You guys have reacted so well (thank you!) to all of my recent round-ups and on-my-radar posts that I decided to build on that, and I’m so excited to share a new column that will run at the beginning of every month – highlighting my favorite things from the month… 8 musts, if you will. Maybe it’s a new art exhibit I saw, maybe it’s a must-have beauty product or item of clothing. It might be random, but I promise it will be wonderful. So without further adieu, here are the eight things I loved most from this past month. Click the image above to shop/learn more… or read on!
ONE // Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel The name of this product is a little bit misleading as it really isn’t like a gel… it’s more of an oil cream. If you need to tame your hair this summer (I hate heat styling my hair when it gets hot!) then this is going to be your new best friend. I rake a quarter sized squeeze in through my hair and just let it dry… resulting in soft, beachy waves.
TWO // Anthony James Fabulism at Fort Gansevoort (through July 8th). Something you might not know about me is that I try to go to one art gallery/museum a week. I’m not very “artsy” and I don’t know a lot about art but I do know that it feeds my soul and makes me feel something when I’m looking at something good. A couple weeks ago I went to the opening of Anthony James‘ exhibit and just loved everything he showed. It was a smaller scale exhibit for him, highlighting some of his older works as well as his newer series of Shields, rendered in steel and bronze. Anthony is an wonderfully gifted artist (just peek at his site – you’ll go down a rabbithole!)
THREE // Little Design Co Pillows My interior designer introduced me to this line and I love them. The prettiest velvet pillows (in every imaginable shade) at decent prices. I have three of the alabaster on my bed, but I love the pink paneled ones!
FOUR // CND Vinylux Weekly Nail Polish If you paint your own nails you must try this polish. It is soooo fantastic. It stays on a whole week, no chips at all. Note that you also need the special top coat. I used to get this at the salon but now you can buy it at CVS and Ulta so I will be doing my own nails. Cake Pop and Rubble are my personal favorites.
FIVE // Tuesday Nights in 1980 is the best book I’ve read in forever, and I haven’t even finished with it! It has three main characters: a synesthetic art critic, a talented up and coming artist, and a naive new-to-NYC girl. I am not even a third of the way done and already so hopelessly obsessed. I will of course include it in next month’s reading list but wanted to give you a heads up on it now as I am in absolute l-o-v-e. The author so perfectly captures the magic of New York City… it’s just… so well written.
SIX // Elizabeth & James Dress What is it about flesh toned clothing? So good with a tan. I love this Grecian-style dress. I’m on a shopping hiatus at the moment but had a return credit to Net-a-Porter so I made an exception.
SEVEN // Pamela Munson Bags You might have noticed that I love a good straw/basket bag and Pamela Munson’s stuff is so great. I love how she works in ribbons and bows in a way that is not overtly girly or prissy. My personal favorite is the Petite Isla Bahia (with the pink bow, as pictured above) but I also love the cylinder-shaped Agatha, and the Joan carry-all. I have a feeling we are going to see a lot of more great things from this designer!
EIGHT // Paravel Luggage When I first heard that Indre Rockefeller was behind a line of luggage, I instantly thought, “won’t be able to afford that!” I was wrong – prices top out at $345. Meet Paravel. The pieces are beautiful – cotton canvas with Italian leather with the option to monogram; but also practical – they are spill-proof and water-proof. I want to start a collection.
I’ve got to try that coconut oil gel you recommended. I love the smell of coconut oil so much!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
It smells really good!!!
Your content lately has been so fresh and on point! So excited about this new series. Keep up the good work Grace!
That is so sweet of you to say, Megan – thank you!!!
Love that dress <3
Kristin
http://www.tweedandlace.com
Thanks Kristin! Me too!!!
I randomly saw that book at the library this week and picked it up. I rarely pick things that I’ve never heard of/haven’t read a review – but I’m loving it! Such a good fun!
Ahhhh good! It gets really dark, but I’m still enjoying it!
Loving this series!! Will definitely check out Anthony James exhibit!
CND is the best!!!
Oh good, I really hope you do – he is so talented!!!!
I’m going to have to check out the coconut oil hair gel. My hair gets very frizzy and unruly during the humid summer months!
I am obsessed!!! Makes my hair so soft.
I love everything that has Coconut. I’m just obsessed with the smell. That sounds like a great product for summer!
xx, Melissa
https://elephantontheroad.com
I feel the same way! You will love this – it smells so good!
Side note – have you tried Glossier’s Coconut Balm Dot Com? It’s AMAZING if you love coconut! xx
New book to put on your radar. I read it over MDW and a) couldn’t put it down and b) haven’t stopped thinking about it. It’s called The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane. I knew nothing about the culture/place where the book is set and found it really fascinating. I think you’d enjoy!
PS – post looks FAB.
Ah THANK YOU!!! I will check it out!! Always LOVE your recs, friend!
Hi Grace! I love this series – so many great ideas this month. I just ordered that book on your recommendation and am very intrigued by the nail polish. One question – would it be possible to let us know when you were sent one of these items for free? I know you take your reviews of gifted items very seriously (and I am always grateful for that – and have found some awesome products through your reviews!) but it would just be helpful to have all the information. Thanks!
Thank you so much Lauren!
And of course. Full honesty, most of the beauty products (with the exception of the reallllly niche, smaller brands that I buy with my own money) I talk about are gifted. It’s gotten to the point where nearly every brand sends me their new launches. (Not saying this to brag – beauty companies are reallllly liberal with their gifting!!!! They send ’em out to every blogger!) I will do a better job about sharing what’s c/o and what’s not. I do this with my outfits, and should incorporate into roundups too!
Please know that getting a beauty product for free doesn’t impact my likelihood to write about it. I get probably 10, 20 packages a week and only feature the things I love most!
That being said… in this month’s round-up, the coconut oil balm was sent to me, and Little Design Shop sent me pillows. I have an upcoming partnership with CND (but in all honesty, have been getting the Vinylux at the salon for years as it’s the best alternative to gel that I’ve found) but bought the product myself.
I hope that’s helpful! Please always just ask if you have any further questions, and I’ll do a better job sharing if something was sent to me or if I bought it!
Thank you so much for your thorough response, Grace! You are always so professional and I really appreciate that!
Omggg that Elizabeth and James dress is unreal. LOVE!
Isn’t That Charming.
riiiight? I’m putting all my $$ to furniture and art right now but I had a credit so I spent it on it. It’s so pretty. The fabric is shiny and luxe.
This was wonderful! Thanks for this post, I love monthly round ups/favourites!
I hope you’re having a lovely Thursday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.co.uk
aw good, thank you michael – i’m so glad to hear it!!!
Ok ok I LOVE this new series. Your content is always so awesome Grace and this just adds to it!!
Aw that is so sweet – thank you!!!!
I got a sample from Sephora of the Coconut Oil Gel and I’m going back to buy a full size. It smells good but not too fragrant for those of us with allergies. And it makes my hair feel so soft, which I don’t usually get when air-drying. Thanks for the recommendation, Grace!
oh good! I am so glad you like it… one of my favs! xx
Love that dress!
http://www.valeriovicci.nl
Thank you Valerio!