The november roast
November—a month dedicated to gratitude and generosity. A month where we start shopping for the holidays and buying gifts for the ones closest to us and ourselves. However, I want to take a quick pause to highlight this month has proving to be somewhat disappointing, particularly in light of the discussions that have dominated our conversations lately. Yet, as time progresses, we must remember that our voices wield more influence than we often realize. We persist in our quest for justice, and in due time, the world will transform for the better. While the news may have offered little comfort, I turn to this space as an opportunity to escape such weighty thoughts and engage in a more uplifting dialogue.
The news may be not what I wanted, but the products I found this month are truly all special in their own way. From a new fragrance, bag subscription, and my love for running in the cold - I have a few new products to share with you all.
Earlier this month, I was delighted to receive a beautifully curated package from Future Society, featuring their enchanting Floating Forest fragrance. Founded by the visionary Jasmina Aganovic, whose expertise in biotechnology informs her innovative approach, Future Society has rapidly made a significant impact in the fragrance industry.
While each fragrance possesses its own distinctiveness, Future Society has elevated the experience by incorporating the sequencing of extinct flowers, unveiling six captivating scents derived from nature's past. Collaborating with perfumer Jerome Epinette, the team harnessed DNA sequencing from Harvard to meticulously recreate the entire ecosystem surrounding the now-extinct Shorea Cuspidata. The result is Floating Forest—a fragrance that transports you to the verdant Malaysian Islands with a single spray, evoking an aquatic and lush ambiance.
Not only do I find this fragrance exceptionally unique, but it has also garnered acclaim from Harper's Bazaar, which lauded it as one of the most exciting launches in recent memory. It seems evident that we will all be enamored with this remarkable brand in the months to come.
Bags have recently become a source of immense joy in my life, serving as the perfect finishing touch to every ensemble. From daytime casual to evening elegance, a well-chosen bag has the power to transform one's persona. I must admit, however, that I am not one to favor the same bag day in and day out. This is precisely why my recent discovery of Vivrelle has been nothing short of revolutionary.
Vivrelle, a subscription-based handbag and jewelry company, has been around for a while, but it has only recently come to my attention. With tiers ranging from Classique to Couture, Vivrelle offers an extensive selection of handbags from renowned brands such as Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, MIU MIU, Prada, and Dior. This subscription model is genuinely life-changing, as it allows everyday customers to indulge their desires without the burden of committing to a single, often exorbitantly priced, designer bag.
Of course, we all enjoy treating ourselves to that one special piece (I currently have my eye on the Bottega Veneta Large Hobo), but the price tags in the luxury market can be quite daunting. For those vibrant, playful bags that we may only wear on a few occasions, Vivrelle is a delightful solution. So far, I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a vintage denim Fendi Baguette, a chic tweed Chanel crossbody, and an elegant YSL black chain tote. While I would likely purchase all of them if given the chance, the experience of exchanging bags to curate unique outfits has been incredibly enjoyable.
Additionally, for those fortunate enough to reside in New York, Vivrelle offers the exclusive opportunity to visit their stunning showroom and select handbags in person—a true luxury in itself. If you decide to take a look at the Vivrelle service, use code 1PSSG0KP4F for a discount and tell them I sent you.
Shifting gears to a topic beyond the realm of beauty—running. I have always cherished running as a profound escape for the mind. I often say, when burdens weigh heavy, the best remedy is a refreshing run. Interestingly, I tend to find myself running more frequently as winter approaches; there's something invigorating about the cool air that has captivated me for as long as I can remember.
However, at the youthful age of 24, I've begun to notice that my knees hurt more than they should. I've long followed Karen Gonzalez, known as iluvsarahii on social media, and her passion for running has inspired me in countless ways. From her thorough shoe recommendations to her daily running routines, I must admit, her influence has been significant.
Recently, she shared her enthusiasm for the Brooks Glycerin Max shoes, and I was instantly in love. While I recognize that running shoes can be quite an investment, I can attest, as a nurse who is on my feet for hours throughout the week, that Brooks offers exceptional quality for the price. They are designed to wear, make any running look insane, and consistently perform without fail. I discovered a stunning pair in diva pink and white, which I simply had to acquire. And no regrets thus far.
In the realm of running footwear, these have proven to be the finest shoes I've ever worn. They provide a sturdiness that surpasses that of Hokas, yet they feel less constrictive and cramped compared to what I experience with Nikes.
Returning to beauty, I must share my favorite blush of the month. While I've experimented with a few options and have more on the way, my current obsession is the Saie Dew Liquid Blush in the shade "Baby." It has consistently held one of the top spots on my list, and I suspect it will remain there for quite some time. This exquisite baby pink hue imparts a stunning glow to the skin that is simply unparalleled.
I recently tuned into the "Working Hard or Hardly Working" podcast by Grace Beverly that I love so much. Featuring Saie's founder, Laney Crowell, I was captivated by her journey in establishing the brand. The name Saie, meaning "what the people say," according to Laney, perfectly embodies her approach. In my opinion, she has truly excelled in the clean beauty market by attentively listening to her audience and crafting effortless products that deliver remarkable results—a resounding success if you ask me. If you haven't yet tried it, I encourage you to take advantage of their 25% off Black Friday sale going on right now, which you can access through my ShopMy link here https://go.shopmy.us/p-10063991.
Lastly, I must highlight my absolute favorite of the month: the custom "Blush Boy" nameplate that Hayden gifted me. One of his former colleagues, Rocky Rockmore, owns a jewelry company renowned for creating stunning 24k and sterling silver pieces for celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion, Gwen Stefani, and Doja Cat. With a wide array of both set and custom designs, you're sure to find something that captures your heart. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the delivery and packaging to the exquisite piece itself. Jewelry will always hold a special place in my heart as a gift, as it is truly something to be cherished for a lifetime. So thank you Rocky for creating something so beautiful.
And that’s it for this month’s favorites, so I hope you love and take the time to find something for yourself. We often move so fast in this world, so I challenge you to take the time for you as you are always more important than you think at the end of the day. Heavy thoughts have been on my heart this week, but beauty seems to never fail to come in and cheer me up. Sending you all of the love and save travel wishes around this Holiday season.
Xoxo, The Blush Boy
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/a45410307/future-society-perfume-fragrance-brand/