PAULA’S PICKS // OCT 2023

MY CURRENT OBSESSIONS

What I’m using

  • Retro Acne Vitamin Capsules

    Retro Acne Vitamin Capsules

    I can't express how grateful I am for Opositiv's Retro Acne Relief Vitamin Capsules. After three months of consistent use, my hormonal acne is virtually gone, and my skin has never looked better. These capsules have truly been a game-changer for my confidence and self-esteem. They contain powerful ingredients like Lactoferrin, a vegetarian protein that not only boosts immunity but also prevents all types of common acne, along with Zinc, which plays a crucial role in maintaining normal oil production in the skin and supports a healthy inflammatory response. Additionally, Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, helps protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals.

  • Organic Castor Oil

    Organic Castor Oil

    A few months back, I began noticing significant hair loss during showers and noticed my hair looking thinner when down, along with receding hairlines on the sides when pulled back. Rather than panicking, I decided to take proactive steps to address the issue. Given that I typically wear my hair in a bun daily, I made the switch from hair gel to using castor oil and leave-in conditioner to sleekly style my hair. Not only does this provide a chic look, but castor oil also offers the added benefits of promoting hair growth by moisturizing and strengthening hair follicles, locking in moisture for healthier-looking hair. A little hack I learned from Sophia Richie on TikTok as well is to pull your hair back instead of down when creating your pony tail from the side part. Watch my tutorial on how to recreate this look HERE.

  • Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Body Butter

    Neom Perfect Night's Sleep Body Butter

    I was introduced to Neom last spring by a good friend, and I've been hooked ever since. While I can't wait to share all the expert recommendations I received in our upcoming episode on sleep with Dr. Michelle of the Sleep Sphere, I just had to tell you about one of my personal favorites in the meantime – Neom's Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter. This dreamy body butter helps me create what I like to call my "sleep cocoon." Infused with magnesium, it not only nourishes and softens the skin but also carries Neom's signature sleepy scent which is combination of super floral lavender, fragrant basil, and honey-like sweet jasmine. Neom's Body Butters contain 88mg of magnesium per 5ml of product, and after using it, I can honestly say that I experience a better nights sleep.

LE DIVE

LE DIVE

WHERE I’M GOING


I've reached a point in my life where I'm no longer willing to leave my neighborhood to go out, so I'm officially a Lower East Side stan. One of my favorite places to have brunch on the weekends is Le Dive. The food is good, but that's not the reason to go. You go for the people watching!

Everyone at Le Dive is cool. Even the staff are super stylish, dressed in denim, white t-shirts, and vintage cowboy boots. I always leave feeling inspired and wanting to get a tattoo so I can look cooler the next time I go. Don't worry, Mom, I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Here are a few things that make Le Dive so special:

  • The atmosphere is electric. The restaurant is always packed with people from all walks of life, from artists and musicians to fashionistas and tech bros. There's a real sense of community here, and everyone is welcome.

  • The food is good! I like the artichoke and Tuna Niçoise.

  • The people watching is unparalleled. You're guaranteed to see some of the most stylish and interesting people in New York City at Le Dive. It's the perfect place to go if you want to be inspired and feel like a cool kid - even just for an hour.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your Le Dive experience:

  • Go early. Le Dive gets crowded quickly, so it's best to go early if you want to avoid a wait.

  • Sit at the bar. The bar is a great place to people watch and strike up conversations with strangers. I hate strangers but I hear that other people don’t so, do it, you never know what you might meet.

  • Take your time. Le Dive is the perfect place to linger.

Enjoy your Le Dive experience and maybe I’ll see ya there!

What I’m Wearing

  • Oversized Leisure Two Piece Pants Set

    Oversized Leisure Two Piece Pants Set

    I love luxury fashion as much as anyone, but I'm also a big fan of a good dupe. Especially when it comes to trendy pieces that I'm not sure I'll wear for more than a season or two.

    One of my favorite dupe brands is Commense. I've been really impressed with the quality and fit of their clothes, especially for the price. My latest obsession is their Oversized Leisure Pleat Pockets Two Piece Pants Set. It's a pretty good copy of Issey Miyake Pleats Please line, but for a fraction of the cost.

    I recently wore the set out to an event and got stopped left and right. People were shocked to hear that it wasn't Issey Miyake, especially when I told them it was under $100.

    If you're looking for a cool and stylish pantsuit, I highly recommend this set.

    Here are a few tips for styling the set:

    • Pair it with sneakers or sandals for a casual look.

    • Dress it up with heels and a statement necklace for a night out.

    • Add a blazer or cardigan for a more polished look.

    • Layer it with a turtleneck or tank top underneath for colder weather.

    No matter how you style it, the Commense Oversized Leisure Pleat Pockets Two Piece Pants Set is sure to turn heads.

  • Schutz Mikki Up Boot

    Schutz Mikki Up Boot

    Every year, for as long as I can remember, my mother has always gotten me a few pair of boots for my birthday. It's our thing and we still do it to this day! This year, she got me the Mikki Up Boots from Schutz and I'm absolutely in love with them.

    I've already worn them a few times, and I can honestly say that they're one of the more comfortable boots I’ve owned. The leather is soft and supple, and the heel is just the right height. I also love that they're so versatile. I can dress them up or down, depending on the occasion.

    Here are a few styling tips from me to you:

    • For a casual look: Pair the Mikki Up Boot with jeans and a t-shirt. Add a denim jacket for a layered look.

    • For a more dressed-up look: Pair the Mikki Up Boot with a skirt or dress. Add a statement necklace or earrings to dress up the look.

    • For a transitional look: Pair the Mikki Up Boot with leggings and a sweater. Add a scarf or coat to stay warm.

    • For a night out on the town: Pair the Mikki Up Boot with a cocktail dress and statement jewelry. Add a clutch purse to complete the look.

    Have fun and enjoy - your feet will thank you for these!

  • DL1961 Asra Skirt Maxi

    DL1961 Asra Skirt Maxi - Obsidian

    As a big fan of DL1961 denim, I knew I could expect high quality and a flattering fit, but the Asara Maxi Skirt exceeded my expectations and will be my most frequently worn item this year.

    The skirt is made from a soft and stretchy denim fabric that is both comfortable and flattering. It sits high on the waist and has a deep front slit, which gives it a sexy and sophisticated edge. I also love the obsidian color, which is perfect for the fall season in New York City.

    I've worn the Asara Maxi Skirt with everything from sneakers to heels, and it always looks amazing. It's the perfect piece!

    How to style the DL1961 Asara Maxi Skirt:

    • For a casual look, pair the skirt with sneakers, a t-shirt, and a denim jacket.

    • For a more dressed-up look, pair the skirt with heels, a blouse, and a statement necklace.

    • For a transitional look, pair the skirt with boots, a sweater, and a scarf.

    Whatever you choose to do with this skirt, you’re sure to be stopping traffic.

WHat i’m listening to

If you're looking for a podcast that will make you laugh your ass off, then you need to check out Fixing Famous People. Hosted by television producers Chris DeRosa and Dominick Pupa, the show takes a hilarious and refreshing look at celebrity culture.

Each week, Chris and Dom choose a celebrity who they believe needs their help, and then they pitch ideas on how to fix their crumbling public image. They don't hold back, and their ideas are often outrageous and hilarious.

But what really makes Fixing Famous People so great is the chemistry between Chris and Dom. They're both incredibly funny and quick-witted, and their banter is a joy to listen to. They also have a great way of making fun of celebrity culture without being mean-spirited (well…sometimes they’re mean and I like it!).

If you're a fan of pop culture and comedy, listen to Fixing Famous People. It's the perfect way to shut the world off and have a good laugh.

Subscribe & Listen to Fixing Famous People HERE.

What I’m Reading

  • Collected Regrets of Clover - Mikki Brammer

    The Collected Regrets of Clover - Mikki Brammer

    The Collected Regrets of Cloverr is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel about a death doula who learns to live her own life while helping others die peacefully. While this book may not be directly relatable to everyone's personal experiences, it offers a unique and insightful perspective on death and grieving that can be helpful to anyone who has lost a loved one. One of the most important takeaways from the novel for me was the message that we must learn to live life in order to have a beautiful death. This means living our lives to the fullest, pursuing our passions, and connecting with the people we love. It also means making peace with our past and accepting that death is a natural part of life. I loved this book.

  • Out of Nowhere - Sandra Brown

    Out of Nowhere - Sandra Brown

    This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! A mass shooting at a county fair brings together Elle Portman, a single mother, and Calder Hudson, a successful businessman, they find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the killer. As they race against time to uncover the truth, Elle and Calder must also face their own inner demons and learn to trust each other. This is a super suspenseful novel with complex characters and a thrilling plot. The author does a masterful job of building suspense and kept m e guessing at every turn. I highly recommend Out of Nowhere to fans of romantic suspense and thrillers.

  • When We Were Bright and Beautiful - Jillian Medoff

    When We Were Bright and Beautiful - Jillian Medoff

    This is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. The story follows Cassie Quinn, a young woman whose life is turned upside down when her brother, Billy, is accused of raping his girlfriend. Cassie knows that Billy is innocent, but she also knows that the Quinns have the money and power to make the charges go away. As the trial unfolds, Cassie is forced to confront her own family's secrets and lies. She also begins to question her own beliefs about justice and privilege. When We Were Bright and Beautiful is one of the best books I’ve read this year.