Mes Amis! Happy Friiiiiiiday. I just touched down in LA and Iām thawing out, sunny-side up, while I wait for Lauren to shimmy down here. These last few weeks have been quite eventful in Katie-land, and this trip is in celebration of some exciting new beginnings. (More on that later š)
Besides being a warm and sunshiny respite for this snowbird, some of our closest pals have recently relocated here so weāre jazzed to frolic around town together. A cozy evening at our favorite neighborhood restaurant All Time! is on the books and weāre hoping to swing by this lovely event hosted by MĆ”s Vino Please.
Other than that, I am most looking forward to some quality girlfriend time and a jazzy little Sunday afternoon at our hotel. Iāve been missing my California fam a lot lately so I canāt wait for the hugs, heart-to-hearts, and ease of being around those who just get you. x

On Our Radar
Fragrance is such a trip. You can quite literally sniff out someoneās vibe in a single, sensory wisp. Oh, the allure! The intrigue! Itās so fun, so evocative, so emotive.
I find that scent gives me permission to experiment with my identity and try on a new or aspiring version of myself. It feels like an ever-evolving journey in personal expression. When Iām choosing what to wear for the day, Iāll think to myself: what is my desired feeling state? What mood am I trying to convey? Whatās my tone? Add my signature lip and itās a real power play.
Hot Tip: I layer a lot of my fragrances these days to create my own personalized scent. Itās a nice way to blend different notes into something kind of magical and unique.
So this week weāll be taking you on a sensory journey. Part of this exploration is 100% self-serving as Iāve been trying to move beyond my coveted Santal 33 and am still striking out.
Thanks to all of your responses, I think weāve unlocked some real gems and Iām excited to share āØ
Top Hits:
Byredo | Mojave Ghost
This is Laurenās #1. Itās an eau de parfum featuring a woody, aromatic scent inspired by the Mojave desert. Iād like to bathe in this. Itās a bit of an investment at $200 for 1.7oz but well worth it (in our opinion). If youāre looking for more of a trial spritz than a full commitment, they do have a beautiful discovery set for $50.
Notes
Top: Ambrette, Nesberry
Heart: Magnolia, Sandalwood, Violet
Base: Cedarwood, Musks, Vetiver
2. D.S. & Durga | (1) Rose Atlantic, (2) El Cosmico, (3) I Donāt Know WhatThere is some major adoration for the hubs and wife team behind DS&D. All that they love in music, art, nature, and design is told aromatically. Their scents are made in-house in NYC. Prices range from $190 for 1.7oz up to $280 for 3.4oz.
Big Sur After Rain smells like driving down a misty Highway 1 with your windows down after a fresh pour.
Maison Louis Marie | No.04, No.09, and Antidris Cassis
Iāve been carrying their perfume oils on me at all times for the most beautiful on-the-fly refresh. Their fragrances are super clean and sustainable. They are based in LA and were created as an homage to Marieās long line of botanical family history, dating back to 1792. Eau de Parfumes start at $93 and Perfume Oils at $65. They are gorgeous!
Fan Favorites:
West Third Brand, Band of Outlaws (Santal 33 Fighter!)
Henry Rose, Windows Down
Everything by Vyrao
Maya Njie, Nordic Cedar
Olo, Dark Wave
Other favs? Let us know in the comments section!
Discovery
Like always, we love ending our notes with inspiration, so here are some of the people, places, messages, and musings that are inspiring us lately āØ
I stayed at The Publishing House (pictured above) in Chicagoās West Loop this past week and it was sooooooo dreamy.
Want to get my hands on this FEEL GOOD knitted jumper.
Dad Grass. Am I the only person late to this CBD party?
I have heard great things about the Glow Maker by Maelove. Has anyone tried?
Thanks for being here! If you have friends who would love this, please send it on- weāre excited to expand this community. xoxo - Your Confidants, Fenny & Katie