A January Survival Guide

What to eat, read and buy to make winter better!

Hi friends! 

Join us as we distract ourselves from January’s icy temps! This month, we’re talking about the turn-of-the-year compulsion to redecorate your entire home, the legacy of the Cuyana zip tote in 2010’s San Francisco, new restaurant openings + pop-ups, as well as the childhood hobbies and haircuts that are inspiring us now. Evidence of which can be seen on our Instagram, plz enjoy. 

Stay cozy! 

Rach + Cait 

Open Tabs 

CP: I feel like January is prime bath time. It’s dark, it’s dreary, it’s to-your-bones cold. We collectively deserve a little treat (always) and a little bath! As part of that, I’m excited to potentially update my bath lineup with something I gifted someone else but also want for myself — the Esker magnesium bath enhancer. I always keep the Susanne Kaufmann bath oil and her mallow blossom bubble bath in rotation too. Just add water, a good candle and an iPad that’s streaming something equally brain balm-y. I refer to these literally as “my bath shows,” aka your opportunity to watch something your partner/roommate/family are not excited about but you are. Recently, it was The Buccaneers. Frothy, low-cortisol, British society drama — inject it into my veins!

I’m also looking to hit some museums/galleries during these days when the weather is less than ideal and inspiration is sparse. Maybe starting with a space that is itself as beautiful and historic as the art it houses — the Cooper Hewitt. I’ve had this screenshot saved from Persephone Vintage of the conservatory there for almost a year now and need to see it with my own eyeballs. I’m also compelled by the Frick Madison and Emma Scully Gallery. I hope to round out my little ole uptown day with a meal at the (Bourdain-featured) sushi spot, Yasuda. 

As for literal open tabs, I’m curious about these Jennifer Behr textured gold hoops and this creamy, latte colored patent shoulder bag by Fane (a Laura Reilly Magasin feature!). 

RKH: The bathtub and museum theme is reminding me of the recent NYT article (January’s Secret: It’s the Best Month) - it really is the season for taking advantage of no plans and minimal crowds. I am jealous of your bath situation … manifesting a beautiful tub in our next home! 

With the horribly sh*tty weather here in Portland, I’ve had a lot of time on the World Wide Web and have added *many* items to my cart. Some themes and highlights … 

I’m feeling extra anticipatory for spring this year, and realized the other day that I lost or gave away one of my favorite park blankets in our move. On the hunt for a cute replacement and I love this one from Lorien Stern. I love all of her stuff - one of her ghost statues has been on my list forever! 

Lately I’ve had this specific image that one of my fav follows @lucyalicehome on my mind and went down the rabbit hole on Buchanan Studio scheming to redo my entire house with their items. Favs include their Studio Chair in Earth and the the pink version of their Muse Table. I’d love to order a few cushions in the Ticking Rose Reverse fabric (and honestly - curtains, wallpaper, a sofa, etc.). 

I’m on the lampshade hunt again, and a handful of recent contenders include the scallop chandelier shade from Stray Dog Designs in pumpkin blush, the Ottilie lampshade (with red trim?! So cute) from Patton House, one of the marbled paper lampshades from Rebecca Gardner’s Houses & Parties, or one of LeKrazyHorse’s pleated shades - kind of love the olive green? I’m all over the place with this search! 

I love these Fred Press atomic cocktail glasses with the little carrier! Also love the eclipse style, and these Bartlett Collins atomic star and these atomic pink Starlyte ones. It’s giving The Jetsons, but in the best way. 

Of course I’ve now got it in my head that we need a new coffee table (why) and I think I want a burl wood one. LOVE this one I found on Etsy shop Plinth Studio, but I think I want a lower shelf and maybe a glass top? The search continues. Re: burl wood, I’m also always keeping my eyes peeled for a burl wood trunk and jewelry box … kind of love this hope chest, or this smaller trunk!  

Other things piquing my interest rn … the Damson Madder home collection at Glassette (sooo sweet and charming!), the dark green Sabre Icône set, a ravioli spoon rest from Booboo Clay (pre-orders re-opening soon!), the Cerine sconce at Trueing, and this set of coffee mugs from Feldspar Studio -  the colorful handles make for a very cute way to eliminate the “is this your coffee or my coffee?” question with matching mugs! 

It wouldn’t be an OT issue without a new (to me!) jewelry brand, and right now I am drooling over all of the pendant charms at Joanna Dahdah. On my imaginary million dollar charm necklace: the Libra, grapes, mushroom, pink sapphire sun, simple heart and the pistachio! The Spinelli Kilcollin Solarium ring has also been following me around the internet, begging the question - do I actually want this or am I under the influence of the algorithm?

Clothes-wise … I had to stop a woman at a coffee shop the other week who was wearing one of these Rain Kiss ponchos because it was so fun! I’m contemplating the Panda Smiley or the Storm Camo. Also love that they have ponchos for pups! Still on my mind after popping into a few fav stores when in SF last weekend … this Simkhai cropped cardigan (in my FAVORITE color!), this Rachel Comey boucle top (honestly want it in every color), the Praia bag, and this Bacchus eyelash set. I also loved this Stand Studio green faux fur coat - reminds me of this $14K Valentino Garavani silk robe that dreams are made of! In that same green shade, I am contemplating these Nike Dunks, and also very seriously wondering if I need the adidas Spezial red/pink combo!  

CP: The feminine urge to switch out your coffee table every 2-3 years is one I deeply understand! The red/pink Adidas also feel very OT to me, so it’s a “business expense” and you need them!

Closed Tabs

CP: We recently ordered alfajores (shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in tiny coconut flakes!) on the rec of The Deligram. The cookies from Mendulcina were hand-delivered by sweet Mirta, who makes them herself! So so good and a cute way to support a small, woman-owned business, if you live in NYC! 

I merged back into the New York groove after spending the holidays in Portland with a long lunch at Bar Pitti. I’d never been to the deeply Italian, cash-only, “celeb hot spot” (as stated on their website) before. However, we did spot the Ronson family dining together, including Kendall Roy’s chic girlfriend! I can happily report the energy (relaxed!) and food (excellent!) far exceeded my expectations. Most importantly, they let our group linger over a shared affogato for probably a full hour, which feels unheard of in most US restaurants these days. Dolce far niete etc etc.

Also had a great time at the opening of Heaven and Earth, (oft mentioned in the newsletter) Margot’s “second child” wine bar in Greenpoint. I’ll sign on the dotted line of anything the owners Kip and Halley do! The place was PACKED with (as my friend Allie would say) “the young hots”, the kumquat jam + cheese snack was delightful and all of the wines we tried were great. 

Another new opening I felt lucky to snag a res at was Corima, the new northern Mexican spot in LES by Contra (RIP 💔) alums. We went to a popup at Rhodora a while ago where some of the team tested out dishes and drinks for this concept and have been tracking their brick-and-mortar journey ever since! For a tasting menu space, it wasn’t stuffy at all. The service was warm and easy going, the wine pairing was reasonably priced and included chef Fidel’s favorite Mexican beer to finish! The star of the show for me was actually a side dish — the sourdough tortillas with cavolo nero butter. We watched from the chef’s counter as each tortilla was hand-made to order and all future tortillas are ruined for me now! 

Shopping wise, I’m here to sing the praises of Little Liffner, specifically the Sprout tote in black patent. I got it this summer semi on a whim and it proved to be such a trusty, roomy companion during our four-in-one-week (🫠) holiday flights. Comfortably fits a laptop, books, magazines, water bottles, toiletries bag - you name it! It doesn’t zip across the top like the semi-iconic Cuyana tote myself and half of the Levi’s marketing team (hi KGF + KL!) had for many moons. But, I found that if I put a scarf (specifically, this Ader Error one in charcoal — another winter travel MVP!) along the opening during security checks, nothing spilled out. It was a tiiiiny bit cozy trying to fit the leather version under the seat in front of me on some planes (the suede would probably be squishier) but I like the structure the leather provides. 10/10, for those considering an elevated option for travel/work! 

Keeping with the scandi brand through-line, we just received our copy of the new Atelier September cookbook, created with Apartmento. I’m delighted to report it fully captures the energy of being in their perfect space in Copenhagen. The recipes feel approachable, seasonal and they are beautifully photographed. Would be just as fun as a coffee table book! Talk about cool families — the Billie Brahe’s are right up there with the Ronsons! The gal who rang me up at Holly Go Lightly when we were on our honeymoon in Copenhagen was also their niece or cousin or something — everything they touch is gold.

RKH: The Cuyana tote! That paired with a green military jacket = the early 2010s working SF gals uniform. I still have mine and have been using it for travel even with a broken zipper … maybe time for me to copy you and get on the Little Liffner train! 

I’ve been trying to practice delayed gratification re: shopping during the month of January, and don’t have too much to share in the way of Closed Tabs (hence my novel above!), but some fun highlights that made their way through the credit card ban - a new pair of super high rise and wide leg dark denim. I have been test driving Nuuly, mostly to try new pant styles (always my struggle!), and ended up deciding to keep these. I really like them and may finally pull the trigger on the Masha from Favorite Daughter after confirming I like this style on me! I also literally can’t say no to anything that majorly “sparks joy” - and I (pun intended) squealed with delight when I stumbled upon these tiny ceramic pigs at Avenues Dry Goods in The Sunset. I took two home with me and I’m obsessed with them. Probably one of the most cute happy things I’ve bought in a while! 

Recent noteworthy meals include a fantastic dinner at Bansang in SF - Korean-inspired tapas - and a trip to Bialy Bird at Little Dame here in Portland. I had the Miso Onion bialy with winter garden schmear, and we shared the apricot/goat cheese/honey situation for dessert. Would highly recommend and definitely will be back! 

Open Books

CP: I’m easing into the reading year by starting another Sarah J Maas series I’ll inevitably become obsessed with — Throne of Glass. I finished the first book in about 48 hours and had to rush to Greenlight to grab the next two. There are eight (!) books in the series, so I’m going to try and alternate that *saga* with books of other genres. I sped through and really liked Twenty Years Later (a murder-mystery set 20 years after 9/11) and just snagged a tiny poetry collection by Maggie Nelson called Something Bright, Then Holes at the East Village indie bookstore, Mast Books. I have Roman Stories (short stories centered around the lives of the citizens of Rome, as the name implies) and the latest Kiley Reid (author of Such A Fun Age) called Come & Get It next on my “to be read” pile.

RKH: I love this range!! You contain multitudes. I just finished Wellness and liked it! It’s long, but I was in the mood for a meatier read at the beginning of the year. I’m currently reading I’m A Fan and into it so far - it’s breezy but can be a little intense (& certainly not in a bad way!). Next on my list, The Fraud by Zadie Smith and I Could Live Here Forever, highly recommended by my friend Elisabeth (@your_book_pal for thoughtfully curated book recs!).  

Open Obsessions

CP: Cliché to discuss working out in January but I am back on my Kirsty Godso “pyro” bullsh*t this new year! For those who aren’t KG obsessed like moi, she is a Nike Master Trainer who has two incredible programs on the Nike Training Club app. I’ve never felt as strong or seen my body change as fast as I do when I’m consistent with her home workouts. I’m so bought into her universe that I’m now picking up her protein powder Made/Of online or whenever we go to Cafe Lyria. 

Also — and this is VERY random — but hand’s down my most frequent workout of all time is this at-home Pilates video Karen Lord did for Into The Gloss waaaay back in 2018. Not exaggerating when I say that I’ve probably done this workout at least 200 times since discovering it in 2020. It’s low-key enough to do between strength workouts and a nice interval to add in after runs. Even though it’s mellow, you really do feel it! My husband and I now reference her little sayings (“your elbows need to smile at each other like — hey!”) basically daily because we have both done the workout enough times to commit the full 30 minutes to memory. Devastated that Karen closed her Tribeca studio, otherwise I’d be there every day to thank her for this gift! 

Not at all a new concept, but another thing I’ve become obsessed with lately is childhood hair as inspo. I’m working with my colorist (s/o Emaly!) to get back to a better version of my natural color. I’ve also been showing photos of myself as a kid to Shelby (who Rio Viera Newton just rightfully profiled as giving the best haircut in NYC!) to see if she thinks I should resurrect my circa ‘94 bangs. Which begs the question — can you get bangs and not have the inevitable identity crisis? I couldn’t help but wonder…

RKH: You introduced me to Kirsty during the pandemic! I have distinct memories of doing pyro tings work outs on the roof of my old apartment, definitely providing free neighborhood entertainment lol. 

Also a childhood callback, I’m currently obsessed with getting back into more tactical “arts and crafts” - I used to love making things for no reason, and I would love to get back to making space and time to prioritize that. I’ve been so inspired by Martina Calvi on Instagram - I lovedddd scrapbooking back in the day and still collect little sentimental paper (menus, business cards, tickets), and her take on preserving memories is making me want to start again! Like everyone else, I’m also scheming about copying Kristin Juszczyk’s sports designs, but she’s also motivating me to learn to literally thread a needle. Planning to sign up for a beginners sewing class at Modern Domestic and excited to learn a new skill! Also on my DIY list - making charm bracelets (or bags! a la Haricot Vert), a DIY phone chain, hand painted taper candles and watercolor greeting cards. 

CP: Very into the idea of immortalizing experiences in that way! I loved how Anna of Cool Stuff NYC had the paper products from her wedding framed, which feels in the same vein. Also, tell me where to sign to get on the RKH charm bracelet drop wait list!

That’s all for issue #5!  To see more pics of the food, purchases and childhood hairdos we chatted about in this letter, follow our Instagram @opentabsletter or skim through an archive of past links to products we featured on our Pinterest board!