In Which I Continue To Bombard You With Excellent Presents For Foodies, Pet Owners, and More.
Plus hair extensions, face lasers, and the one cashmere sweater I can't stop wearing.
‘Tis the season to think of others? Sure, and we’ll get to that, but also ‘tis winter and you know what that means—laser season! I know not everyone feels this way, but I’m a big fan of lasers; I did a bunch of rounds of Clear + Brilliant back before my wedding, and was hugely impressed with the results, and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve progressed to Cool Peel, which is a very poorly named (there’s no peeling! it’s not a peel!), excellent, efficacious treatment without serious downtime. I wrote about doing a couple rounds of Cool Peel back in 2022, and last week I felt the calling again, and went in for another session. (I haven’t done any other lasers since that 2022 experience.)
For those of you who follow me on IG, I made a highlight reel of my experience and healing process, which admittedly makes the whole thing sound more dramatic than it is. The laser is kind of a no brainer; it barely hurts due to numbing cream, you’re a little red and slightly puffy for 12-24 hours, and then your skin feels a little sandpaper-y for a handful of days while it heals.
I did it on Wednesday afternoon, and despite looking like a mild weirdo, fully went to the office, a shopping event—at (realtor to the tasteful) Jenna Cooper’s cool store +Coop, where I bought a few things from longtime friend and fellow editor/Substacker Jane Herman, including one of her embroidered bandanas—and got a mammogram, in all my lasered glory. As I’ve mentioned, this is the good thing about being in LA: No one bats an eye. This also might be the bad thing, but I don’t care to consider that at this moment.
Doing one round of Cool Peel on just the face (in the past I did neck and chest too), it’s $850 at Facile, which is not cheap, but honestly it’s a great bang for the buck, and you look divine starting on days seven to ten, depending on how fast you heal. The other part I like is that the laser eats up little pre-cancerous cells, if you have them, so while I’m doing it for vanity, to be clear, I do appreciate that it’s also helping my skin, too. And for those following my mascara quest, Facile’s Dr. Sam asked me about my lashes and was surprised to learn they were not fake, but simply coated in Kulfi’s Badi Lash Smudge Proof Volumizing Tubing Mascara ($26), which I wrote about last week. You know a mascara is powerful when your derm DMs you after the visit to get the exact product name. Just saying.
In other news, I tried Bellami’s clip-in hair extensions for a social campaign last week, and as someone who owns a not insignificant amount of clip-in hair, I have to say I was totally impressed. Full disclosure: The social campaign was part of a larger partnership with some of the media brands I work on, but I am writing about it here because I actually was impressed with the quality of the hair. So to be absolutely clear: I’m not getting paid in any way to write about them, I just think they’re shockingly good! While I have not gone to the Bellami Beauty Bar in West Hollywood, I love the concept, and they will color match you there, which is pretty cool. I have the Silk Seam Clip-Ins ($260) in Caramel Latte Rooted Highlight, FWIW. Also they have the Beauty Bars in Houston, Miami, Vegas, and New York, too.
VERY GOOD CASHMERE
I will be the first to admit that I own and wear an absurd amount of cashmere, and also that I mildly take the attitude that cashmere is like pizza, which means even bad cashmere (or pizza) is still pretty good in my book. That said, I realized that I’ve been wearing some semi mid cashmere after I put White & Warren’s Cashmere Rugby Stripe Polo (normally $495; limited sale now $365) in black/dachshund). Goodness it’s nice!
Much like my beloved Guest In Residence striped sweater, I appreciate that the cashmere polo is a little preppy, but not overly so when I style it with a black leather skirt or high-waisted black jeans. White & Warren’s version is slouchy and oversized (I got a medium and am swimming in it, in a nice way) and feels like the most luxurious hug you can imagine. I pretty much haven’t taken it off since it arrived, which I think tells you what you need to know. Also, their cashmere pop-top gloves are on sale too, and quite good, and I’m quietly eyeing the cashmere neckerchief!
MORE PRESENTS BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE TIME / FOOD
As always, don’t sleep on Flamingo Estate (personalized olive oil! Pamela Anderson’s pickles!, a burnt honey pie!), Zingerman’s (the bacon-of-the-month club kicks ass), or Goldbelly (Central Grocery muffulettas and Burritos La Palma FTW), but also here are some other ideas too.
Drops of Dough 21 Ice Cream Sandwiches ($78)
A very kind Second Life guest sent me a batch of 21 mini chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream sandwiches from Drops of Dough, and when I tell you my whole family rejoiced, I am not kidding. These mini ice cream sandwiches are so charming and actually delicious, plus you’re supporting a small, female-founded business that donates 5% of sales (not profits!) to cancer research.
Alison Roman / First Bloom’s Variety 3-Pack of Pasta Sauces ($30)
As longtime readers know, I have admired Alison Roman’s recipes and cookbooks forever, and would like to remind you that her latest book is an amazing present too. However, if you have a giftee who loves the idea of cooking more than the act itself, you can buy Alison’s jarred sauces from her store, First Bloom. The Variety 3-Pack contains one Classic Tomato and Garlic, one Spicy Tomato and Fennel, and one Caramelized Shallot and Anchovy, which is my pick, or you can get a trio of just one variety as well.
Boarderie Holiday Boards (prices vary)
I know, I know, I’ve mentioned this before but it’s so great I just have to lobby for it once more. While I wish that everyone had a Lady & Larder within delivery distance, I’m well aware that’s not the case. If you don’t have a great local cheesemonger, I really love the boards (you can do all cheese or meat and cheese), and they also have baked double-cream brie options too. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law originally introduced me to Boarderie, and I liked it so much I ordered one for Thanksgiving, so please trust me when I say it’s swell.
MORE PRESENTS BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE TIME / PETS
While we may dream of an Hermes dog carrier or a now waitlist-only Bode custom pillow—I fell in love with the ones Aurora James has of her Chow Chows; aren’t they incredible?—there are still a slew of more attainable pet presents on the market now.
Canelo & Co Custom Pet Wrapping Paper ($32.99) in Toile de Jouy / Spiced Red
Did I make wrapping paper featuring my puppy Snacks? Not no. Is this insane? Yes, but most pet parents are bonkers for their pet, so why the heck not?
Susan Alexandra Custom Pet Portrait Charm in Bronze ($278)
Do you have time to order this and have it arrive ahead of the holidays? Probs no, however, I think it’s still worth it! You could always print it out and put it in a box and wrap that, just saying. For the record, these custom charms are also available in sterling silver or gold for an additional cost.
Custom Staud x C. Bonz Serrano Cashmere Sweater($550)
It’s embroidered! It’s kitschy cool! It will take a minute to arrive, but anticipation is excellent! In fact, don’t slouch on the range of custom things you can have made via Staud featuring your pet—the selection is surprisingly wide and wonderful.
MORE PRESENTS BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE TIME / MEN
Did my husband make a thoughtful gift guide? Yes. Do I still have things to say? Also yes. For the record, I bought several things from his suggestions and think he did a great job, on the off chance he’s reading this! (I’m serious, babe; I really do appreciate you!)
Auter Pure Wool Baseball Cap ($175)
For the record, I’m not really into baseball hats for men after college, but I also admit to understanding the need for a simple cap from time to time. And while there’s a market for a ludicrously spendy, Succession-inspired Loro Piana iteration, I think it’s cooler to get one from Auter, a new brand from celebrity stylist Rob Zangardi. I love that it’s so soft and simple, and honestly it’s nice to have something with zero branding. I also tried on all the mens coats a month or so ago, and trust me when I tell you they’re special. I haven’t stopped thinking about the belted herringbone trench.
Todd Snyder Donegal Crewneck (normally $198; now $148.50) in Tobacco
As I’ve mentioned before, Todd Snyder came on my radar when I interviewed Wendi and Nicole for the Who What Wear podcast, the dynamic duo who style small names like Jacob Elordi, Seth Rogan, Chris Pine, and Tom Cruise. I trust them, and they trust Todd Snyder, and that was good enough for me. Turns out, everyone was right because Todd Snyder clothes are great and rad and you should love them too. (Side note: I learned that Mr. Snyder designed a ton of J.Crew’s menswear hits, including the Ludlow Suit, in his previous life working for that brand.)
Anyway, if you’re looking for the perfect version of a Donegal sweater—and honestly many men are, even if they don’t have the words for it—Snyder’s version is divine. Cool, slim (but not skinny), and a nice wearable weight. My husband wore his whilst playing golf yesterday and said it’s perfect, which is the ideal unsolicited compliment.
Perfumer H Eau de Parfum ($220) in Saddle
One of the chicest humans I know—thanks Malcolm!— introduced me to the cooler-than-cool fragrance line Perfumer H, a couple of months ago, and I’ve fallen deeply in love with the brand, which is helmed by Lyn Harris. The bottles are handblown, the juice inside is truly original and deeply evocative, with names like Steam, Ink, Smoke, and Moss. While I’d love to direct you to the site directly, the customs situation is annoying, so I’d recommend buying from one of the amazing American boutiques that sell it, including +Coop, Mohawk, By George, and Stele. Personally, I wear Fig and Rhubarb, and really love Saddle for men. Saddle is slightly trickier to find than Leather, which I also love, but worth it.
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.
I also have holiday wrapping paper with my dog Sadie on it! It’s adorable and everyone knows the gift is from you!
I just ordered the Drops of Dough ice cream sandwiches. Thank you for the rec!