Mulling the Alleged Properties of Selenite and Expertly Applying Wispies
Edition 2.
To our dinner guests,
Just a note that this night out took place before the greater LA wildfires began. There are an overwhelming number of extremely worthy causes to support in this moment; I’ve shared a short list of orgs at the end of this post. Hopefully, they can help if you’re not sure where to start.
All our love from—and to—Los Angeles.
What We Talked About:
Selenite, alleged properties of. Joelle gifted us each our own chunk of this gemstone from a recent roadtrip. Named for the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, Joelle says it is said to “promotes a peaceful environment.” All are grateful, some are skeptical.
Everyone must read Braiding Sweetgrass! Katie says this treasure of a book has also prompted her to explore more about panpsychism, or the theory that everything—including the natural world—encompasses a consciousness/has a “mind-like quality.”
Wispies: deemed the superior false eyelash for beginners and experts alike. Monica also recommends doubling up on adhesive by using it on the lash band and applying an eyeliner glue. Please note: this is an advanced method best left to drag queens, Liza Minnelli, Monica, and others with many years experience in faux lashification.
Amy Sedaris putting Plan B in her exquisite gift guide for The Strategist. Queen behavior, as usual.
Berlin came up because Lindsay is running the marathon there in September. Two notable, must-visit recommendations from the crew: The Helmut Newton Foundation museum—don’t forget to buy a few postcards on your way out—and the Boxhagener Platz Markt, where Katie once got an amazing leather jacket for 6 EUR.
Hot celebrity gossip from 20 years ago! Jude Law apparently plucked his own hair out for Road to Perdition (a bad movie) and then was never able to grow it back. (Editor's note: SUSPICIOUS!)
We’re appreciators of the Fashion Neurosis podcast by Bella Freud. Come for the gimmicky setup! Every guest must lie supine on Bella’s couch, a microphone hovering very close to their face, as she gently prods them in her soothing voice. Stay for the substance! The episodes with Kim Gordon and Jonathan Anderson, who grew up in Ireland during The Troubles, are particularly fascinating.
Spotted by one of our friends: Jojo Siwa performing her *own song* at Highland Bowl karaoke.
Let’s go to The Middle Room art gallery in Atwater! We’re glad for the overarching gallery boom in LA. And would it kill people to finally admit that LA is an art city?
Where We Ate:
Bar Etoile, Melrose Hill
Image via @BarEtoile on Instagram Get a glass of the Domaine Lissner Auxerrois or regret it forever. (We agreed it’s the best white wine most of us have had in years.) They also do a great martini with a twist in a manageably sized, cute lil’ coupe. Chic! The trout rillettes with house-made potato chips, gruyere tart, and endive salad with savory meringue shards were also systematically destroyed by us. (Editor’s note: The good folks at Bar Etoile have also been hosting meals for those displaced by the fires, so if you are looking for a place to make a reservation, please, go give them your money!)
We’re Donating To:
GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Fund. If it feels too overwhelming or painful to try and choose which individual families you can help, this is a great way to distribute your funds.
Pasadena Humane Society. This incredible organization was ground zero for so many animals lost and displaced during the fires, and they’ll continue to need sustaining support for the foreseeable future.
LA Regional Foodbank. Food security is critical and this incredible organization is equipped to mobilize to feed lots of people in need.
This is the Sunday morning read I wanted, if not needed! Wispies, here I come!