Because when it rains PR packages, it pours moisturizers I didn’t ask for but now rely on emotionally.
Between packing for Bhutan, prepping my daughter for her first summer at sleepaway camp, planning two birthday parties, and coordinating a casual little move two blocks away, I’ve fully lost the plot. There are boxes everywhere. Samples everywhere. Random kids’ junk… everywhere.
Grateful? Of course. Overwhelmed? Also yes. So in the spirit of honesty, and keeping things decidedly un-influencer-y, here’s a three-act breakdown of the gifted items I’ve received recently and haven’t had the bandwidth to share.
Act I: Things I’ve Actually Tried (and Now Might Hoard)
Lake Pajamas
I used to buy these in bulk, so the fact that I now get them gifted feels like a personal triumph. I only wear the long sleeve/long pants set - no matter the season, no matter the forecast. That’s just the kind of girl I am. They’re softer than any other PJs I’ve tried, and yes, it’s become a full-blown addiction.
Here are a few I’ve chosen recently (because once you go Lake, you start planning your laundry days around them):
Le Monde Beryl Shoes
Quite possibly the nicest gift I’ve ever received. I’m a longtime fan of the brand, so when these chocolate woven leather Mary Janes showed up, it was a true glass slipper moment. I gasped. I twirled. I wore them to school pickup like a lunatic - even though it was 30 degrees out and these are, objectively, summer shoes. No regrets.
Sweed Beauty Mascara
Let me preface: I am not a beauty influencer. I like natural-looking makeup, clean formulas when possible, and recently discovered that I prefer brown mascara to black - less harsh, more “alive but not trying too hard.”
So when a brand I’d never even heard of (hi, Sweed) sent me this mascara, I didn’t expect much. But I cannot believe I’m saying this… I actually prefer it to the Westman Atelier one I spent real money on. It defines and lengthens without turning me into a raccoon by 3pm.
Highly recommend.
YSSO Earrings
If you know me at all, you’ll see immediately why these are right up my alley: inspired by ancient Greek lace, made in Greece, and sculpted to look substantial while feeling like air. I do not do heavy earrings - earlobes should never suffer for style - and these deliver a lot of look with zero drag.
They’ve got this beautiful, slightly off-kilter art deco–meets–antiquity vibe, like they were unearthed from some impossibly chic ruin and lovingly delivered to my jewelry tray.
&Daughter Cashmere Cardigan
Another really luxe gift. I sized up to a medium so it’d be nice and slouchy - it’s soft, cozy, and the hazelnut color is just different enough from the sea of deep browns I already own. Understated, unfussy, and exactly what I want to throw over everything this time of year.
Also: made in Scotland by a heritage mill, which feels very me, even if I’m mostly just wearing it to run errands and yell at my kids to put on socks.
Act II: Things I Will Try (When I’m Not Living Out of Boxes)
Alix of Bohemia Dress
Not gonna lie - I had this saved in my Net-a-Porter wishlist (aka the holy grail), so when the brand reached out and offered to gift one, it was a hard yes.
She’s got a smocked bodice, tie straps, and that perfect vintage-French-textile-meets-vacation-in-a-novel vibe. Hand block-printed, cotton-lined, and unapologetically romantic.
I haven’t taken her for a spin yet - because while I’ll wear mesh shoes in 30-degree weather, I draw the line at tank dresses. But soon.
Left on Friday Bathing Suits
I got the Sunday Suit in Cold Brew, the Streamline Suit in Palm Green, and a long sleeve rash guard because… sun.
I’ve only ever seen glowing reviews of Left on Friday, but I’m withholding official approval until I’ve personally put them to the test. One is coming with me to Bhutan, where I’ve been told we’ll be doing some “gentle rafting” (??). Slightly concerned this may be too outdoorsy for me, but at least I’ll look chic while contemplating my life choices from a rubber boat.
East Fork Etched Glassware
These are so, so beautiful - handblown in Mexico from recycled glass, with etched thistle patterns inspired by early East Fork designs. They’re just the right amount of imperfect in that artisanal, no-two-are-the-same way.
I love them... but I’m holding out. These are getting their debut moment when we’re finally unpacked in the new place and can toast with something cold and celebratory (even if it’s just seltzer in a wine glass).
Olive Ateliers Terracotta Pot
I’m not totally sure about the whole "Vietnamese garden antiquity" angle they are selling on the site, it looks like a terracotta pot to me. But a good one. The aging is beautiful, and it has that quiet, considered presence that makes everything around it look more intentional.
I’m saving it for when we move and I can maybe, possibly, keep a plant alive. Planning to bring it to the The Old Yew plant shop on the Upper West Side (obsessed) and ask them what they’d recommend for someone with little (read: no) interest in plant maintenance.
111SKIN Under Eye Patches
I almost turned this gifting down, which I actually do a lot, because there’s a shocking amount of scary-looking stuff out there that I don’t want in my home, let alone on my face.
But then I saw the packaging and remembered I’ve actually purchased these before for long-haul flights, lol. I received the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask and the Rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask, and I’m saving one for the flight to Delhi next Friday and the other for the flight back to NYC. Will I sleep? Unclear. Will I look less haunted upon arrival? One can only hope.
Act III: Things I Gave Away (But Might Steal Back)
Mignonne Gavigan Necklace
I’m a sucker for hearts, usually. But this one felt a bit too chunky and costume-y for me.
That said, Gemma was instantly obsessed. She’s worn it almost every day since, styled with everything from pajamas to crocs. It now lives permanently on her dresser and gets more use than anything I actually bought her.
So I guess my point is... you should buy your 7-year-old–going-on–16-year-old a $175 piece of costume jewelry.
Hotel Lobby Candle
This arrived packed like how I imagine boxes show up at the Kardashians’ houses. So over-the-top I’m not even sure I’d gift it. It feels like a production.
The scent wasn’t quite for me. It’s floral and a little sweet, and I tend to go for smokier, subtler things. Think Diptyque. Astier. Candle snobbery is a lifestyle, not a crime!
But if Earl Grey, vanilla milk, and lavender in candle form sounds dreamy to you, this might be your thing.
Queen Musia Tinted Balms
These are fun. The packaging is very Gen Z - bright, poppy, and just nostalgic enough. I kept one shade for myself (Noble Vine) and passed the rest along to some 20-somethings I know.
I think they thought I was cool for having it and gifting it, which feels like a win. Bonus: they look cute in the medicine cabinet, which is more than I can say for most of my actual skincare.
Trask Toothbrush
This thing is everywhere on Instagram. I guess people are really into a chic toothbrush now? I will say, it’s beautifully designed. Very minimalist, very sculptural. I think Rod from Southern Charm is the model brushing his teeth on the site, which… is random! It’s not not chic. But also, it is a toothbrush.
Am I actually switching from my electric one? No. But this one will definitely come in handy for photo shoots or as a stealth flex in a guest bathroom.
Nori Steamer
This thing looks like a futuristic flat iron and is somehow… chic? I haven’t used it yet, but I have big plans. The design alone makes me want to steam things, which feels like personal growth.
That said, I’m also lazy. So for now it’s sitting on a shelf, radiating potential. One day I’ll get my act together and become a woman who steams her linen shirts before leaving the house. Just not today.
Finally: I never meant to become someone who receives beauty products in the mail. And yet, here we are. Thanks for letting me process it publicly!
That poppy is dress is perfect for you!!! Accidental influencer or not, I’m here for this.