week 42 books and looks

featuring 48 hours in nyc

books

Lots of art books from museum stores recently.

1. Right before my trip, I stopped by the Norton Simon Museum gift shop for a baby shower present, and of course, got something for myself. Inventing the Modern caught my eye and came with me on my trip to NY/CT. So far, loving it.

2. The Whitney Handbook of the Collection, a reference book on the Whitney’s extensive art collection, was my book purchase of my trip. A total gem.

3. While browsing the museum shop, I noticed they had Carrie Mae Weems: Kitchen Table Series. Earlier this year, I got this book at the Getty bookshop, and constantly look through it.

looks

Monday through Wednesday, I visited with my family in Connecticut.

morning hike in the woods on a perfect fall day (look at those trees!!!)

waiting for the potatoes to come out of the oven // Alex Mill sweater (true size, small) // LouLou Studio tank (true size, small) // FRAME barrel jeans (true size, 26)*

fall foliage!!! (albeit, on the ground) // Toteme barn jacket (this is a 32 and I should have gotten a 30, it’s very oversized) // Almina Concept sweater (true size, small) // The Row jeans (sized up to a 6) // G.H. Bass loafers (true size, 7)

experimenting with loafers — a little out of my comfort zone

On Wednesday night, I took the train in to Manhattan from Connecticut.

waiting for the metro north train

I went straight to my sister’s apartment to drop my bags, and then we hopped on the subway to Brooklyn for dinner at Café Mogador. This spot is a forever favorite that’s still delicious even after 10+ years of going. They have a location on the East Side that’s also great, but I prefer the Brooklyn one because we can go to The Hoxton next door for a drink while we wait for our table.

the only picture I got that night in the cab on our way home // I wonder if they still use that cab call board

On Thursday, my sister and I woke up early for a Central Park walk. She lives right off the park and likes to take me on her daily walk route when I’m visiting.

One of my LA friends was also in NY and joined us for our walk. It was a crisp morning and everyone was in a coat or a jacket. Blissful.

Last October I got this Toteme barn jacket which ended up being my most used purchase of the year. It’s quite oversized and has all kinds of great pockets, which are perfect for putting a water bottle in, a cup of coffee, and even a book.

We got back to my sister’s apartment and I rushed to shower and change, so I could head downtown to meet my friend Ari.

I mentioned Ari in my last books and looks — we recently met IRL after connecting via IG/Substack. We both happened to be in NY visiting from LA last week, so we made plans to check out a few stores together.

making my way downtown!!!

First on our list was Desert Vintage in the LES. I walked right past the shop at first — it’s quite unassuming. But, once you enter through the doors, you can tell right away that you are in the presence of some serious vintage. If I could, I would have taken it all.

can't resist a pile of vintage levi's // gorgeous framed wallpaper

On the recommendation of the shop attendant at Desert, we hopped over to BODE. I was immediately struck by how cool everything (and everyone) was. Lots of knits, pants, and a couple random clown suits. Took us a minute to realize we were at the men’s store.

We continued our walk and stumbled into Kallmeyer — a brand I had only ever seen online, but was pleasantly surprised by the quality and craftsmanship irl. This store is impeccably decorated.

one of everything, please!

We crossed Bowery and stopped at Still Here. I’ve seen this brand (specifically these “Cool” tie front jeans) all over the internet — my algorithm loves them. I had every intention of trying them, loving them, and purchasing them. But, as soon as we walked into the tiny store, another pair of jeans caught my eye.

I tried the Tate jeans in classic blue and fell in love. They look/feel like a vintage pair of 501s, except they actually fit my butt. No saggy fabric here! An immediate yes for me. I’m 5’6ish, and these hit me right below the ankle.

Re: the cool jeans — they are indeed very cool, but not an f yes for me. So I passed.

another impeccably decorated store

Our next stop was Khaite, and boy was this a true test for my self-control. Every single piece that was on a hanger was incredible, and the bags and shoes they had on display all earned spots on my wishlist. I was especially blown away by this red bag and this leather jacket. Ooooooooof.

Couldn’t leave without a picture in the red changing room.

Our final stop was Alex Mill. This store is delightful and small, packed with cozy knits, denim, and jackets. I saw my favorite black vneck in the grey colorway, and knew I had to get it. When in Rome!

the vintage levi’s are everywhere

Ari and I said our goodbyes and I made my way uptown for a quick change and to drop off shopping bags.

old Stylein coat // Madewell jeans (true size, 26)

Free of excess layers and bags, I zoomed downtown to meet my friend (and fellow Substacker) Raeshelle at the Whitney.

I loved visiting the museum with Raeshelle, especially hearing her perspective and thoughts on the different pieces we saw. Art with friends is fun!

We strolled over to the West Village afterward, and ended up at Joseph Leonard for diet cokes and fries. Been coming here also for 10+ years, and it’s one I always recommend. Raeshelle surprised me with a gift bundle filled with items she sourced on her recent travels around Europe. I felt so special and seen — what a gift to have a friend like Raeshelle. Love you <3

I ended the day grabbing dinner with one of my best friends from college at Sant Ambroeus. I was so excited that she picked this spot for dinner because I love their princess cake. It hits every time.

Here’s a pic I snapped in the bathroom wearing the Tate jeans. Yes, I changed into them shortly after I bought them.

And here’s a pic of me physically exhausted (20k+ steps is no joke), but emotionally elated after a very long and very fun day.

Spent all Friday with my Mom and sister running around the UES/Midtown attending wedding-related appointments. My sister is getting married in a few weeks, so it’s crunch time.

GAP cardigan (sized up to a medium) // Still Here jeans (true size, 26) // Chanel ballet flats

Here’s what I can share about that day (wedding stuff is off the table!!!):

1. I snapped this picture of a very stylish man walking up Madison Ave. I usually shy away from taking pictures of strangers, but I could not pass up this look. Especially since my last post on menswear has me locked in on what the guys are wearing.

A tartan plaid Yankees hat (I think it’s Ralph Lauren) + a navy peacoat (bring those back, please!!!) + white pants + suede boots + the most perfect and chic briefcase I’ve ever seen (maybe Longchamp?)

2. We popped into The Real Real on Madison Ave for a quick browse and I saw two pieces that will likely end up in my TRR graveyard.

Chanel dress featuring a STUNNING button

Gucci blazer — vintage and by Tom Ford, of course!

3. I finally made it Monkey Bar — one of my sister’s favorite spots. We celebrated my Mom’s bday with a very large lemon meringue pie.

   

   For the record, this is the correct ratio of meringue to pie.

Saturday started off with a soccer game at my brother’s school. It was homecoming weekend.

Zara cardigan (sized up to a medium) // Still Here jeans (true size, 26) // Toteme jacket // Chanel ballet flats

And then a birthday lunch for my Mom, followed by cake and presents.

At some point that afternoon, I swapped my Chanel flats for these velvet DÔEN ones. I don’t have any pointed toe flats in my closet, so these are special. Bonus points for the velvet and little bows — already planning lots of holiday outfits with these.

Still Here jeans // DÔEN flats*

Ended the day and the trip with one final neighborhood walk (Connecticut edition). I already miss my family. :(

&bonus

So, I packed a carry-on for this trip, but ended up checking it at the airport. I panicked, thinking it was too heavy to hoist into the overhead bin, and I wasn’t about to struggle in front of everyone (this gives me a lot of anxiety). Thanks to my free checked bag status, I sent that baby away.

Why am I telling you this? Because JFK Terminal 4 is notorious for dragging out baggage claim. I knew I’d have time, so I wandered into duty-free (something I rarely do) and grabbed a new bottle of my forever-favorite fall scent.

Back in college, I had a few classes with the chicest Turkish woman. She always wore the best clothes, carried herself with confidence, and smelled amazing. One day, I finally asked her what perfume she used, and she introduced me to Narciso Rodriguez For Her (the black bottle, not pink!). It became my signature cold-weather scent, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

I did a quick spritz after my purchase, and by the time I reached the baggage carousel, two people had already asked me what I was wearing.

This scent is like slipping on a black wrap wool coat for the first cold day of the season, or the soft cashmere turtleneck you wore to a candlelit dinner with someone you very much wanted to seduce. It has that same rich, indulgent vibe—like dark, moody Lincoln Park After Dark nails wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee. It’s seductive without trying too hard, mysterious but magnetic. There's an undeniable allure that subtly pulls people toward you, leaving them intrigued and wanting more.

If you try this perfume (or have tried it) and love it, let me know! I’m already loving the lingering smell this is leaving on my clothes.