back to basics + what's in my bag

september 2024 edition

I am SO excited because I have so many good recs for you. I don’t even know where to begin. I am back in NYC after spending a month in Maine and then a short vacation in Seattle. This is off-brand for me…but I loved Seattle. I’ve been told that my visit happened to be the best weather of the year (I guess it rains there — who knew). But holy cow was it pretty. The water, the mountains, the bike trails, all of it.

One thing to note for my fellow nature-curious-but-inexperienced girlies is that there are in fact bears in the woods. After doing a fairly remote hike near Mount Rainier, I was told I was supposed to be carrying bear spray?? I’m not a mf girl scout!

back to basics

I don’t know about you guys, but September makes me think of panic-fueled trips to the Gap outlet and picking out the same t-shirt in five colors. Back to school season, baby! Even though nothing in my life really changes in September, I do crave settling back into a routine (and refreshing my closet).

Without further ado, here are some of my closet staples:

1. Levi’s 501 90s Jeans ($98)

   Okay, I know I said I was breaking up with jeans, but these changed my mind. Baggy jeans look insane on me because I’m short with thicker thighs. But I’ve felt very uncool sporting my straight-leg jeans around Brooklyn teenagers — so millennial of me. Finally, I found some looser fitting jeans that lengthen my legs while maintaining some shape. I also swear to god I had this exact pair in high school. The takeaway is don’t ever throw anything away. Side note: something about sharing a photo in jeans feels vulnerable?

   

2. Everlane Box Cut Tee ($30)

   Reformation discontinued my favorite classic white tee, but I recently scooped up a similar version from Everlane during their LDW sale, and I am impressed with the quality for the price.

   

3. Abercrombie Skort ($60)

   I think I bought this a year or two ago but am finding myself reaching for it for yet another season. It’s comfy, flattering, and, apparently, high quality.

   

4. New Balance Sneakers ($100)

   My Instagram followers know my sneaker saga. Sambas gave me the ick from the start — I just hate when everyone is wearing the same thing because Kendall Jenner got a fat check from Adidas. But I like the idea of mixing neutrals in a sneaker, so I always find myself reaching for my NB’s.

   

5. Sezane Trench Coat ($350)

   This is a serious splurge item, but hear me out. This might be the most-worn item in my closet of all time. Trenches are great for spring and fall, and they make any outfit look amazing. And could this Sezane coat be any cuter?!

   

what’s in my bag? maddie edition!

I’m continuing to travel way too much and have grown accustomed to bringing all of my favorite things on the go. At the same time, I’ve made a concerted effort to be less reliant on professional services that I can do myself. So I’ve been experimenting with products that are portable and reliable.

The hardest habit to break has been getting my nails done. I AM TERRIBLE AT DOING MY OWN NAILS. Like not in a cute way, but a crusty, smudgy way that accentuates my brittle nails (which are a result of years of getting my nails done professionally). I’ve tried all of the nail kits and quick-dry options out there, but nothing stuck and I’d always find myself back at the salon. But then I found this nail concealer, which is pretty much a lightly tinted clear polish, but so much easier to apply than a traditional polish and conceals any blemishes on your nails.

I think I could write a love song about this mascara from Thrive Cosmetics. I stopped wearing mascara for years because, no matter what I do, it clumps and drips down my face. All of my problems are solved with this miracle tube.

Some other things I am always reaching for are my Dr. Dennis Gross Face Wipes, Sol de Janeiro Mist, and Merit Lip Oil.

help me help you

What is the 411? What has everybody been up to? Please comment/DM/text me what I need to try and what you’re looking for. Odds are, I have ideas.

Two things that I need help with are 1) what are people wearing for heels? specifically to weddings? 2) do I need a Dyson Air Wrap?

what else?

Speaking of bears, I caught up on The Bear this summer and have mixed feelings. My first impression was that liking The Bear was a little pick me. Men genuinely think it’s the greatest show ever (have they seen any other show with decent character development?); however, the episodes featuring Jaime Lee Curtis are amazing. I also actively have a crush on Richie.

That’s really all for now. I am avoiding any and all election talk outside of business hours, but if y’all are looking for an easy way to get involved without door knocking or donating, I recommend writing postcards to voters. I also snagged this t-shirt (part of the proceeds go to the Harris campaign!)

~K love you bye~

P.S. Don’t forget to buy my shit on Poshmark!