5ish Things To Watch, Hear, Try, Buy, and Read for February.
Not sure why I have so much to say today, but I do! And questions for you!
Hi friends, and welcome back. I’m so glad you’re here. I have a cold. I hope you do not.
Wanted to start today slightly differently, with a couple of notes! First and foremost, if you missed it, the phenomenal line Roz—which I know I write about all the time—is officially at Sephora! Founded by celebrity hairstylist and beloved industry insider Mara Rozak, I’m personally really excited because the brand is so major and this means even more folks will discover it. The shampoo and conditioner are on heavy rotation in my shower, my whole family uses the hair serum every day, I can’t live without the styling oil and I’m devoted to the hair mask…I truly could go on forever.
Second: I am a diligent, methodical handwasher these days, but this was not always the case. In fact, I was shockingly bad about it in my 20s. But now I am resigned to the task, though it affords me almost no joy. Happily, a beam of light broke through my grumpy routine, in the form of Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom Tomato Hand Soap ($39). Makes me actually cheerful to wash my hands, which feels like the biggest luxury at the moment. Run, don’t walk!
Finally: Are you familiar with Callas Milano? The brand recently appointed Derek Lam, a designer I’ve always admired, to the role of creative director, with his first collection debuting this past fall. I recently tried a pair of relaxed, dark navy sailor trousers, and am delighted with, well, everything. High quality, impeccable fit, true to size, elevated, and chic, they feel unique to what’s out there, and I’m elated. I am not a trousers person, but these are so excellent, they’re going to be in year-round rotation.
And now, with no further ado, please enjoy this assortment of things to watch, shop, buy, try, read and more!
LISTEN: Second Life with Marissa Vosper, co-founder of Negative
Over the past seven years, I’ve sat down with over 300 founders, CEOs, and thought leaders for Second Life, but I rarely talk about it here. Today, I’m changing that because this week’s episode feels like a very organic fit. I sat down with the co-founder of our (I’m writing our because y’all seem to love it as much as I do) beloved Negative, Marissa Vosper, to talk about how she built the brand. They’ve been in business for 11 years and have never taken outside investment; how amazing is that?!? And yes, I fangirled about the long-sleeve t-shirts and maybe horrified her with the fact that I will wear the same shirt to sleep in, then under a sweater to work, and then out to date night? She’s so cool and inspiring, so check it out on Apple podcasts or Spotify or wherever.
WATCH: “High Fashion” + The Traitors (on Peacock now) + The White Lotus (tonight @ 9 p.m. on HBO/Max)
I am deeply enthralled by the new Addison Rae song/video for “High Fashion” and no one wants to discuss it with me, so can we talk about it here? The haunting synths! The immaculate visuals! The flawless styling, as one would expect from the genius Dara. I also adore that it was shot in Louisiana; those True Blood/Southern gothic vibes are really coming through. Give me more!
Last February, I wrote about the madness that was season two of Traitors, and I’m back begging you to get on board with this truly unhinged, campy, murder-mystery reality competition show that is set in a castle in Scotland, hosted by the immaculate Alan Cumming, and this season features a motley crew of Real Housewives, Survivors, Drag Race stars, oh and Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules, plus Britney Spears’s ex-husband. Say less, right?? It is the perfect thing to watch to turn my brain off at the end of the day, and I am madly in love.
It’s a little silly that I’m putting White Lotus here, because obviously we will all be watching it, but I’m so excited, it’s almost embarrassing. I’m also quietly amused and delighted by the sheer number of White Lotus collab collections that are coming out. Bloomingdale’s has a The White Lotus x Aqua collection in stores already. H&M is doing a 25-piece collection with the show’s costume designer, which comes out on February 20th. The cuties at Kiehl’s are doing a travel set in a White Lotus beach tote in early March. Banana Republic is debuting a White Lotus capsule collection in March too (there’s a green pair of trousers that I’m into…which we shot on an amazing actress for Who What Wear, coming soon!).
TRY: Winter Skin Savers That Work For Me
I know, I know, you’re like: LA doesn’t even get winter. And you’re mostly right. But also: Our house is nearly 100 years old, and while I love her to bits, her windows are not airtight, and so our sweet home is warm in the summer and cold in the winter. Some day, we will fix that, but for now, my casa is a tundra and that’s just facts.
I’m always cold and when I’m cold, my skin is itchy, plus the heater is drying out my already dry skin and the result is unfailingly frustrating. I’m doing my best to handle it, but I am not well, bitch. Rather than simply complain, I have been in a bit of a winter skin frenzy and wanted to share a few things that are working for me and ask you for any additional suggestions?
FACE
The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser ($32)
I think I’ve mentioned this one before, but I’m liking it so much here we go again. It takes off all my makeup and grime, and somehow makes my skin feel super clean and moisturized, which is a rare find for me. As you can see below, I’m almost through my bottle because I love it so much. The brand was founded by Scarlett Johansson, and the products continue to impress me the more I use it.
Doré Le Cleanser Gel to Milk Daily Facial Cleanser ($26)
Created by creative and fashion guru Garance Dore, I’ve been using this extra gentle, moisturizing cleaner quite a bit this winter, and I love how luxurious and creamy it feels. The products are made in France and formulated to both EU and EWG clean skincare standards, and this one does an excellent job of removing all my makeup, to the point where I don’t have to use eye makeup remover. If my skin is feeling particularly parched, this is what I reach for.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery Moisturizer ($24)
Of all skincare products, I probably struggle with moisturizers the most. As someone who has sensitive, aging, but still acne-prone skin, I can get really dry, but many heavier moisturizers will clog my pores and make me breakout. I’ve loved this super gentle moisturizer for ages, but am finding myself reaching for it more and more this winter, as it’s just soothing and the perfect companion to my baby steps into the wonderful world of tret.
LIPS
Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Basting Duo ($44)
I am one of Dr. Idriss’s biggest fans of all time, and I think everything she makes is genius. I use tons of her products—the Major Fade Hyper Serum is in my daily rotation, always—so I was curious about this new two-step solution for chapped lips. Two word review? Doesn’t disappoint. Three word review? Worth every penny. Unlike most dry-lip products which involve scrubbing, (which always means more flaking, not less) the duo starts with a quick chemical lip exfoliant that you apply at night, which contains mandelic acid to very gently exfoliate your lips. You let it dry, and then apply the soothing lip baste after, which you can also use during the day.
Friends, it’s remarkable. Like, game-changing remarkable. And yes, I know Dr. Idriss, and yes, I like her very much personally, but I promise you I wouldn’t be yammering about this duo if it wasn’t actually good. Definitely worth your money!
SKIN
Hanni Splash Salve In-Shower Body Moisture Treatment ($34)
Rejoice! For once I’m not talking about The Fatty Stick! Ha. Jokes aside, this innovative product is like a deep conditioner mask for your skin. Seriously. Right before getting out of the shower, I step out of the water, slather this soft goo all over my body, then get back into the spray for a quick rinse (but don’t rub it or scrub it!). Then I blot my skin, pressing the salve into my skin, while drying off, and oh my god it makes you aggressively moisturized. You feel like a baby seal, in all the best ways.
BUY: On Sale Bedding
I don’t get particularly excited about President’s Day sales, but it is a good time to shop some of my favorite home and bedding items, many of which are on sale.
Lands’ End 400 Thread Count Premium Supima Cotton No Iron Sateen Bed Sheet Sets (now $146.95; normally $209.95)
Yes, I adore these Annie Meyers-Shyer/@thisoakhouse approved sheets. Yes, we have them for every bed in the house. Yes, I bought them for my parents for the holidays. Yes, you will love them. I don’t make the rules; these are just the facts.
Naturepedic Mattresses (all currently 20% off)
After extensive research, we ended up buying a Naturepedic mattress, and this is what our kids have too. We bought ours a year ago and love it to bits. The kids have the Verse Organic Mattress, we loved the EOS Classic Organic Mattress and the EOS Pillowtop Organic Mattress, but ultimately bought the brand’s Halcyon Azure, which is perfect and customizable, as most of the brand’s options are. We also liked Saatva’s Classic Mattress in Luxury Firm.
Matouk Montreux All Seasons Down Comforter (now $562.50; normally $750)
A recommendation from a very discerning fashion friend, this down comforter is super luscious and lofty, and feels like a steal at this price considering the quality and how much you use it.
READ: The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
This novel had been sitting on my shelf for a minute, and then I saw the kind and cool NYC dermatologist Dr. Elyse Love posting about it and I knew it was time to read. Oh my god. Why did I wait so long? I will never know, but I will always be grateful to Dr. Love for giving me the nudge I needed. As always, when I really adore a book, I just will say: Go read it. Or read Alexandra Jacobs’s great review of it in The New York Times. Oh and one last thing: Why hasn’t this been adapted for TV or film? C’mon Zoe Kravitz, this feels like it’s in your wheelhouse.
Also on my nightstand: Comedic Timing by Upasna Barath (the latest from the genius 831 Stories), Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage (my favorite in this steamy Western series), and The Wedding People by Alison Espach.
Okay friends, that’s it for now. If you want to follow me on @hillarykerr, I’d love it. And if you have anything to say or ask (preferably nothing terribly mean), please drop me a note either via DM or in the comments below.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this post. I’m truly so glad you’re here. If you like what you’re reading, please consider sharing this newsletter. (And if you have the time to like it, that would mean a lot to me!) All products mentioned are independently chosen, and some may be affiliate links. Your support is appreciated.
Loved Wedding People!
I thoroughly enjoyed your talk with Marissa. I bought the whipped boy shorts on your recommendation a few months ago and love them as well! So great to hear about the business and the care that went into selecting the fabric. It felt like you guys had a great conversation and that Marissa loved your enthusiasm for her and Lauren's company.
Maybe get Jamie Haller on to talk about those loafers???