In 2024 I’m buying one clothing/accessory a month and one beauty/skincare/hair product a month. I wouldn’t classify my shopping habits as anything crazy, but I do think ~as a society~ we have become too comfortable with buying more than we actually need (or honestly even want) which is why I’m challenging myself to shop differently for the next 8 (now 7) months.
If this shopping philosophy inspires you, or you just want more ideas of what you can spend your money on (the exact opposite of my intentions, but to each their own), consider subscribing! I’ll make it super for easy for you! Here:
It’s Gemini Season, which means the wants have gotten stronger and more expensive. I’ve been adding things to this pinterest wishlist all year so that I can have a master document of what I’m wanting to buy, but this month I spent a lot of time on second hand apps like eBay, Poshmark and Depop looking for things: Vintage Ralph Lauren skirts, 925 modernist sterling silver rings, Frye campus boots. That last one is starting to become triggering, but I’ve found some really great things, none of them boots though. So without further ado…
let’s f*cking gab
Ilio Eau de toilette, Diptyque, $180 — I remember going to the Dipytque in Georgetown in late July last summer to smell the sold out Ilio perfume because of the one and only
. I earnestly have not stopped thinking about it since that day. Since I had already made my May purchase, this is going to the top of the birthday wishlist.Daye Midi Dress, Danielle Guizio, $248 — When I watched Sex and the City for the first time I was obsessed with the black dresses all the girls wore, they each suited their personalities perfectly. I wanted to have that type of black dress in my closet to pull out for any kind of occasion and when I saw this dress I was reminded of that moment.
The Gia, Realisation Par, $270 — Realisation Par feels too LA/West Coast to be real to me. During their Devon Lee Carlson peak I frequented the website adding the trendy sunflower print dress to my cart knowing I would never actually buy it, but now that I’m a fully realized almost 24 year old I can’t help but think about The Gia dress still. Does anyone reading this own a Realisation Par dress, please speak up, let me know that they’re real.
Francesca bag, Sonya Lee, $200 — So, I saw this TikTok… And I’ve never googled a bag so quickly. I love the studs on the strap that easily allow you to have it at your desired length.
Velika sandal, soeur, $395 — When The Row released their fisherman sandal in 2019 my life changed. Over dramatic, yes, but I never stopped thinking about that sandal. This chocolate brown pair from soeur is so beautiful.
Terzo Leather Kitten-Heel Sandal in Butter Yellow, Banana Republic, $200 — My collection of wearable heels is lacking a butter yellow option. These can fix that.
Silk-Linen Maxi Dress, Banana Republic, $280 — Abby declared me a dress girl and I think she’s right.
Bisou Balm in Amour Fou, Violette, $28 — I saw this video of Violette demoing this lipstick and it reinvigorated my want for it.
GAP x DOÊN High Rise Khaki Trouser, Gap, $99.95 — Everyone and their mother was talking about this collab!! I was excited too as a new Doên customer. The Khaki pants and the crochet short sleeve top were what interested me most. I got the chance to go to Gap to see the new pieces and was disappointed with the quality of the trousers. However, the blue cardigan was super cute.
Sailor-collar pullover, J. Crew, $118 — Huge mistake to start following Olympia (Head of design at J. Crew) because she makes everything look incredible and this sweaters has few, but bad reviews; so thank you normies, you saved me from this purchase.
Specialty Ditty Bag, J. Mills & Co., $45 — A customer came in with this bag and my coworker and I were obsessed with it. I took a photo and reverse image searched it.
Sterling Silver Italy Modernist Ribbed Earrings, eBay, $39.99 — This tear drop shape earring is super popular. You can find it at a lot of retailers for a wide range of prices. I like this one more because it’s vintage and I like it’s texture. I’m using this link as a place holder here because I don’t want anyone to buy the other silver jewelry I have liked on eBay.
Crystal haze Serena bracelet, Kith, $195 — Summer time makes me want to wear so many bracelets, probably because my wrists aren’t hiding in sweaters anymore. This green tennis bracelet is so pretty and a good (??) price.
Venetian shoe in Green, Cayumas, $150 — This collab with Leandra came out a while ago and I’ve thought of it ever since. I like this silhouette of slipper a lot, it’s more interesting than the Mary Jane’s of previous Wishlist Additions.
Gucci Vintage Leather Hobo Bag, The RealReal, $298 — This has since been bought (sad). I’m not a hard core RealReal searcher, they charge too much for shipping and I’ve heard too many bad stories, but I was very happy to have stumbled upon this Gucci bag.
I have a line up of jewelry I wear almost every single day: silver rings, Etsy gold filled earrings, my charm necklace and a watch I bought for five dollars at the Georgetown flea market. The watch world is really intimidating to me and they can get super expensive. In April, I found a watch on eBay that I absolutely loved, but never put a bid on and as soon as it was gone I regretted it.
I bought this watch on Etsy and I’m so happy with it! I love the gold tone and striped face. Now that I have this really beautiful dainty watch I want to hunt down something more “masculine” a la this photo of Cameron Diaz.


Okay, and I bought a second thing. But it was such a great price and I had a vision. Per
this newsletter I was inspired to get a shiny shoe and when I found these Stuart Weitzman brown satin heels with gold dangly beads I knew I’d get a lot of use out of them.
Bonus May Stuff!!
No beauty product this month! So instead I will share a product I have been loving and that is the Merit complexion stick. It’s so damn good.
I can’t stop listening to TTPD. Favorites rn: The Black Dog, Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus, and The Bolter. I can’t listen to So High School, I hate it.
I went to Mohegan Sun with my Mom to see Rick Springfield perform which was incredible and I gambled for the first time, won BIG!
Paige came to visit me! We spent a lot of time driving around singing with the windows down. Picture below if you can’t visualize.
Xx,
Gabbie
A fellow Gab!! I am so happy your newsletter came across my desk this morning - love your voice and style. That Franchesca bag really is a beauty 🖤
I love your little tie heels so cute. Also I wish that I could just have ilio in our big digital house and everyone could come spray themselves every day