Fifteen years ago, I started my blog out of a love of sharing. I have always had a thirst for discovery—finding unique, interesting things that not everyone has—whether that is a handbag designer that’s still under the radar, a perfume no one else knows about, or something special for my dinner table.
In the spirit of that, I wanted to start a monthly column where I will share the new-to-me discoveries, books I’ve pre-ordered, and (hopefully) under-the-radar gems. I hope you enjoy it!
- On the pre-order front, I’ve never ordered a book faster than when I learned that Rebecca Gardner (founder of Houses & Parties) wrote a book. She is the queen of entertaining, and if this book helps me pull together a party that is even 1/10th as stylish as hers, I can die happy.
- I stumbled across Ormaie fragrances and loved the packaging. I ordered several samples, which I tried out. Notes are below the shopping grid. I wound up purchasing Les Brumes — it’s light and citrusy and smells like candy (in a good, non saccharine sort of way).
- Barcelona-based Manuel Dreesmann (aka Atelier MADRE) makes gorgeous handwoven leather bags. I got this punchy orange crossbody and love it so much.
- Also on the handbag front, Destree! I am loving the coiled rope details.
- I’ve been coveting these dinner plates from Wentworth (favorite local boutique) ever since my friend Haskell shared them in her Substack.
- Nomasei is a newer-to-me shoe brand that I think we’ll see much more of. I have this black pair and also these peachy pink platforms. They are so fun!
- Speaking of Substack, all the fashion girls are talking about Rohé, and I love pretty much every piece. It all feels very easy to wear. This Mandarin silk top is a beauty.
Ormaie Notes
(I purchased 5 samples and wound up purchasing Les Brumes!)
Les Brumes—Bright like candy, citrusy. I totally see the “orange orchard” bit. A little bit of sandalwood is a nice foil to the citrus. This is something I could wear every day and not get sick of.
Toi Toi Toi—I had been most excited about this, but it’s not for me! It smells like almonds and cherries at first, and then dries down to a woodsier scent—it doesn’t work with my chemistry. I like sweet and woodsy fragrances, but I don’t like this.
Le Pessant—This is weird. In theory, I should love it as it has all my typical favorite notes, but it’s not my favorite. It is very green, with notes of lavender. It reminds me of a man’s aftershave.
L’Ivrée bleu – I like this, but not enough to buy it. You definitely notice the cocoa notes. There’s a little vanilla and also some freshness. I had expected it to be a heavier scent but it’s actually so light!
28 degrees—a warm floral. I liked this, but not enough to buy it and wear it regularly. It would be a nice summer scent: white flowers, shea butter, warmth.
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