I See It, I Like It, I Want It, I Got It: 7 Things On My Wish List This July.
From Westman Atelier's sheer lipstick and Abril Barret charm necklaces, to chic heeled thong sandals.
Oh hi! Me again…
See, I told you I wouldn’t ghost you! Look at me being timely! (Let’s just pretend this arrived in your inbox July 1st okay?) I know you love me flaws and all! Now that we’ve got in the swing of things after my first and (slightly delayed post of 2026), I figured we should get back to us. I’m going to do this Seven Things slightly differently, in the spirt of My Stuff and include what I’m watching, reading, listening to etc at the end so we can kiki in the comments.
Not to be dramatic…
And I know you appreciate my honesty. This July is low key not the cutest and she and I are barely on speaking terms. Between the Legionnaire’s outbreak on the UES, Mercury in retrograde, the parasite scare having me question every salad, heat waves and now wildfire smoke…she’s trying me. And to top it off England just lost in the semi-finals of the World Cup! ‘Summer should be fun!’ Thank God for Love Island UK, otherwise it would have been completely dire.
Despite all this, we will keep calm and carry on. With the help of a little retail therapy of course. In case you need reminding, every month I share seven things I’m not ashamed to say I want, need, or would even donate an organ for if necessary. You know I love to get carried away, so it’s always more than seven actual items because that’s what works with my reference. Strap in!
1. ABRIL BARRET Charm Necklace
As you know, I’m a firm believer that jewelry should reflect your personality, spark joy, and, above all, not look like everyone else’s (or be a Cartier Love bracelet). Ahem! Enter LA based fine jewelry brand ABRIL BARRET. The sister design duo create everything by hand and lean into color in the best possible way. Their aptly named Jamboree collection lets you choose everything from your chain, whether that’s 18kt gold or paracord, to colorful gemstones, beads, and charms. Naturally, I spent far longer than I’d like to admit creating my dream combinations. Who said you only need one? And look, I know charm necklaces aren’t exactly new, but the craftsmanship and colorful materials feel genuinely fresh, especially for summer. Safe to say I need one...or five.
2. Westman Atelier Hydrobalm Sheer Tinted Lipstick
You know I’m a loyal girl and obsessed with my Fenty Beauty Heat gloss, so the fact I’m recommending a lipstick should tell you everything you need to know. Westman’s new Hydro Balm Tinted Lipstick has officially earned its place in my makeup bag. I love that it behaves more like a tinted balm (minus the shine) than a traditional lipstick. The color is sheer, softly blurred, and virtually impossible to overdo. I was initially skeptical because Violette FR's Bisou Balm promised a similar effect, but I returned it almost immediately because I couldn't stand the texture. Thankfully, the Westman is the complete opposite. It glides on effortlessly and feels incredibly comfortable. I bought the shade Glogg first, which looked mildly intimidating in the tube but somehow becomes the perfect your lips, but better shade. I loved it so much I went back to Sephora for English Rose, that’s my personal favorite and pair it with my HUNG VANNGO lip liner (or Makeup by Mario’s). However, it’s equally chic on its own when you want to look effortlessly pulled together. (Which is always my goal, obviously!)
3. The Chic Heeled Thong Sandal
Yes, I know…thong sandals for Summer? Groundbreaking. I actually bought this Manolo pair last month in black and I’m low key annoyed at myself. They’re undeniably beautiful, but perhaps just a touch too classic (for me.) At the moment, I’m craving something a little more directional. Naturally, I’m obsessed with Christen as a brand, and the Helix 75 is my current favorite. I could very much picture our girl RHW wearing them with a pair of Phoebe Philo trousers. The flat version is just as chic. A very fashionable friend of mine (who also happens to wear my shoe size, which is rather convenient) owns both the Saint Laurent Sue Mules and the ALAÏA Infradito and swears they’re equally comfortable. For evening, Magda Butrym’s satin thong sandals are perfection. And if you’re in a more is more mood, the embellished version takes things up another notch.
4. Schostal Linen Pajamas
I firmly believe that pajamas shouldn’t be confined to just the bedroom. Obviously, that would be too predictable. Since many of us are in the midst of a heatwave and I’ve just returned from Italy, it felt only right to mention Schostal, especially their linen pajamas. I discovered the 150-year old Roman heritage via my best friend Simon, when we were in Rome six years ago, and it’s remained my favorite ever since. Their motto is, “Everyone can wear pajamas, but only few can style them.” I couldn’t agree more. I’ll happily throw their linen pajama shirt over a bikini on holiday, or pair this one with a simple skirt for a summer in the city moment à la Prada FW25 (even thought I disliked ninety-eight percent of that collection.) And who doesn’t love a versatile linen pant? Further proof that pajamas should rarely make it anywhere near the bedroom.
5. By Terry TEA to TAN Face & Body
If there's one thing you can trust me on, it's a good glow. I've tried what feels like every glow enhancing, bronzing product on the market, so given we're in the height of summer, this feels particularly timely. I’ve seen plenty of chatter around Victoria Beckham’s (always sold out) Color Wash and, while I can see the appeal, I still find myself reaching for By Terry. Despite their similar lightweight, watery textures, the By Terry spray is simply easier to use (and cheaper!) It’s versatile enough for both face and body and, unlike so many bronzing products, dries down completely, so you never have to worry about transfer. I mist it onto a dense brush (I use Patrick Ta’s Body Brush) before buffing it over my body. For my face, I spray a little onto a makeup brush and sweep it over my forehead, cheeks, jawline, and neck after moisturizer but before makeup. This tutorial breaks it down perfectly. There’s no shimmer, no glitter, and no fake-tan look. Just that subtle, “I may or may not have spent the weekend at Il San Pietro” kind of warmth. Ideal.
6. Sofie Buhai Evening Flask
I know we’re not quite at the “I do” stage of our relationship yet, but we are very much in wedding season. Sophie Buhai’s Evening Flask might just be my favorite wedding guest accessory (or, really for any event). The perfect blend of fashion and function, the sculptural sterling silver flask presents more like an evening bag making it impossibly chic. You can pop off the jade stopper for a cheeky sip of your drink of choice. Or water if you’re parched, and trying to be a good girl. I know the price tag is a little steep, but I’d argue this is the sort of piece that’s worth collecting and quite the conversation starter.
7. Hyunsung Cho Cocktail Glass
I recently had lunch with my husband at Marcel, Roman and Williams’ new restaurant at the base of Sotheby’s on Madison. While the food didn’t completely win me over, especially for the price, my Cosmopolitan arrived in a cocktail glass so beautiful I spent the rest of lunch thinking about it. Naturally, I tracked it down the moment I got home. Hand blown by Korean glass artist Hyunsung Cho, the sculptural glass feels more like a work of art than something you’d hide in a cabinet. And yes, I know it’s wildly impractical for everyday use, and the price tag certainly reflects that, but life’s too short for boring glassware! Perfect for a summer soirée or, if you're anything like me, elevating an otherwise ordinary Tuesday night in the bath. Ideal.
If You Must Know I’m Currently…
OBSESSING… Over Zendaya’s looks for The Odyssey press tour styled by Law Roach. JUST WOW, especially this look and the makeup! Her makeup artist spilled the tea and shared that she was wearing this Prada blush (which I own and is amazing by the way) in the shade Caffee.
WATCHING… Nineties rom-com She’s The One (Cameron Diaz, Amanda Peet, Jennifer Aniston, Leslie Mann, Maxine Bahns and Ed Burns all in a movie together, need I say more?!) Also obviously, Love Island U.K (NOT U.S!!!)
READING… Substacks! Wear Mail, Best Served Chilled, No Sale. I worked with all the authors either at Moda or Saks and they are all extremely talented.
FOLLOWING… @MadisonDowd - She owns the UES boutique Ludivine and is incredibly chic. She also gets her hair done by my stylist (and friend) and kiki’s with my best friend, so we can clearly trust her taste.
LUSTING OVER… This Schiaparelli long skirt. I’m obsessed with the fact you can hold the skirt up with the gold chain and padlock. Sadly I’ll have to donate an organ to afford it. (Remind me to send this to my husband.)
VISITING… I just was at Passalacqua but hoping to visit Switzerland at the end of August.
BURNING… The Votivo Red Currant Candle. I smelled this in KALLMEYER on the UES recently and was instantly taken back to my early twenties when it was permanently lit in my apartment. It's just as good as I remembered and, unlike many candles these days, it won't cost a small fortune.
LISTENING TO… Lots of variation here and not necessarily new but… For background noise Hotel Costes A Decade Album. Always on repeat: The Birds Don’t Sing, Clipse (makes me miss my Mum). Hot girl walk song: AWGAZI. Gym song(s): 3x / Body Getting ready song(s): Six Feet Under / Cozy (obviously.)
BUYING… I just ordered the new HUNG VANGGO BEAUTY Serum Foundation. Will report back once I try it, but I have high hopes.
SCREENSHOTTING… Honestly, any jewelry from FD Gallery’s Instagram. A girl can dream okay?
Talk to me.
Sharing is caring after all, and of course I want you to tell me how you feel! Let me know what you’re up to in the comments and what you’re loving this month. (Besides me!)
Per usual, whatever Grace likes...I like! Add allll to cart!
Missed you , so glad you are back! The new Celine tinted lip balm is pretty good. Very sheer for a matte lip balm. I received it as a gift. My Aunt really likes the Merit lip blush. I Hope to try it!