Your Favorite Blog Posts of 2022

We are winding down revisiting 2022 today (see also: everything I read, ranked and your favorite products of the year!) with your favorite blog posts of the year. This is always fun (and sometimes) surprising to review. Some of these posts are a few years old, thanks to SEO, etc. This is based on pageviews (how many times the page was visited) and not comments, but I always love reading your comments too.

TEN: Charleston City Guide

This is an older post, but one that I keep up to date. It makes me so happy every time I hear that it’s helped someone plan a trip! I try to update it every couple months as new businesses and restaurants are constantly popping up.

NINE: Miele Coffee Maker Review

Oh do I love my coffee maker! One of my best purchases (I bought it last year). I love it so much and look forward to my morning coffee(s) more than anything.

EIGHT: Buying Your First Chanel Bag

This is a much older post but based off a reader question, and I’m so happy that so many people have found it helpful!

SEVEN: My Full Body Skincare Routine

I love that this post was a popular one as I am always striving to take better care of the skin on my body and not just my face. Moisturizers, serums, scrubs… they’re not just for your face!

SIX: GrandeLash Review

Another very popular one (and a life-changing product at that!!!).

FIVE: Personal News

This is the post I wrote when I bought my house! It was fun to go back and re-read it. One of the happiest and most heartfelt posts. I still can’t believe I’m a homeowner!

FOUR: Building a Fine Jewelry Collection.

You know I am a big jewelry lover… this post has what I consider the foundation pieces, plus some fun extras!

THREE: A Simple Productivity Trick

To be honest I was pretty shocked to see this post perform so well! But I literally do this little trick every single day — it’s a huge help!

TWO: 25 Great Books to Read on a Beach Vacation.

This post went borderline viral! I was so happy that people loved it as I spent a long time working on it. I’ll give it another big update next year.

ONE: The Correct Order to Apply Your Skincare Products.

Always one of the biggest questions I get, so this makes sense! I am just happy that it is helpful.

The post Your Favorite Blog Posts of 2022. appeared first on The Stripe.

Our first weekend reading list of 2023. Writing out a new calendar year is always strange (and I’m sure I will write 2022 in posts to come). This weekend, one of my best friends is visiting! We don’t have much planned besides a few good meals and quality time catching up and walking around. My first house guest! Whatever you are up to, I hope it is great!

Weekend Reading, 1.7.23

What does it mean to really, truly rest?

I ordered this green & white striped tunic dress on the spot. So perfect.

Sent this to my boyfriend (he’s perpetually late, I’m always on time): How to Stop Being Late!

The best fashion books, according to professors.

The cut of this striped tee is exactly right. I want it in every color.

Feel good TV shows to watch this winter.

I ordered this vanilla milk fragrance this week. It sounds divine!

Okay, I’m now very keen to try this one minute mask.

Allure editors’ favorite products of the year.

This white lace blouse is pretty perfect.

The best places to shop for vintage online.

I can’t believe this ultra chic little black dress is under $100!

Winter recipes to put on repeat.

The best new releases coming at us over the next two weeks. My fav list!

Love the look of these soft and drapey wide leg pants.

This Denver townhome is incredibly gorgeous. I love the dark bedrooms!

How good is this cozy oversized sweater!?

I really want to plan a weekend trip to Ojai this year.

The best movies to look forward to in 2023.

Love this striped sweater. The stripes are just right!

Remembering Barbara Walters’ glamorous social life.

These slingbacks have such a cool look… and they are a great price!

Elegant, affordable jewelry.

All the books that are turning into TV shows and movies this year!

I’m crushing hard on this pretty blue & white dress.

Kitchen organization tips.

I have nowhere to wear it but can’t stop thinking about this pink dress. The cut is so good!

The most beautiful rooftop restaurants and bars.

I say this all the time but: It is OK to quit the books you don’t like! (PS. Everything I read in 2022!)

My favorite bra to wear under t-shirts… I ordered another one this week!

So many great TV shows to look forward to in 2023!

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Weekend Reading, 1.7.23. appeared first on The Stripe.

This year, I read 87 books. Last year it was 80, the year before (pandemic) it was 96, and the year before that it was 83. I never set reading goals but it’s always interesting to see how the year shakes out. I wasn’t sure if I would net out higher or lower than last year. This year had its stressors (the process of buying my house was very stressy, I escaped into my thrillers!) My reading patterns were ultimately pretty similar to last year. Lots of thrillers and mysteries, per ush. Maybe a little less romance as I am no longer doing the podcast and that was Becca’s genre.

The books I enjoyed the most were of the more literary nature. If I had to pick a favorite book from the whole year it would be Cloud Cuckoo Land, by Anthony Doerr. I still think about it – a masterpiece! How many books did you read last year? And what was your favorite?

PS – If you want longer reviews of any of these books, just search The Library. They’re also each reviewed in my monthly reading lists. And if you are looking to read more this year, read this post: How to Read More Books.

PPS – A reminder that this is all subjective. There were books considered great works that I just didn’t enjoy. I am not a literary critic, just a person who likes to read and share my opinions.

PPPS – Check out everything I read in 2021!

Everything I Read in 2022

My Favorite Non-Fiction from This Year.

As with last year, I chose not to rank these – it’s impossible to rank them, they were all really enjoyable!

• Atomic Habits, by James Clear
• Taste, by Stanley Tucci
• Token Black Girl by Danielle Prescod
• Dress Code, by Véronique Hyland
• Liking Myself Back, by Jacey Duprie
• Going There, by Katie Couric
• Capote’s Women, by Laurence Leamer
• Mean Baby, by Selma Blair
• Tippi, by Tippi Hedren
• Anna, by Amy Odell
• Burn Rate by Andy Dunn
• Shit, Actually, by Lindy West

My Favorite Thrillers and Suspense from This Year.

1. Notes on an Execution, by Danya Kukafka
2. The Maid, by Nita Prose
3. All These Dangerous Things, by Stacy Willingham
4. Hidden Pictures, by Jason Rekulak
5. All Her Little Secrets, by Wanda M. Morris
6. The Good Sister, by Sally Hepworth
7. The Lies I Tell, by Julie Clark
8. Things We Do In The Dark, by Jennifer Hillier
9. The Cage, by Bonnie Kistler
10. A Flicker in the Dark, by Stacy Willingham
11. When We Were Bright and Beautiful, by Jillian Medoff
12. Stone Cold Fox, by Rachel Koller Croft
13. The Counselors, by Jessica Goodman
14. She Regrets Nothing, by Andrea Dunlop
15. The Prisoner, by B.A. Parris
16. Nothing More to Tell, by Karen M. McManus
17. Can’t Look Away, by Carola T. Lovering
18. Beautiful Little Fools, by Jillian Cantor
19. The Younger Wife, by Sally Hepworth
20. In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife, by Ashley Winstead
21. Stay Awake, by Megan Goldin
22. The It Girl by Ruth Ware
23. Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
24. Run, Rose, Run by James Patterson and Dolly Parton
25. The Lion’s Den, by Katherine St John
26. The Paris Apartment, by Lucy Foley
27. You’re Invited, by Amanda Jayatissa
28. Dear Child, by Romy Hausmann
29. Like a Sister, by Kellye Garrett
30. The Soulmate, by Sally Hepworth
31. Everything We Didn’t Say, by Nicole Baart
32. Reckless Girls, by Rachel Hawkins
33. The Last Housewife, by Ashley Winstead
34. First Born, by Will Dean
35. The Love of my Life, by Rosie Walsh
36. The Club, by Ellery Lloyd
37. The Other Black Girl, by Zakiya Dalila Harris
38. When She Returned, by Lucinda Berry
39. Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten
40. Good Rich People, by Eliza Jane Brazier
41. The Dilemma, by B.A. Paris

My Favorite Light Reads from This Year.

This also includes YA!

1. Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus
2. Book Lovers, by Emily Henry
3. Olga Dies Dreaming, by Xochitl Gonzalez
4. Gilt, by Jamie Brenner
5. Meant to Be, by Emily Giffin
6. Silver Girl, by Elin Hilderbrand
7. Anon, Pls. by DeuxMoi and Jessica Goodman
8. Rivals, by Katharine McGee
9. Counterfeit, by Kirsten Chen
10. Sister Stardust, by Jane Green
11. Cover Story, by Susan Rigetti
12. Castles in Their Bones, by Laura Sebastian
13. Meant to Be Mine, Hannah Orenstein
14. City of Likes, by Jenny Mollen
15. The Lifestyle, by Taylor Hahn
16. Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

My Favorite More Serious Fiction from This Year.

This includes Historical Fiction as I didn’t know where to put those!

1. Cloud Cuckoo Land, by Anthony Doerr
2. Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson
3. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
4. The Rabbit Hutch, by Tess Gunty
5. The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett
6. Violeta, by Isabel Allende
7. Tell Me How to Be, by Neel Patel
8. Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
9. A Hundred Summers, by Beatriz Williams
10. The School for Good Mothers, by Jessamine Chan
11. The Christie Affair, by Nina de Gramont 
12. All This Could Be Different, by Sarah Thankam Matthews
13. Aesthetica, by Allie Rowbottom
14. NSFW by Isabel Kaplan
15. A Visit From the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan
16. Mouth to Mouth, by Antoine Wilson
17. The Birdcatcher, by Gayl Jones
18. A Very Nice Girl, by Imogen Cripp

TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS OF THE YEAR IN THE COMMENTS!

The post Everything I Read in 2022, Ranked by Genre. appeared first on The Stripe.

It is always fun to go back, dive into the data and see what products resonated most with you. The analytical side of blogging/influencing is one that is rarely discussed but an important one! Every week, I spend a lot of time looking at the data (and then based on the data trying to find other products you’ll love, topics to write about, etc.) I was a finance major in college and have always loved numbers; this is a part of my job that I really enjoy!

As I looked through the year’s best-sellers, some items are surprising, others not so much. One day we were out at lunch and we saw a girl wearing a striped t-shirt and gold birkenstocks. My bf was like, “she definitely reads your blog.” I laughed, he is cute and thinks my reach is way bigger than it is. But also, maybe? I do kind of feel like gold birks are kind of our “team uniform,” same with the Anthropologie Somerset Dress.

These are not ranked in any way, but I give you… this past year’s top selling / most popular items! These are all tried and true, highly recommended Grace favorites… reader favorites, too!

Your Favorite Products of 2022

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Your Favorite Products of 2022. appeared first on The Stripe.

I had the nicest time away on the West Coast. We spent the majority of it holed up in Malibu at my boyfriend’s parents’ house with his family and the rest of the time at his house in LA. I mostly lived in cozy sweaters, easy tees, and leggings. I got dressed up maybe twice, for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. It was a nice, slow week with extremely warm weather (meanwhile my plants were all freezing to death back in Charleston) for a lot of the trip. We relaxed a lot. A Christmas Eve hike. Walks on the beach. Monopoly (and wine) at night. Multiple trips to one of our favorite restaurants (Taverna Tony).

We met up with two of my girlfriends (Jacey, Mally) for double dates. He went surfing. I read or went running. We were outside a lot and saw some pretty epic sunsets. I’m back in Charleston now and am excited for a jam packed week… work is strangely busy for January (usually this is my slow month!) and one of my best friends visits on Friday! But also: I really, really missed my cat. PS – this diary style blog post feels very 2013, no? I kinda like it.

Bits & Pieces from Break

A Christmas Eve hike. Wearing my favorite Addison Bay pullover and Tory Sport leggings.

We went to church on Christmas Eve. I wore this Ted Baker dress which came in my last Stitchfix box. It’s available for purchase here and here!

A really, really good book.

I am obviously the cat when we play Monopoly.

A new favorite white tee. I paired it with this necklace from Courtney’s collab!

Visiting my friend Jacey’s store: Wyeth!

Cannot get enough of these Dorsey earrings.

NYE at our fav spot in Santa Monica — Crudo e Nudo! The uni nori was particularly special.

The post Bits & Pieces from Break. appeared first on The Stripe.

At the beginning of every year, I like to sit down… think and reflect! And then make a list of what I want to accomplish for the year ahead. Over the break I sat down and thought about what I’d like to do this year. Here are my goals from 2021, and then here are my goals for 2022. (And a mid-year check-in with how I did!) This year, I decided I would only make fun goals. What are your goals this year?

Goals for 2023

Host six dinner parties

One of the things I am most excited about is having a proper space to have dinner parties and entertain. The space isn’t quite finished but it will be soon. I think throwing a dinner party every other month should be doable!

Take running seriously(ish).

OK so I may even be doing this one? It was a goal last year and I was doing SO well with it and then I got COVID in the Spring and my cardiovascular system was shot for months. Then it was summer and I was traveling a bunch, then it was Fall and I was getting ready to move, and now here we are. But I got a Peloton treadmill in early December and love it. Right now I am a part of a 5k training program and I’m enjoying it – and seeing great results. I’m only 4 weeks into the program but feel like I have made a lot of progress.

Finish the AFI 100 list

I owe you an AFI 100 update! I am about 60 deep right now. I’d said I wasn’t assigning a timeline to the goal but I’d really love to finish the list this year.

Be a “regular” at a handful of favorite restaurants.

I love the idea of having a few regular spots where they know my name, making standing reservations, etc. I feel like that at Crudo e Nudo in Santa Monica. We have a favorite sushi spot (Sushi King!) and have decided we want to be regulars with a sake bottle on the wall there. And here in Charleston I want that spot to be Vern’s!

Read more books that expand my mind.

I couldn’t really think of a way to phrase this. Reading for me can be an escape. I personally find reading a mystery or thriller will take my mind off of whatever problem might be going on in my life. And that is great, I am thankful to have something like that as an escape or way to cope with stress. But I’d like to read more books that make me think. Like Cloud Cuckoo Land or The Rabbit Hutch.

Finish my house.

We are getting there. I think that my dining room might be finished by the end of February. My downstairs curtains should all come this month, the gallery wall is coming together, my chairs and credenza both came before the break! I still have a lot to do especially with the porch area and the fabrics upstairs but I am taking it slowly doing a little bit every month as the expenses add up quickly!

Be better at honoring my homebody side.

I really struggle as I am an extroverted introvert who gets FOMO, misses her friends, and wants to be invited to things. That being said, I just don’t like having plans all the time. I love being home. I am also a people pleaser and have a hard time saying no, especially if I am saying no and don’t have plans. It is hard when I have family dinners usually twice a week, a long distance relationship, and a few very different friend groups. I am going to really make an effort to say no more and focus on the things that really matter: family, boyfriend, close friendships (and one on one/small group hangs as opposed to going to a million events and parties!). And those little dinner parties.

Play more Pickle Ball.

I have discovered that I really like pickle ball. I played a few times this year and had a blast. And I was even (kind of?) good thanks to tennis lessons as a kid. It’s really fun, like a combination of tennis and ping pong. I’d like to play more, maybe find a spot to take lessons.

Work Goals.

I am feeling very good about work! I have a lot of great brand projects lined up through March. My Addison Bay collection launches in April. The site is in great shape thanks to my redesign. I want to keep building this community. I don’t care so much about growing my audience as much as I care about doing a good job catering to the people who already follow me/read here. And on the creative side I am working every week to push my creative skills and better plan/execute every photo and video shoot! I do need to hire a part time assistant (local to Charleston) and will be posting a job description sometime this month. Now that I am settled into my house and have the space, and have room for another person to work alongside me, it’s TIME!

The post Goals for 2023. appeared first on The Stripe.

And we are back! Happy New Year, friends. December was a great month of reading. Eight books, a nice little range of genres. A few good thrillers (I am absolutely loving everything Stacy Willingham writes… one of them got an A+!), two National Book Award finalists, a snarky audiobook, and more. I had a lot of time to read over the break which was a treat. As always I would love to hear what you are reading! Give me your recommendations for what to read next in the comments section. And of course don’t forget about The Library where you can filter and sort by genre and rank!

Everything I Read in December 2022

Aesthetica, by Allie Rowbottom

I ordered this book after reading this piece in the New York Times and wound up finishing the book in just a day. It’s haunting, to say the least. Anna is a former influencer who started at 19… moving to LA to become an Instagram model. Now she is 35 years old, working for Sephora (they just say “the black and white store”) and having one big surgery (called Aesthetica) to reverse all the plastic surgery she had when she was young. This is a major surgery, she is essentially risking her life to return to her former self.

Alternating between her 19 year old self in 2017 and her 35 year old self in the future, we visit Anna’s past trauma and her relationship with her former manager/boss Jake. We see her slippery slope of plastic surgery and changing herself to fit a certain aesthetic (the book opens with her getting a bikini wax). We meet her mother and examine that relationship (these parts were especially heartbreaking). The book is very dark and moving (and fortunately completely, drastically different from my own “influencer” experience). I couldn’t put it down. It was unsettling and a train wreck at some parts, but ultimately very good.

Order on Bookshop.com or Amazon // Overall Score: B+

Stone Cold Fox, by Rachel Koller Croft (Out 2/14)

This book is a wild ride. It is not out til February (Valentine’s Day, ha!) but well worth the pre-order. It’s one of those up all night thrillers you won’t be able to put down! It has everything I love in a domestic thriller. A conniving and gold digging con-artist. Old money. Scandal! It is perfect for fans of Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen, Julie Clarke, or Liv Constantine. Bea has a traumatic past: being carted around the country by her scammer mother. They never stay in one place too long; she doesn’t even know her real name (or her mother’s real name for that matter!). But Bea is smart and beautiful, has learned the art of swindling men from her mother.

Now, years later, she is determined to marry rich. Not just rich… wealthy, old money. When she sets her eyes on Collin Case (the heir to a giant family company, I thought of Johnson & Johnson), she knows that he is the one. Collin is smitten, but she encounters resistance from his family. Her biggest opponent is his childhood best friend (who is also in love with Collin): Gale Wallace Leicester. Gale quickly proves herself a worthy opponent; smarter and more wily than Bea had expected. Bea has to decide what she really wants and how far she is willing to go to get (and keep) it! Order on Bookshop.com or Amazon // Overall Score: A

The Birdcatcher, by Gayl Jones

I’m going to preface my review by saying that maybe I am just too lowbrow to enjoy this work of literature. It is beautifully written and a National Book Award finalist (amongst other accolades) but it was not my cup of tea. So it gets an A+ for the writing, but a B- for (personal!) enjoyability. So take this review for what it is… the review of someone who loves great writing but values plot over writing. This was just a little too literary for me.

The book takes place primarily on the island of Ibiza. Amanda is a writer (with a past of her own). Her best friend Catherine is a talented sculptor, but Catherine can’t stop trying to kill her husband. Because of this, she is repeatedly institutionalized. Meanwhile, her husband will never leave her! There’s an interesting cast of characters… all mostly artists and writers. There are Amanda’s different lovers (including a Black man whose entire lower body has turned white), a (potentially murderous) painter called Gillette (like the razor), and more. It’s a weird little book but the writing is incredible. While it wasn’t my favorite, I’m still very glad I read it. Order on Bookshop.com or Amazon // Overall Score: B+

A Flicker in the Dark, by Stacy Willingham

This book had come so highly recommended by so many of you — I am so glad that I finally read it, as I could not put it down! Chloe Davis is 32 years old and a psychologist living in Baton Rouge. She owns her own cute home and is planning her wedding with her dreamy husband. But Chloe has a past. Twenty years ago, her father pled guilty to brutally murdering six teenage girls in her home town. When two local girls go missing all these years later, Chloe begins to worry that it’s all happening again and that a copycat killer is on the loose.

She begins to spiral (and thanks to her own substance abuse issues can’t always tell if she is paranoid and delusional or on the verge of helping to solve a series of murders). This is unputdownable! Once I started, I just wanted to stay up all night reading. If you love a good thriller as much as I do, you’re going to want to read this one. Order on Bookshop.com or Amazon // Overall Score: A

All These Dangerous Things, by Stacy Willingham (Out 1/10)

Okay do I have a new favorite author? Potentially! I had to read this after loving A Flicker in the Dark so much. And you know what? This was even better. But be forewarned, there are trigger warnings for postpartum depression and child abuse. Exactly a year ago, Isabelle Drake’s life drastically changed when her 18 month old son Mason was taken from his crib in the middle of the night as her and her husband slept. Since then, Isabelle has dedicated her life to finding her son. But also: she literally cannot sleep. Besides the occasional catnap or temporary blackout, Isabelle hasn’t slept in a year. The loss of her son and lack of sleep has caused her to appear manic and paranoid at times (ultimately causing the demise of her marriage) but she is relentless… she’ll do anything to find Mason.

After speaking at a conference, she meets a true crime podcaster on her flight home. When she learns that his podcast has actually helped to solve cases, she agrees to go on. But as Waylon (podcaster) asks more and more questions (especially about Isabel’s past), she becomes uncomfortable, starting to question herself. This book has it all. So many great twists and turns, an unreliable narrator, and other things I can’t tell you about. I absolutely loved it. A++++! Order on Bookshop.com or Amazon // Overall Score: A+

Shit, Actually, by Lindy West

Okay, I mostly loved this book but admittedly, found myself a little irritated at it at some points. I think that the author’s sense of humor (relentlessly snarky) may just not be for me. I listened to it via audiobook and her tone was… a lot! And I feel like if I had just read it as a paper book, I would have enjoyed it more. I liked the book but found the author’s tone to be condescending! But, that might not come through so much, just reading it in print I think if I read it myself (vs listening to the author), it would seem more silly than snarky.

That critique aside, I netted out positive overall and found it very funny most of the time. She systematically (and smartly) takes down all of our favorite films. Love, Actually. The Lion King. Harry Potter. Forrest Gum. The Notebook. Twilight. Garden State. Nothing is safe. I particularly enjoyed her thoughts on American Pie, (wow that really was a terrible movie!). I did notice that she didn’t go after Nancy Meyers and for that, I’m thankful. Also, I found myself a little burnt out by the book by the end but ultimately enjoyed it. It is nostalgic and made me rewatch The Fugitive! Not the most convincing of reviews, but an honest one? Order on Bookshop.com or Amazon // Overall Score: B+

Tell Me How to Be, by Neel Patel

This is a very good book. I think it would be a great movie. The story is equal parts heartwarming, funny, and sad. It’s a family story, a coming of age story, a coming out story. It’s about identity, both in a culture and sexuality sort of sense. The book alternates between the perspective of mother and son, a year after the father’s death. Renu Amin has had a charmed life – married to a wealthy doctor who adored her. A year after his death she finds herself a bit lost. binge watching soap operas and pining for an old love. Meanwhile, her son Akash is struggling. He drinks too much, he’s broke, he’s gay — but afraid to come out to his family for fear of losing their love.

Now, they are all back in the family house (with Akash’s brother Bijal) which has been sold as Renu is picking up and moving back to be with her family in London. As they pack up the house, secrets come out and resentments brew. Akash compares himself constantly to his golden, seemingly perfect older brother. Renu fantasizes about what her life could have been like if she’d married her first love. Akash resorts to destructive behavior. I won’t tell you how it ends but I loved this book and found myself in tears at the end. Order at Target // Overall Score: A

All This Could Be Different, by Sarah Thankam Matthews

I picked up this book as it was a 2022 National Book Award Finalist and I had seen it highly recommended all over the place and compared to (a queer version of) Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. The writing is beautiful, at times it is funny, but at other times it is very hard to read and upsetting. It starts as a love story and becomes a story about friendship and community.

Our protagonist, Sneha, graduates college into the Obama era recession. She is queer, Indian, and holding a lot of family secrets. Sneha manages to get an entry-level consulting job where she is earning enough money to send money back to her family. She makes a new friend Tig via a dating app. She dates… eventually meeting and falling for a beautiful dancer called Marina. All the while, despite desperately craving closeness she keeps everyone at arms length… and her family life separate from her personal life (even going so far to tell Marina that her very much alive parents are dead). When things go belly up (her boss stops paying her, her friends are laid off, she must move out of her apartment), the book grows tender as Sneha and her friend group become the glue that holds each other together.

This book is really sad at times (I found the last few pages particularly heartbreaking) but it’s extremely touching. My biggest takeaway from it is that no matter how hard things get, they’ll always be okay if you have your friends and people to lean on.Order on Bookshop.com or Amazon // Overall Score: A-

The post Everything I Read in December 2022. appeared first on The Stripe.

Happy holidays (and Merry Christmas Eve if you celebrate!), friends! I am taking the next week off (regular blog content will resume Monday 1/2!) and wish you the absolute best holiday. Cheers to slowing down, spending time with loved ones, enjoying a bit of peace and quiet (maybe), and hopefully taking a break from work. I will see you next Monday… in the meantime, enjoy this week’s links!

Holiday Reading, 12.24.22

How to make the most of bad gifts.

I just got this cozy pullover (in the rye color) and could not love it more. Perfect for lounging around or after a workout.

How amazing is this Charleston home?

Ten great books you might have missed.

I’m loving this cozy striped pullover.

On the struggles of being single this time of year. You’re not alone!

Such a fun clutch… and it comes in a zillion great colors!

What is an Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and a quiz to find out if that’s you. (It’s me.)

Loved this interview with Kamala Harris.

Got a vacation coming up? This dress is pretty perfect.

The best podcasts of the year.

Answering the time old question: “Do I really need sunscreen in the winter?”

Loved this: the year we wanted to be fancy little bitches.

I just got this washable sleep set and love it. Comfy and sexy!

All the best new releases coming over the next two weeks.

This maxi dress is just stunning. Well done, Free People.

Easy salmon recipes.

30 make ahead appetizers and drinks!

A gorgeous white blouse at a great price.

The best boutique hotels in Palm Springs.

Extremely into the look of this cozy pullover.

I love the idea of having friends over for a risotto party!

On the excitement of really cool restaurant bathrooms.

These earrings are a great dupe for my real emerald earrings.

The friendliest and unfriendliest cities of the world.

How dreamy is this LA Condo?

A review of the *real* White Lotus in Sicily… I want to go!

A little bit obsessed with this hydrating hyaluronic acid mask.

Beauty secrets from Jennifer Lopez.

The perfect slouchy striped tee.

Emily in Paris inspired outfits.

Katie Sturino’s favorite splurges and steals.

Just love all the colors of this cozy ribbed crewneck.

Aperol spritz… but make it hot?

The best documentaries of the year.

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Holiday Reading, 12.24.22. appeared first on The Stripe.

One of my goals for the year ahead is to have more dinner parties. I am not the greatest cook, but I love entertaining and having my friends and family over. This past weekend I cooked dinner for ten. It was an undertaking (for me, lol) but it came together really well. I kept the menu simple: some roasted veggies, fingerling potatoes, a big salad, and Alison Roman’s Salmon with Soy and Citrusy Charred Scallions (from the Nothing Fancy cookbook). I got a ton of good cheeses to make a cheese board, and another little secret weapon: this truffle baguette (all you have to do is heat it up, it’s heavenly!) And of course: lots of wine!

I have a really big dining table that easily can fit ten. But other than my china (over the past year I have pieced together service for twelve from Dior’s Gaudron china in Malachite Green — mostly from scouring Etsy and vintage sites, etc!), I only had six of most things. So I kinda just threw things together, but it worked! I started with this big white tablecloth from Amazon. It is nice but not too nice bc kids (and adults drinking wine). Then I layered on these rattan chargers from Juliska which I absolutely love. They go so well with my china!

I used this flatware from Amazon. It is pretty and fun but inexpensive and dishwasher safe. And for a centerpiece, I had taken a class with my girlfriends but added this faux eucalyptus garland plus two giant brass candelabras that my mom had passed down to me (plus no-drip candles!!). Also! These folding chairs are a godsend when making room for a larger group than usual. They’re really pretty!

Tabletop Favorites

The post Some Tabletop Favorites. appeared first on The Stripe.

Everything I Wore Last Week, 12.21.22

Last week was packed with work but also lots of fun, especially with my family! The better part of my brand deadlines was Weds and Thurs so I was just head down, working. On Friday I took part of the afternoon to spend time with my dad and help him finish holiday shopping. On Saturday, my boyfriend, sister, and her kids all got to town so it was lots of family things (plus karaoke with my girlfriends on Saturday night) all weekend long! This week is just that last holiday push and then I had to California for ten days! I hope you are surviving the last of the holiday push..!

Monday:

What I Did: Went to a holiday floral arranging class with girlfriends.

What I Wore: Tuckernuck Kaftan (sold out) // Porte & Pair Heels // Fendi Earring (via The RealReal)

I wanted to show you a close up of the Fendi earring. It’s so fun! I wore a diamond stud in the other ear.

Tuesday:

What I Did: Lunch at The Post House with Margaux + a few other influencers.

What I Wore: La DoubleJ Dress (from last year) // Veronica Beard Boots (several years old)

Wednesday:

What I Did: Worked from home

What I Wore: Walmart Tee (wearing an XL for a loose fit) // Everlane Jeans (my uniform lately!)

Friday:

What I Did: Went out to lunch with my dad and helped him finish his Christmas shopping.

What I Wore: Sezane Sweater (tts, SO fuzzy and soft!) // Everlane Jeans // Vince Sneakers

Friday Night:

What I Did: Met friends at Vintage Lounge

What I Wore: Same as during the day but swapped out my sweater for this Tory Burch tinsel cardigan.

Saturday:

What I Did: Went out to karaoke with friends.

What I Wore: Johanna Ortiz dress // Commando slip (this part is important, dress is fully sheer) // Sarah Flint Heels

Sunday:

What I Did: Dinner at my parents’ house

What I Wore: Velvet faux shearling jacket (from my Stitch Fix box) // Everlane Jeans // Vince Sneakers

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Everything I Wore Last Week, 12.21.22. appeared first on The Stripe.