Happy Friday ⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚
If you are receiving this email, that means you are reading the Fourth Cute, Kind Of Weekly Newsletter! With the weather finally getting warmer and the sun shining — it is time for me to indulge myself with a morning hot girl walk. Today’s mood board section will be about what I will be wearing (or wish to be wearing) when I set out each morning for my little walk, with my little coffee, while staying warm during the nippy spring mornings.
I hope you enjoy - Laila
*Past Two Weeks
☆ SHAZ & KIKS ESSENTIAL PREWASH REVIEW (Free) — I reviewed this Ayurvedic hair mask you use on dry hair before the shower. I have been testing it out over the past year (I think) and I enjoy it. I am still on the fence on whether or not I will repurchase it, but if you want something fast and easy, it is worth a try.
☆ THE MYSTERIOUS INFLUENCER OLIVE OIL (Free) — Ok, you have seen this olive oil, right? Like, you have to have seen it. I see it everywhere but no one ever talks about it — so I went out, bought it, and reviewed it. I also looked into the brand and learned how every influencer got their hands on it. Spoiler: it is just influencer marketing.
☆ CHIZUKO’S YOUNGER SISTER MIKA (Free) — This story is one I was on the fence about posting only because I don’t really review movies, TV, and games. (I think I am bad at it tbh.) BUT you will only get better if you try, right? Anyways, this post is about the 1991 Japanese movie Chizuko's Younger Sister. I talk about the movie a little, the people who worked on it, and go into the beauty and fashion seen throughout the film in relation to what was popular at time in Japan.
I have been using the Neutrogena Hydroboost Gel Creme, and honestly it is not a replacement to the Belief Aqua Bomb. I ran out of the Hydroboost fairly quickly and it is not as hydrating as the Aqua Bomb. We actually ended up just buying the Tatcha Dewy Skin Moisturizer, which is an all-time favorite of mine and many others.
We also got a new heat protectant! We got the Ceremonia Guava Rescue Spray, and so far, so good! It claims to detangle, protect against UV, heat, and prevent frizz. I just started using it so I cannot give you a lot of information, but I like it.
For news, Glossier is launching another perfume, approximately six months after they dropped two other perfumes. According to Smell Ya Later (the premier perfume podcast), Glossier was allegedly trying to bolster its valuation to increase its chances of being bought. They were apparently in talks with LMVH for a long time about potentially being purchased. Also random, but Eyewitness Beauty (another premier beauty podcast), talked about how Glossier is allegedly the 25th most popular brand at Sephora. I say allegedly only because EB say the source is not clear. But that is probably why they are dropping perfumes=to get more popular=to be bought. I think I heard Glossier You is the most popular perfume at Sephora, which makes sense because I love it!
Pat McGrath is now the creative director of Louis Vuitton makeup! This news comes at a time when her brand Pat McGrath Labs is struggling. According to BOF, the brand valuation has gone down significantly (once valued at $1 billion). It has also gone through three rounds of layoffs, and many employees have quit due to the alleged abusive environment caused by marketing VP Andrew Weir.
This spring, I want to start my mornings with a nice, brisk walk in the morning, while enjoying my coffee. Ok, maybe not brisk with my coffee but a leisurely walk. I was influenced by this tweet, and although I am ok mentally and have not used my phone in the morning in years, I thought it would be a fun change up. I also may or not have been influenced by her cute makeup look!
I try to change my morning routine a little bit every season. This past winter, I did morning pages, meditated, and used the Elevate app to keep my brain sharp. While I love this routine and have seen a lot of benefits, I always like to add something new.
I mentioned this on my podcast, but I only like workout gear in the colors black and gray — especially with leggings, shorts, and sports bras. However, for jackets and pullovers, I am ok with lighter colors.
When I am working out, I do not need to be seen. I like to be in the shadows, hence why I opt for black and grays. Also, it makes it easier to mix and match outfits. Because let’s be real- if I am not dripping, you will not catch me sweating.
Anyways, for the mood board, I collected a bunch of workout and workout-adjacent clothing I would like to wear on my hot girl walk.
I mentioned before that I do not like hats and prefer a bonnet or even earmuffs. For gloves, I wanted something that keeps my hands warm as best as possible, not bulky, and can be used with a phone.
Then the rest are just sweatpants, hoodies, jackets, etc.
I actually got the shoes for my birthday and have been breaking them in during my walks for the past two weeks.
Another thing is that you might have noticed that most of the clothing is Alo Yoga. I find that Alo Yoga fits me the best when it comes to workout clothing. I typically wear either a XS or S in their clothing.
Also, because I had a good experience with them, I am actually interested in their espresso, chocolate-colored clothing as well.
Random, but I have stuff from Gymshark and it barely fits me. Their small is so so tiny (?) I am literally suffocating in their sports bras, while I actually like their biker shorts but they do ride up on me.
I was really confused about the sizing because if I am actually a medium (which it is totally ok for me to size up), I am wondering if their sizing is actually inclusive to bigger body types, which I feel like it is in their ads and photos.
For reference, I am 5’1 and 98 pounds.
Anyways, here is the list (everything is in black, unless stated):
Nike InfinityRN 4 GORE-TEX Shoes (Not Online)
I recently watched The Phantom of the Opera (2004) and I have to say I loved it. I was surprised because I really thought it was just gonna be a long movie with some singing but it was, can I say, riveting.
Right when the movie opens up with the chandelier and the movie theme playing, I was hooked. Also, I loved how quickly we could hear Emmy Rossum sing (she played lead Christine Daaé) in the movie.
Random: there is an Emmy Rossum it-girl resurgence happening. I will stay on top of this developing story.
The plot was good, music was bumping, the visuals — especially snow scenes — were pretty.
What I did not realize was the movie’s plot was similar to The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, which is all I will say on the plot.
I watched it on Tubi, which is also the only place you can find good movies these days, a day before it left.
Tubi has some great movies and I am contemplating getting rid of my Netflix (sorry Bridgeton) and just watching Tubi free with ads.
I am thinking of watching Hugh Jackman’s Okalahoma! So I can see the original scene where Cassie gets up on stage and crashes out (Euphoria S2 reference).
Anyways, I am currently watching Modern Family but once that it finished too, I am so so so excited to watch Deli Boys on Hulu. I have been following Asif Ali since he was in Goatface Comedy group, and I actually like his short-lived podcast. And following Saagar Shaikh since he was on the web series Unfair & Ugly. I am so sad it never got another season. Of course, I have been following Poorna Jagannathan since Never Have I Ever. And Principal Figgins since he played Principal Figgins on Glee.
Friends, I am finishing this the night before publication and will go to sleep right after lol.
Have a good weekend ❤
Love,
Laila
I want to know everything about you to make the best newsletter ever! (or maybe your top 10?) If you have a moment please take the new reader survey: