One of my favorite activities is discovering something new, obscure, off the beaten path - or being the first to try something new and report back. I think this modality stems from my childhood desire of making sure everyone else around me felt comfortable - even if I was not. I figured - I’d rather be un-comfy just as long as you’re good - so I’ll be the one to try it out first and let you know it’s safe. Classic older sister vibes. Right?
When I love something - I really love and obsess over it. I want to be certain it’s something that feels like me, from every angle. And when I love something - I want everyone to know about it!!
In this month’s round-up I’m sharing a variety of things that I am really geeking out over - as well as a few things I have been sitting in my notes app “wish list”.
scent - Ever since I discovered oil roller perfumes I have stopped wearing perfumes that spray, and only purchase brands that are hand-made or use 100% natural ingredients. I no longer have headaches from cheap or strong perfume, and I love the way oil perfume lasts, lingers and meshes with your personal scent profile as it warms on your skin throughout the day.
current obsession - Beau by Basium
discovered when I purchased a Babaa sweater second-hand off Noihsaf. I can’t quite figure out where the company is based from ( Australia? ) but they have US distribution, and when it’s sold out from their website direct, you can find it via a US based stockist like I did.
beauty - well, I have officially developed a new habit of stopping in to Sephora on my way to work Friday evenings - as I have been on the hunt for a new favorite lipstick. I prefer to keep my makeup routine as simple as possible which led me to try these eye-shadow sticks from Ilia. They are really easy to use and don’t budge. I thought I would be “bold” and try the golden one, but it has become my daily go-to for a subtle glow-y hue. I have been slowly adding new colors to my collection. Oops.
current obsession - Antique Gold Shimmer Eye-Shadow Stick by Ilia Beauty
recipes - while I am no means an expert chef, I absolutely love to cook. it’s probably one of my favorite creative hobbies that completely erases time. I love to read a recipe and then just wing it. At the start of this year I signed up for a NYT subscription just to get some new recipe inspiration ( be sure to avoid the news, please, ok? ) and when I find something I like, it’s usually in rotation a few nights in a row. My recent find came from Instagram and is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes I’ve ever come across online.
current obsession - Sausage & Sheet Pan Gnocci by @cookwithauds
So easy you can just watch the video and follow-along. Be sure to splurge on a high-quality burrata for serving. It’s silly how simple and delicious it is.
life-hack - shout-out to Emma my manager/co-working for this one. This is now my favorite hack to clean shoes and tough stains on white clothing. And it really works.
For white shoes, use an equal mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You basically want it to be a liquid-y paste. Use an old toothbrush or sponge to clean and scrub your shoes and soles. Leave on until dry, rise and sit in the sun, or near a heater until completely dry. For your laces, create a paste and soak them over night - be sure to scrub, rinse and dry before putting back in your shoes. This was a serious game changer for me. My converse basically look almost new after doing this!
For clothing ( and yellow pit stains ) - same thing, but add dawn soap. Scrub, scrub, scrub - let soak for more stubborn stains, rinse and then wash as normal. Just be careful because the dawn can dye things blue, and the peroxide can bleach. I was able to get a tough leather stain out of my Aliya Wanek Jeans and the discoloration out of a few white shirts - making them good as new!
You could probably google a more accurate way to do this, but again ( see above ) I usually just wing it when following instructions.
My wish / want list has been quite long these days, so I will share my top 5:
Babaa Vest No. 24 in Summer Flame - I’m certain I will buy this soon, but I wanted to think about which color I would wear the most and plan out outfits before ordering. I know I will wear this to work in the summer, and can easily layer for spring & fall. Plus I have been so drawn to COLOR lately. The bright poppy red is calling my name.
Tejido Crop Shag Vest - We are getting close to this being out of season, but I am a sucker for anything shaggy, and the fact that this is 100% wool and not made from plastic is even better. I have been searching high and low for something like this, and I have the Instagram algo to thank for stumbling across this brand.
First Rite Felted Shaw in Walnut - A month later, and Yup I still need this. I am planning to treat myself after Renegade when I reach my sales goals. Wish me luck!
Ozma Wide Leg Chino in Rust - these sold out in my size before I could order them, but hopefully I can find some second-hand; they will re-stock; or I will find something similar. I am really dying for a pair of brown mid-weight chinos for Spring. Help!
Rebekah J Sardine Charm - these are so good!! I am really really picky about my jewelry, and wear the same necklace stack daily. I can see the little sardine charm going so perfectly with my other pieces, and I just know it would be on daily rotation. I’m hoping to treat myself during Renegade since Rebekah will be there too!
Thanks for reading and checking out some of my favorite things!
Feel free to add your thoughts to the discussion below;
xxM
Michelle Moore is a Seattle-based creative, vintage curator, photographer, writer and educator. You can catch her at an up-coming pop-up, swing by on a night she’s hosting at the restaurant in Ballard, order one of her hand-knit Beanies, or hire her to host & plan your next event.
connecting you with good clothes + good people.