#littletreats
A semi-sustainable Valentine's Day gift guide, little treat culture, and the jewelry I never take off
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With everything going on in the world it kind of feels like the right time for a #littletreat (or an enormous one). Little treat culture has become a surprisingly robust topic in the last few years with articles talking about its roots, what it can and can’t do for you, if it impacts children, and generational differences driven by social media.
After researching little treat culture for work a few years ago, I’ve come to realize that my treats are less about the rewards aspect and more about creating what WGSN calls glimmers, or micro moments of joy. My little treats are usually planned out and I tend to sit on buying some of the more product-driven items for weeks or months, like my two beauty treats below. Although I occasionally take myself by surprise, like when I walked into Blue Bottle the other day for an impromptu matcha latte instead of mapping it out in advance as a combo work/drink experience.
My #littletreats
Things that will always feel like a special treat:
extra hot matcha and chai lattes
acai bowls
chic socks
candles
manicures with red polish
picking up books on hold at the library, bonus points for new releases
And two cruelty-free little treats that have been worth every penny:
Oribe Supershine Cream: for the scent, the mini size, and the moisture
Catbird Shell Polish: biodegradable plant-based glitter? Say less
As a former merchant, I’m always curious about what people are buying. If you have a few seconds, I’d love to know what you get to treat yourself.
A Semi-Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Speaking of treats, I love Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day. These were my favorite gift guide emails to curate when I was a merchant. The red and pink! The hearts! The tantalizing things that you wouldn’t buy for yourself! While I’m not a promoter of overconsumption, I’m always here for a nostalgic red and pink moment. I put together a semi-sustainable Valentine’s Day gift guide featuring brands with responsible initiatives and products that I’d use and wear on repeat. Do I need any of this? Nope! Do you? Probably not. But I hope it sparks inspiration to find something that’s sustainable to you.
I just lost my very first Baggu, an early 2010s J.Crew collab pink and green kangaroo print, somewhere between the train and coffee shop. This is my ideal red and pink replacement by artist Liz Hernández so I never have to use a plastic bag again.
I only have a handful of earrings in my regular rotation and I’d love a pair of these dreamy diamond Tennis earrings by Catbird or the sterling silver Agmes Celia earrings (shoutout to
for sharing these as one of her best buys of 2024).
Next, this minimalist preloved Saint Laurent wallet, although I hope to find one in excellent or pristine condition for longevity. It’s time to replace the fabric jewelry envelope that I’ve been using as a wallet and the small size, discreet logo, cream colorway, and zip closure are exactly what I’m looking for.
I first bought Le Bon Shoppe because I loved the retro striped design of their Boyfriend and Girlfriend socks. Then I got a few more pairs since they stay put, are the perfect thickness, and have held up fantastically compared to my Adidas and Nike socks. Le Bon Shoppe produces their styles in small quantities and their embroidered Heart collection Boyfriend socks are currently sold out. I’m manifesting them to come back into stock, otherwise the Ballet socks are a great back-up.
I’ve been on the lookout for triangle scarf, either in a small Sophie or a large shawl like Louisa Hatt has styled so brilliantly here. I’ve scoured Etsy and resale sites, but haven’t found the right one yet since I’m looking for a secondhand wool version and everything I’ve found so far is firsthand. I’m adding this to my 2025 manifesting list.
I got the No.04 Bois de Balincourt mini perfume oil rollerball last fall and am so into the scent, even though it leans slightly pickle on me. I’d love to upgrade to the full size bottle, or even better the Essentials Set, to go full pickle.
I can’t resist picking up a book with an eye-catching cover to read the back blurb, and The Most Famous Girl in the World was no exception. When I saw the words influencer, socialite grifter, campy, and hilarious, I knew I had to read it. I’m first in the holds line at the library and can’t wait to check this out.
I rarely get excited about home goods (things that you don’t wear or rub into your skin? pass), but I’ve been eyeing this Catbird Cake Candle for literal years. A total treat since I’d hate to light it, this is crafted by sixth-generation candle makers in Italy.
Jewelry Favorites
Looking for a big treat? A few of the jewelry pieces that I wear every.single.day.
Catbird Forever Bracelets, Sweet Nothing Choker, and 1976 Chain: If you’ve ever asked a question about the best jewelry in any fashion Substack chat, I’m constantly in there recommending Catbird. My favorites are all shower-safe in 14K and made of recycled gold (although acknowledging the debate around the true sustainable benefit of this material).
Catbird is the originator of getting zapped where bracelets are permanently welded onto your wrist, perfect for Galentine’s Day as a forever friendship bracelet. And if you’re in need of a heartwarming moment today, this may bring a tear to your eye:
I got my first zap in 2019 at Catbird’s Brooklyn studio and my Sweet Nothing bracelet is now down to a cost per wear of roughly four cents. I added the Twin Hearts bracelet last year to commemorate my beloved senior dog and it brings back happy memories every time I look at it. To answer the burning question I had before my first zap, you can absolutely wear these going through airport security.
The Last Line Tattoo Heart Pendant: I was given this engraved red heart pendant for Valentine’s Day six years ago to memorialize my other beloved dog and it only leaves my neck when I shower or do big workouts. This pendant was substantially less expensive when I got it, but would still be worth the cost if I bought it today to keep my little guy close to my heart.
That’s it for this week, thanks for reading! I’d love to know about your little treats, what’s on your Valentine’s Day wishlist, and if you’re as nostalgically drawn to red and pink as I am. I’m also curious - what’s your favorite jewelry brand?
Such good picks. Love the tennis earrings!
Coffee I didn't make will ALWAYS be my #littletreat go-to... However, an extra pastry on special days doesn't hurt ;)