AUGUST FAVORITES

August has been a fulfilling month after the past five. With easing restrictions in NYC, it’s been sooooo nice to dine outdoors and safely see some friends. I had a generally lowkey month (different compared to July where we had a couple of trips) but have enjoyed hanging in my own space whether it’s working from home or cooking for Seanner. Speaking of working from home, I kind of love??? it. It was definitely an adjustment and I’m so thankful I have my own little corner of Manhattan to do it in — but I’m getting used to it and actually find myself getting more things done throughout the day when I take breaks (read: laundry. cleaning. this blog post, lol). I haven’t made a ton of purchases this month (my wallet is happy about that), but there are some oldies that made it in here this time around that I forgot or couldn’t post about at the time. Plus! a mini tour of my barcart! I hope to maybe make a reel actually touring it (LOL, a reel, I know). Let’s get into it.

fashion + accessories

Out from Under Jenny Tie-Dye Cropped Hoodie + Fleece Jogger Pant Set — Oh boy, have I longed for these more literally than you know. Basically, I ordered this set in the beginning of March, just when things started to get a little crazy in NYC. I thought, what a cute set that I can wear at home since we won’t be going out as much. Boy did I not know what was in store. It was delivered the day of my office’s lock down — I was actually WFH that day but planned to pick it up the next day. Soon enough, I realized I wouldn’t see this set for a lonnnnnng time. This set then sat at my office, and finally, five months later, my co-worker and fairy godmother Jillian was able to grab it for me. It was almost prophetic — I didn’t get this fleece set until a time where the weather is going to start getting cold again this fall. It’s super comfy, very subtly tie dye and if you, too, will be WFH this entire fall into winter like me, do yourself a favor and buy it. Just don’t let it get sent to your office, lol.

“Vintage” RLL Satchel — Since I spend most of my time in between my apartment and Sean’s, using bigger bags has become the norm. (Before, if we were going out for the night, I’d fold up some clothes as tiny as I could and stuff them into my going out bag if I was staying in Queens. Now, this ritual is long gone, and instead, going to stay at Sean’s on the weekends requires him picking me up with his car and being extra diligent in packing, you know, in case I feel like staying for a little time, hoping that there’s not another lockdown). As luck would have it, Sean’s mom was getting rid of some old purses that I was able to snatch up (Thank you!!!!!) and this was one of them — a perfect overnight bag. I’m calling it “vintage” because I did a search and can’t find the exact year, although if I had to guess I’d say maybe it’s a 2010 or a little older. Either way, it fits everything I need, is super chic, and I’m so pumped to bring it along on my weekends this fall.

beauty + decor

Gisou Hair Oil — I know, I know, this is a hair product, but I’m including it as both a beauty and decor favorite. I’ve never actually used a hair oil before because I was always taught that naturally straight hair didn’t need it — but I’ve been actually seeing less fly-away and split end results after using this a bunch. I’ve officially made it to the point where I probably need a cut (I only cut my hair once or twice a year anyway…. gasp, I know), but this has been able to keep me going a little longer. It’s a decor fave, because it’s a gorgeous bottle and looks stunning on my beauty shelf in my bedroom. 10/10.

The Koop Candles — Seriously, these are the coolest candles in all of the land, and I hope a company like UO or something similar that sells housewares picks it up! I ordered two candles during my first purchase with them: Golden Hour and Silk. The former smells like a fruity paradise, and the latter is reminiscent of brown sugar. I’m looking forward to their next restock (they sell out A LOT) because I’ll sure for sure be repurchasing.

Mercer 41 Eberly Frame Coffee Table — I know, FINALLY, a furniture favorite! I wanted to get a little more settled in before doing my official living area/bedroom tour (probably on IGTV) but wanted to share a sneak peek here! This coffee table was one of my favorite finds and worth every penny spent. I’ll be honest, at first, I was very reluctant to get any type of coffee table other than a simpl, structured black or gold one. The more I looked for that type though, the more I couldn’t find one that I really felt would fit the space. And then: I found this one. It was a little bold, sure, and I wasn’t sure, in person, how it would bounce off of my cowhide rug, but it was too cool to pass up. Something else I really loved about this table was the fact that it felt like something you’d find in a NYC speakeasy — low to the ground, an interesting pink granite. I felt like all I needed to add was a tea light candle and menu, and it’d remind me of the likes of Little Branch, Apotheke, or Patent Pending. It arrived and was the perfect fit. I love eating at it (even on the floor lol) and it’s the perfect height for cocktails and a movie.

Vintage Barcart + Accessories — A sneak peek of my bar cart is here! Here’s the backstory: it was without question that I was going to have a barcart in this space, and there was only one barcart I’d ever want: this vintage cart from my grandparents. It was like the thing was meant to be there because it fits completely snug in between the edge of my couch and the alcoved wall next to it. The other focal point of this cart is the beautiful crystal glass decanter, also from my grandparents. Up top I have some wines from a recent Winc box, Vermouth, Amaretto (<3), and a Maison Margiela REPLICA Candle in Jazz Club. I also have a unique candelabra I found at UO — this one here is similar — and Ombré Candles from UO. The bottom shelf has some champagne flutes, and various liquors and liqueurs. The mirror behind it is this bestseller from Amazon… seriously tho, I recognize the shipping box and have seen it being delivered for random people who live around me since I got it. People love this mirror, and I do too! To complete the space, I got this vase from Amazon and some Pampas Grass. All in all, a truly stunning corner of my apartment that I think reflects me super well. Stay tuned for a more official video tour!

Some Shakespeare about being true to oneself that I’ll leave you with:

“Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught in malice.

Then must you speak of one that loved not wisely, but too well.”

[Othello 5.2]

Happy September! [AKA MY BDAY MONTH!] 💫

xx - A. Martine

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