The Dayze Digest #2
A curated monthly spotlight on all the things I’ve hearted, carted, cackled at, and saved for later but will probably buy anyway.
Firstly I want to say thank you to all the new subscribers! I’m so chuffed you find my musings in the slightest bit interesting enough to actually welcome me into your inbox.
For those of you who like a little more visual inspo, make sure you’re following my instagram too.
I have so many goodies to share with you in this newsletter, especially after a work trip to America. As I freelance trend forecasting for an agency, I was super lucky to be sent to Las Vegas.
Vegas was every bit the sensory overload I had hoped for. A little bit like being in an episode of American Love Island only it’s filmed inside an air fryer after a pot of sprinkles exploded inside.
P.S… If you haven’t started thinking about it. I’ve curated a killer list of Father’s Day presents here.
HEARTED
A casual 9 hour flight, it was a no brainer that I wanted to extend the trip to Las Vegas and explore a little. Sitting next to an Elvis Impersonator (The King Of London) on my way out was exactly the kind of bling-filled good-omen I had hoped for.
Literally stepping outside of the indoor hustle and bustle of the strip, you feel like you’re under a hand dryer, dry desert heat that instantly reminded me - we’re not at home anymore Toto. Vegas is a visual and almost offensive sensory overload with just enough charm to make it cute. Something I didn’t appreciate about Vegas was the prices: $30 for a glass of Californian wine - Absolutely not.
However, outside of the cliché slot machines and bright lights, I took a little adventure to the Art District in downtown Vegas. Aside from the abundance of cool art (as the name would suggest) there were loads of amazing vintage shops. Some slightly more curated and others a bit like having a hoarder nan who’s let you into the garage after 60 years. Exactly what you want from a vintage shop to be honest. The Antique Alley Mall and Main Street Peddlers Mall are absolute musts!
Another favourite find this month is Florist Hamish Powell. Aside from my obsession with homewares, you’ll find I am equally as partial to a bloom.
CARTED
The best thing about travelling solo is the volume of people you meet. I’ve done it many times and either it’s my approachable demeanour (pretty sure I have a resting bitch face most of the time) or it could have just been people wondering if I was ditched at a chapel alter and feeling sorry for me, either way, I appreciated the many conversations.
In any case, I met so many characters. A particular standout was the 60 something surfer dude from Malibu with one of those offensive little patches of face pubes under his top lip, who was trying to take me out. Maybe I’d have had fun, but the jet lag and the ick I got from his beard put me off instantly.
However, on my last day, soaking up the rays by the pool at Ceasar’s Palace, I was chatting a guy from the UK. We bonded over our mutual disgust at the the entourage of mahogany six packs, sporting teeth so white you could be fooled into thinking you’d landed on the moon and a dialect consisting only of the C word. Of course said ‘lads’ were from Britain: commanding attention with Orangina physiques and obnoxious speaker: every bit the reality TV cliché you’d expect.
We had both been on the trip for work and discovered we both had published books. An amazon listing swap later and I purchased a copy of ‘Koala Sticks and Bamboo Tricks ‘ which had arrived by the time I got home. A definite read if you need a little inspiration and kick up the butt to go after an alternative path.
CACKLED
I cackled for many reasons this month: especially after discovering Alice Levine had a Substack (definitely very late to the game), I couldn’t wait to subscribe.
She doesn’t disappoint.
This story in particular really made me laugh so I would implore you to have a browse if you need a mid-week / Sunday pick-me-up.
If you’re not already following her, you’re welcome.
SAVED FOR LATER
I’ve seen a couple of gems this month which had remained in my cart.
My obsession with blue and chocolate continues… A good frame is honestly such a styling gem for enhancing a shelf or adding a bit of personality to a home. Absolute key item for the renters out there, these come in a few different colours. Whether you choose to put a wholesome family photo in or Aperol fuelled debauchery captured in polaroid form of you and your best mate, this frame can make even the biggest photographic bender feel like a sophisticated moment.
Do I need this? No chance. But my gawd it’s cute. Little styling bits such as these are a stylists dream. They add so much character to an otherwise cliché shot or tablescape and also work well for flat-lays. Of course, you could just use it for matches as it is intended…
Are these a rip of off Tekla: Most definitely. But when you can save yourself around £60, I’m not sure I’m altogether too fussed. I’m about to pack my life up into storage but seriously contemplating buying a set before they disappear from the shelves because a cute towel can be a hard thing to come by and my life in the sun really deserves cute towels, don’t you agree?
Anddddd, if this newsletter wasn’t juicy enough, you can find my June Homewares lust List here.
Want to know where this cutie is from? Click the image for the June edit…
If you haven’t already - have a look through my archives from lots of curated goodness and dreamy things you can add to basket, tips for hosting and more.
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Nico x