The October Edit: What I'm Cooking, Buying, and Estate-Saleing Lately
What I'm watching, wearing, and shopping at estate sales this month
Hi Friends!
I am currently writing you from aboard a Delta flight (does anyone else love working on flights because I find that it’s the best, low-distraction environment) headed to Austin, TX.
My first stop is the Austin Proper, which I’m so excited for (can’t wait to see the Kelly Wearstler-designed space in person) and then I’m off to Round Top (I’ll round up all I see in an upcoming letter!) for a book signing.
After that, I’m heading to California for a couple of days to unwind. The truth is, I’ve had a challenging time since I spoke at the sentencing hearing for my mom’s shooter last month. I’ve felt almost paralyzed since and find myself struggling to make sense of it all. But I also find writing to be therapeutic and have been sharing so much of the journey that I’ve been trying to put it into words for the newsletter. I’m excited to have some time to myself to wake up early, walk on the beach, work out, and write.
After California, I’m heading to Eugene, Oregon where I’m headlining the Lane County Home Improvement Show. It will be a very busy week-and-a-half but I like to be busy.
I also like taking a break from pure interior design stuff to share bits and pieces of my life in my monthly edits — the shows I’m watching, the things inspiring me, the products I really love…
Hope you enjoy this month’s installment and, as always, comment with your own recs, too!
xx,
VC
RIP Diane Keaton
I was devastated to hear of Diane Keaton’s passing yesterday. Annie Hall is one of my all-time favorite films and her personal style was incredibly inspiring. Even more inspiring was her ethos and outlook on life. I love an independent woman, and Diane was that and more. Asked about her most marked characteristic, she once said, “Insecurity in conjunction with ambition.” And asked about her favorite occupation, she responded “Seeing. As Walker Evans said, ‘Look! We don’t have that much time.’”
A Case for Florals With Stripes
Architectural Digest shared the Manhattan home of Zooey Deschanel and Property Brother Jonathan Scott and wow. The architectural details are seriously inspiring and the design (by Young Huh) is very romantic. I can’t get over that bespoke sectional with the Billy Baldwin poufs (and the striped shades in the same room — what a fun contrast, florals and stripes make the best pair).
A Recent Estate Sale
I went to a fab estate sale recently but came home empty-handed. Sometimes the vibe is just off — do you ever feel that? Anyway, I’m kicking myself now for not buying the 1960s animal painting.
How I Give Myself an At-Home Facial
Lately I’ve been really into doing an at-home facial and I kind of have the whole thing down to a science. Here’s my routine:
Pre-cleanse with this oil cleanser, which is wonderful. I love that it’s in a pump, so you don’t use too much, and it gets every trace of makeup off my face.
Cleanse using this handy little cleansing device (the code VIRGINIA gets you a whopping 25% off — this also has a blue light to help clear up breakouts!). One side has soft bristles and oscillates and feels so nice on your face. I personally think most cleansers are kind of the same but lately I’ve been using this one, which has a nice creamy consistency.
Next, I use my red light mask for ten minutes, followed by the other side of the aforementioned PMD device, which has a blue light you hold over breakouts for a couple of minutes to help clear your skin and kill bacteria.
Three times per week, I swipe on Eadem’s gentle peel, which has AHAs to help with hyperpigmentation and cell turnover.
And then I finish with a spritz of this hydrating essence (so luxurious) and pat this under-$20 moisturizer all over my face. I’ve been using this eye cream, too, which is super moisturizing.
An Excellent Taco Seasoning
Gabby Dalkin’s line of seasonings are ace. I love the lemon pepper and the flaky salt. But it’s the taco seasoning that’s become a real fave for me. I mix it with ground turkey to make taco salads with crunchy romaine, cubes of avocado anad radish, lots of lime, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Mexican Green Goddess dressing (a go-to for me and straight out of her It’s All Good cookbook — just throw all the below in a blender):
Greek yogurt or Vegenaise: 2/3 cup
Cilantro leaves: 1/4 cup (a handful)
Scallions: 2, roughly chopped (use the white and light green parts)
Lime juice: 1/4 cup (from about 2 limes)
Jalapeño: 1/2, roughly chopped
Extra virgin olive oil: 1/2 cup
Honey or agave nectar: 1 tablespoon
Kosher or coarse sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon or more, to taste
Sustainable-Meets-Aesthetic Kitchen Products
I love this brand’s products because they are ethically made and sustainable, plus they offer an aesthetic option for items you actually need. Case in point: these canisters, which I use to house oats, creatine, and protein powder (who have I become?) They sent me a discount code, too! VIRGINIA20 gets you 20% off anything on the site.
Weekend Sale
Larroudé has marked all Verona styles (a very pretty ballet flat, also available in a platform) 40% off through the weekend. The leopard version is so chic and a little bit funky thanks to the pattern and the raffia platform is incredible (and under $200).
The Extras
Adding a little extra content below the paywall, including:
A recipe I loved and will remake again and again
The show I can’t get enough of
Something I’m already eyeing for the holiday season
The outdoor museum I fell in love with