(all items are clickable)

Louis Vuitton Agenda Cover | Mason Pearson Pocket Brush | Dana Rebecca Designs Single Initial Ring | Byredo Bal d’afrique Fragrance + Hair Perfume | Ring Concierge Zodiac Medallion Necklace | Victoria Beckham Eyeliner Collection Kit | Byredo Les Miniatures Fragrance Set | Bottega Veneta Leather Cardholder | Savette Symmetry Pochette Bag | Jenni Kayne Wool Fisherman Throw (use code Helena15 for 15% off) | Bottega Veneta Leather Passport Case | Yves Durif Petite Brush | Ring Concierge Pave Diamond Signet Ring | Loewe Honeysuckle Scented Candle | Bottega Veneta Leather Wallet | Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch

Is this a gift guide filled with personal wishlist items? Perhaps. Quite frankly, I either own or am lusting off all of the items on this list, and even just looking at everything gets me excited.

Other Gift Guides:

Great gifts under $100

Gifts for the Homebody or Hostess

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Anissa Kermiche Handful Ceramic Dish | Gohar World Mini Iron Candelabra | Franca NYC Medium Planter | Polo Ralph Lauren Waffle Knit Pajama Set | Tom Dixon Press Glass Vase | Jonathan Adler Fleur Coasters | Parachute Cloud Cotton Robe | Moda Domus Crostana Wax Candle | Hotel Lobby New York Reed Diffuser + Signature Hand Wash | Laetitia Rouget Magic Box | Estelle Colored Glass Set of 6 Stemware | Fferrone Design Dearborn Glass Set | Missoni Riverbero Face Towel Set | Brightland Set of 4 Essentials | Loewe Solid Soap | Franca NYC Coffee Cup

This entire gift guide is either filled with items I personally have or things that have stopped me in my internet tracks.

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Bookworm Puzzle | Anthropologie Zodiac Sweatshirt | Oysters on Ice Ornament | Cuyana Medium Travel Case | Jonathan Adler Vice Canister | UO Bedazzled Electric Lighter | Hermes Plein Air Blotting Papers | Diptyque Tubéreuse Room Spray | Maison de Sabre Airpods Case | Parachute Shearling Wool Slippers | NYC Coffee Cup Wall Art

(all images are clickable)

Maison de Sabre Leather Passport Holder | Beluga Caviar Ornament | Diptyque Vanille Candle | CB2 Small Glass Cloche + Black Matches | Anthropologie City Bag Charm | NYC Matches Illustration Wall Art | Brightland Pizza Oil | Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau Solid Perfume | Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scrub Shampoo | Anthropologie Zodiac Mug | Gold Lucite Book Stand

I’m excited to kick off my gift guides with my favorite gifts for under $100. Obviously, I’m very biased, but I really feel like there’s something here for almost every female and maybe some men, too.

We have something for the homebody (although I’m going to have an entire guide for that person tomorrow), a foodie friend, your beauty lover, your stoner friend, and someone nostalgic for (or lives in) NYC.

Check back tomorrow for the perfect gifts for the Hostess & Homebody.

PS: I’ve been posting over on my substack! There’s a lot of fashion-related content and, as always, some more personal, non-fashion things. The blog needs a refresh/makeover, so while it’s not going anywhere, I plan to revamp it in the next few months. In the meantime, please consider subscribing here. It’s easy and just means the posts will come directly into your inbox. I promise never to send anything spammy.

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It’s been too long since I’ve shared my Amazon finds, both new and MVP favorites. Let’s jump into it:

Slim Silicone Phone Case: This is my latest phone case, and it provides the perfect amount of fun color pop. It comes in a lot of colors if red isn’t your flavor.

2-Piece Shirt & Shorts Set: One of my favorite fashion Amazon finds, maybe ever? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reached for it. It’s so comfortable, so easy, and looks a lot nicer than some other Amazon sets I’ve dabbled with. 

Non-Slip Cloth Hair Bands (16-Pack): I saw Erin and Sarah Foster wear one of these headbands on their Instagram stories, and I loved how it looked. They’re also great for keeping in the bathroom for easy face washing. 

Bioderma Cleansing Oil:I realize I’m quite repetitive when it comes to this cleansing oil, but it’s truly one of my favorite body products. I mainly use for shaving, but I have friends who keep in the shower to remove makeup or to simply slather on their dry skin. 

LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes: Keith and I are massive fans of these electrolytes. I wish they weren’t so pricey, but that has yet to stop me from repurchasing them repeatedly. They’ve eliminated all headaches and make me feel better than when I drink water alone. 

17″ Modern Distressed Polyresin Vase:  A random find, but how gorgeous is it? It could pass for an Amber Interiors vase, IMO.

HUE Mini Crew Socks (6-Pack): The best socks to wear with sneakers.

Colgate Wisp Disposable Toothbrush (24 Count): I love keeping these in my bag for emergencies when fresh breath and clean teeth are a priority.

High-Waisted Running Shorts:  These were my MVP Amazon purchase of 2024 (so far). I now own multiple colors and reach for them constantly. I wore them for over 10 hours daily in the Disney heat and in Portugal for a day of sightseeing. 10/10. I size up to a large for a slightly looser fit.

That’s the list for this round! Also, if you’re not subscribed to my Substack, I share a lot more on there and it’s free. Subscribe here! 

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With shoe and sandal season upon us, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites in almost every category. Sneakers aren’t included here, but do not fret – that will be its own separate post. In the meantime: 

1. COS Mesh Ballet Flat | 2. Rag & Bone Carter Loafer | 3. Madewell Lynda Slide | 4. A.Emery Shel Suede Sandal | 5. AEYDE Stina Sandal | 6. AEYDE Delfina Flat | 7. Reformation Serenity Sandal | 8. Reformation Daniela Kitten Mule | 9. AEYDE Jovia Mule | 10. Banana Republic Terzo Kitten-Heel Sandal | 11. Stuart Weitzman Arabella Mary Jane | 12. AEYDE Sumi Slide | 13. Banana Republic Lucca Square-Toe Mule | 14. Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Jane | 15. TOTEME + NET SUSTAIN Lace-Up Sandal

Basket Bag

NYC schools are officially on spring break, so my kids are out of school for twelve days.

We don’t have any significant spring break plans except heading up to our Pennsylvania lake house for a couple of days with a few of our friends. Instead (and I know I’ve mentioned this before), we’re pulling them out of school in May and taking them to Disney and Universal for the week. They have no idea, and I know they’re going to lose their sh*t! Especially Nate, who is now completely engulfed in the world of Harry Potter and keeps asking to go. It’s supposed to be an off-week, so hopefully, we avoid the typical crazy crowds. 

Kids trip aside, a couple of my girlfriends and I are trying to make a Euro trip happen in June. It’s last minute, so who knows how it will all play out. The original plan was to do a girls’ trip to Paris, but with the Olympics happening, we decided to scratch that plan and change directions. Right now, it’s a toss-up between Spain and Portugal. I’ve only been to Barcelona, and the other ladies haven’t been to either. 

Is the Balenciaga City bag back? For me, the bag has always been more than just a handbag, and I shared a more personal post on my substack that goes deep down memory lane. 

In general, I’ve been sharing a lot more personal posts on my substack. This one talks about the shifts in the industry and aging through it all. 

Weekend Notes April 20th

When it comes to reading, I admittedly like my share of smut. I’m not proud of it, but I like what I like. Years ago, when I read ‘The Idea of You’ (one of my all-time favorites), I joined the book Facebook group. To this day, I’m still part of the group for the book recommendations that I get. Someone recommended ‘Older,’ and it’s not a book for everyone, but I cannot put it down. 

A New Yorker’s Guide to People Watching. I concur with the article that it’s my all-time favorite hobby. 

Spring decor ideas to brighten your home.

The 100 Best Hotels of the New Year.

I ordered these denim shorts in white after getting (and loving) the blue. I took my usual size, but I’d size up for a slightly looser fit.

The shows & movies to watch this April.

These SŌM Microneedle eye patches are pricey, but so good. My code Helena20 gets you 20% off.

‘Why I’m going on a silent retreat after realizing how much I talked at the hang last night.” Goodness, I know I’ve been there. Waking up after a night out with friends, especially newer friends I’m a tad less comfortable with, and thinking to myself: “Holy shit! Did I say too much? Dominate the conversation too much?” 

Lessons from a 70-year-old former NYC Influencer.

Not your typical Brooklyn townhouse. 

I’m planning to make this Thai Chicken & Pineapple Stir fry from Skinny Taste this week. 

A handbag is essential to ensure I always have fresh breath, even on the go.

Sunday (4/21) is the last day for the Early Bird sale. Use code HELENA20 for 20% off. They’re an adult household favorite of ours. They’re a mix of CBD and very low THC; Half takes the edge off, but a full one gives you a nice buzzy feeling without any hangover or heavy feeling the next day. 

I just got this basket bag. It’s even more gorgeous and well-made in person. 

Another spring/summer purchase was these sandals from AEYDE, one of my favorite shoe brands. I’ll keep you guys posted! 

The 8 best green teas to buy & try.

Have the best week!

Helena

all of the above images are clickable. 

The 2024 Sephora Sale!

The day is here for all of my beauty and skincare lovers – the big Sephora Sale starts today! It’s when I stock up on all of my favorites and take the opportunity to try a few new things. 

Sale Details:

The sale will run from 4/5 – 4/15. Use code YAYSAVE.

If you’re a Rouge Member, you can begin shopping today to save 20%.

For VIB, the sale will run 4/9 – 4/15 and you will save 15%.

For Insiders, the sale will run 4/9-4/15 and you will save 10%.

All Sephora Collection is 30% off & available to all members starting now (4/5 – 4/15).

The Rundown:

I typically place several orders: replenishments and new things, as something I’m curious about always pops up. My first cart will have many of the below favorites, but as far as new (to me) products, I’m ordering this face cream. I’ve read that it compares to The Augustinus Bader Rich Cream, but at a fraction of the cost. I’m also ordering this pencil after my friend raved about it, saying it was her favorite product from the year. Everything else (for now) is included below.

Skin & Face:

Augustinus Bader Rich Cream: I know that many deem this a holy grail, and I’ll tell you guys that if it weren’t for the price, it would always be in my rotation. It’s truly an incredible product, and I typically treat myself to one during the sale. If you’re a fan, there’s this set that is of great value. Side note: I am looking forward to seeing if the supposed “dupe” compares.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm: If you have yet to hear, Elemis is now at Sephora! Exciting stuff. This is my holy grail cleansing balm, which I always have in the rotation. I also love this cleanser when I need a second cleanse or something quick and straightforward. I like to keep one in my shower.

Elemis Gentle Resurfacing Pads: Along with the balm, I always have these in my medicine cabinet. They’re gentle and an excellent option when you need a little exfoliation. 

InniFree SPF: One of the best facial SPFs out there, and I know many of you agree. The formula makes it easy to use on its own or to layer with another product. It’s well-priced before the sale, and it’s one product I order a couple of at a time. 

Tatcha Dewy Skin: I’ve repurchased this cream countless times. It has the most gorgeous formula and absorbs beautifully. I use it during the day or when I want to layer some products at night. For face creams, I would use something like this for day (under SPF) and then the Bader or the iNNBEAUTY PROJECT for night. 

Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream: A cult classic for a reason. It’s so hydrating and priced well. I like having it in my nightly rotation, as it’s a bit too thick for the day. 

{Face} Makeup: 

Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Skin Enhancer + Powder Brush: Initially, I was underwhelmed with this product, not fully understanding its point. It’s not a blush or a bronzer, but the more I used it, the more I started to love it. Now, I’m on my third one. Some days, I use it instead of bronzer; some days, I use it in addition to bronzer. As the name suggests, it brightens and wakes up the entire complexion and enhances the skin in a pretty way. I like to use it with a fluffy brush.

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Crème & Powder Blush Duo: This is the blush I’ve been wearing for the last six months. I love that I can layer powder over the creme, making this one last so much longer than most. My favorite color is ‘She’s Giving.’

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick: I’ve never used a contour stick until I discovered this one. It’s creamy, easy to blend, and incredibly natural, even if you’re a contour rookie. I use mine with this Sephora Collection brush. I love Westman Atelier makeup so much, and I do have a dedicated post on my favorites.

Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick: Whenever I stray to test another highlighter, I always come back to this one. What I appreciate most about Westman Atelier is the beautiful formulas and how easy everything is to use.

Eyes:

Benefit Waterproof Brow Pencil: I cannot tell you how many times I’ve repurchased this pencil. I use shade #3, and it’s one of the best I’ve ever tried.

Tom Ford Quad Crème Eyeshadow Palette: This palette has been the most recent addition to my eye makeup and I cannot get enough. The formula is gorgeous and it’s quite versatile to create multiple eye looks for either day or night. 

Tom Ford Eye Defining Liquid Eyeliner Duo: I was loyal to my Lancôme liner for almost ten years until I discovered this one. It’s easy to grip, the formula glides on easily, and it rarely smudges on me. I love it paired with the above Tom Ford palette for when I want a real eye look.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick: I’ve turned numerous friends onto these shadow sticks. The formula makes them so easy to use and almost impossible to mess up. When I travel or want to throw something in my makeup bag, this is what I end up bringing. I use it on my lid or on my waterline.

Favorite colors: For a fancier metallic finish (but not too metallic), I love Mica. For a smidge of shimmer, I love Forrest. For a flatter color, I love Taupe. You can’t go wrong! 

Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara: Ever since I’ve started using tubing mascara, I don’t have to deal with annoying raccoon eyes anymore. I rotate between two tubing mascaras (also the one from Thrive). This one gives such gorgeous, dramatic lashes. My typical go-to technique: eyelash curler, drugstore waterproof mascara, currently L’Oreal Bambi eyes, to hold the curl and then sealed off with a tubing mascara. For the bottom lashes, I only use a light coat of whichever tubing I am using. 

Lips:

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: I never want to be without this stuff. Out of all of the lip masks out there, this is the one that I’ve repurchased over 20 times throughout the years. I have no preference on flavor. I like them all.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Liner: With every Sephora Sale, I stock up on several of these liners. The perfect pinky nude that I love to use with just about anything. My current go-to combo is this liner and the below Saint Jane lip shine in Cloud. 

Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Lip Shine: As I mentioned above, I’m currently all about this lip shine in the color Cloud. A gorgeous pinky nude that works really well on my skin tone.

Hair:

Goop Scalp Scrub: I alternate between a few scalp scrubs, and this is my current one. It leaves my scalp feeling invigorated and my hair feeling cleaner and bouncier. I use it about every ten days. 

Kérastase Hair Mask: This is a fabulous hair mask for when my hair needs a good dose of moisture. I use it in the shower after shampooing or leave it on for a few hours or overnight. 

K18 Leave-In Treatment: I don’t know what the sorcery behind K18 is, but whatever it is, it works so well on my color-treated hair. I typically alternate between hydrating (the above mask) and this stuff.  

Sephora Collection & Other random things:

Sephora Collection brushes: I mentioned it above, but Sephora Collection is 30% off regardless of your Sephora status. Their makeup brushes are so good, so if you’re in the market for anything new, it’s the perfect time. I use the contour brush, the big fluffy brush (for bronzer, powder, or the SoftSculpt Enchancer), and the lip brush for smoothing out lipliner. You cannot go wrong with any of them. 

Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle: I love this candle! Smell is not overwhelming, but powerful enough. Smells like luxury.

Phlur Missing Person: One of my favorite second-skin fragrances out there. I have the full-size at home and several of the travel size that I keep in my bag.

Westman Atelier remains one of my top makeup brands. Here’s my updated post on all of my Westman favorites.

Using the Tom Ford palette and the liquid liner I mentioned above.

From the group chat. I ordered this pencil after one of my best friends raved about it.

That’s it for now! Happy beauty shopping!

Trench Coat: Mango (in a small) | Denim: Citizens of Humanity | Bag: Savette (read my review here) | Flats: Chanel | Earrings: Heaven Mayhem 

Happy Easter weekend to those who celebrate! We’re doing last-minute prep before Sunday, and Keith is currently making a late-night run to Target because we are procrastinators.

On a completely different note, I think this blog is long overdue for a mini makeover. To my readers, if there are any features that you’d love to see, please share. Or, if there’s anything you find annoying about the current layout, I will gladly accept any constructive criticism. Any feedback is helpful to know what would make this place the best experience for you all. 

One thing about me is that I have to stretch every morning or feel very off. Nothing crazy, but at least for 2-3 minutes. I love this round-up of 9 full-body stretches that’ll relax every muscle. 

16 beautiful small towns worth planning a trip to visit.

Why some NY Restaurants are going Members-Only?

5 common interior design mistakes.

I’ve been wearing these earrings a lot lately. 

My (very) dreamy lust list. 

Out of all our airports (Laguardia, JFK, and Newark), LGA is usually my last choice because it’s the furthest from me. However, I was there recently, and it’s possibly our nicest airport right now. 

Prepare to watch some very wholesome content from the streets of NYC. This is one of my favorite Instagram accounts.

I have this dress in blue denim and love it so much. I had to get to this updated color. 

How to be a genuinely good listener. 

My Shopbop hearts have been updated. I meticulously go through every single page to select my favorite picks. 

COS has some really good things right now. I compiled all of my favorites over on my substack. 

One of my favorite purchases in 2023 was my Savette clutch. After several requests, I posted a detailed review.

 Enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

xoxo,

Helena

Sézane Emile Cardigan (runs small, wearing a large) | Sézane Matheo Trousers (wearing size 6/38) | Savette Slim Symmetry Bag | Heaven Mayhem earrings.

Savette Slim Symmetry Bag Review

By popular demand, I’m back to review the Savette Slim Symmetry Clutch bag. It’s currently one of my most worn and favorite bags. I love the top-handle style and how sharp and effortless it looks.

I started noticing Savette in the early summer of 2023, first seeing it on my Pinterest page. After a few months of pondering, I placed my order, and it’s been a silhouette I’ve been reaching for quite often. I’ve owned this bag for over six months and am here to confirm that it lives up to the internet hype. The other style that has been equally, if not more, popular is the Symmetry Pochette. Similar style but a little more narrow. I have the black one on my wishlist. 

Fun fact: the founder, Amy Zurek used to design handbags for Khaite, The Row & Coach.

I’m known to be pretty hard on my things. When I love something, I go through phases of wearing it all the time. This bag has been no exception, and what has impressed me the most is its durability. The bags are beautifully made, incredibly durable, and more spacious than one would think.

Dimensions & What Fits Inside:

The bag is 11 inches long x 4.5 inches wide x 3 inches deep. It can fit a portable charger, a mirror compact, lip gloss, a slim wallet, a small Mason Pearson, and my phone—it fits a lot!! I also posted a detailed video here that really gives you a visual idea of what the Slim Symmetry Bag fits. 

I’ve included some visuals of how I’ve worn it, but I find it very easy to style. I’ve worn it to cocktail parties and more casually with denim and flats. 

I purchased mine via NET-A-PORTER, but my exact style can be found here (it’s a legit site) and it’s actually less than what I paid. There are also some beautiful styles on Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and on the Savette site. 

A few of my favorite styles below:

Coat: Frankie Shop (not recent) | Shirt: Rag & Bone (in a M) | Denim: Sezane (I sized up 2 sizes) | Belt: Nili Lotan | Shoes: Gucci | Bag: Bottega Casette Bag | Glasses: old, cannot even remember.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It always feels like the unofficial start of spring. What is everyone up to this weekend? We had no plans and decided to drive to our lake house on a whim. We’re going to hit up the basketball courts (Nate has been playing!) and have a wild visit to Dick’s Sporting Goods (lol), as Keith has some Yeti gear on his wishlist. Riveting stuff.

Life update: I’ve been looking into booking something Disney-related for the last few months. With Nate and Sasha being four and almost eight years old, it feels like it’s the right time. After hearing many great things, I debated a Disney Cruise, but ultimately, I pivoted to booking Disney & Universal for May! I might revisit the cruise next year, but it felt like the right thing to do with Nate’s so into Harry Potter. Honestly, I’m surprised at how excited I am. I cannot wait to experience everything through their eyes, and Keith and I love a fun park. We booked through one of my friends, Angie, a Disney pro who owns Bright Lights Travel! She’s been helping us with every detail of the trip (flights excluded), and I know we’re in the best hands. 

The Mango outwear edit for spring is gorgeous. I’m on the hunt for a classic trench and going to take a chance on this one and this one  and see which one I like more.

While we’re on the topic of Mango, this jumpsuit is so good.

One item on my lust list is these very expensive Khaite earrings. I think about them too often, but they’re so overpriced that I cannot bring myself to buy them, at least not yet. I check The RealReal daily but ended up ordering these for now. I’ll keep you guys posted!

Another splurgy item on my radar (that I’ll end up getting) are these Manolo sandals. I tried them on and they’re exactly what I’ve been looking for in a shoe. They’re minimal, but not too minimal that they look unflattering (many are), comfortable considering they have a decent heel height and look so good with just about everything.

Brooklinen has its Sleep Week sale going on, and everything is 20% off. We love their Luxe Sateen bedding! I also got the Super-Plush Turkish towels, which are large and make you feel like you’re living in a five-star hotel. You really cannot go wrong, and they have the best return policy in the event you’re not happy.

On that topic, how to take care of your towels. 

11 romantic hotels in New York that make a getaway feel like an event.

What are your simple pleasures?

Adult Lunchable ideas that look so good & fun to eat.

The 10 best cocktail cities and bars in America.

A perfect, neutral cardigan.

My favorite size of the Savette clutch. It’s deceiving in how much it can fit!

The beauty products (& tools) I can’t live without.

Knowing ‘this’ can help you get the best sleep ever.

In addition to my LTK page, I’ve been sharing my top product recs from IG Stories over on ShopMy as another avenue to purchase.

10 super unique Airbnbs for under $300.

The best high-waisted leggings that I’ve been wearing for years. I’ve tried all the fancy brands, but I always come back to these for pure comfort.

ICYMI, an updated guide to buying & sizing Chanel flats.

How to protect yourself against scams.

Important health PSA for dog owners.

Have a great week!

xo,

Helena