PAULA’S PICKS // SEPT 2023

MY CURRENT OBSESSIONS

What I’m using

  • Motif Abundance Cleaner

    Motif Abundance Cleanser

    I've never been one to rave about a face cleanser, but Motif's is different. It's more than just soap. It's a luxurious, yet gentle cleanser that leaves my skin feeling brighter, plumper, and more hydrated. I love that it's free of harsh chemicals and sulfates, and it's also vegan and cruelty-free. I highly recommend it!

    Newsletter subscribers receive 15% off their orders with exclusive code.

  • Hilary Hofman Soto Method WYO

    Soto Method

    As a former professional dancer, I am a stickler for workouts that push me to my limits. I typically enjoy the ones that make me feel like I might throw up when I'm done. Soto Method is quick, dirty, and the most efficient workout I've ever tried. In just 30 minutes, I get a full-body workout that leaves me feeling challenged, exhausted, and exhilarated all at the same time. I’m in love and my booty has never looked better.

    Newsletter subscribers receive a free month.

  • House of Gro Touch Body Serum

    House of Gro Touch Body Serum

    I was lucky enough to get a full-sized sample of House of Gro’s one-of-a-kind body serum before it launched, and I'm so glad I did! After a few weeks of use, my eczema vanished. The serum deeply nourishes, smooths, and hydrates skin with adaptogenic power duo Chaga and snow mushroom. It left my skin feeling soft, supple, and glowing, like I had the legs of Kaia Gerber on the cover of Vogue. Luxury, baby!

    Newsletter subscribers receive 20% off and complementary shipping.

CORNER BAR

CORNER BAR

WHERE I’M GOING

I've always been a downtown girlie, but lately I've been spending more and more time on the Lower East Side. I know I'm late to the party, but Dimes Square is really cool. I'm obsessed! I've been making my way through all the cute little restaurants in the area, and my favorite so far is Corner Bar at the newly opened Nine Orchard Hotel. Acclaimed chef Ignacio Mattos does not disappoint. Everything was great, but the chicken in particular was a standout.

I don't really drink, but if there's a wine I love and a proper vessel (aka a gorgeous, thin wine glass) I'm in for one and they had the most beautiful glasvin stemware so naturally a Cabernet Franc was enjoyed. I also loved that they had a selection of premium pours, which you don't see often, unless you are dining somewhere super fancy. As someone who doesn’t indulge often, I love a premium pour!

What I’m Wearing

  • Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

    Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

    Black and white t-shirts are timeless wardrobe essentials, and they're especially crucial this season as we’ve all officially entered our trouser Era. As a newfound lover of the trouser, I've scoured through numerous options, from high-end to affordable, and Skims has truly impressed me. Despite any reservations one might have about the Kardashian’s brands, I've consistently found their products to be great. This particular t-shirt, especially suited for those with a smaller chest like myself, provides a snug, luxurious fit that eliminates the need for a bra. Its body-hugging design exudes an air of sophistication, making it the perfect addition to our fall fashion repertoire. While my quest for the perfect loose white tee continues, Skims wins for the tight tee.

  • Prada Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps

    Prada Leather Slingback Pumps

    While this item might be a splurge, if you're a working girlie like me, you know the value of an elegant and practical heel – so no judgment here. Having spent the first 35 years of my life avoiding kitten heels like the plague, I finally succumbed this summer when these particular ones caught my eye and now I can't imagine going back to full-sized heels ever again. The shoe that changed my perspective on kitten heels forever are the brushed leather slingbacks from Prada. I've effortlessly paired them with trousers, skirts, and jeans, effortlessly, and my feet are no longer throbbing at the end of the day - praise!

  • Ainika Sparkle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

    Farm Rio Ainika Dress

    Perhaps it's the lingering inspiration from my recent trip to Morocco, but I can't help but gush about the 'Ainika Sparkle Long Sleeve Maxi Dress' by Farm Rio – it's now one of my all-time favorite dresses. Not only does it radiate femininity and playfulness, but it's also incredibly comfortable, which we love! The colors are stunning colors and the cut is pure elegance. Personally, I'd opt for boots to achieve a chic daytime look during the fall season. And in the evening, I'd confidently top it off with a stylish black or brown hat. Of course, I'm a self-proclaimed maximalist when it comes to fashion, so feel free to interpret this style advice as you see fit.

WHat i’m listening to

Looking for a podcast that celebrates empowerment, transformation, and the art of pivoting? I highly recommend tuning into 'She Pivots.' Hosted by my new friend, Emily Tisch Sussman, this podcast delivers inspiring stories from trailblazers who have navigated significant shifts in their careers and lives. Whether you're yearning for motivation from world leaders, Real Housewives, supermodels, Holocaust survivors, or simply seeking an uplifting dose of inspiration, 'She Pivots' should unquestionably top your list. Tune in every Wednesday to join Emily as she shines a spotlight on extraordinary individuals and their journeys, illuminating the fact that embracing change can lead to truly remarkable achievements.

Emily’s was also a guest on Season One of World’s Your Oysta where she shared her own inspiring story of transformation. I loved our time together and simply adore this woman and what she is doing for so many others. Listen to Emily Tisch Sussman’s episode with Paula Sanders on World’s Your Oysta podcast HERE.

Subscribe & Listen to She Pivots HERE.

What I’m Reading

  • The Many Lives of Mama Love

    The Many Lives of Mama Love

    I devoured this book. ‘The Many Lives of Mama Love’ is a rollercoaster of redemption and resilience. From her descent into opioid addiction and credit card theft as a soccer mom to her transformation into a jailhouse shot-caller to successful ghost writer and amazing mother. It’s a heart wrenching yet heartwarming journey of redemption that reminds us of the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

  • It's All In Your Head - Russ

    It's All In Your Head

    I’ll make this very simple, if you need a kick in the ass, this book is for you. It’s also a quick read so you have no excuses! Russ is a 27 year old rapper, songwriter and producer that has proven that he didn’t need a major label to surpass over a billion streams on Spotify/Apple Music, get on Forbes “30 Under 30,” and sell out arenas around the world. His recipe for success is refreshingly simple: work tirelessly and believe unapologetically in yourself. 'IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD' is your roadmap to break free from your self-imposed limitations and step confidently into your own power.

  • Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

    Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

    ""Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" is a tragic love story but not like all the other ones you’ve read. It follows Sam Masur and Sadie Green, childhood friends whose chance meeting at Harvard launches them into stardom as they create their first blockbuster video game. Spanning three decades the book explores themes of identity, disability, failure, and the universal need for love and connection. The author, Gabrielle Zevin’s, masterful storytelling is captivating and I couldn’t put this one down.