New & Noteworthy // 02.02.2025

New bedding, a classic belt, Western TV shows, and more!

Feb 02, 2025

Happy February!

I think we can probably all agree that January felt far too long and simply was not a great month…so here is to hoping February brings a bit more joy.

I am back today, sharing another roundup of New & Noteworthy finds.

Until next time! xo Nan

FASHION: a great simple belt!

I more or less always prefer to wear a belt whenever I wear jeans or pants with belt loops; it adds a nice finishing touch to an outfit. Lately, I feel like all the belts I see are just ‘’too much’! - too logo-y or bling-y. Luckily, I came across this simple black belt with gold hardware back in the fall.
It is my ideal belt—simple and classic. After owning it for a few months, I am happy to report that it has been a great purchase! It is the only belt I packed when I traveled to Paris in December and the only belt I have in Florida.
*I find the belt true to size. I ordered my usual size, XL. // See the belt in action here.

TV: Westerns

I finished American Primeval on Netflix this week. Candidly, I can’t quite decide what I thought of it…? Did I love it? No. But did I watch the whole thing? Yes. The show is about a mother and son feeling their past and headed West in 1857. I would say that the show is pretty dark and gory; there is a good amount of death. While the subject matter was not very cheerful, I was happy when I realized one of the main characters is Taylor Kitsch (aka Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights…one of my all-time favorite shows.) Overall, you could skip this show or know it is a bit gloomy going into it.
If you like the American West genre, I might suggest 1883 and 1923 (Prequels of Yellowstone) and Godless (a 2017 Netflix show).

BOOKS:

I am currently reading Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan. It is not changing my world, but it is enjoyable enough. Although it is a tad slow at times, I enjoy the characters, so I am happy to keep reading it.
On the other hand, before this, I was reading The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella and had to stop when I was only about a quarter of the way through. I did not enjoy the main character; she got on my nerves.

DECOR: Bedding Updates

I will spend a good amount of time at my parent's house in Florida this winter and into the spring, so I have been updating my bedroom. I ordered a set of fun patterned bedding from Biscuit (they make some of my favorite bedding!) and a new cozy throw blanket.

BEAUTY: Retinol Serum

The other night, I was out to dinner with girlfriends, and at some point, the conversation turned to skincare, dermatologists, and what products we swear by. As you might expect, I sang my praises for consistently using retinol (Vitamin A), as it has been one of the best things I have ever done for my skin. I use a prescription from my dermatologist (Tretinoin 0.025 and 0.05.)
But one of my friends said she has tried using prescription retinol, but it is just too intense for her; her skin is too sensitive and reactive. I suggested she try Retinol Synergist from Mother Science. I used this for about a year before switching to a prescription and found it to be an excellent serum for everyday use that delivered results but did not irritate my skin. I still keep a bottle of this on hand in my medicine cabinet and will use it when traveling or when my skin is acting up.
- Promo code: NANPHILIP for 15% off your order from Mother Science
See all my favorite skincare products HERE.

A FEW MORE THINGS // Sales, Product Launches, Etc.

I keep thinking about this pale blue striped long-sleeve. It is certainly not an item I need…but I am tempted nonetheless.
Lululemon launched a henley version of my favorite ribbed long-sleeve. I ordered one in black to try. Stay tuned for my thoughts.
I just ordered a set of my favorite hair clips to have on hand while I am in Florida. I usually opt for the pretty tortoise colorway, but I chose their new malachite green option this time.
- These clips are a splurge, but they are oh-so-good, some of the best hair clips I have ever owned. I think the clips are so great because the two layers of ‘teeth’ really help keep your hair in place.
- Promo code: NAN15 for 15% off your order from Crown Affair
Alex Mill launched some new styles this week!