Twists and Turns
Hi everyone, happy Wednesday!
Guys, I’m sorry — I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep coming up with themes for every issue. It started with me just throwing together products that had similar ~vibes~, and then that somehow morphed into having a specific theme for each issue. I know it may seem otherwise, but TikTok is not in fact birthing a new cultural zeitgeist every week and despite the accelerating trend cycle, there’s only so many “x-core” aesthetics I can ride the coattails of. I’ll still send out themed issues on occasion, but mostly I just wanna show you guys some stuff I liked without trying to tie them together. (However, with that being said, if there’s a new fad or fashion you want me explore, I am very open to hearing it!) But for now, please enjoy these three products that have absolutely nothing to do with each other! See you next week ✌
Bent Out of Shape
BENT GLASS REUSABLE DRINKING STRAWS - LA BLEU BOUTIQUE
Yes yes I know, plastic straws are a mere fraction of the mountains of non-degradable waste we generate and the onus should be on the company and not the consumer to find a tenable solution, but I can’t help it — I still feel a pang of guilt every time I use one. Besides, it’s no great loss to give up regular straws when you could potentially be drinking out of these incredibly playful twisty glass straws, from Singapore-based homeware brand La Bleu Boutique. They’re made of borosilicate glass, which is very sturdy and resistant to high temperatures, and they’re free of BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals. The only downside is that the design might be a little more difficult to clean, but in my opinion that’s a small price to pay in exchange for instantly upping the zaniness factor of all your matcha lattes.
Seeing Spots
I love the dramatic, baroque look of a big ruffled collar, so when I saw this Harlequin-esque polka-dot one, I hit “add to cart” immediately. A clown collar isn’t exactly a basic wardrobe staple, but according to Janelle Abbott, the designer behind JRAT, this versatile accessory has more applications than meets the eye: it can be worn as a “collar, a hat, a crop top, a belt, and more.” (Also, I know I just said I’m dispensing with themes, but if anyone wants me to do a clowncore issue, you need only say the word 👀). All of Abbott’s works follow a zero-waste principle and are repurposed from old, discarded textiles — this collar is made from deadstock curtains. Plus, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the International Rescue Committee in support of their relief work in Afghanistan and Haiti.
Burnin’ Up
ART INCENSE HOLDER - RITUALS + CEREMONY
My roommate’s birthday is coming up, and I’m thinking of gifting her this incense holder. She really enjoys burning incense, which I don’t mind at all, except she doesn’t actually own a holder and is currently MacGyvering one with a jewelry tray and a clay eraser (lol). This cute stoneware holder from Rituals + Ceremony caught my eye — it’s minimal, it’s modern, it’s quirky, it’s elegant, but most importantly, it’s not a jewelry tray and a clay eraser. I just can’t decide between the leopard and the grid patterns… which one do you prefer?
Tried one of my recs and loved it (or hated it)? Wanna get something cool on my radar? Drop me a line at kittylguo@gmail.com or swing by my Twitter @kitguo!