Cheap Things That Are Chic™: early summer ed.
Light summer necessities with some existentialism (?) thrown in.
Cheap Things That Are Chic™. Good taste isn’t about price, it’s about knowing what’s good.
Dear Reader,
For the latest edition of Cheap Things That are Chic™, I put together some seriously good and seriously cheap (or free!) finds—all things I’ve consumed recently, plus a few things still on my list.
There’s a lot here, and it’s a wide range—would love to hear your thoughts on any of it.
The best one-piece swimsuit
Left On Friday Streamline Suit. I’ve tried so many and I’ve never been as in love with a swimsuit as I have with this one, as finding one that’s flattering but also comfortable, and sexy-ish but not inappropriate in a family setting, is apparently a tall order. I’m also tall, so finding one-pieces that are long enough is also challenging. This LOF one checks every box (and comes in both regular and tall length) and I find myself reaching for it almost every time I need to put on a swimsuit. The fabric somehow keeps everything in place, without being annoyingly tight to put on like some of the other suits I’ve tried (and somehow it’s more flattering IRL than on the models). I have the black one but want it in more colors, especially the white and red. At $200 it’s not cheap per se, but as always for CCTAC™, this is about value for money. Cost-per-wear!
Two great mineral sunscreen options, and a nontoxic multipurpose sanitizing spray
I recently revamped my skincare routine, and my research double-confirmed my preference for mineral sunscreens over chemical ones.1 Without getting too into the weeds, chemical sunscreens go deeper into your skin and can cause skin irritation/inflammation which is terrible for skin aging. They’re also absorbed into your blood stream while physical/mineral ones stay on top of skin.
Brush On Block SPF 30 Translucent Mineral Powder. I first learned that this type of brush on sunscreen powder existed from a friend a few years ago and thought it was the best invention ever. I’ve written about the Colorescience version before, which I still like, but just discovered this one and love it more! It’s more affordable, the applicator works much better, it’s super clean, easily refillable, and the brand is independently owned by a mom who created it for her daughters.
Magic Molecule Hypochlorous Acid Spray. Have you heard of hypochlorous acid spray? Apparently it’s a totally nontoxic way to sanitize things—you can spray it on your face and body to refresh and help with all sorts of skin issues including breakouts and eczema. You can spray it on your hands as a healthier version of hand sanitizer. They also use it in hospitals. The reason I included it in this sunscreen section is because you can also use it as a super convenient way to clean the brush applicator on the Brush On Block sunscreen. Amazing!
Avocado Zinc SPF 50 Natural Physical Sunscreen. I learned about this one via a mom/celebrity aesthetician who is in my mom’s group (the sunscreen is carried on her website). The ingredients are great, the price is better than similar formulas, and it rubs in smoothly and easily, which is especially good when I’m applying it quickly to my daughter’s face as we’re running out the door to school in the morning (which I do most mornings because especially on sunnier days it feels more comprehensive—but if we’re in even more of a rush I use the Brush On Block on her! They have a kid’s one too that’s easier for kids to apply themselves but I just share mine at this point.)
Necessary summer bags
Inexpensive but good quality straw tote. I’ve been looking for an inexpensive tote to replace the one I’ve been using as my “everyday baseline bag”. I love a designer bag as much as the next gal, but I’m also a bit obsessive about keeping my nice things nice—I’m talking about the bag I throw into the car for school dropoffs, etc that contains everything from the brush-on sunscreen and my fav lip balms to my daughter’s water bottle/snacks/notepad with colored pencils. It has to be something I won’t mind wearing out. This straw tote from Uniqlo is on my list as a summer replacement to the everyday bag, and/or as a good beach bag.
No frills waterproof phone case. I went to the beach with my husband and daughter last weekend, and now that my daughter is a bit older it is just so much more relaxing. I was able to bring my book and actually read it! It made me want to spend more time at the beach, so I thought it would be nice to not have to worry about getting water or sand in my phone while I’m there—even if it’s ideally left in the wagon (another beach game changer) the whole time.
My enduring bodycare items
Note these are all fragrance free by choice. Once you go fragrance free even the more natural scents in body care start to feel intrusive.
F&M fragrance free face & body wash, 32oz (SOAP AF+). The bottle itself looks great in my shower, but it also doubles as face & body wash which means less clutter in there, and the large bottle size means it lasts so much longer, which is so much more convenient and sustainable in multiple senses of the word. The formula is the perfect balance of hydrating & gentle, good-for-skin, that’s also good at removing makeup and sunscreen, which many of the gentler formulas don’t do as well.
F&M fragrance free lotion, 16oz glass btl (LOTION AF). Again, the large bottle is convenient AF and the clean formula is just more practical (rubs in easily) for all-day hydration than a body oil.
F&M unflavored lip balm (LIP BALM AF, Set of 4). Have these stashed everywhere.
Necessaire fragrance free AHA roll-on deodorant. I’ve mentioned this so many times I’ve lost count. On top of being healthier the best thing about this is that it doesn’t get gross white stuff on your clothes and it doesn’t cause yellow armpit stains!!
Some summer fashion staples
Ralph Lauren Iconic Classic Fit Mesh Polo Shirt. Polo and RL are having a moment. The classic polo looks fresh right now, but it’s also a classic so you’ll have it forever. It looks more polished than a regular tee. Love all the colors but if I just got one it would prob be the gray—aka the summer version of a neutral gray sweatshirt that goes with everything.
Uniqlo Mesh Sweater. I was looking at options for when the thing I felt like wearing was a sweatshirt (one of my fav things to wear can you tell) but it’s too hot for that. I have this Uniqlo one in the beige color and love it in black too. I can wear it with just a bra underneath (can’t be bothered anymore with things that are complicated to wear) and it’s not too sheer. Size up for looser fit (I got a size L and love it). Speaking of sweatshirts, I got this limited edition bright green one when I visited Laurel Pantin’s shop in LA earlier this spring and love it.
Uniqlo low profile beige sneakers. These are part of the collection designed by Clare Waight Keller (iykyk) and look expensive. Love that there are no labels/logos. They run slightly big; choose a half size down if you like a more snug fit.
Cotton On Jackson Utility Pant. My husband and I have deemed these “hip hop pants”. They’re low rise and very baggy but very cute, especially when balanced with a smaller top. The next place it would be appropriate I’m going to wear mine paired with an Hermès scarf worn as a tube top tied at the back (remember this?) A lot of the colors/sizes are already sold out but the navy is newer and still has all sizes as of publishing. I’m loving lower-rise things lately. Have also been very into wearing navy.
Relaxed Linen-Blend Wide-Leg Pants from Gap Factory. These are crazy cheap and are great for when it’s too hot for jeans/regular pants but you’re still in the mood to wear pants. I have them in multiple colors—love that you can order them in different lengths.
Classic Summer Slide by Salt Water. Chloë Sevigny just wore them on a trip to Massachusetts. Apparently she’s been wearing this classic 4th gen family-owned brand since at least 2020.
Some summer sparkle for your neck
Dorsey Bennington Riviere Necklace in Lab White Sapphire
Dorsey Floating Eternity Necklace in 5MM Moissanite
Dorsey Kate Riviere Necklace in 3.75MM Moissanite
The perfect poolside drink + snack
Drink: Club soda + olive juice. I wrote about this last time. And if you’re an olive person have you seen these? I first saw them on Shark Tank and thought what a good idea.
Snack: Jicama slices sprinkled with lemon juice and Tajin2. I think I was first introduced to jicama by my college roommate at FIT (now a v talented baker with style). I hadn’t had it in quite a while, when my mom friend smartly pulled out a thing of jicama slices at the pool last weekend and reminded me that it just might be the perfect summer snack. Watermelon sprinkled with Tajin (and ofc plain) is also delish, but much messier—we were literally handing the jicama sticks (sprinkled only with lemon juice, no seasoning) to our 4.5 year olds while they were in the pool, without worrying about juicy bits dripping into the water.
Good books I’ve read recently
Keith McNally’s memoir. In addition to the gleaned wisdom and insights, and his enjoyably self-deprecating way of writing, in this, and Empire of the Elite which I read earlier this year, it was interesting to see the history of how so many of these players fit/relate to each other.
Babe Paley’s granddaughter’s memoir of marriage.3 Even though everyone was saying how good this was, when I heard what it was about I didn’t think I’d actually want to read it—but I was convinced by my daughter’s preschool teacher and was pleasantly surprised. Very good.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. I’m reading this now.
Yesteryear. Haven’t read this yet but it’s next on my list.
Thought-provoking content I’ve recently consumed
Thanks Emily Sundberg for reminding me of this photo. My office looks similar:
The Giants art exhibit from the collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Went to see this with a friend a few weeks ago—love BK art in SD:
It’s a weird time to be alive:
Better Sex, Better Hair, Better Sleep: ‘Humanmaxxing’ Is Here.
Keep Your Identity Small. By Paul Graham from 2009 (referenced in the article above). Interesting credits!
Not For Everyone (A brief history of conviction over consensus). I wrote this one for F&M🖤
Xoxo with love,
Cher4
Also believe pretty much everything is a balance—I’ll still use chemical sunscreen once in a while, especially as a spray to reapply if we’re out at the beach or something.
“Tajin” = a Mexican seasoning blend made from chili pepper, lime, and sea salt—not to be confused with Rachel Seville Tashjian, my fav fashion critic.
Have slowly been getting through Truman Capote vs. The Swans, watching bits of it here and there. Def not as enjoyable as Love Story, but I find the history interesting. P.s. ICYMI my boy Zac Posen did the costumes for the Swans show. P.p.s. GP is scheduled to star in the movie version of Strangers.
Being able to find truth in things I don’t fully agree with is one of my superpowers. Xo
Will definitely order the avocado, you're speaking my fragrance free non nano zinc language. Based on what you're using thinking you might like Suntegrity as a comparable tinted option... re: The marriage memoir... it's interesting to read a memoir from someone who is portraying themselves as staunchly uncool and not in one of the high status ways of being uncool. could merely be strategy but even so...