etc. | the list: Vol. II
All the (other) things I'm currently obsessed with in March
Welcome back to etc | the list, my monthly rundown of what I’m wearing, watching, reading, and using when I’m not overanalyzing. (For last month’s list, click here).
Overall, March was a rather lackluster month. Nothing launched that had me giddy with excitement. I went to a Clarins event, and Gwen Stefani performed, and that sh*t was b-a-n-a-n-a-s… Episode 7 of Paradise was peak perfection, and I’m eagerly awaiting season two with bated breath.
My group chats have mainly consisted of what to wear to certain events (this was a busy month in terms of social engagements) and stylist recommendations (lots of people seem to be looking for a spring cut and color glow-up). Aaron King is responsible for my cut, and I adore him, his work, and his ultra-cool salon, Crane. And Sean is the man behind my color, which has drawn some envy from friends asking to duplicate my bronde-ish shade (apparently it’s a seasonal trend). DM me for his number because he’s not on Insta.
Onto my lists…
Beauty and Style:
This Jan Marini Regeneration Booster is a new addition, and one that I intend to keep. Jan herself told me that she created this to stabilize telomeres, which are basically like protective caps at the end of chromosomes that legit help them stay longer and healthier, therefore reducing signs of aging. My deep dive into all things skin and aging with Jan Marini is coming soon (but only for paid subscribers). If you’re a skincare fanatic like me, this will be a must read.
How cute is this bronze, short, feathery Oseree dress for a spring/summer holiday, accompanying a tan, of course. It’s giving party girl meets beach-chic. I wore it to an Oscar party and JLo told me she thought it was cute (true story).
I love a little pinky-cheeky flush come spring, and I’ve been wearing this liquid blush from Saie on repeat. Equal parts punchy and flirty (and it’s completely acne-safe).
This body Gua sha is so good, I keep it on my nightstand and constantly kneed at my shoulders and neck.
I’m obsessed with these Partlow vintage-inspired cowboy boots. Perfect for spring and anything festival-inspired.
I’m not a perfume girly, but this U Beauty scent has got me reconsidering. It doesn’t have the synthetic smell of perfume. Instead, it’s like a potpourri of real floral, with notes of magnolia and jasmine, tartness from rhubarb, and sweet-smelling fruitiness, thanks to lychee. Tina Craig, the founder, swears that it attracts men.
I’m so obsessed with the Chloé bracelet bag. I bought it at the beginning of winter but barely wore it since I was in a black bag phase. Now that spring is here, it’s my go-to. It’s basically three bags in one: I can wear it as a clutch with the bracelet, a hobo bag with the long strap, or both for a little extra swagger.
Watchlist:
Adolescence on Netflix — An absolute masterclass in filmmaking. Each episode is filmed in a single shot… one take. The story feels painfully relevant, digging into toxic masculinity, incels, bullying, rage issues, and the chaos left in its wake. Phenomenal storytelling, acting, writing, cinematography… a definite award season contender.
Good American Family on Hulu — Ellen Pompeo is back and tackling the Natalia Grace story. (And yes, the real-life docuseries on the same subject is worth a watch.) Ellen and Mark Duplass are crushing it in this deeply uncomfortable true story about a family adopting a seven-year-old… only to discover she might be much, much older.
Happy Face on Paramount+ — Inspired by a true story of a daughter’s experience with her serial killer father, and hitting all my true crime dopamine receptors. It’s not groundbreaking, and honestly, I’m not even sure I love the acting, but the plot has me hooked. If you’re into crime-meets-psychological-thriller, this one’s worth a watch.
Colin From Accounts on Paramount+ — I needed a lighthearted rom-com this month, and this show delivered. This Australian comedy nails the dialogue, the acting, and that rare, real-life chemistry you haven’t seen since Nobody Wants This. Two seasons ready to binge.
The Residence on Netflix — I’m a die-hard Shonda Rhimes fan. I’m pretty sure I’ve devoured everything she’s ever made. But I can’t get into this. My friends love it; it’s got that Knives Out meets Clue vibe, but the quirky dialogue and slapstick acting aren’t landing for me. Do I give it another shot or move on?
Reads and Listens:
I’ve been reading The Tell by Amy Griffin and I’m deeply enthralled by the story of dissociating with trauma and regaining the memories through psychedelic-assisted therapy. This honest and riveting memoir will have you reading late into the night.
I love this essay on a woman detailing her shoplifting from an Erewhon market. The writing is clever and detached, and left me simultaneously giggling and questioning what the F I just read.
I binged this true crime podcast on a recommendation from my sister, and after 10 episodes, I came away more confused than ever. The way the narrator flipped me from believing the woman was totally innocent to guilty without a doubt to somewhere in the middle is truly an ode to the sociopathic nature of the main character. Highly recommend.
I felt this essay deep in my soul. The search for happiness in the mundane—a theme I come back to often. The prose is beautiful, and like some perfectly timed intervention, it delivered exactly the message I needed right when I needed it.
Random:
My friend Kim has this humidifier in her room, and I found it so chic that I ordered one for mine. Vibes and better air, tyvm.
I discovered the absolute best plant-based cheese dip that’s reminiscent of actual movie theater nacho cheese (my favorite).
This gluten-free, dairy-free take on a Taco Bell crunch wrap is literal mouth heaven. Since I don’t cook, I begged my friend Sam to make it for her family and then I invited myself to family dinner. It was five stars all around.
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What’s on your March lists… let me know in the comments below. I need new TV recs!
I love the essay recommendations - and the crime tv - my favorite genre.
This was a good read and I couldn’t agree more with your assessment of Adolescence on Netflix. I was disappointed in the ending but boy was it intense. Being in the front seat of that van with the folks for more minutes than were comfortable. The acting was incredible. I think the ending leaves an opening for another season, don’t you? I’d like to see it.