80+ Things On Our Minds and In Our Carts

Also, a new cocktail bar in Portland and the LES boutiques you need to know about!

Hi everyone! 

Happy first day of Spring! This issue, we’re talking about sparkly stuff (jewelry, clothes and hair!), fun tote bags, new hobbies and beauty brands plus the coastal French cookbook we both can’t wait for.

Also, we’re excited to share with you that our ShopMy shop is now live! All of the products we’ve referenced in past issues are linked here for easy reference. You can always find the link to our shop in our Instagram bio, and if you choose to purchase an item using one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission. With that new addition, we’re also going to be revamping our Pinterest board to focus on the experiential elements we cover - e.g. restaurants, boutiques we’ve visited, etc., - and move product links into ShopMy. 

Thank you so much for being supporters of Open Tabs! ❤️

Rach + Cait 

Open Tabs 

CP: Maybe it’s the gray weather, but I’ve been inextricably dreaming about jewelry/sparkly things to add to cart this month. I love the structure of these Jasmine Sparrow gold curve hoops and have another pair of hers that I wear alllll the time. Can confirm that they are really nice quality! I also like the look of Bree Nichols Nature’s pearl and heart necklace that she called “little heartache” (cute). A big time splurge, but my dream is to someday own a piece from Marie Lichtenberg, like this lucky shamrock number (timely!). I tried it on in Copenhagen at Holly Go Lightly and haven’t been able to get it out of my brain ever since. And this beautiful chunky necklace by Agmes has me tempted to stray from my usual gold. In both cases, very “if I won the lottery, there would be signs.” 

Beauty wise, I have my eye on Monastery Beauty, a new brand featured at my skincare home-away-from-home, Carrie Lindsey. Their discovery set is a reasonable $32, so I might need in order that to try out their full range of products. Even their brown vinyl tote is cool to me! I’ve seen the Isla Elixr toner written up for years as a true hero product and might be tempted to go for it soon. I’m always looking for P50 alts (as much as I love it! It’s not for every day) and this feels like it could be a gentler version. I’m also curious about the brand 19/99’s creamy highlighter stick. Feels similar to the Chanel multiuse stick, but a few less dollar signs.

Otherwise, I am intrigued by this new-to-me handbag brand Chora, specifically this black suede fringe-y bag that feels like a riff on Chloe. This dark brown, patent one is interesting too! And keeping with the sparkles theme — this Mango beaded top that Melanie Masarin recommended in her newsletter looks fun for summer with a bodysuit or triangle bra underneath. Truly cannot WAIT to not wear a coat!

RKH: Major heart eyes over your jewelry picks, Cait!! I love that lucky shamrock - needs to be a future gift to yourself. As you know I’m alwaysss saving jewelry - some current favs include this vintage 14K Moonstone ring, these John Wind custom charm bracelets, the diamond butterfly necklace and initial anklet from Eriness, and this sapphire necklace from Shawn Warren. 

I’m also daydreaming about warmer weather and tropical vacays - the thought of not wearing a jacket sends shivers down my spine. I love this Johanna Ortiz sparkly swimsuit in peach and this Elysiian one piece in white - their one size bikinis are so cute too (the baby pink!). I also just can’t stop pinning cute two piece sets and dresses in various sparkles and fun colors - this Acne Studios dress is speaking to me! I also have on my list one of the personalized totes from Call It By Your Name - I think the bandanas with the rainbow lettering are so fun and summery. The buttoned jackets are also obviously amazing - this red one also feels *very* OT! 

A few more open tabs with mentioning - this Fanm Mon dress, every single glass from France Theirard’s new Joyful Stripes collection, this Capel Grey bedding from Coco & Wolf (plus their picnic baskets and blankets if you want to channel your inner Amber Fillerup … so sweet), the Byredo Tulipmania hand soap for spring, the Saltyface self tanner, the Jasmine Garden botanical face mist from May Lindstrom skin, and in the impractical/aspirational category, a 1920s rotating disco ball, this Henry Holland x Paul Smith lamp, and this beaded Gucci bag. 

CP: The anxiety of what to put on a personalized tote (or monogrammed LL Bean boat bag) would plague me for days but the result feels so worth it!! 

RKH: Wait, I can’t believe you don’t already have one? My XL in black and medium cream on cream zip tops are essential to summer. We need to brainstorm what yours should say ASAP.

1. Jasmine Sparrow gold curve hoops 2. Monastery brown vinyl tote 3. Eriness diamond butterfly necklace 4. Capel Grey picnic blanket 5. Johanna Ortiz sparkly swimsuit in peach 6. Bree Nichols Nature’s pearl and heart necklace 7. Chora bag in dark brown 8. Isla Elixr toner 9. Call It By Your Name personalized tote 10. Saltyface self tanner 11. Chunky necklace by Agmes 12. Mango beaded top 13. 19/99’s creamy highlighter stick 14. vintage 14K Moonstone ring 15. Beaded Gucci bag 16. Acne Studios dress 17. Shawn Warren sapphire necklace 18. Monastery discovery set 19. Joyful Stripes by France Theirard

Closed Tabs

CP: I recently stumbled on a new boutique in the Lower East Side called Tumbao. Their assortment is so cool and fresh and the vintage is reasonably priced. I had my eye on this cute red shoulder bag by DeMaria — didn’t pull the trigger but might go back for it. They also have a rack curated by my oft-mentioned favorite, The Break. Many a tempting silk nightgown and leather jacket! This addition rounds out a block of power players — Scarrs pizza, Beverly’s new boutique of beautiful homewares, Colbo for your vintage coat needs, Desert Vintage for stunning and expertly sourced designer pieces. 

A few odds and ends that I’ve impulse bought and enjoyed — Merit’s new matte lipstick (in shade Power, a cool-toned red), a blush from Nikki DeRoest’s new makeup brand Ciele (shade Behati, a lovely mauve-y pink) and a sturdy Palmes Society tote from the SSENSE sale. Envisioning bringing it on future beach days is my light at the end of the tunnel of this bout of spring rain.

Restaurant wise, we walked the one block from our apartment to Theodora recently and had an incredible meal. Despite only being open a couple of weeks, the service was spot on, the team seemed relaxed and the food was stellar. A bit of a departure from their sister restaurants (Miss Ada and Nili, both of which I strongly endorse) in that it was more seafood focused. But the through-line was there. Highlights were the made-to-order pita and monkfish hummus (the pita was light as AIR!), the caper berry martini and the lemon posset dessert with cranberry granita (think a less structured, more light panna cotta). Speaking of insane desserts, we also snagged a slice of the Little Egg x La Cantine collab cake. A surprisingly delicate dark chocolate layer cake with passion fruit whipped cream. Everything Tanya, the Little Egg pastry chef, touches is gold, in my eyes. 

I also had the religious experience of seeing one of my all-time favorite authors, Dolly Alderton, speak during her US book tour for Good Material. To say that she was as funny, glamorous and soulful in person would be an understatement. Could have listened to her answer questions from the audience about her favorite crisp flavors forever! 

RKH: I’m so jealous that you got to see Dolly IRL - I feel like just by breathing her air, you have been touched by an angel! A few recent beauty buys to write home about … the OSEA Undaria Algae body butter (to pair with my most loved body oil!) as my dry winter skin is not cute. They finally started stocking dae in-store at my Sephora, so on a whim recently grabbed the Stargloss Shine Hair Treatment, Agave Dry Heat protector, Fairy Duster dry shampoo and Prickly Pair hair oil. So far the most noteworthy is easily the Stargloss - it goes on sparkly! - and really, really works. I applied it before heading to a yoga class and washed it out afterward, and my hair has maybe never been so shiny. I will say that it has a very specific and fruit forward scent, so if that’s not your jam just be warned. I also grabbed the travel size of the KILIAN Good Girl Gone Bad perfume (truly I was in a trance on this Sephora trip). I’ve been wearing Byredo De Los Santos for most of winter which I love and always get compliments on, but am excited to try out a different vibe as we head into spring.

In Facebook Marketplace success, I snagged an (allegedly) 19th Century Victorian dresser that I’m excited to give a bit of TLC to. Similar version here, although mine was $100 and not $2k. TBD on if I’ll leave it its current mahogany or sand and stain lighter … watch this space for DIY project updates! You all will have to hold me accountable. 

Experiences-wise, happy to report that I took the beginners sewing class at Modern Domestic I said I was going to sign up for! I am not an immediate prodigy, but I’m excited to practice and learn more. A pro tip for Portland peeps that taking a class there comes with a free studio pass for use later! I went to G. Love’s new cocktail bar, The Love Shack, which was very cute. Reminded me a little bit of State Bird Provisions in SF in that they roll around a little cart with cocktails and small bites - major highlight was that all the cocktails were miniature, so you could really enjoy sampling. Will definitely be back when I can drink again! 

CP: I *believe* Ken himself and Eva Mendes were just spotted at State Bird (per Deuxmoi). Will have to check out The Love Shack when back home this summer. Hopefully with you!

Open Books

CP: As I cross the finish line of Throne of Glass (truth be told, I’m sad it’s over!), I’m excited for some non-fantasy reads that come out in the next few months. Specifically intrigued by Ruth Reichl’s new book The Paris Novel which is publishing in April. Leigh Bardugo’s historical fiction new release The Familiar is also out soon. Lastly, I have my eye on a few coffee table/cookbook releases from women whose photography I’ve loved for years — Lucy Laught’s book Dolce Far Niete about Italian summers and Le Sud, the new southern French cookbook by NYT Cooking contributor Rebekah Peppler. 

RKH: Also can’t wait for Le Sud! I love following Rebekah on Instagram and feeling nostalgic for my “study” abroad days in Cannes. I’m currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass, which I would highly recommend. It’s beautifully written - educational, inspiring and really gives you as a reader much to reflect on and digest. Next on my list: If I Had Your Face (recommended in Rio Viera-Newton’s very enjoyable Substack!), and coincidentally also a book about living it up in Paris - I’m Mostly Here To Enjoy Myself. Not a book, but a recent fun read: WWD’s 100 Greatest Skincare Products of All Time round up - happy to see some of my all time favs like Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Dieux Instant Angel, Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops, and my beloved NuFace. Of course I’m now adding a ton of new (to me) picks to my cart, specifically the Dr. Barbara Sturm Clarifying Mask, the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum, Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask and the U Beauty Resurfacing Compound.

Open Obsessions

CP: In a season (my favorite season) ripe with red carpets, it takes a lot to shift fashion focus. However, the Dune press tour was a delight for the eyeballs! Following the looks on Miss Flo and of course Zendaya during this period felt like a full circle moment for someone (me, I’m someone) who referenced “she can’t be there, she’s filming Dune” any chance she could get. While the Dune global premieres didn’t have the same undertones as the Don’t Worry Darling premiere in Venice, it was a treat all the same. And, it still sparked Reddit conspiracy theories when everyone began wondering who yelled at Rebecca Ferguson? Emily Blunt and The Rock have been marked safe but jury’s still out on Ewan McGregor. The movie itself, albeit VERY loud, was excellent!

Aside from that, we have been digging into *archival* (circa 2014) TV by binging The Night Manager. Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Coleman deserved every award they got back then! I was also inspired by the show version of The Equalizer filming on our block to do a weekend rewatch of the Equalizer trilogy of movies. They held up! What’s old is new again! 

RKH: +1 to the Dune looks, both on the carpets and in the movie itself! I now desperately need a full chainmail armor dress. Re: open obsessions, it’s the Kate Middleton conspiracy theories for me. In all seriousness, I hope she is healthy and well and think that everyone should *probably* leave her alone, but it is pretty entertaining to see the wide range of options the Reddit sleuths have been putting forward. Only time will tell. 

That’s all for issue #7!  To see more pics of what we mentioned above, follow our Instagram @opentabsletter or find and shop our archive of all past product links on our new ShopMy page!