I’m a hard chick to impress. My BFF Amy likes to joke that I’m the “original hipster,” as I tend to be rather apathetic about things most people collectively love (i.e. sports, Beyoncé, avocados), but the finds below have managed to do the impossible and nab my *full* seal of approval. Read on to find out why!
1. The Dirt: Let’s get one thing straight. I may write about pretty, polished things for a living (have you been following along with my articles on BRIDES?), but at heart, I’m an ’80s baby, through and through. There is nothing I love more than loud, rough and tumble hair metal bands, with my top three being Guns ‘N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe and Skid Row. In fact, if I had to listen to nothing else for the rest of my life but these three groups, I would be perfectly content (it’s pretty much all I listen to now anyway). I’ve been jamming to their tunes since I was a toddler — Vince Neil was my very first childhood crush! — and I’ve never quite recovered from my obsession with their music.
Naturally, when I heard that Netflix would be bringing their biopic to life, I was ridiculously giddy — if cautious. I figured there was no way the film could possibly live up to my expectations of a movie about my favorites. As it turns out, however, I was very, very wrong.
With all four band members (that’s Vince, Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars and Tommy Lee, for those of you that have been ruined by pop autotuned trash) on board as co-producers for the film, it was, in a word, PERFECT.
The costumes were so dead-on balls accurate (to quote Marisa Tomei from My Cousin Vinny — another favorite!) that I literally felt like I was reliving my youth. I laughed. I cried! I relished every single second.
While I can’t promise you’ll have *quite* the same religious experience that I did reliving the boys’ wild times on the Sunset Strip as they took over the world with their tunes — all the while struggling with everything from death and drug addiction to divorce and health issues — I can promise you’ll be highly, highly entertained — which is more than I can say for most movies of 2018, TBH. *Shrugs*
2. Zara Suede-Look Coat ($50): Since my new spring coat was such a hit on Instagram, I figured I’d fill you all in on the fact that not only is it still available, it’s affordable AF! I came across this gem during a recent stroll through Zara and it’s quickly become one of my favorite purchases to date. The faux suede feels super luxurious, the blush pink hue is right on trend and it gives you an instant air of poshness that far exceeds it’s $50 price tag. Oh. And did I mention it also comes in black or tan?
3. Hawley Shoffner: Hawley Shoffner is, without a doubt, one of the most badass, creative people I’ve ever met. For starters, she’s got the type of voice that makes you stop and stare to hear it — particularly since her range includes some wickedly unexpected low notes unlike anything you’ve ever heard (see: “Big Old Bloody Thing“). She also just so happens to write her own killer tunes (“Haunts” is my absolutely JAM) and play guitar. And the ukulele. And the piano. And the accordion!
Throw in a fashion sense that rivals Debbie Harry’s in her heyday, and you’ve got all the makings of a godd*mn superstar — which is pretty much exactly what you’ll find yourself in the presence of anytime you’re lucky enough to catch her onstage. Though I’m basically in awe of my friend 24/7, I’m making her my April pick in honor of her birthday — and because she’s the best!
4. A Secret History of Witches by Louisa Morgan: So far this year, my reading list has included The Nix by Nathan Hill, The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon and The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. While all were OK (the first being the best of the lot), it wasn’t until I cracked into this sucker open that I was really and truly good and hooked. Perhaps it’s the subject matter (I’ve always loved a good witch story!) or the intermittent use of French, which I am proud to say I understand perfectly via written word (speaking it is another story entirely!), but it definitely has me captivated.
The novel follows a line of witches as they pass down their power through the generations. Though their stories each more or less begin the same, with a mother teaching the craft to her daughter, the journeys each pair encounter — and the fates that await them — couldn’t be more different. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
5. Olay Daily Cleansing Cloths ($7): Rarely, if ever, am I blown away by a makeup sample from a magazine (like I can *really* tell if that pinky nail full of foundation is any good or not!), but these guys were a pleasant surprise. If you’ve a frequent reader of the blog, you already know that I’m not the most consistent with my skin care routine (gulp), and these little babies, which double as a makeup remover and a toner, encourage good skincare habits before bed as much as humanly possible. At $7 bucks for a worth of cloths, it’s not an unmaintainable habit you won’t be able to afford the upkeep on, either.
Bonus Bonanza: I was also pretty impressed with the brand’s Eyes Brightening Eye Cream — while I’m not sure it did much for my fine lines or wrinkles, the caffeine found within gave me a tingling sensation when applied that FELT like it was doing something, which, I’ll take it. I figure if I can feel it, it must be working on at least some level … right!?
What do you think of this month’s picks? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
