Paula’s Picks april 2024
The Women Responsible for the Rolling Stones, the Most Epic Dance Party in NYC, and the Best Damn Mascara (like, for real)
Another month, another roundup of my favorite things. This list might seem a tad random, but trust me, it's packed with some real bangers. So, without further ado, let's dive right in.
What I’m Using:
Almond Cow: Newsflash: Store-bought nut milk isn't as healthy as you might think! By making your own, you sidestep all the additives, preservatives, and thickeners, ensuring your nut milk is in its purest form. Despite my culinary limitations (I can hardly boil water), the idea of making my own nut milk seemed a little too Gwyneth Paltrow for me. Doesn't it involve cheesecloths and endless waiting, demanding a level of patience I lack? Well, not if you have an Almond Cow. All it takes is slicing up some dates, measuring water, and plugging in. This little ritual of making my own almond will has become a weekly glimmer, thanks to Almond Cow, which streamlines the process and is cleaned up in under 60 seconds. If you have been on the fence about this machine, this is your sign to treat yourself.
Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick: As much as I want to say I love this product because it’s super clean and acts like skincare, I love it because it actually works. This foundation and concealer stick make you look as if you’ve applied the Paris filter to your face at all times. Pro Tip: In order for this product to work well you need a fluffier brush (I like this one) to really blur the product on your skin. For color match reference, I am using 13O Hickory.
GXVE by Gwen Stefani Can’t Stop Staring Clean Lengthening & Lifting Mascara: So, I recently got Botox under my bottom lash line (don't worry, I'll spill the tea on that in a future blog!), but even with that, my mascara was still running down to my bottom eyelid by the end of the workday, which is honestly not a cute look. Anyway, I was listening to an episode of The Skinny Confidential with Gwen Stefani, you know, the queen of iconic makeup. They were chatting about her amazing career and her cosmetic line, and when they asked her about the must-have product, she raved about the mascara. I mean, if Gwen says this sh*t is bananas, you gotta try it, right? And let me tell you, this stuff doesn’t disappoint. It gives your lashes serious length without smudging onto your lower lid, no matter how close or far your under-eye skin is from the lash line. It's a solid 10/10 from me.
Where I’m Going:
Forward Space | 24 Spring Street, NYC: If you live in New York City or find yourself here, this is an experience not to be missed. The good vibes keep flowing, and you don't need to be a professional dancer—heck, you don't even need to know how to dance. All you have to do is surrender to the music, let go of any judgment, and just have a good time. I absolutely adore this studio, love this workout, and feel incredibly grateful to be able to drop in whenever I need a moving, grooving meditation.
What I’m Wearing:
Luxe Vintage Co | Diana Tricot Waistcoat: I'm not sure if they had Princess Diana in mind when naming this piece, but it's certainly elegant enough for royalty. I'm absolutely obsessed with the fit, style, and quality of this garment, and considering the price, it's a total WOW. It comes in several colors, but I opted for the cream, and I've already styled it with tan trousers for a dressed-up look and with light, baggy denim and flats for a more casual vibe—and I felt super chic in both outfits.
AW Kaufman | 73 Orchard Street, NYC: So, I strolled into this adorable little shop, all hyped up for the vintage Christian Dior Lingerie sale. But guess what? I didn't just score some fancy undergarments—I left with a whole new appreciation for the place. AW Kaufman is nestled on my absolute favorite street in the Lower East Side, and inside, it's like a cozy treasure chest of modern and vintage lingerie. The owner is a total gem with this passion for her store and treasures that's just infectious. Besides all the stunning lingerie, she's got Wolford stuff too, and it's discounted! Now, if you're a true fashion gal, you know how painful it is to drop a hundred bucks on tights. But if, like me, you're hooked on Wolford, this place is basically a dream come true. So, my fellow city dwellers, hustle on over and tell her Paula sent you.
Balenciaga Eyewear Cat Eye Frame Sunglasses: So, I've been eyeing these sunglasses for what feels like forever because they're just so cool and stylish. Finally snagged them on sale, and after losing a pair of Prada shades in a taxi (ugh, happens to the best of us), I knew I had to treat myself. These shades have become my daily go-to since they arrived. They're comfy, lightweight, and go with absolutely everything. They have a cool Neo-from-the-Matrix vibe, but you don't need to go all-out leather to rock 'em. I've paired them with everything from a groufit to a cool black floor length Maison Margiela dress, and every time, I've felt like a total goddess.
What I’m Reading:
Parachute Women: In Parachute Women, Elizabeth Winder introduces us to the four women who inspired, styled, wrote for, remixed, and ultimately helped create the legend of the Rolling Stones. Marianne Faithfull, Marsha Hunt, Bianca Jagger, and Anita Pallenberg put the glimmer in the Glimmer Twins and taught a group of straight-laced boys to be bad. They opened the doors to subterranean art and alternative lifestyles, turned them on to Russian literature, occult practices, and LSD. They connected them to cutting edge directors and writers, won them roles in art house films that renewed their appeal. They often acted as unpaid stylists, providing provocative looks from their personal wardrobes. They remixed tracks for chart-topping albums, and sometimes even wrote the actual songs. More hip to the times than the rockers themselves, they consciously (and unconsciously) kept the band current—and confident—with that mythic lasting power they still have today. WHO KNEW?! This book was super iconic, a nice quick read that will honestly blow your mind. It also might make you hate men but hey, that’s pretty easy to do. Am I right?
What I’m Listening To:
Ladygang: Ladygang is the OG podcast for me. I've been tuning in faithfully every Tuesday and Thursday for like, six years straight. These ladies are my favorite. They’re all about keeping it totally authentic, even if it's not all sunshine and rainbows. No filter, completely unhinged, but in the best possible way, you know? And the guests? Top-notch Hollywood types dropping by, but honestly? I'm mostly there for the ladies themselves. They've got something special that makes me giggle, nod my head in agreement, and not feel so alone in my own weirdness. If this is your vibe definitely give Ladygang a listen. Stick it right after "World's Your Oysta," and you can thank me later!
