ABC party, vol. 1: anything but clothes
a highly scientific investigation into everyone’s emotional support products.
Have no fear, we’re not having a preschool graduation party. I’m not sure if this was a niche experience of my own in a college town like Boston, but does anyone remember those ABC parties — as in anything but clothes? People would roll up wearing things like a trash bag, a sheet, newspapers… I mean, the possibilities were endless.
I decided to take a little break from all of our clothing rambling and instead investigate each person’s ride-or-die product that is anything but clothing. I asked this crew to share their favorite product that they irrationally love and that makes their life infinitely easier — something they are constantly refilling, repurchasing, and thanking the universe for bringing into their life.
Take out your cute little notebooks you bought on January 1st that may still be completely blank as of today (or maybe that’s just me and I’m projecting), and prepare to take notes.
Here’s PART ONE (yes, get excited another one is enroute!) of the holy grail lineup…
Some affiliate links are included below.
Nina P. (The Seasonalist) — Turbie Twist Microfiber Hair Towel
One of my most-used items is the Turbie-Twist. It’s thin, wraps my hair up perfectly after a shower, and makes me feel glamorous, like a 1950s starlet. Pairs nicely with a robe and slippers. I love the TT so much that it receives a place of honor in my suitcase when I travel--and I’m carryon only. The TT makes the tiny packing cut of must-have items.
Danielle (An Unquenchable Thirst for Color) — Olio e Osso Balm
Olio e Osso balm has been an object of adoration for me for many years. It’s a sheer lip and cheek product made up of a handful of natural ingredients, like olive oil and beeswax. It’s my all-summer/ any weekend go-to; plus it smells citrusy and moisturizes my skin. I like the tea rose and berry colors — there are hues for anyone, but plum is my favorite because it has a hint of sparkle.
Charu (Brands and Bobs) — L.L. Bean, Boat & Tote
The thing I can't live without is my $50 L.L. Bean Boat and Tote. Bought as a spoof to DIY the Tibi version, it unexpectedly became my daily work go-to bag. It holds everything, zips up, stays on my shoulder, and handles wear beautifully. I have the all white version and it looks incredibly chic with every outfit. Seeing similar styles crop everywhere from Phoebe Philo to Toteme validates that this canvas staple is all I need.
Usha (Usha Joy) — SM Nutrition, Vitex
Vitex is the one purchase I’ve been making for 30 years and never once regretted, which makes this a personal record. Simply to temper the intense PMS/PMDD rage that perimenopause has only sharpened, like a 2B pencil readying for an unwilling exam! I take a few pills when the temper flares, and I turn from someone best avoided into merely “difficult before coffee.” It is not a cure, sadly, but it offers just enough mercy and comfort for everyone in the house.
Jaymee Geelan (Getting Dressed) — Sleep Crown Pillow
Sincerest apologies for recommending a $200 pillow, but the Sleep Crown is worth the hype. I am a very light sleeper. Couple that with a husband who snores, and you’ll do almost anything to muffle noise. This pillow is light and fluffy so it doesn’t feel suffocating when you place it over your eyes. It feels like a gentle hug for your head (weird, but trust me it’s very good).
Nicole Cherelle (Dressed In Context) — Fenty Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation
Fenty Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation is really that girl 💁🏾♀️ I’m a mum of 2 cute, hellion toddlers and an angel kindergartener, so I’ve perfected the 5 min makeup routine, natch. This is buildable, easy, light touch, and I have multiple shades so as I tan through the summer I’m always covered, literally. My cupboard stays stocked and ready, always! Plus, I’m always happy to support Riri get her bag
Anna Eleri Hart (Anna Eleri Hart) - Koba Foot Cream
I wasn’t a foot cream gal at all until the Koba one came into my life. It’s truly miraculous. I’m on my 6th or 7th tube. What looks and feels like an ordinary cream, somehow makes my feet look like I’ve just left a salon. Strongly, forcefully recommend this to anyone and everyone!
Natalia Herrera (Le Petite Colombiana) — Flamingo 5-Blade Women's Razor
The item I thank the universe for, or whoever the genius was that invented it, is the razor. As a beautiful Latina, I have body hair. I'm progressive, but not that progressive, letting it all grow wild is where I draw the line. Baby skin is always the goal. This brand never irritates my beautiful brown skin.
The Girls Column (The Girls Column) — BÉIS, The Travel Backpack
As a gal who travels often, this bag was a game-changer. The trolley pass-through alone makes airport travel so much easier. I chose the backpack over the Weekender because it’s more comfortable for navigating terminals (and getting steps in before a long flight!). Other standout features include the lay-flat packing design, key leash, PVC outer bottom, and waterproof pocket. I will say that I tried a cheaper option, but this version can’t be beat IMO.
FINDS By Ginny (Finds By Ginny) — Ember Mug
If you’re a busy woman or a mom like me, I can’t recommend this enough. I used to reheat my coffee or tea multiple times a day because I’d get distracted and it would go cold. With the Ember mug, my drink stays at the perfect temperature, so I can actually enjoy it whenever I get back to it.
Another unexpected bonus? I’m completely content with it. I don’t feel the need to keep adding to my coffee mug collection anymore because this is the one I reach for every single day. It’s one of those purchases that has truly earned its spot in my routine.
Madeline Rose Nachbar (Mad For) — Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask
This is, without question, a ridiculous luxury I've become emotionally attached to. You're probably thinking, who needs a $70 silk sleep mask? (it was a gift!) Turns out... me. Unlike every other eye mask I've tried, it's oversized enough to completely black out the world, ridiculously plush, and actually stays put all night. If my little ones haven't tiptoed into my room yet, the minute the summer sun starts punching in before I'm emotionally available, this goes on. It has the aesthetic appeal of a tiny duvet velcroed to your face—which my husband never fails to point out—but you'll have to pry it from my well-rested hands. I even travel with it. No blackout shades? No problem.
Frosso (Stylé) — R.E.M Beauty’s Eclipse Blush & Lip Stick
A bit embarrassed to admit that I get anxious when I don’t carry a blush stick that doubles as lipstick with me. It’s one of my deserted island items—there is something in my brain that wakes up the second I put it on, like caffeine. Every year I become obsessed with a different one. This year it was REM Beauty’s; kind of under the radar, but I’m obsessed with its long-wearing brownish hue. Westman Atelier’s blush stick is pricier, but the texture is so luxurious—I use it for a natural-looking flush.
Tricia Torley (Immensely Dramatic) — Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
I really love Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms, but I also am hopeless at keeping track of them. I like a lip gloss that has a bit of color and very little stickiness. I also need an emotional support lip balm/gloss with me at all times. The mini set saves me because I am constantly tossing them in my pocket, a desk drawer, a tragically unorganized tote bag. Having multiples means I always have one near-ish, for under $25.
Dana (The Style Bulletin) — Wrinkle Release
This is one of those things that sounds too simple to actually work but LET👏🏻ME👏🏻TELL👏🏻YOU👏🏻 I use this spray on basically everything because you won't catch me ironing or steaming anything in advance. A few sprays, a light tug and shake, and it looks like I tried 💁🏻♀️
Derm Views (Derm Views) — RMS Supernatural Radiance Serum
Is it trite for a dermatologist to choose a sunscreen as her favorite product? Absolutely. Do I care? Nope 😂 I love this so much because it’s a true multi-step hero. As someone who is redness/rosacea-prone, this gives me the perfect amount of coverage, glow, AND it’s my daily sun protection. I’ve been using this for 4 years straight and honestly am not even tempted to stray!
Katelyn Cnossen (Spilling The Tea) — Bloom Effects Tulip Dew Shield & Glow Sunscreen
Nothing is sexier than protecting your skin and this is a product I use year round. Summer is here babe and this sunscreen is your best accessory.
ME, Traci Landy! (Rambling In Style) — Coslus Water Dental Flosser
Well, she always knows her place—she’s got style, grace, a winner, a lady. Is she my water flosser? You betcha. I asked the Four-Shirted-Husband™ for tips and he agreed: this is my most beloved ride-or-die (besides my dogs). Since my Invisalign journey (don’t get me started, I LOVE INVISALIGN), my teeth are straighter, but food gets stuck more often. This queen keeps me from unknowingly walking around with something in my tooth because approximately 98% of people would rather let me embarrass myself.
Last Week on Rambling In Style
BIG THANK YOU (!!!) to all who contributed, and if you’re looking for fresh, new content on Substack, I cannot highly recommend these writers more! I also specifically want to thank Frosso, because it was while I was contributing to her incredible post that this idea was born.
This was super fun and I have decided it needs to become a series. There are so many other people I’m dying to know what they’d pick. Plus I have FOMO’s cousin, FOLSO (fear of leaving someone out). Stay tuned for Volume Two - COMING SOON, when we need a sartorial palette cleanser around here.
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Well dang this was an expensive read.
As a person who has reached a saturation point in thinking about clothes (temporary I’m sure) I am happy to read ABC! Lots of great recs here and this is so fun 🤩