The Saturday Group Text, #85
A really good tinted lip balm, my new film camera, loads of TV recs, a more delicate take on the dad sandal, and more.
Hi friends! I hope it was a great week.
Weekend Reading is up on the blog. I really loved making this week’s list. Vulture’s summer reading edit. The most gorgeous (reasonably priced!) bathroom makeover. A few really stunning home tours. WTF is creatine and what does it do? A recipe for buffalo chicken burgers (must make!), plus all of the frozen cocktails. Summer fashion trends to know, profiles on Lindsay Lohan and Leighton Meester. Does manifesting actually work? Plus: solo travel destinations for women, perimenopause + eating disorders, and loads of shopping links. Enjoy!
PS - this one gets a little long! Click through to Substack to read the whole thing. And if you are feeling nice, give it a heart. <3
I have been testing a bunch of Versed’s makeup products. I have generally found them all great, especially for the price! You already know that I love the multi-serum skin tint with SPF 40 (it’s a truly fab dupe for the Ilia). The smoothing lip blush is a newer favorite. It’s exactly what it says—a hydrating, tinted “blush” for the lips. The color is very buildable, and the formula is nice and nourishing. My favorites are Casual (a neutral pink!) and Scene (a coral pink!). And only $10.99 a pop!
I am grateful to Thomas Berolzheimer for sharing more of his photography tips on their Substack. My team and I have been shooting our content twice: once with a DSLR, and once with a disposable. I find the film vibes dreamy and more casual (but I like having the DSLR photos to give you an accurate representation of the colors).
A recent post, Ditch the Disposable, inspired me to buy this Pentax Film Camera, and I love it so much! Carly and I have both been shooting with it a lot. It’s easy to use, and I love that it gets double the number of photos per film roll since it shoots half frames. (I use this film, also a Thomas rec.) I will add that lately I’ve been getting asked for photography tips, which is SO nice, but I am such a novice. I do what Thomas suggests in that post. He’s the one to go to for tips!
This is cool. My best friend told me about this and I love it. The Artist Plate Project launched in 2020 to benefit the Coalition for the Homeless. They partner with 150+ world-renowned artists to create limited-edition dinner plates. You could eat off these plates, but I think they’d be better suited hung on a gallery wall. The funds raised provide food, crisis services, housing, and other aid to thousands of people experiencing homelessness.
Purchasing just one plate can feed more than 100 homeless people. A relatively affordable way to a) do some good and b) own a limited edition piece of art by an incredible artist. Calder, Bradford, Sherald... It’s hard to choose!
A more “elegant” dad sandal
J.Crew’s new summer collection is to die for. One stand-out for me is these sandals. You know how much I love a comfy “dad sandal,” but the look can feel a little clunky. These are more delicate, thanks to a thinner (but still padded!) insole. I liked them so much that I got them in two colors: the weathered sand raffia and the black. They are wildy comfortable, great quality, and made in Italy. I love them!
I gobbled up Sirens over the weekend. This is fun—a dark comedy. It’s only five episodes long, but a lot happens, and there is a killer cast! I love Meghann Fahy. Devon (played by Fahy) is concerned about her sister Simone’s unhealthy relationship with her new boss (played by Julianne Moore). It’s a delight. I loved the over-the-top preppy fashion and how soapy it was. I didn’t completely love the ending, but it absolutely went with the soapy vibe.
Your Friends and Neighbors remains a top favorite (last week’s episode was a bit anti-climactic, so I’m excited to watch the final episode tonight). Hacks episode 9 was fantastic (I cried!), and The Studio was good but a little stressful.
I also watched the entire season of Overcompensating, which was hilarious and just fun. I adore Benny Drama, and this is the perfect lighthearted (mostly) college drama. You’ll laugh and cry.
There’s so much other good TV, which makes me happy! I am looking forward to diving into The Better Sister (Prime), Adults (Hulu), and the new season of And Just Like That. Am I missing anything?
I like Dorsey’s newest paracord launch even more than the first one. The green James necklace was a must for me. Summer layering perfection.
Shopbop Hearts are up to date! So many pretty spring finds.
Have you seen Alex Mill’s new canvas weekend bags? I love the painted monogram. I got the natural one and am counting down til it arrives.
Nili Lotan is one of my favorite brands, but I try to wait until there is a sale, as prices are $$. They just kicked off their end-of-season sale, and I want these pants.
Aunt life, coming in hot this week~~
Minnow’s new collection is so cute. I got this swimsuit and dress for my niece (and this coverup for me!)
My niece informed me that she was dying for “a swimsuit with scrunchy fabric” like the Hunza G ones my sister and I wear. Her pal (daughter of
) had one and had told her how comfy it is. Julia told me it was this one, which I ordered immediately.
Did you see Heaven Mayhem’s new bag charms? I like these a lot.
ICYMI - I am adding a little extra content beyond the paywall each week.
What’s below:
This week’s high + low
A fifth find!
Substack articles from fellow publishers that I enjoyed!