Long Live a Distraction

On simplified skincare + some recommended reading

Hey readers—I understand if some of you aren’t in the mood for fashion right now. Maybe it’s escapism! Maybe substack feels like a place you can exhale for a minute. I hope that’s the case. May these inconsequential musings bring you a much-needed break from the heaviness 🫶

Sigh. It feels funny to complain about a pair of Vintage Levis arriving from eBay in an inseam three inches shorter than advertised. (Though, thankfully, I do believe in denim karma.) I had the chance to return the jeans for half of what I paid. Ugh. Instead, I tossed them in my closet, certain I’d have a friend or maybe even a lucky reader in the market for a pair of roughly 28x32 501s. An embodiment of materialistic hope, it was a much-needed bright spot. And don’t worry. Another pair with proper measurements are on their way.

Instead of featuring a guest this week, we’re going to pare things back. I wanted to start with my new, simplified skincare routine, compliments of the brilliant Elizabeth Hand at Ställe Studios. Best facial in the city. I’d been meaning to cut back on all the newness—I know, so hard to be a writer in beauty—and seeing her was the kick in the pants I needed.

Let’s break down this routine, shall we?

AM:

I’m taking a teaspoon of Fish Oil. This one from Carlson is a Huberman rec if that means anything to any of you!

Then it’s Sofie Pavitt’s gentle mandelic acid serum, please! Every other day for now. Putting my P50 away because apparently a sting and scent of salad dressing does not equate to a helpful product pairing.

Bioeffect 30 Day Treatment (lasts longer than that) and Bioeffect essence both morning and night.

You’ll notice, I’m a Vanicream lover. Affordable, gentle, effective. What more is there? I use the Vitamin C and daily moisturizer next.

My holy grail SPF, duh.

PM:

If I’m wearing makeup, I’ll use Fig 1 oil cleanser to take it off. Otherwise, I suds up some Sofie Pavitt cleanser.

3-ish times a week I’ll use Tret. Other nights, it’s my Bioeffect routine and ALWAYS Vanicream.

ETC:

When I remember, I’ll use my Nuface with ultrasound gel (so much cheaper than their gel).

This manuka honey mask from Activist is my new favorite. Another Elizabeth rec!

Archived Outfits

A few secondhand picks to love.

Oh ya! I’m selling the coat I wore to my wedding reception. It’s Shrimps :)

Dreaming of these pony hair loafers.

If one of you doesn’t get this, maybe I will. ECKHAUS LATTA!

Honorable Mentions

Some reading, maybe?

I loved this craft essay by Stephanie Danler in The Sewanee Review.

My dear friend Sarah Spellings wrote about Allison Bornstein. I loved Wear It Well.

I’ve been in my own personal 2014 Into The Gloss resurgence. Such great recent Top Shelves!

This story on The Cut really got me thinking (s/o to Feed Me for the tip).

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, shop my Notion template, and as always, respond to this dispatch for my direct line x