The Weekly Edit
the uniform, tweakments, and the magic of LA
I was in LA this week, and as I sat in traffic, inching toward Mulholland Drive to go from the city to the valley, I couldn’t help but marvel at the light. That unmistakable LA glow, so bright you need sunglasses as you California dream. The kind of light filmmakers chase to make magic with. The kind of light that bounces off the ocean, the hills and the sprawling city, casting everything in a cinematic haze. The kind of light that almost makes traffic slightly more bearable. Almost.
Between the dreamy light and the sweeping views from Mulholland, a David Lynch quote came to mind:
“I always say people should find a place where they feel good, and I feel good here. I like LA because of the light. The light makes me feel so good. It’s really beautiful.”
Ohh glimmers! I hope you spotted and savored some this week. Now, let’s get into this week’s edit:
Went to see Nic for a haircut at his new salon, Flores, which is stunning (pictured above). He gives the best cut and I just love him. We kept it long, and I asked for a cut that gives 90s supermodel when I use my Dyson Airwrap but Sienna Miller effortless when air-dried - he nailed it.
I noticed Nic and the other stylists had Mane’s thermal round brush in medium and large at their stations so I inquired. It’s apparently amazing for a blowout look, especially on dry hair for a quick refresh.
Cucina Alba is the restaurant on everyone’s lips. As is Rhode lip liner (the line at the pop-up was bananas).
She got you using peptide liners but can she inspire you to wear FILA?
The cream tailored vest (or like this for under $35) and denim uniform with a gold earring is still going very strong in LA. Will be curious to see what uniforms emerge for spring 2025 - anyone care to take guesses now?
I’m personally feeling color, which speaking of, this Substack sparks joy: No Crumbs (but also so do her Substack feed color story shares like this and this).
Do you indulge in “Secret Single Behavior?” You know, the things you do when you’re totally alone.
Zoë Kravitz’s cool girl’s guide to new york city.
If you want some serious style inspiration take a browse through this: What Designers Wear. It’s a brief analysis of what fashion's front-runners wear including Louise Trotter who was named Creative Director of Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy who was recently appointed Artistic Director of Chanel, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Jonathan Anderson, Christophe Lemaire & Sarah-Linh Tran, Chemena Kamali, Simon Porte Jacquemus and more. Ahh soo soo good!
Did you know Kelly Wearstler has a Substack?
Oh, also, Ballerina Farm is launching one too. It’s called Goose Gazette.
In case you need explanations of the terms trending on TikTok: boom boom and lore.
I’m into the Levi’s Western Edit - especially the 501® '90s Western and the Ribcage Western.
Total Rec explored the “lipstick effect” and went digging through ad archives to see how lipstick (and beauty marketing) has evolved in moments of financial collapse or uncertainty, from the Great Depression to today. Here’s what she found (I nerd out on stuff like this).
I liked this suggestion on how to use Pinterest with intention which was inspired by this thought: “I realized it was no longer about me saving pins that inspired me. It was an algorithm feeding me ideas, and me believing they were my own. After more than seven years of using this site, I was no longer shaping the algorithm—the algorithm was shaping me.”
Watching ‘The Americas’ with the children which is an epic Tom Hanks-narrated wildlife series. A great family watch.
Speaking of children, here’s a solid parenting tip that I’ve been putting to use.
Last two children things: we ordered this to help with reading and how cute is Minnow Spring?
This cleanser is made with 100 petals of Rose Bourbonia from the island of Reunion, so obviously, I had to try it. It’s lovely!
Another reason why I miss the Barney’s shopping experience.
I’d love a thong mule sandal for spring. The question is, which price point: Tony Bianco, TOTEME or Bottega?
Making this Spicy Citrus Chicken with Fennel and Crushed Olive Pilaf.
Made the viral ‘Carmel Forest Spa Celery Salad’ and it’s delish!
Listening: Monica Lewinksy on Call Her Daddy.
Watching tonight: The Oscars.
For anyone who needs to hear this: next Sunday is the time change (yay!).
Thought I’d wrap up this week with some LA roses and thorns:
LA roses:
-The light. That golden, cinematic glow.
-Eating sweetgreen alone in my car. A very specific kind of joy, but a real joy nonetheless.
-People watching as a sport - even in traffic! The girl driving behind me on Mulholland included.
-The clarity I get on where culture is simply by being there.
-My people. Family, best friends, acquaintances. It’s what makes LA home.
-The sheer volume of cool, interesting people.
-Power 106, Real 92.3 and KCRW (IYKYK).
-The way LA is both a fantasy and a contradiction, equal parts intoxicating and infuriating. The combo of which makes you feel incredibly alive.
LA thorns:
-How exhausting traffic makes me feel.
-A normal day there is a real expense. Parking, coffee, a haircut, quick walk down Melrose Place, parking, sweetgreen, parking, doctors appointment, parking, dinner. Total? Take your best guess!
-Tweakment culture is rampant and talked/obsessed about endlessly (grateful I’m not in that every single day, feels like a lot).
-The electric scooters littered all over the place.
-The sheer volume of vapid, uninteresting people.
-I used Waze to get from the city to the valley, and it sent me on a circuitous route that happened to pass by one of my best friend’s childhood homes. The once-quiet, beautiful small suburban street is now just another cut-through resembling a parking lot as cars try to escape traffic.
-That conflicted feeling of missing LA for me but not wanting to be in LA for my children (reminds me of this).
If you’ve read anything great this week and it’s worth sharing, please drop it in the comments for us all to enjoy! And if you liked this, would you be kind enough to give it a little heart?
See you back here on Thursday. xx
Today was my day to quit the internet but your newsletter popped up and I just LOVE it.
This really hit - I have such a deep love for LA, yet have so many conflicting feelings about the culture. It's a city of contrasts, that's for sure. Love reading these round-ups Geri, so many gems.