Welcome back to The Weekly, a series dedicated to my weekly anecdotes, reviews, and recommendations. From Priscilla to book club picks and everything in between, let’s talk about the week!
1 | US Next-To-Naked Collection Launch Event
Universal Standard very kindly invited me to dance the morning away with them at Forward Space, a dance fitness studio, located in downtown Manhattan! It was so much fun! I forgot how much I love dance fitness classes and will be back in the studio ASAP.
The event was a celebration of the launch of the Next-To-Naked activewear collection that Universal Standard dropped earlier in the month. They very kindly gifted me the Hooded Zip Jacket (I sized up to a L) and the Cropped Legging (size M). The buttery, soft material is too good. Who doesn’t love a good matching workout set?! Even better new, is that it’s available in sizes US 00-40!
2 | Priscilla Disappoints
I am so sad to say that this week’s movies were both pretty disappointing. First, we have Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla which I had high hopes for. After taking more time to think on it, I have two final thoughts on the movie. 1) Sofia is very skilled in her craft — from the set, to the cinematography and color grading, the soundtrack, and the costuming. The overall vibe of the movie is unsettling, creepy, and off. It highlights the utter creepiness of a grown man and a ninth grader being a “couple”.
2) Originally, I felt the movie failed in both plot and character development which was extremely confusing in the context of this being a biopic. As I understand it now, the film was intended to be the opportunity for Priscilla Presley (an EP of the film) to share a more accurate depiction of her relationship with Elvis and I respect that. However, I think Coppola had an opportunity as the director to expand that vision. it was a distinct choice to not name the movie Elvis and Me (the title of the book that the movie is adapted from). Originally, I though it was because the movie would explore Priscilla’s life outside of an Elvis context. But, I think it might have just been a marketing strategy (RIP).
So, all in all, three stars for Priscilla – good, but not great and I would probably not watch again.
3 | and so does What Happens Later.
Next, we have What Happens Later directed by and starring Meg Ryan. I don’t have much to say other than it was very bad and not worth my (or your) time. It was already an uphill battle when you only have two characters and one set(airport). Nothing about this film felt authentic, but it also wasn’t whimsical or quirky enough to go the more artsy route. Overall, a miss! But, I’d let Meg Ryan try again!
3 | 300 Day Streak on Duolingo
One thing about me, I will be doing duolingo at the bar to keep my streak. No days off. I finally reached 300 days of learning french on duolingo. I can’t say my French has really improved all that much but it’s nice growing my vocabulary — that’s half the battle.
4 | Lip Combo Central
As I start experimenting more with makeup, I find myself really dedicated to the creation of new lip combos. Some of them are probably a little too involved. This lippie will be one I come back to time and time again over the next month and is the perfect holiday party lip combo. First, you’ll line your lips with a thick outline of NYX’s ever. Fill the center of your lips with L’oreal’s Colour Riche Lipstick in the shade Le Plum. Lastly, top your bottom lip with some of NYX’s butter gloss in Brownie Drip and the center of your bottom lip with the shade Madeline. Lastly, top everything with a clear gloss of your choice. I used NYX’s juice gloss.
5 | Brooklinen Holiday Soireé
Brooklinen had the dreamiest holiday event at the Soho Grand Hotel. Live music and fashion sketches kept us entertained and left me with lots of holiday spirit. I’m itching to put up my christmas tree.
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Brooklinen several times in the past and I cannot recommend the Luxe sheets enough! They are my favorite and worth every penny.
6 | Book Club!
One of my vision board goals was to join or start a book club and I actually did both this year. While I loved participating in third cup’s book club, I wanted something that was more structured month to month and where I could regularly connect with my friends!! We read All Her Little Secrets x Wanda Morris last month and the group was pretty aligned that it was okay!
It was a great book club discussion book and led to a lot of great discussion surrounding blackness in the work place, office politics, and corporate responsibility. This month we’re digging into The Woman in Me, Britney Spears’ new memoir. I’m not a big audiobook person but now that Spotify Premium has access to a bunch of popular titles, I may have to get into it!! The Woman in Me is available too if you want to read along with us.
7 | Digital Media Hits of the Week
I follow a lot of media platforms on Instagram and love a lot of the lifestyle, fashion, and beauty features that have been coming out of The Cut, New York Times, New York Magazine, etc. Here’s what I read this week:
Jacob Elordi’s Eyebrow Piercing Is the Only Hot Thing in Saltburn,
The Year Everyone Became a Fashion Critic,
An Extremely Detailed Guide to an Extremely Detailed Map of New York City Neighborhoods,
The N.Y.C. Subway Is No Longer Broke. Can It Buy Rider Happiness?,
Becoming a Pop Star Was Sabrina Carpenter’s Destiny,
Coco Jones Faced Rejection as a Child Star. Now, She’s a 5-Time Grammy-Nominated Performer,
Princess Diana, Carolyn Bessette, and the Appeal of Someone Just Better Than You
8 | Making a Minimal Makeup Routine For Lazy Girl Days
I’m on the case to come up with a makeup routine for the days you want to look like your best self without putting in 45 minutes at your makeup vanity. I’ve been trying a variety of different products and combos over the past few weeks. I think the necessities are: a hydrating/illuminating primer (supple, glowing skin is always hot), eyebrow gel, a few coats of mascara, a light application of tinted moisturizer (or a pea sized amount of a brightening concealer), and a sheer and balmy lip product with some pigment. More on this later..
9 | Back on YouTube
My YouTube subscribers may have been shocked(I’m hoping pleasantly surprised) to find a new vlog from me last Sunday. Well, surprise! I’m back to creating long form video content after a long hiatus. You can expect more regular vlogs and lifestyle content in the coming months! My biggest goals are consistency and fresh content so be sure to subscribe to my channel!
10 | What to Ask For This Holiday Season
I’ll be sharing my Christmas Wish List next week, but I wanted to know if you all would be interested in seeing some version of gift guides from me. I’m not sure I’ll be doing as in depth gift guides this year, but I will be sharing any fun deals or finds on Instagram! Be sure to follow me over there!
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