Fashion
I need to pay my respects, in writing, to my free Bottega bag.
I had a lucky streak in Las Vegas recently, and dare I say, I manifested this Bottega Hop bag. The day before I won big, I was window shopping at the Crystals Shops, picked up this bag in the store and said, “If I win, I’m coming back to buy this bag.”
Let’s set the scene: I was down bad. I’d lost more than half of my self-allotted gambling money on stupid things — playing table games I had no business playing, like roulette and poker. My mom had given me some advice before the trip: “Put money into every Wheel of Fortune machine you pass.” There are far too many machines to actually follow that advice, but I did take one part of it to heart: Only play the ones with the big jackpot (there’s a difference between the Wheel machines!), and ALWAYS max bet.
It was New Year’s Eve day, and I was vibing with the Wynn/Encore casinos. By this point, I was getting extremely superstitious. I’d cash out and move to the next machine if I felt a vibe shift. I’d keep hitting the spin button with one hand as long as that hand kept hitting wins. And there were some other… questionable rituals I won’t elaborate on because they’ll make me sound slightly unhinged. But guess what? It paid off — I won about a grand on a spin.
Feeling high on life (and realllllly understanding how people get addicted to gambling), I noticed the gorgeous high-limit slot room at the Wynn. I told my friends I was going to put one $100 bill into one machine, do one spin, and then be done. A game called Pink Diamond was calling to me (naturally). I slipped my crisp $100 into the machine, max bet… and hit the jackpot.
My total winnings from that afternoon? The exact price of the Bottega bag I’d been eyeing. So I got my hand-pay cash, took the money, and quite literally ran to the store to buy the bag — they were closing early for NYE and I was not about to miss my moment.
Winning money in Vegas feels like fun money, the kind that should absolutely be spent on something ridiculous and unnecessary. And I know how much of a privilege it is to even be able to say that. But every time I carry my gorgeous bag, I think about that trip and the pure, chaotic joy of that weekend. It’s my ultimate lucky charm.
For more of what’s in my closet, what I’m currently obsessing over, shopping guides & more, check out my ShopMy. Looking for some personal style advice? Whether it’s for curating a flawless vacation wardrobe, hunting down the perfect shoes, or finding the best basics for your closet, I’m here to help—just reach out!
Food
Let’s discuss the landscape of old school downtown French bistros: Balthazar, Odeon, Pastis, Raoul’s, Lucien. They’re all a little crusty and dated — save for one. In my mind, there is only one correct option: Pastis. Every time I go, I’m reminded that it’s truly the most reliable, consistent restaurant. I had brunch there on Sunday, and once again, it delivered.
Balthazar? Terrible. I genuinely don’t understand why people hold it in such high regard. Every meal I’ve had there has been below average — and they serve coffee in soup bowls?? The only good thing that’s ever happened to me there is seeing Frank Ocean two tables over. That’s it.
Odeon and Lucien both have their moments, but let’s be honest — you’re there for the nostalgia and the scene, not the food. Raoul’s has that whole “we’re too cool to care” thing going on, which works… sometimes. But they’ll make you wait an hour for your table — even with a reservation — act like it’s your fault, and treat you rudely in the process. (I do absolutely love the frisée salad & steak au poivre here, though…so I’ll occasionally put up with the abuse).
Meanwhile, Pastis is good for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s perfect for a date, catching up with an old friend, bringing your parents — really any combination of people or event. I’ve even spent New Year’s Eve there once. It’s always bustling, the vibes are high, the service is on point, and the food is incredibly consistent. I’ve never had a bad meal there. Honestly, I don’t think I can say that about many places — and I’ve lived in NYC for well over a decade at this point.
TV
I am officially the last remaining member of Soho House. It feels like everyone I know has let their membership go at this point, and believe me, I’ve considered it more times than I can count. But as someone who works primarily from home, and likes to have a familiar place to go when traveling, it’s just too convenient to give up. And — thank god — they’re finally making an effort with their events and programming again. Case in point: last week’s Traitors finale watch party, hosted by none other than Bob Harper, our fit fashion king with a charming Southern twang. (Yes, for those wondering, he was obviously in Thom Browne.)
Watching a TV show live with a group of people is honestly such a thrilling experience. We’re all so used to watching things in our little bubbles at home, but hearing other people’s reactions — who they’re cheering for, who they’re booing — just makes everything that much more entertaining. And Bob, after a vesper martini or two, was definitely in the mood to spill some tea.
Here’s what we learned: Bob wanted to be on the show after seeing Phaedra absolutely crush it last season. He had a friend in production, made a call, and the rest is history. He also mentioned that before filming, a friend asked if he was prepared to compete with Alan Cumming when it came to serving looks — to which Bob replied, Alan wears costumes, I wear fashion. Icon behavior.
He did seem to really hate Ivar, though he didn’t exactly elaborate on why. But he did say he wished he had taken Boston Rob’s offer in episode one to get him into the game and take Ivar out immediately. Oh, and the behind-the-scenes tidbits? Juicy. They really isolated the cast when they weren’t filming — like, blindfolded-them-at-times level isolated — and they all stayed at an airport Courtyard Marriott 45 minutes from the actual castle. Glamorous!
The people Bob’s closest to from the cast? Ciara and Dolores — though he admitted he wished he had been there longer to steer Dolores in the right direction when voting. He also said that while it may look so obvious to the viewers who is a traitor or who is being suspicious, it is truly incredibly challenging when you’re in the thick of it.
As for the finale itself? Absolutely fantastic. From Britney voting Danielle out to our queen Gabby and the extremely handsome Efron brother taking the win — pure perfection.
Current Obsession
I first heard about WSA and The Water Lounge from Cynthia Rivas, who I met on an intimate pilates retreat at Wildflower Farms late last year — a place that absolutely deserves a spot on my obsession list. (That retreat as a whole was pure magic.)
The Water Lounge is an incredibly aesthetically pleasing, serene office floor filled with some of the best beauty and wellness professionals in the game — and they’re opening a spa soon! Cynthia, an esthetician and celebrity facialist, has her office in this gorgeous space. It’s also home to my new nail salon, Studio Naomi; the acupuncture studio YOUniverse; MND BOD Pilates with Kayla Principato (I’ve heard amazing things but haven’t been yet!); Ricari Studios, known for their incredible body and face sculpting treatments. And there’s more — it’s truly a one-stop destination for looking and feeling your best.
If you’re into beautifully curated wellness experiences, WSA is a must-visit. I’m already plotting my next appointment (or three).
Music
I didn’t realize how old I was until I realized it’s been FIFTEEN years since I first — and last — saw Lady Gaga in concert. FIFTEEN!! Fuck. Life comes at you fast. I saw her at Lollapalooza on her Monster Ball tour, and she was everything. She better be going on tour soon — she seemed a little mum about it when asked in a recent interview and only mentioned Coachella. (Which I did debate going to, but honestly, I want to see her in a full-fledged, dedicated concert. Festival Gaga is one thing, but I need the whole experience.)
I’ve been so excited for the release of Mayhem, and it did not disappoint. It’s a grower, not a shower — more complex than I expected after hearing “Disease” and “Abracadabra” (a song that basically inspired me to write this newsletter, if you didn’t read my first edition!). I love seeing Gaga happy, confident, in love and loved, secure, mature — all the things. It’s all true to her identity, but evolved. This album is completely her, and Mayhem really is an exercise in chaos. I’ve also been loving her press tour - from her ASMR video series for W Magazine, to her Spotify press conference, to her interview with Zane Lowe - not to mention her SNL ep this weekend - she has an easy confidence and raw talent that I don’t see in any other pop girlie today.
What I love most about Gaga — and what sets her apart from so many pop stars — is that she’s truly authentic and individual. There’s no trying to fit into trends or chase a sound that isn’t hers. She’s always unapologetically herself, and you feel it in everything she does. That’s rare, and it’s why I’ll be here, waiting (impatiently) for her next tour announcement.
Random initial thoughts on a few songs on the album…
“Garden of Eden”: this song is pop perfection, and it is also the F1 anthem for the 2025 season - an incredible intersection of my interests that I never thought would somehow intertwine.
“How Bad Do U Want Me”: a song that high school Loren would have been utterly obsessed with. Also, the people out there saying this is her “reheating Taylor Swift’s nachos” (a phrase that needs to end immediately) need to respectfully check themselves.
“Blade of Grass”: I better hear this as the first dance song at somebody’s wedding this year.
“Killah”: I’m surprised that this might be the next single from the album…the music is fun and groovy, but I think the lyrics overall lack some depth compared to others; I think Perfect Celebrity and Garden of Eden are the strongest songs on the album that deserve single status
Songs I skip every listen: “The Beast”, “Die With A Smile”
I’m still confident this will be the soundtrack to my summer.
On My Radar
People’s, a self described “evening club and art salon” which sounds quite vague to me, but is a block from my apartment so I am curious to check it out
Bar Revival, a new candlelit LES cocktail bar with bites from a former chef of Brooklyn faves Chez Ma Tante and Le Crocodile
Ha’s Snack Bar, the first permanent location from the duo behind Ha's Dac Biet, with an emphasis on Vietnamese bites and natural wine, in the former Gem Wine space
Cake Club from RecCreate Collective, an art studio in Brooklyn that hosts various creative classes & workshops. The cake decorating classes are the most in demand and sell out quickly - fingers crossed I can secure a spot in one soon.
Until next week -
xo
Lo
1. BIGGEST Pastis fan - slaps every time - I will say, I LOVE a visit to Odeon though (would purchase merch from both establishments)
2. Need to go to the Water Lounge and have the shit sculpted out of my face asap
3. NEED to go to Bar Revival - Chez me Tante and Le Crocodile are one of my favorite restaurants in NYC
Wow!!! So impressed with your gambling!! Also, Gaga’s Mayhem tour is a must