December Favorites
a comfy cozy month
First and foremost, if you’re in LA or have family in LA, I hope y’all are safe. If you have been affected by the fires, know someone who is or are looking for ways to help those affected by the fires, here are some resources:
A list of donations available for those affected, where to donate needed items, shelter, animal shelters, etc.
Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Fund
You can buy a firefighter a meal via The Great Outdoor
Donate to Pasadena Humane to help care for any animals that have been displaced or suffered injuries
The Watch Duty app will give you real time updates on evacuation notices and status updates about the fires
If you have other resources, please comment below in case they are helpful for anyone in need. All commission made from this newsletter in January will be donated to the Pasadena Humane Society.
Thank you all for your kind words and support on one of my most vulnerable letters to date. If you missed it, my husband and I moved to Paris a few weeks ago. It’s been quite an adjustment between trying to figure out where to buy things and getting some semblance of a routine in place. We moved to an Airbnb a week ago and it finally feels like we’re living somewhat of a “normal” life. We’re excited for a more permanent place and to pick up a few things to make it feel more like home. Last weekend, we went out to pick up a candle and ended up coming home with a diffuser — an alternative I didn’t know I would have preferred!
We also started apartment hunting again! Long story short, when we were in Paris in the Fall we started the search process and came close twice but both options unfortunately fell through. Hoping 3rd time's the charm! Cross your fingers for us.
PS. There is a survey at the bottom that I’d love your feedback on!
Vintage Levi 505s
I bought these on our last minute trip to NYC and I’m incredibly happy with them. I almost went lighter, but this indigo color was irresistible. I’ve been wearing them several times a week, but have been making myself rotate my other denim to give these a break. I find I can pair them with anything. I’ve paired them with a oversized sweater, a button down over a tank, this navy sweater — the options are endless. A really good pair of jeans that fits you well go a long way. I’m also very into an ankle option lately. I tried on these boots and I loved the two together. I’ll need to go back with a different pair of jeans to make sure I still feel the same about the boots!
I found these 505s at Front General Store Outpost in NYC. They have two stores on the same street — I went to their newest store that was tucked away from the street entrance. There were only a handful of people there in comparison to the original which was packed.
PS. One of my really good friends who used to own a vintage shop and who has bought thousands of vintage Levi’s to sell told me that you shouldn’t really be paying more than $100 for Made in the USA (or the more rare made in France). That being said, the only place I’ve ever found a pair of vintage Levi’s for around that price was in a thrift store in Amsterdam.
I will say, everyone has their own threshold of what they are willing to pay for a good pair of jeans! I bought my 505s for $148 and I definitely think they were pricier because the store gained a lot of popularity from TikTok. If you’re unable to scour for a good pair often, then paying a higher premium for a pair you love might not be a bad option.
Gillian Stevens Sweater
You know I’ve sung praises about Gillian Steven’s before and here I am doing the same thing again. She so graciously gifted me this sweater from her winter collection. I was truly shocked because I know that gifting away a piece of her small business is huge. It is truly one of the best gifts I’ve received to date. A million times thank you to her and her fabulous brand. I’ve previously purchased the Ava Scarf and the Evelyn dress and I know I’ll be adding more of her pieces to my closet throughout the years.
Okay, back to the sweater, it’s the most beautiful melange of brown hues. It’s roomy, but not overwhelmingly so. I’ve worn it several times since it arrived and it looks great with everything. I styled it with silk pants, jeans and my sateen pants.
I highly recommend Gillian Stevens if you’re looking for a brand who puts a lot of emphasis on creating exquisitely crafted and long-lasting pieces. She does new drops seasonally and in my eyes she never misses. I am constantly on the lookout for her new releases. If you’re not already following her, I definitely would! She often puts out sneak peaks on what she’s working on.
Korres Face Mask
I initially bought this back in November. I ran into a French pharmacy looking for deodorant and as I browsed, this mask ended up staring me right in the face. Funny enough, my esthetician had recommended this exact product to me about 5 years prior?! Why did it take me so long to try it?
No idea, but I’m kicking myself for not doing so. After leaving it on for 15 minutes, it leaves my skin feeling soft for at least 3 days after. I’ve been leaning into using it once a week as part of my skincare routine. If my esthetician is reading this, I’m sorry and I will never take this long to try your recommendations again!
If you’re ever in Paris, there is a Korres store in Le Marais! I am also now recalling there is one on Elizabeth St in NYC. If you can find it at your local Sephora, I bet they’d give you a sample of it as well.
Red Coat
If you follow me on Instagram or read my Amsterdam newsletter from our first trip, you’ve seen this beauty. I have loved this coat since the very first moment I saw it. I love it for many reasons, but I truly think it’s the most beautiful shade of red. A red coat might not be for everyone, but when red is done right, I think everyone can rock one. It’s my type of statement piece because I know you can see me coming from a mile away and I’m very much okay with that.
Beaded Necklace
When I was in NYC, I went to a holiday market per
’s recommendation. I ended up buying a few things, but one of my favorites that I’ve loved wearing since has been this beaded necklace by Kerrie Starling. I had been eyeing this style for a while and this one looked like a great intro piece. I am now on the hunt for more necklaces I can layer with this one.Kerrie has lots of unique pieces that I would recommend if you’re into beaded or one of kind statement pieces. You can find what is available for sale here.
Buck Mason Sweater
I had initially tried on this sweater back in October, but decided to buy the polo version in the same color instead. I’d never had one before and thought it would be better suited for my closet. Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about the pullover version.
Before we left Austin, I walked into Buck Mason in the hopes they could secure one for me. Luck was on my side, because there was only one left in stock. I received it a week later and I’ve been wearing it on repeat ever since. Truly the best hue of blue I’ve seen. Not too dark, and with a mélange of ever so slightly lighter tones of blue. It is incredibly soft and I definitely don’t mind owning the same color in two different sweater types given how often I re-wear them.
I will say that they run small. I sized up one size in both versions, but I could have sized up two sizes to make it even more roomier.
PS. I’ve been into a handful of Buck Mason stores and I don’t know what it is about who they hire but everyone is so incredibly kind and helpful, beyond any other store I’ve shopped at consistently. If you want to learn more about Buck Mason, check out my try-on newsletter!
Layering With Tanks & T-Shirts
Recently I’ve found myself layering more with tanks and t-shirts for added warmth, but also dimension. Since I often re-wear sweaters almost daily in the winter, having a tank or t-shirt peeking through the top or bottom makes it feel more intentional when I’m seemingly just “throwing” something on again for the hundredth time.
My favorite t-shirts I own are these from COS. I’ve had mine for over two years and they’ve retained their shape really well. They’ve accidentally been through the dryer once or twice, and I do believe they’ve shrunk a bit so make sure to hang dry! I’ll probably add a few more to my rotation since I wear them so often and never have a clean one when I want one. I’d recommend going up at least one size for added length.
PS. Before I left the US, I purchased Sold Out NYC’s t-shirts to try. I really liked the feel of them, but unfortunately did not have enough time to exchange for my preferred sizing. I don’t have long term usage feedback, but it’s definitely a brand worth considering if you’re looking for a t-shirt alternative that’s roomier with a more worn in look. They also come in sets of two — white, black or one of each. I appreciate that you can select different sizes for each if you prefer.
Peter Rabbit Puzzle
I am obsessed with bunnies. I ask my husband for one several times a week. While I don’t think I will get my wish anytime soon, he did buy me a Peter Rabbit winter themed puzzle at a Christmas market. He’s not off the hook, but it was incredibly relaxing to lose track of time during the holidays and spend a few hours by the fire putting this puzzle together. This year, I hope I can find some activities that give me a break from technology because I feel like I am always within arms reach of the internet and I’m feeling the need for an online detox.
Quality Time
I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with my family and my husband’s family before our move to Paris. While it felt very bittersweet knowing that I wouldn’t be seeing them for a while, I adored chasing after my nieces and nephew, giving into their requests for treats and spending everyday figuring out what we were going to have for dinner that night. It also made me grateful to have the type of problem of deciding what 9 people were going to eat every night. A problem I would happily endure if that meant I got to have dinner with my family.
All featured items available here.
Feedback Request
Initially, when I had started these posts almost a year ago, I had the idea of modeling them off of TikTok’s R.E.P.O.R.T. trend. It basically encompassed what you’re reading, eating, playing, obsessing over, recommending and treating yourself to. I was also thinking that instead of “playing” the P could stand for Paris — potentially something related to the city. Alternatively, it could stand for “perusing” since I am often window shopping around town and trying things on to see what peaks my interest.
This would be similar to my monthly favorites, but with a greater focus on what I’ve been up to as well. Are y’all into this info getting incorporated into this newsletter? Or would you prefer me to stick to the current format? Alternatively, it could be a “bonus” letter with a brief R.E.P.O.R.T. summary. I’d appreciate your feedback!
As always, if you have any newsletter requests or additional feedback drop a comment or send me a DM :)
xx Ofelia
Disclaimer: some links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a very small percentage from a sale. As always, anything that is linked are things I either own, recommend or would purchase myself.
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The navy sweater with the your red coat and scarf is perfection! I've now put a few Buck Mason sweaters on my wish list because of you. x
Thank you so much for starting this by directing people to help with the LA fires; you are using your platform for good.
The Levi’s I bought off Etsy were also 505s and I have since reupped to 501s as well. Can I say; I love the zipper of the 505!! It’s my understanding that’s the only difference in the two and I guess I’m a 505 girl. Which makes my life easier!
I do wish they were easier to find at the price your friend said; that has not been the case for me 😜