The Aura List (aka A-List) is a monthly edit of everything I’ve been loving, eyeing, and trying lately. A roundup of all the good stuff —shared in hopes of sparking a little inspiration, creativity and maybe a new addition to your current rotation.
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I love a classic dirty martini, but I hate olives. Anyone else?
I was recently talking to someone about this and they claimed that you can’t love one if you hate the other, but I beg to differ. Olives on their own are just way too bitter for my liking, but the olive brine in a little dirty martini? Chefs kiss. I’ve always been a sucker for a lychee or espresso martini, but lately I’ve been opting for the classic as my drink of choice.
Anywho, since I’ve been holed up in my apartment to hide from the scorching heat wave this week, I figured what better time than to share my first A-List, a roundup of all the things that have sparked my aura, if you will, this month. I just got back from a week home in the Midwest where I was able to break in some new goods, discover new finds, and actually relax for what felt like the first time all year. I’m working on a separate post about that trip soon, but for now, I just want to chat!
LOVING & EYEING
The perfect shoulder bag:
Freja NYC is my new favorite brand for a great everyday bag. Made from vegan leather, their bags have a buttery soft quality and are reasonably priced. I’ve received so many compliments on this espresso beauty, and have my eye on a few other styles like the classic mini Chrystie or the Mercer bag - similar to the Alaia Teckle, but for only $300 instead of nearly $3,000.
Wardrobe hits:
Currently obsessed with these Vibi Venezia flats —I can walk in them for hours! I’ve also been loving this butter yellow mini skirt (secondhand here), polka dot smocked midi dress, staple white tee, textured satin pants and the perfect sunnies that I found on eBay for less than $40.
Hammered jewelry:
I’ve been really into the more organic, molded look for jewelry lately, and have been wearing this pendant cord necklace and these pearl drop earrings on repeat.
Raffia/straw/jute accents:
I just got this bucket hat from J.CREW and it’s the perfect summer accessory. I wore it nearly everyday on my trip. As you’ve likely guessed, I’m a vampire and must shield my face from the sun at all times. I’m also very into this Sezane bag and these mesh espadrilles — these Larroude slides also intrigue me!
‘Neature’ documentaries:
Specifically those narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Not only is he an incredible nature narrator, but the man is 99 and still educating people about the planet! I just watched his latest documentary Ocean and it is both fascinating and devastating. The bottom trawling scene was particularly sobering. If you’re into neature like me, I highly recommend watching this one, as well as any of his other docs —he has a plethora!
Vintage frames:
Shoutout to my sister for introducing me to one of the chicest home decor hacks: sourcing vintage frames from Goodwill or the Salvation Army. You’ll be surprised by how many quality wood or perfectly patinaed frames you can find for virtually nothing. Plus they add the perfect vintage touch to your space! I took home this whole spread for less than $20 and I fear I can never go back to shopping full price for frames now.
Hydrated skin:
Keeping the skin quenched this summer! Been loving this and this for my face and this for my hands. Next up for my body? Very curious to try this in-shower salve that I’ve been seeing all the Substack girlies rave about.
Beauty lineup:
If you read my last post, you know that my freckles *shine* in the summer months. So when it comes to makeup, I always aim to complement them, never cover ‘em up. I’ve perfected my go-to glowy makeup routine for the season —here’s the current roster:
Base (creams): L’Oréal Lumi glotion, DIBS duo stick, Kosas pink concealer, Rhode freckle blush
Base (powders): Charlotte Tilbury pressed powder, Haus labs bronzer, Rare Beauty bouncy blush, Dior blush — big fan of layering blushes
Lip combo: Wherever Walnut liner, Fenty Blaz’D Donut, Elf mauve lip oil
Prime & Set: Milk Hydro Grip, Rare Beauty spray, ONE/SIZE On ‘Til Dawn - for the heat waves
NEW ENDEAVORS
This year, I’m pushing myself to get outside of my comfort zone and find some new hobbies. Scrolling TikTok just ain’t cutting it anymore. And honestly, I live across the river from one of the greatest cities in the world, so it’s about time that I take advantage of the endless opportunities that NYC has to offer!
So, what is my latest endeavor? Cake Club. I repeat Cake. Club. BIG YES.
I recently attended this fabulous class in Brooklyn hosted by the RecCreate Collective. The club is just one of many craft classes and workshops that they offer, all designed to foster new interests and encourage new friendships. So when I saw that you get to decorate a cake (and then also eat cake) with like-minded folks, I was sold.
In the class, we tackled the art of decorating two-tiered cakes. I learned how to secure your bottom layer to the board (add a dab of frosting underneath), how to add a middle layer for extra flavor (ours had strawberry jam and a FIRE honey-infused cake soak), and of course, how to pipe out different frosting techniques (my favorite part).
Once my little cake-that-could was assembled and frosted, I put my piping skills to the test. I was going for a vintage-style with lots of piping elements, and let me tell you, it’s definitely trickier than it looks. The perfectionist in me certainly gave it my all though. I finished off the cake by lining edible pearls around the top and bottom, adding three bright red cherries to the center and placing purple bows around the outer rim (purple & red is one of my fav color combos). And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with the final result!
At the end of the class, they handed out chocolate dirt cake to snack on, so we didn’t have to ruin our masterpieces. Overall, I give the club a 10/10 —I even met a new friend! Something that feels a little tougher nowadays…why is making adult friends so hard?
Cake Club was the perfect wholesome activity for a Saturday afternoon and it certainly filled my creative cup. If you’re looking to try something new, I highly recommend checking out a local cake decorating class in your area.
Stay tuned to see what I try next!
You are influencing me on that sun hat!!!