The Saturday Group Text, #88
Everyday olive oils, the influencer clothing line I can't get enough of, definitive thoughts on Merit's tinted SPF, Dorsey's new chains, and more.
Hi there! I hope your Saturday is off to a great start.
Weekend Reading is up on the blog. This week’s list is a good one. A full list of the 2025 James Beard winners and a stunning Montmartre villa. What to watch this weekend. How Chat GPT could be making you lazy and dumb. The literary bag trend I’m loving. Steak salad recipes to get excited about and a yummy summer pasta I’m dying to make. Plus, a big round-up of the best summer cocktails. Street cats from around the world, a fancied-up tomato sandwich recipe, plus loads more. I hope you enjoy the list!
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
Merit’s new tinted SPF
Merit’s new tinted SPF, “The Uniform,” came out about a month ago, and quite a few of you had asked for my thoughts, but I really wanted to sink my teeth into testing it. The verdict? I really love it! It’s a solid tinted moisturizer with SPF protection. Great coverage, light enough for summer days . . . it gets two thumbs up from me! It’s perfect for everyday. If I am shooting, I prefer a bit more coverage (and less dewiness), but I’ve been using this as my everyday base and like it a LOT. My shade is 18 (medium warm). You can buy it at Sephora or from Merit.
Brightland’s new “everyday” olive oils.
I know, I know, more olive oil. If you missed it, last week I featured the heavenly garlicky Flamingo Estate olive oil. Perfect for drizzling and dipping! But then Brightland launched their new Everyday line. This is so fantastic. The line consists of a cooking oil that’s smooth and perfect for high temps, and a salad oil fr tossing and dressing. Both come in big 750ml squeeze bottles. I love that these are less expensive (I’ll be less precious with them), and I love the squeeze bottle format. (I promise not to talk about olive oil for a bit now.)
Le Maregold
I’ve been a fan of Tara Moni’s style for a while (she is so chic, I generally want everything she wears!), but I hadn’t tried anything from her line Le Maregold until getting this cute navy set (top + shorts). Everything is so original and fun, and most pieces are under $200. I love the set I got. I took my usual medium but wish I had sized down in the top as it’s very roomy. Next up, I am eyeing this fun red dress and the set pictured above (top + skirt). Honestly, I want everything!!!
Sidebar: I love that they shot the summer lookbook in Charleston; it warms my heart!
New Chains from Dorsey
My grandmother had the most beautiful, weighty gold set (a bracelet and collar necklace) that she wore every day. I’d always wanted to find something similar. When I saw The Twisted Sister, I was reminded of her set as Jessica Biel had on a necklace that reminded me of my grandmother’s. Then Dorsey dropped their summer collection, and I saw the brand new Casta pieces (necklace, bracelet!). My jaw dropped. Exactly what I was looking for. The details are perfection (right down to the screw clasp which contains a tiny lab grown diamond). The most sophisticated, hefty chains. Somehow, Dorsey always seems to make exactly what I want!!!
Ginny and Georgia (Netflix) I finished this last weekend. It was darker (and more stressful) than previous seasons. Georgia’s past has caught up with her… will she spend the rest of her life in prison?
Call Her Alex (Hulu) I found this fascinating. I was never invested in Alex Cooper or her podcast, but lately my opinion of her (since the Kamala interview) has changed. Am I now a geriatric Daddygang member? Maybe! She’s incredibly smart and hardworking. I loved learning her backstory and wish I had as much energy as she does. It was an inspiring (two-part) documentary!
Echo Valley (Apple TV): A thriller with Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney. It had some good twists but I was only medium on it.
We Were Liars (Amazon Prime): I wanted to love this (loved the book), but it was only a “like.” I had read the book and remembered the twist (it’s a big one!), so that helped. But I kept watching because a) I just can’t stomach any more of And Just Like That, and b) I love rich, unsupervised teens in a gorgeous backdrop. It wasn’t my favorite, but it wasn’t awful.
I have been using my ZIIP device every day and definitely see a more lifted look, even after a week. They made us a code! Use ATWOOD for 10% off.
I’m really loving Freda Salvador’s new Spring collection. I bought these tortoise jellies and am eyeing these studded sandals. You can use GRACE10 for 10% off!
Shopbop Hearts are up to date. So many pretty things for Spring.
Arrae made us a code. I am pretty excited about this, though they made it after I’d just placed a big order for their clear protein and creatine! Use grace15.
I cannot get enough of this strawberry candle. It’s yummy and summery, and makes my house smell like I’ve baked a delicious summer tart.
I really like the SIMONMILLER x Delarge collaboration. I ordered this pair.
Theory’s summer collection is strong. I am crushing on this pleated camisole and skirt set, and this minidress in the perfect shade of pistachio green.
Elemis has a really great GWP—it’s worth $123 and free with every regular-price purchase (today only). I suggest a cleansing balm restock.
HigherDose sent me their new Body Sculpting tool. I am extremely excited to try it out, it sounds really promising. Will report back!
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!