Little Everyday Luxuries

11 things that make daily life feel just a little more special...

Hi there,

I know it’s been a little while! I’m feeling incredibly grateful to be busier than ever. Honestly, I’ve got a dream project happening right now, and I can’t wait to share it with you all soon. It’s wild to think I started writing this Substack back in June, and since then, so many exciting things have unfolded in my life. Finding time to sit down and write has been harder, but the truth is, the joy I get from sharing here is something I just can’t describe. Thank you for being patient with me.

I thought today’s post could focus on those little everyday luxuries that really make life feel a bit more special. You know, the things that add a little magic to the daily moments. I love when friends tell me about the best new things they’re using, whether it’s an amazing lip balm, a journal, or sweater that just feels right. So here’s a list of some of my favorites that might be the one thing you didn’t know you needed.

1. I recently got this chic necklace from Jesse Blake NYC, and I've been wearing it on repeat ever since. I've gotten so many compliments on it! It works effortlessly from day to night and elevates a simple long sleeve t-shirt into a chic outfit. Definitely a new favorite!

2. If you're anything like me and wash your hands a million times a day, then they’re probably feeling a little painfully dry. The only hand cream I swear by is L'Occitane. I love the shea butter scent, and I promise your hands feel so much softer even after just one use. I always keep a travel size in my purse too. There are so many newer hand creams out there that get tons of press buzz, but this one is a tried-and-true favorite for a reason.

3. For Christmas, my mom gave me the new coffee table book Interiors Styled by Mieke ten Have. She’s friendly with Mieke and even got me a signed copy, which feels extra special. Mieke’s taste is impeccable and I’ve been referencing this book constantly. There’s so much inspiration in it, especially for my new exciting project. If you're a design lover, this book is an absolute must.

4. Last weekend, one of my best friends put my hair up in a French twist. We had to make do with the ugly banana clip I had on hand, but I’d seen her do it effortlessly so many times before. Every time I tried, I’d fail miserably. She taught me, and, of course, I immediately ordered this chic French hair pin in light tortoise.

5. I’m not someone who wears makeup often, but when I do, I pretty much exclusively reach for Merit. It’s foolproof and just melts right into your skin. I recently added the Permission-colored flush balm, and it’s the prettiest soft orange-red color.

6. Ok, I know this might sound silly since I’ve recommended a hairbrush before, but two months ago, I started using this one, and I swear it’s completely changed my hair. It’s never looked so clean and full. I have fine hair, but a lot of it, and I honestly feel like it’s gotten thicker since using it. It’s less than $20 and probably the one thing I panic about if I forget to pack it when traveling haha.

7. I can't take credit for this find, but I’ve shared it with every single person I know. Stylist Jamie Mizrahi did a September edit and called out Gap’s Modern Boatneck T-Shirt. I immediately ordered it, and when I say this is my favorite long sleeve, I’m not joking. I started with a small, then realized it ran a little big, so I swapped for an XS. I have them in black, white, and grey, and I'm eyeing the navy. I’ve got so many of these, and I pretty much wear them every single day and night. They’re super flattering, comfortable, and definitely one of my favorite finds in a while.

8. Santa Maria Novella is one of my favorite brands on the planet. The perfume I’ve been wearing daily for a few years now is from them. Anyway, I’ve always loved Orange Blossom, and their Orange Blossom alcohol-free face mist is my absolute favorite. They also have a lovely rose scent. I usually ask them to add the spray cap so I can spray it directly on my face or onto a cotton pad. It’s such a refreshing and purifying product after cleansing. Makes a great gift, too!

9. ÉTERNE's Lounge Pant in heather gray are my favorite pants to wear around the house. They’re thin, ridiculously comfortable, and just make me so happy every time I put them on. I sleep in them and sometimes stay in them a little too long the next day. They’re that good.

10. I’m a coffee girl through and through, but I love ending my day with a little ritual, and lately, that’s been peppermint tea around 4 p.m. to sip on as my workday winds down. My sister and I grew up going to Harney & Sons in SoHo. If you’re in NYC, you need to go because they have the best vanilla scones, made fresh daily, served with clotted cream and jam. I get nostalgic just thinking about it. Anyway, I recently started drinking their organic peppermint herbal tea, and it takes me back to those special days with my sister growing up.

11. Is there anything better than a bolster pillow? I think not! My mother-in-law told me about the lovely brand Bella Notte a few years ago, and I’ve been obsessing over their beautiful bedding ever since. They specialize in silk charmeuse and silk velvet and have some of the prettiest colors I’ve ever seen.

More soon!
Bellamy