November has been a whirlwind; I traveled to Atlanta for my brother’s wedding, then my mom came to New York for a visit, and this week, I’ve been doing Thanksgiving prep and running around the city with friends from out of town.
To save my lazy ass, I’m bringing in one of my favorite friends in NYC, Brianna Laurent, to guest edit!
Brianna is the quintessential Miranda. She’s sporty, super chic, a hard worker, and even dating a Steve. Brianna shares my love of vintage designer fashion, the ritual gathering of dinner and drinks, and she’s put me on to some really great stuff. So now, it’s your turn.
What I’m reading: “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara. This book will make you feel pain, tenderness and love all so equally powerful that it will scare, confuse and inspire you.
It’s the kind of book where once I’ve finished reading and have collected my thoughts, I deep dive into reviews in search of commiseration for what I felt and new perspectives for what I didn’t see. This New Yorker article pointed out some observations around religion that I appreciated - I’ll avoid direct quotes to prevent spoilers. Did I just say religion this early into the newsletter????? I promise it’ll never happen again.
“Virgin Suicides” by Jeffrey Eugenides. I am late to the party, I know, but I am hell bent on reading the book before watching the movie, which is an urgent priority.
What I’m buying: Uncharacteristically, I have been lacking a lust for shopping for clothes/shoes/bags/etc as of late. This is honestly a welcome change from the burdens of obsessing over my wishlist.
I am still consuming, however. I’ve recently been laboring over the perfect yet appropriate wedding gift, beauty products and homewares.
Wedding: The art of the wedding gift is one that I have only recently developed an interest in, but now care deeply about. I have been gravitating towards glassware like this Martini Glass (from Coming Soon specifically because they have fantastic gift wrapping options), or these wine glasses, paired with a serving tray from Le Cruset, table linens from Misette and topped with a delicious kitchen candle. I have also been obsessed with this vase and these egg cups but am saving them for the perfect couple that could/would appreciate them.
Apartment: Every winter I am compelled to invest in my apartment, where I will be hibernating for the next few months. All of the improvements are centered around creating the perfect ambient lighting, including an Eames wire base low table to house this lamp, new smart light bulbs for my sconce and a hanging pendant lamp from Ikea.
Beauty: I am feeling brave so will admit that I am a Sephora Rouge member. During the most recent rouge sale I replenished tried-and-true products like the Diorshow mascara, Charlotte Tilbury lip liner, Peter Thomas Roth eye gels and Murad clarifying toner but couldn't resist picking up some new additions like Kosas foundation, Glossier sheer matte lipstick and Westman Atelier cream blush stick. I immediately returned the Kosas foundation and will be swapping for the Armani luminous silk foundation. They can’t all be bangers. (Editor’s note: I wear the Kosas foundation and feel it’s slayworthy, but to each their own)
What I’m watching: I do not have any TV that I am into at the moment, after finishing the newest season of The Great British Baking Show, which is my winter comfort blanket.
I did recently see Priscilla with the mother of this newsletter (Mae) which I loved and would highly recommend.
Speaking of Jacob Elordi, I am planning to go see Saltburn which looks like a lot of sinister fun.
What I’m drinking: Manhattans, c/o Mae
My neighborhood wine shop was carrying a new small-batch of wines made by the owners of the shop, and Frank Prisinanzo, owner of Lil Frankies, Daddies, Supper, etc. I picked up a bottle of orange and red to bring to Georgia for thanksgiving. Excited to try, reviews TBD.