Happy Friday and Juneteenth!
This week my Mom came to Atlanta!
We shopped, brunched at Le Bon Nosh, snagged a last-minute table at The Chastain (a not-so-small small miracle I am still celebrating!). We got massages at the St. Regis that I am still thinking about — the best I have ever had! We browsed Lucy’s. We binged The Other Bennett Sister way past our bedtime.
I’m almost 31 and I will say it: there is nothing — nothing — like time with your mom!
Until our next correspondence,
xx Lauren
P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.
Wearing | La Ligne Colby Pant
Let me be direct with you: these are an investment, and unless you are tall-tall, they will need tailoring. That said — oh my lanta, are they worth it. I went with the white satin, and they have already become the piece I reach for when I want to feel immediately elevated without trying too hard.
Eating | Sweet Loren’s Lemon Cookie Dough
I am a lemon loyalist in the warmer months, and this gluten-free cookie dough has been making me very happy. Refreshing, bright, and — I’ll admit — I’ve eaten more than a few straight from the package!
Reading | Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand
I cannot believe I am saying this. I simply cannot. But I think Summerland may be the first Elin Hilderbrand book I give two stars (i.e., I do not recommend reading).
I am only a third of the way through, so I’ll reserve final judgment — but this is a noticeable departure from her signature voice: charming, juicy, feathery-light, and warmly coastal. This one is darker than I would prefer from my queen of the beach read. I will report back. In the meantime, I remain a devoted subject of her entire canon and choose to believe this is an outlier.
Watching | The Other Bennett Sister
Downloaded on BritBox — which, by the way, is 99 cents for your first two months through Prime, so there is genuinely no excuse — at the insistence of my Mom and I am in love!
It follows Mary Bennett: the endearingly awkward, bookish, often-overlooked fifth sister from Jane Austen’s world of Pride & Prejudice. It is charming and sweet without being saccharine. If you are an Anglophile, a literature devotee, or simply someone who loves a beautifully crafted period piece, this one is for you.
Listening | Olivia Rodrigo, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So In Love
She warned us it would be sad in the literal title! But there is something just right about a melancholy album and a rainy Atlanta week — the two met each other perfectly, and I’ve had it on repeat!
Trying | Chanel Les Beiges Health Glow Sun-Kissed Powder
I am, by nature, a minimalist when it comes to makeup. The simpler the routine, the better — which is exactly why I fell immediately in love with the idea of a single powder brushed onto the cheeks for a natural, sun-warmed flush. `
Champagne | Alice & Olivia Lucy Mini Shirt Dress
Featured in this week’s Tuesday Ten, and I had the great fortune of seeing it in person at Neiman Marcus this week. The photos do not do it justice — it is even more darling and detailed in real life!
Frites | Avara Cameron Multi Floral Short Dress
Just barely over $100!!! A similar silhouette to the Alice & Olivia with a floral print, a tie-waist, and portrait buttons that feel like a sweet nod.
1. “Tranquility” by LJ Designs
2. La Mer Rejuvenating Night Cream
3. Loeffler Randall Leonie Crystal Mesh Ballerina Flats
5. Alice & Olivia Lucy Belted Mini Shirtdress
6. Gucci Calfskin Floral Print Mini Dionysus Chain Wallet
7. Quince 100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater in Marled Rose Pink
8. Tuckernuck Washed Indigo Tropical Punch Cotton Scarf
9. Sea NY Multi Dorothy Patchwork T-Shirt Dress
10. J.Crew ‘83 Fleece Sweatshirt with Flag Embroidery
Nan Philip
For the woman building a wardrobe of fewer, better things, Nan Philip is the account. She shops premium and contemporary designers with an East Coast classicism that never feels stiff, and her real-time styling and shopping try-ons make the whole experience feel like browsing with a very chic, very knowledgeable friend.
You’re truly blessed to have the mom you have! Your time together is always so special. Enjoy each other as often as you can!
Lauren! Thank you so much for this lovely shout out. I am immensely flattered and thrilled to now know of your substack. Happy Friday! xoxo
P.S. You are making me wonder if I need to buy the Colby pants in white. I already have them in navy, black and green...so I feel like 4 pairs might be too many. BUT I do agree with you that they are THAT GOOD!