shape—10/10, VERY good investment.)

7. Freja Mini Chrystie Bag. This brand has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and I’ve been curious! This style in particular is very similar in shape to Alaia’s Le Teckel—a bag I’ve always loved for the longer straps and the slim, dachshund-inspired body—save for about $2kish on the price tag… To me, it’s effortless and cool, and their vegan leather material is much more durable than softer leathers/suedes that are prone to scratches and stains. IMO it’s a perfect dinner to drinks bag, and a new go-to if I know I’m going to be in rain/snow or in a crowded bar situation where trying to carry a clutch or shield a delicate suede or satin bag would just be miserable.

8. My Groutfit of choice. Sue me for loving a groutfit! Something about mixed shades of grey reminds me of old school gym sweats in the BEST way. Lately I’ve been pairing my OG emotional support sweatshirt with these cozy sweatpants at home and watching old seasons of Bridgerton/avoiding the outside world (sorry everyone, see you in Feb!).

9. Coconut Cult. I didn’t really care when people were first obsessed with this stuff years ago, but it’s back and I’m on the train! The Wild Passionfruit and Strawberry flavors are my favorites. Just a spoonful feels like a healthier alternative when I’m craving something sweet, and a good way to get probiotics in if you don’t get a lot in your regular diet (via yogurt/kefir, fermented foods, miso, etc.). Because it’s so probiotic-rich, you’re only meant to eat one or two spoonfuls at a time—you have to resist the urge to eat more because it’s so tasty, but it means that the jars will last you for a little bit!

Also of note lately: More on jewelry to come soon (forever my favorite topic!), but the price of gold is going absolutely bananas right now. Most jewelers/ brands have either raised their prices already or plan to do so ASAP. If you’ve been eyeing something, consider this your PSA! I haven’t gotten into Elin Hilderbrand before, but her latest book about the students/ teachers at an East Coast boarding school was a delicious weekend read if you’re in the market! At what point does one stop buying new frizz free air dry products and just book themselves for keratin…? For me, not today! (PRIYANKA15) This intensive cream continues to save my bone dry hands every night before bed (PRIYANKA15). And I am newly addicted to these chocolate wafer bars, omg. They are so light and crispy and delicious—I cannot be stopped!!!!